avoid crossword clue 5 letters – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a crossword and stuck on the clue "avoid crossword clue 5 letters", you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below you'll find all the possible 5-letter answers for 'avoid', along with helpful insights to nail your next clue.
Solutions for "avoid crossword clue 5 letters" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To deliberately avoid or keep away from someone or something, often due to disapproval or dislike.
DUCK: To quickly lower one's head or body to avoid a blow or to remain unseen, often a quick, sudden movement.
5 Letters
EVADE: To escape or avoid, often by cunning, trickery, or cleverness, especially a pursuer or difficulty.
DODGE: To avoid someone or something by a sudden, quick movement, typically to escape a confrontation or obstacle.
ELUDE: To skillfully escape or avoid detection or capture, often implying cleverness or swiftness.
More About "avoid crossword clue 5 letters"
The word "avoid" is a versatile term that often appears in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms. Clues involving 'avoid' can range from direct requests for synonyms like 'steer clear of' or 'keep away from' to more nuanced or cryptic hints. Puzzle setters love such words because they allow for multiple correct answers based on slightly different contexts, requiring solvers to use their knowledge of surrounding letters and the specific puzzle's theme.
When you encounter a clue like "avoid," consider the precise nuance the setter might be hinting at. Is it a physical act of avoidance, like 'ducking' or 'dodging' a thrown object? Or is it a more abstract form of avoidance, such as 'shunning' a person or 'evading' responsibility? Thinking through these distinctions can help you pinpoint the exact word needed for your grid, even among several valid 5-letter options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is the most crucial step for narrowing down multiple possible answers for a single clue.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: For words like "avoid," think of all possible synonyms and their subtle differences. A clue might hint at a specific type of avoidance (e.g., 'to skillfully avoid' points to ELUDE).
- Look for Homophones or Puns: Sometimes, a clue might be a pun or a homophone. While less common for direct synonym clues like "avoid," it's a good general strategy to keep in mind for trickier puzzles.
- Break Down the Clue: If the clue is a phrase, try to identify the core action or object. If it's a single word, consider its part of speech and common uses.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do multiple answers exist for a single crossword clue like 'avoid'?
Crossword clues often rely on synonyms, various interpretations, or different nuances of a word. 'Avoid' can mean to 'shun', 'evade', 'duck', or 'dodge', depending on the specific context and cryptic nature of the puzzle maker's clue. The surrounding letters in your grid are key to determining the precise answer.
How do I choose the correct 'avoid' answer for my specific crossword puzzle?
To pick the right answer, first, check the number of letters required. For a 5-letter answer to 'avoid', you'd consider options like SHUN, EVADE, DUCK, DODGE, or ELUDE. Then, look at the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to narrow down the possibilities and find the exact fit for your puzzle.
What if my 'avoid' crossword answer isn't listed on this page?
While we strive to provide comprehensive lists, crosswords can sometimes use highly obscure synonyms, specific proper nouns (if the clue hints at one), or very niche interpretations. If your answer isn't here, try re-reading the clue for any hidden meanings, checking if it's part of a phrase, or consulting a more specialized crossword dictionary for very rare words. The answer might also be a less common variant of a more typical synonym.