approximately crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with "approximately crossword clue"? You've landed on the perfect page! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, meticulously categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "approximately crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOME: An unspecified amount or number; roughly.
5 Letters
ABOUT: Roughly; concerning a topic. Can also mean 'around'.
CIRCA: Approximately (used especially with dates, e.g., 'circa 1950').
CLOSE: Nearly; almost.
6 Letters
AROUND: In the vicinity of; roughly. Often used for numbers or locations.
NEARLY: Very close to; almost.
APPROX: A common abbreviation for 'approximately'.
7 Letters
ROUGHLY: Without precision; approximately.
10 Letters
MOREORLESS: To a certain extent; approximately; roughly.
More About "approximately crossword clue"
The clue "approximately" is a staple in crossword puzzles due to its versatility and the numerous synonyms it possesses. This allows setters to use it across various word lengths and contexts. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to unlocking tricky puzzles.
Often, the surrounding clues or the specific theme of the puzzle will hint at which form of 'approximately' is required. For instance, a historical context might point towards "CIRCA," while a quantitative one might lean towards "SOME" or "AROUND." Always consider the nuance of the word in relation to the overall puzzle grid.
Crossword constructors love words like "approximately" because they can be concise yet broad, fitting into many grid patterns while still providing a fair challenge to the solver. Mastering these common synonyms will significantly improve your crossword-solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of letters in the answer you're considering. This page categorizes answers by length to make this easier for you.
- Consider the Context: "Approximately" can mean many things. If the clue relates to time, "CIRCA" is a strong candidate. If it's about a vague quantity, "SOME" might be it. Look for subtle hints in the clue or other solved words.
- Think of Synonyms & Phrases: Crossword setters often use less common synonyms or idiomatic phrases. For "approximately," think beyond single words to include phrases like "MORE OR LESS."
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. The letters from intersecting words will often narrow down the possibilities significantly, even for common clues like this one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "approximately" in crosswords?
The word "approximately" has a rich set of synonyms, each with slightly different nuances or common uses (e.g., in relation to time, quantity, or degree). Crossword setters often leverage these various related terms and phrases to fit different letter counts and contexts within the puzzle. The more general a clue, the broader the range of potential answers.
How does context help solve "approximately" clues?
Context is absolutely crucial. If the clue relates to a historical date, 'CIRCA' is a very strong contender. If it's about an estimated quantity, 'SOME' or 'AROUND' might be fitting. Always look at the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues, the theme of the puzzle (if any), and the overall meaning of the sentence or phrase in the clue for the best fit.
What's the subtle difference between "nearly" and "approximately"?
While both terms imply close proximity, 'nearly' often suggests being very close to something complete, finished, or exact (e.g., 'the job is nearly done'). 'Approximately,' on the other hand, typically implies a less precise estimate or a range (e.g., 'approximately 50 people attended'). Both can be valid answers for clues relating to the other, depending on the setter's intent and the letter count.