Crossword puzzles are a popular pastime for many people. Solving the clues and filling in the grid can provide an engaging mental challenge. But what exactly are the different types of clues you’ll encounter in a crossword puzzle? Here we’ll explore the most common categories of crossword clues and what strategies you can use to decipher them.
Straightforward Definitions
The most basic crossword clues simply give a straight definition of the answer word or phrase. For example:
- Small songbird (5 letters)
- Capital of Norway (7 letters)
- Sharp or sour taste (6 letters)
These types of clues directly tell you what the answer is, without any wordplay or hidden meanings to decipher. Your best approach is to think of words that fit the given definition and number of letters. Have a broad vocabulary and general knowledge to help you identify the solution.
Synonyms
Similar to straight definitions, synonym clues provide a different word or phrase that means the same thing as the answer:
- Gigantic (9 letters)
- Pig’s home (3 letters)
- Remain (5 letters)
Think of words that are synonymous with the clue word, while keeping the letter count in mind. A thesaurus can come in handy for brainstorming lots of synonyms.
Fill-in-the-Blank Clues
These clues provide a sentence, phrase, or question with a blank missing a word or words for you to fill in:
- She wore a _____ around her neck (5 letters)
- “Float like a butterfly, sting like a ___” (4 letters)
- What river runs through London? (5 letters)
You need to think of a word that logically completes the given fragment and satisfies the letter count. Ponder what word is missing that would make sense in the context.
Multiple Word Phrases
Some clues call for answering with a two-word or three-word phrase:
- Event for watching meteor showers (4,3)
- Shrek is one of these (5,4)
- Pair of rhyming lines (6,7)
Write down the number of letters for each word. This tells you how to break up the phrase. Then brainstorm multi-word expressions that would fit.
Puns and Wordplay
Clever clues involve puns, play on words, homophones (sound-alike words), and double meanings:
- Goes with carrots and peas (4,3)
- Part of a house that rhymes with doll (4 letters)
- K-9 or feline (4 letters)
Identify the wordplay at hand and think laterally about what answer could work with the clue. Expect the unexpected – the answer may have multiple meanings or be a homophone of an expected word.
Rhyming Clues
These clues rhyme with the answer word:
- Fruit that rhymes with fumble (6 letters)
- Rhymes with glare (6 letters)
- Rhymes with truck (5 letters)
Figure out the rhyme scheme and brainstorm words that fit it and the letter count. This tests your rhyming skills as much as vocabulary knowledge.
Abbreviations and Initialisms
Some answers are abbreviations or acronyms:
- AAA, for example (3 letters)
- Astronaut in 1969 headlines (3 letters)
- TV network with a peacock logo (3 letters)
Use hints like “for example” or “abbreviation” to be on the lookout. Recall common acronyms and abbreviations that match the length and context of the clue.
Foreign Words and Phrases
Non-English answers are fair game too in many crosswords. Brush up on common Latin phrases, French words, biblical references, and more:
- Latin for “by itself” (2 words)
- French dessert often set on fire (9 letters)
- Biblical garden (4 letters)
Pay attention to syntax, length, and language cues in the clue. Draw on your knowledge of foreign words used in English.
Proper Nouns and Names
People, places, book titles, brand names, and more appear regularly as crossword answers:
- Real last name of Dr. Jekyll’s alter ego (6 letters)
- Sweetened gelatin dessert brand (4 letters)
- Scented candle brand (8 letters)
Pop culture, current events, geography, and literature can help with name clues. Expect lots of first and last names too.
Cross-Referencing Clues
Sometimes a clue refers to another answer appearing elsewhere in the puzzle:
- With 43-Across, dance with swaying hips (7 letters)
- See 32-Down (2 letters)
Make note of these cross-references so you can deduce the answer once you solve the crossing words. Keep zigzagging through the puzzle to determine intersecting answers.
Anagrams
Clues for anagrams say the answer is scrambled or jumbled:
- Lemon dessert jumbled (9 letters)
- Oceans scrambled (5 letters)
Rearrange the letters to unscramble the anagram into a real word. All the letters must be used with nothing added or removed.
Rebuses
A rebus clue substitutes words, letters, or symbols in a common phrase:
- HEART + E + ART (5 letters)
- U + R + VIPS (6 letters)
Decode the combinations and blend the pieces together phonetically to determine the answer phrase.
Alphabetical Order Clues
Some clues indicate arranging letters alphabetically:
- O, Q, S, E (4 letters)
- C, O, O, P (4 letters)
Write down the given letters, put them in alphabetical order, and the result will spell out the answer.
Numbers and Math Clues
Math and numbers come into play with some clues:
- 100 W = 1 __ (7 letters)
- X X X X I (5 letters)
- [Roman numeral C] + [Roman numeral L] (7 letters)
Do the math or follow numerical instructions to calculate or spell out the answer.
Pre-fill Letters
Many clues provide some letters to start you off:
- B _ N _ N A (6 letters)
- S P _ D E R (7 letters)
Think of words that fit with those letters in place and the remaining blanks. The given letters often appear in sequence within the answer.
Tips and Strategies for Solving Crossword Clues
Follow these tips to improve your crossword clue-solving:
- Read each clue closely and analyze what type it is. Look for wordplay devices, definitions, fill-in-the-blanks, etc.
- Pay attention to the number of letters as a key hint for the answer length.
- Brainstorm lots of word options that fit the clue. Go through the alphabet to jog your memory.
- Write down any answers you deduce to help fill the grid and deduce intersecting words.
- Use cross-referencing clues to your advantage. Notice what answers are mutually reinforcing.
- If a clue mentions a specific field like music, sports, or science, draw on your knowledge of that topic.
- Keep solving steadily square by square. Review unclear clues periodically and see if new answers give you insight.
- Don’t overthink ambiguous clues – common words are often the solution.
Persistence and constantly scanning for word patterns will help you become a crossword pro. A broad vocabulary, flexibility, and lateral thinking skills go a long way too. With practice, you’ll get better at recognizing different clue types quickly and matching answers efficiently.
Conclusion
Crossword clues encompass everything from basic definitions to complex puns and wordplay. Being aware of the different types of clues and developing strategies to decipher them takes practice. Focus on the phrasing for hints, expect clever trickery, and don’t overcomplicate ambiguous clues. With flexibility and an adaptive approach, those crossword grids will gradually reveal their answers to you.