brood crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and got stuck on the "brood" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions categorized by word length, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your crossword.
Solutions for "brood crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FRET: To worry or be anxious about something.
MULL: To think about something deeply and at length.
5 Letters
WORRY: To feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.
HATCH: To emerge from an egg; also, to devise a plan.
6 Letters
PONDER: To think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
9 Letters
OFFSPRING: The young produced by living organisms.
More About "brood crossword clue"
"Brood" is a versatile word that can appear in crosswords with several distinct meanings, often depending on whether it's used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it commonly refers to dwelling on something with deep thought or worry, hence answers like PONDER, MULL, FRET, or WORRY. In a biological context, the verb "brood" means to sit on eggs to hatch them, which could lead to answers like HATCH or INCUBATE.
As a noun, "brood" refers to a family of young animals, especially birds or fowl, produced at one hatching or birth. This meaning points towards answers such as OFFSPRING or YOUNG. Understanding these different facets of the word is key to pinpointing the correct crossword solution, as clues might subtly hint at one meaning over another through surrounding words or context.
Crossword setters often use 'brood' to test your vocabulary breadth, moving beyond its most common usage. Always consider the number of letters and any intersecting words you already have to narrow down the possibilities efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "brood," many words have multiple dictionary definitions. Always consider the less common or archaic meanings that might fit the clue and the letter count.
- Check word length: The number of letters is your most powerful guide. Use it to eliminate answers that don't fit, even if they are synonyms.
- Look for synonyms and antonyms: Crossword clues often rely on direct synonyms, but sometimes they hint at antonyms or related concepts. For "brood," think about what a person doing the opposite of brooding might be doing (e.g., being carefree).
- Pay attention to parts of speech: Is the clue a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb? The answer will almost always match the part of speech. "Brood" can be both a verb and a noun, so be mindful of the clue's phrasing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'brood' typically mean in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'brood' often refers to thinking deeply (ponder, mull), worrying (fret, worry), or the act of sitting on eggs to hatch them (incubate, hatch). It can also refer to a group of young animals (offspring, litter).
How can the word length help in solving 'brood' crossword clues?
The number of letters is crucial. For instance, 'FRET' and 'MULL' are 4 letters for the 'worry' or 'think' meaning, while 'WORRY' or 'HATCH' are 5 letters. Longer answers like 'OFFSPRING' (9 letters) point to the noun meaning.
Are there common synonyms for 'brood' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include PONDER, MULL, THINK, FRET, WORRY, HATCH (for eggs), and OFFSPRING or YOUNG (for progeny). The context of the clue and the number of letters will guide you to the correct synonym.