buds crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "buds" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. This page provides all known solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track. Whether it's the botanical kind or the friendly sort, we've got you covered!
Solutions for "buds crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAL: A close friend or companion, a common informal term for 'bud'.
5 Letters
CHUMS: Informal term for close friends, buddies.
6 Letters
SHOOTS: Young, new growths on a plant, similar to buds.
7 Letters
FRIENDS: People one knows and likes, companions; synonymous with 'buds' in the social sense.
SPROUTS: New shoots or growth on a plant, often referring to early development, much like buds.
8 Letters
COMRADES: A companion or associate, especially in a shared activity or cause; can imply a close relationship.
10 Letters
COMPANIONS: People or animals with whom one spends time or travels; a broader term for associates or friends.
More About "buds crossword clue"
The crossword clue "buds" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that setters love to exploit. In the realm of crosswords, "buds" most commonly refers to two distinct concepts: either the early, undeveloped flowers or leaves of a plant, or, colloquially, close friends or companions. This duality makes it a versatile and sometimes challenging clue to solve without proper context.
When encountering "buds," consider the surrounding clues or the theme of the puzzle if one is apparent. Clues hinting at botany, gardening, or nature often point to answers like SHOOTS or SPROUTS. Conversely, clues related to social interactions, informal groups, or simply "pals" would lead you towards answers like FRIENDS, CHUMS, or PAL. Understanding this common trick is vital for successful crossword solving.
Our comprehensive list of answers, categorized by length, ensures you can quickly pinpoint the solution that fits your puzzle's grid. We strive to provide not just the answer, but also the context and explanation, enhancing your understanding and improving your future crossword performance.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "buds," always consider if the clue is looking for a literal or figurative meaning. Slang terms are very common in crosswords.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possible answers for "buds." This is especially helpful when multiple answers have the same letter count.
- Consider Plural vs. Singular: The clue "buds" is plural. Ensure your answer is also plural (e.g., FRIENDS, CHUMS, SHOOTS) unless the clue implies a singular collective or an unusual grammatical construction.
- Think of Homophones/Homonyms: Although not strictly applicable to "buds" here, always be aware of words that sound alike but are spelled differently or have multiple meanings. Crossword setters love these!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'buds' have multiple meanings in crosswords?
The word 'buds' is a classic crossword setter's favorite due to its dual meaning: referring to developing plant parts (like flower buds) and also slang for friends or companions. This ambiguity allows for diverse and often tricky clues.
How can I tell if 'buds' refers to friends or plants in a crossword?
Context is key! Look at other words in the clue. If there are terms related to nature, gardening, or growth, it likely points to plants. If the clue hints at relationships, social gatherings, or informal talk, it suggests friends.
Are there common synonyms for 'buds' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include PAL, CHUMS, FRIENDS, or MATES for the social meaning. For the plant meaning, you might see SHOOTS, SPROUTS, or GROWTHS. Knowing these common alternatives can help you quickly fill in answers.