avoided crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "avoided crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "avoided crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
EVADED: Successfully escaped or got away from something.
DODGED: Avoided (a blow, a person, or something unpleasant) by a sudden quick movement.
DUCKED: Lowered one's head or body quickly to avoid a blow or a sighting.
ELUDED: Escaped or avoided (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skillful or cunning way.
7 Letters
SHUNNED: Persistently avoided, ignored, or rejected (someone or something) through antipathy or caution.
SKIRTED: Went around or past the edge of (something); avoided dealing with (something difficult or unpleasant).
8 Letters
ESCHEWED: Deliberately avoided using; abstained from.
BYPASSED: Went past or around (an obstacle or problem).
11 Letters
SIDESTEPPED: Avoided (something, especially a difficulty or an unpleasant subject); circumvented.
More About "avoided crossword clue"
The word "avoided" in crossword clues often points to a range of synonyms that imply keeping clear of something, whether physically, socially, or mentally. Common answers include verbs that describe evasion, circumvention, or deliberate abstinence. The precise answer often depends on the nuance of the clue and the number of letters available in the grid.
Crossword setters love to play with context. "Avoided" could mean physically dodging an object, as in "dodged" or "ducked." It could also refer to a social rejection, like "shunned," or a more formal abstinence, as in "eschewed." Understanding these different shades of meaning is key to cracking the clue.
Always consider the tense of the verb. Since "avoided" is past tense, most solutions will also be in the past tense, often ending in '-ED'. This can be a significant hint when you're trying to fit a word into the puzzle grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "avoided," think about the specific way something was avoided. Was it a physical maneuver, a social exclusion, or a deliberate abstention? This helps narrow down the range of synonyms.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters you need for the answer. This is the most fundamental step in crossword solving and immediately filters out many possibilities.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you're stuck, try solving perpendicular clues first. The letters that fill into your problem word's spaces can provide vital clues, turning a blank space into a solvable puzzle.
- Consider Common Suffixes/Prefixes: As "avoided" is past tense, many answers will end in '-ED'. Being aware of common word endings can give you an edge in filling in words even when you're not entirely sure of the whole word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to find answers for "avoided" in crosswords?
The best strategy is to think of synonyms for 'avoided' that fit various contexts, such as 'evaded', 'shunned', 'dodged', or 'eschewed'. Also, pay close attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down the possibilities.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for words meaning "avoided"?
Words signifying 'avoided' often appear in the past tense, so common suffixes like '-ED' (e.g., 'evaded', 'skirted', 'dodged') are frequent. Occasionally, verbs indicating avoidance might start with prefixes like 'E-' for escape or 'UN-' for not engaging, though these are less direct.
How do I handle clues like "avoided" when I don't know the exact word?
If the exact word isn't immediately apparent, focus on filling in surrounding clues first. Once you have some intersecting letters, they will act as crucial hints. Also, consider the nuance of 'avoided' – was it physical avoidance, a social avoidance, or avoiding a topic? This can help you recall more specific synonyms.