an antelope crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue 'an antelope' has you stumped, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "an antelope crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GNU: A large African antelope, also known as a wildebeest.
4 Letters
ORYX: A large antelope with long, straight horns, found in Africa and Arabia.
KUDU: A large African antelope with spirally twisted horns.
TOPI: A fast-running African antelope with a reddish-brown coat.
5 Letters
ELAND: The largest species of antelope, native to East and Southern Africa.
BONGO: A large, forest-dwelling antelope native to central Africa.
6 Letters
IMPALA: A medium-sized African antelope known for its remarkable leaping ability.
DIKDIK: A small antelope found in the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa.
7 Letters
GAZELLE: A small, graceful antelope with large eyes, found in Africa and Asia.
More About "an antelope crossword clue"
Antelopes are a diverse group of hoofed ruminant mammals, native to Africa and Eurasia. They are not a single taxonomic group but rather a collection of species within the Bovidae family, sharing common characteristics like slender builds, powerful legs, and permanent, unbranched horns. Their variety makes them a fascinating subject, but also a challenging one for crossword solvers, as many different names could fit the bill.
Crossword constructors love antelope clues because of the wide range of names with varying lengths and letter patterns. From the short and punchy GNU or ORYX to the more complex GAZELLE or IMPALA, understanding the common species and their spellings is key. This clue often tests both your vocabulary and your general knowledge of the animal kingdom, pushing you to consider different possibilities until the correct fit emerges from the grid.
Remember that crosswords often favor the most common or well-known examples of a category, but it's always good to have a few less common ones in your mental dictionary for when those tricky grids come along. The context of surrounding letters in your puzzle will be your most valuable guide.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by matching the number of letters in the grid with the potential answers. This is the quickest way to narrow down the options for 'an antelope'.
- Consider Commonality: Think of the most commonly known antelopes first (e.g., GAZELLE, IMPALA, GNU). Crossword constructors often lean towards these.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These are crucial for confirming or eliminating potential antelope names.
- Regional Variations: If stuck, consider antelopes specific to certain regions (e.g., African vs. Asian species) if the clue has a regional hint.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common antelope in crosswords?
While several antelope names appear frequently, IMPALA and GAZELLE are among the most common, alongside shorter options like GNU and ORYX. Their popularity stems from their distinct letter patterns and general recognition.
How do I find the length of an antelope answer?
The length of the answer is determined by the number of empty squares in the crossword grid. Sometimes, the clue itself will include the length in parentheses, e.g., 'An antelope (6 letters)'.
Are antelopes often used in crosswords?
Yes, antelopes, along with other animal and plant species, are very common in crosswords. They provide a rich source of diverse words and often appear in general knowledge or nature-themed puzzles.