What are common synonyms for 'burden' in crosswords?

Common synonyms for 'burden' in crossword puzzles include 'load,' 'weight,' 'onus,' 'tax,' 'charge,' 'duty,' 'strain,' or 'care,' depending on the context and letter count required. Considering these variations is key to finding the right fit for your puzzle.

How can I distinguish between similar 'burden' answers like 'load' and 'weight'?

Consider the surrounding clues. 'Load' often implies something physically carried or transported, while 'weight' can refer to physical heaviness, a measure of mass, or a metaphorical responsibility. The clue's specific phrasing, like 'shipping unit' for LOAD or 'heavy responsibility' for WEIGHT, often provides subtle hints.

Are there any less obvious crossword answers for 'burden'?

Yes, 'burden' can sometimes be clued as 'cross' (as in a burden to bear or trial), 'grief' (a cause of distress or sorrow), or 'encumbrance' (a legal or financial burden, or a hindrance). Always consider the less literal meanings and how they might fit the puzzle's theme.

burden crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "burden crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Dive in to find the perfect fit!

Solutions for "burden crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

TAX: A compulsory financial contribution, often perceived as a burden.

4 Letters

ONUS: A duty or responsibility, especially a difficult or unwelcome one.

LOAD: Something that is carried or to be carried; a quantity that burdens.

CARE: A matter causing anxiety or difficulty; responsibility for someone or something.

5 Letters

GRIEF: Intense sorrow or distress, often a heavy emotional burden.

CROSS: A burden of suffering or affliction.

6 Letters

WEIGHT: A heavy object or mass; a responsibility or obligation that feels heavy.

CHARGE: A responsibility or duty entrusted to someone.

STRAIN: A burden or pressure that causes stress or difficulty.

8 Letters

PRESSURE: The burden of responsibility, expectations, or demands.

11 Letters

ENCUMBRANCE: A burden or impediment; a legal claim or liability that burdens property.

More About "burden crossword clue"

The word "burden" is a versatile term in crosswords, often referring to something difficult to carry, a heavy responsibility, or a cause of worry. Its usage can range from the literal (like a heavy load) to the metaphorical (such as the burden of proof or a financial burden). Puzzle setters love using such words because they allow for multiple interpretations and require solvers to think broadly about synonyms and contextual meanings.

Understanding the nuances of "burden" can greatly assist in solving related clues. For instance, if the clue hints at a physical item, answers like LOAD or WEIGHT might fit. If it's about responsibility, ONUS or CHARGE could be correct. Emotional burdens might lead to answers like GRIEF or CROSS. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and any letters you've already filled in to narrow down the possibilities, making your puzzle-solving experience smoother and more efficient.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Word Length: The first and most crucial step for "burden" is to see how many letters the answer requires. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus, guiding you towards the correct solution.
Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words that mean "burden" in various contexts—physical, emotional, financial, legal. Sometimes, a clue might even subtly hint at the opposite, leading you to related concepts that fit the letter count.
Look for Context Clues: Does the clue for "burden" use words like "tax," "responsibility," "heavy," or "grief"? These provide vital hints about the specific type of burden the setter has in mind, helping you pinpoint the exact answer.
Check for Anagrams or Puns: While less common for simple definitions, some clever clues might involve wordplay. Always keep an eye out for potential twists or double meanings that could lead to an unexpected, yet fitting, answer.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common answer for 'burden' in crosswords?

There isn't one single "most common" answer, as it heavily depends on the letter count and specific nuance of the clue. However, short answers like ONUS (4 letters) and LOAD (4 letters) appear very frequently due to their versatility and common usage in everyday language and crossword puzzles.

How do crosswords use 'burden' metaphorically?

Metaphorically, 'burden' can refer to a difficult responsibility (e.g., the burden of leadership), an emotional weight (e.g., the burden of guilt or sorrow), or a financial imposition (e.g., a tax burden). Clues will often hint at these non-physical meanings through their phrasing, encouraging solvers to think beyond the literal.

Why does 'burden' have so many different answers?

The word 'burden' is polysemous, meaning it has multiple related but distinct meanings. This makes it a rich source for crossword clues, as setters can draw on its various interpretations to create challenging and diverse puzzles, leading to a wide range of correct answers that fit different contexts and letter counts.