avoid crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue "avoid crossword puzzle clue", designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle. We cover solutions of all common word lengths, along with helpful tips and frequently asked questions.
Solutions for "avoid crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHUN: To deliberately avoid or keep away from something.
5 Letters
DODGE: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement.
EVADE: To escape or avoid (someone or something), especially by cleverness or trickery.
ELUDE: To skillfully escape from or avoid (someone or something).
6 Letters
BYPASS: To go past or around rather than through.
6 Letters
ESCHEW: Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.
More About "avoid crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "avoid" is a common one in crossword puzzles, often pointing to synonyms that imply steering clear, evading, or abstaining from something. The specific answer will depend heavily on the number of letters required and any intersecting words. Popular choices typically revolve around actions taken to keep a distance, either physically or metaphorically.
Understanding the subtle nuances between words like "dodge," "evade," and "elude" can be key. While all mean to avoid, "dodge" implies a quick physical movement, "evade" suggests cleverness or trickery to escape, and "elude" points to a skillful or mysterious escape. "Shun" and "eschew" often refer to a more deliberate and conscious decision to abstain or reject something.
Crossword setters love to use these variations, so always consider the context of the puzzle and any surrounding clues. This clue can appear in various forms, such as "Steer clear of," "Keep away from," or simply "Shun."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "avoid."
- Consider Synonyms: Think broadly about synonyms for "avoid." Sometimes the most obvious answer isn't the one the setter used; try less common but valid alternatives.
- Check Cross-References: Use intersecting letters from solved clues to help confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the quickest way to verify a tricky word.
- Think of Antonyms: Occasionally, a clue might be a trick. While 'avoid' usually means 'steer clear', sometimes a clue might hint at its opposite to trick you. However, for a direct clue like 'avoid', direct synonyms are most likely.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'avoid' mean in the context of crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'avoid' often clues synonyms like SHUN, DODGE, EVADE, ELUDE, ESCHEW, or BYPASS. It implies steering clear, escaping, or abstaining from something.
Are there common letter counts for 'avoid' answers?
Answers for 'avoid' can vary widely in length, but common lengths include 4, 5, 6, and 7 letters. Less common, but possible, are longer words or even short phrases.
Can 'avoid' have an answer that is a phrase?
While single words are most common, 'avoid' can sometimes clue a phrase, especially in more complex or themed crosswords. Examples might include 'STEER CLEAR' or 'KEEP AWAY'.