close crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving those tricky crossword clues! If you're searching for solutions to the clue "close crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "close crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
END: To bring to a conclusion, as in to 'close' an activity.
4 Letters
SHUT: The most direct synonym for 'close' when referring to a door or window.
NEAR: Indicates being 'close' in proximity or distance.
5 Letters
TIGHT: Can mean 'close-fitting' or 'held very closely'.
6 Letters
FINISH: Another common verb meaning to bring something to an end or 'close' it.
IMPEND: To be about to happen, indicating something is 'close' in time.
More About "close crossword clue"
The word "close" is a fantastic example of a common crossword clue that can have multiple meanings, making it deceptively challenging. Depending on the context, "close" can function as a verb (to shut, to end), an adjective (near, intimate, stuffy, precise), or even a noun (an end, a narrow street). This versatility is precisely what crossword constructors exploit to create clever clues.
When "close" appears in a clue, your first step should be to consider which part of speech the answer is likely to be. Is the clue looking for an action (like SHUT or FINISH) or a descriptive word (like NEAR or TIGHT)? Often, the number of letters provided for the answer, or any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words, will quickly narrow down the possibilities. Cryptic crosswords often use the different pronunciations of 'close' (rhyming with 'dose' vs. rhyming with 'gross') to add another layer of misdirection.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering clues like "close". Always keep an open mind to all possible interpretations until the grid or other clues guide you to the definitive answer. This kind of multi-meaning word is a staple in crosswords, so learning to dissect them will significantly improve your solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "close", many common words have multiple definitions. Always think broadly about how a word could be used (verb, noun, adjective, idiom) before settling on an answer.
- Use intersecting letters: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters you fill in from other answers are your most valuable hints, dramatically narrowing down the possibilities for trickier clues.
- Check for common crosswordese: Some words appear frequently in crosswords due to their letter patterns or versatile meanings (e.g., EEL, ORE, ERA). Familiarize yourself with these common terms to speed up your solving.
- Pay attention to word length: The number of letters is a crucial constraint. For a clue like "close", a 3-letter answer points to "END" while a 6-letter answer might be "FINISH" or "IMPEND".
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I solve crossword clues with multiple meanings like "close"?
Words like 'close' are classic examples of homographs – words spelled the same but with different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations (e.g., 'close' as in shut, vs. 'close' as in near). When you encounter such a clue, consider all possible interpretations: verb, adjective, or even noun. Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have, as these will often narrow down the intended meaning quickly. The cryptic nature of the clue (if it's a cryptic crossword) might also hint at which meaning is intended.
What common synonyms for "close" often appear in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'close' in crosswords include SHUT, SEAL, END, FINISH (for the verb 'to close'); NEAR, TIGHT, INTIMATE, ADJACENT (for the adjective 'close'); and perhaps even CONCLUSION or FINALE when 'close' implies an end.
Why are some crossword answers so short, like 3 or 4 letters?
Short answers are common in crosswords, particularly American-style puzzles. They serve to fill smaller grids and often rely on very common, short words with multiple meanings. While they might seem simple, clues for short words can often be the trickiest because their brevity allows for a wider range of potential interpretations. Always check surrounding letters and the overall theme of the puzzle when tackling short answers.