appalling crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "appalling crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations and tips, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "appalling crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIRE: Causing great fear or dread; dreadful, especially of a warning or threat.
5 Letters
AWFUL: Extremely bad or unpleasant; inspiring dread or awe.
6 Letters
HORRID: Causing horror; dreadful or unpleasant.
8 Letters
DREADFUL: Extremely bad or serious, often causing fear or alarm.
TERRIBLE: Extremely bad or serious; causing terror or dread.
SHOCKING: Causing a feeling of shock; deeply upsetting or surprising.
More About "appalling crossword clue"
"Appalling" is a powerful adjective that denotes something causing dismay, horror, or shock. In crossword puzzles, it frequently appears as a clue for synonyms that convey a strong sense of negativity, dread, or extreme undesirability. The challenge often lies in selecting the precise synonym that matches the required letter count and fits the overall puzzle context.
Words like AWFUL, TERRIBLE, DREADFUL, and HORRID are common contenders, each carrying a slightly different nuance but all falling under the umbrella of 'appalling'. Crossword setters love these types of clues because of the rich tapestry of synonyms available in the English language, allowing for varied puzzle designs.
Understanding the core meaning of "appalling" as 'extremely bad or unpleasant' is key. Whether it's "appalling weather," "appalling behavior," or an "appalling outcome," the word consistently implies something that is gravely negative and evokes a strong emotional response.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Synonyms: For clues like "appalling," immediately think of a wide range of synonyms. Keep a mental thesaurus handy for words that express similar concepts.
- Utilize Letter Count: The number of letters provided for the answer is your most powerful tool. It helps narrow down many possible synonyms to just a few, often making the correct word apparent.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from solved intersecting clues to confirm your answer. This is crucial when multiple synonyms of the same length might fit the clue.
- Consider Nuance (if applicable): While "appalling" often has straightforward synonyms, some clues might hint at a specific shade of meaning (e.g., "appalling to the senses" might suggest a word like 'ghastly').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "appalling" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "appalling" typically serves as a clue for words meaning extremely bad, dreadful, shocking, or horrible. It's often looking for a strong synonym conveying negativity.
Why are there so many different answers for "appalling"?
English is rich in synonyms, especially for common concepts like "bad" or "horrible." Crossword setters leverage this to provide variety and challenge, offering multiple words that fit the clue and a specific letter count.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like DREADFUL and TERRIBLE?
The primary way to distinguish them in a crossword is by the number of letters required. Both are 8 letters, so if both fit the length, you'd need to look for intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm which one is correct. Also, sometimes a subtle nuance in the clue or accompanying words might hint at one over the other, though for "appalling," they are often interchangeable.