close friend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "close friend crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "close friend crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAL: A casual and common term for a friend, often a close one.
4 Letters
MATE: A very common term for a close friend or companion, especially in British English.
CHUM: An informal and affectionate word for a close friend.
ALLY: Someone who supports and helps you, implying a strong, close bond in shared endeavors.
5 Letters
BUDDY: An informal term for a close friend or companion, often used in American English.
AMIGO: The Spanish word for friend, often used colloquially in English to refer to a pal.
7 Letters
COMRADE: A companion who shares one's activities, typically from a professional or social group, implying a strong bond.
8 Letters
INTIMATE: A very close and personal friend, someone with whom you share deep secrets.
9 Letters
CONFIDANT: A person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it to others.
COMPANION: A person with whom one spends a lot of time or travels with, often implying a close relationship.
More About "close friend crossword clue"
The clue "close friend crossword clue" is a popular one in crosswords due to the rich vocabulary surrounding human relationships. From informal terms to more formal descriptions of trusted associates, the English language provides many options that crossword setters can utilize to fit various word lengths and puzzle themes. Understanding the nuances between words like "pal," "mate," and "confidant" is key to selecting the correct answer.
Crossword puzzles often test your ability to think broadly about synonyms and even slight semantic shifts. A "close friend" can be a casual acquaintance you spend a lot of time with, or someone you entrust with your deepest secrets. This range allows for clues that might lean towards a specific context, like "British close friend" for MATE, or "trusted close friend" for CONFIDANT.
By offering a variety of answers, from short and snappy to longer, more descriptive terms, this page aims to provide the perfect solution regardless of the grid constraints. Remember to always cross-reference with other solved letters in your puzzle for the most accurate fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Tone: Does the clue for "close friend" sound formal, informal, or even slightly old-fashioned? This can often guide you towards answers like PAL (informal) versus INTIMATE (more formal).
- Check Regional Spellings: Be aware that some puzzles, especially British ones, might favor terms like MATE, while American puzzles might prefer BUDDY.
- Look at Neighboring Clues: The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. Even if multiple answers for "close friend" fit the length, only one will correctly align with the letters you already have.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "close friend" a common crossword clue?
The concept of a "close friend" offers a wide range of synonyms and varying lengths, making it versatile for crossword setters to use in different grid layouts. It often relates to common social bonds and can have both formal and informal answers.
Are there regional variations for "close friend" answers?
Yes, terms like "MATE" (common in British English) or "AMIGO" (Spanish, often used informally in English) are good examples of regional or culturally influenced variations that frequently appear in crosswords. It's helpful to consider these nuances when solving.
How do I determine the correct "close friend" answer when multiple options fit the length?
Context is key! Look at intersecting letters from other clues, the puzzle's theme, or any subtle hints in the clue's phrasing (e.g., "British pal" might point to MATE, "trusted ally" to CONFIDANT, or "informal pal" to BUDDY). The overall puzzle's difficulty and style can also provide clues.