anxious crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "anxious" crossword puzzle clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "anxious crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AGOG: Excited and eager, often with anticipation.
5 Letters
EAGER: Keen and enthusiastic, desiring something.
TENSE: Feeling or showing mental or nervous strain.
6 Letters
UNEASY: Feeling worried or apprehensive.
7 Letters
WORRIED: Feeling or showing anxiety or concern.
12 Letters
APPREHENSIVE: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
More About "anxious crossword puzzle clue"
The word "anxious" is a classic crossword clue because it carries a duality of meaning, which can often trip up solvers. While most commonly associated with feelings of worry, unease, or nervousness, it can also signify a strong desire or eagerness for something to happen. This range allows setters to use it in various contexts, requiring solvers to consider both the negative and positive connotations depending on the surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme.
When encountering "anxious" in a puzzle, it's crucial to first determine if the clue implies fear and apprehension (e.g., UNEASY, WORRIED) or keen anticipation (e.g., EAGER, AGOG). The letter count is your next best friend, as it immediately narrows down the possibilities. If you have crossing letters, they will further guide you to the precise synonym that fits the grid.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering emotion-based clues. Many common emotions have several synonyms, and "anxious" is a prime example of a word whose different shades of meaning are frequently exploited in crossword puzzles. Keep a mental dictionary of these variations, and you'll find yourself solving similar clues with greater ease.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Always think if the clue has a secondary or less common meaning, especially for words like "anxious" that can imply both dread and eagerness.
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming words, note the required letter count. This immediately prunes your options significantly, making the task less daunting.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are invaluable. They can confirm a suspicion or eliminate incorrect answers quickly.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For descriptive clues, run through a list of synonyms. Sometimes, the clue might be a roundabout way of asking for an antonym to another related concept.
- Practice Regularly: The more puzzles you do, the more familiar you become with common clue types, setter tricks, and frequently used answers. Consistency builds skill!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'anxious' mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'anxious' typically refers to feelings of worry, apprehension, or sometimes keen eagerness. Common synonyms used as answers include WORRIED, UNEASY, or EAGER, depending on the context and letter count.
How can I find answers to feeling-based clues like 'anxious'?
For feeling-based clues, consider various synonyms for the emotion. Think about synonyms that convey different nuances (e.g., worried vs. eager). Also, pay attention to the letter count and any crossing letters you already have, as these are crucial for narrowing down possibilities.
Are there common tricks for solving emotion-related clues?
Yes, sometimes cryptic clues might use emotions metaphorically. For standard clues, always check if the emotion is positive or negative, or if it relates to a physical sensation. Often, a single word answer will be a direct synonym, so building a strong vocabulary of synonyms for common feelings is very helpful.