close friends crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "close friends crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of this common clue and boost your crossword skills.
Solutions for "close friends crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PALS: An informal term for friends, often implying closeness and camaraderie.
5 Letters
CHUMS: An older, informal term for very close friends or companions.
MATES: Commonly used, especially in British English, to refer to close friends or associates.
7 Letters
BUDDIES: An informal term for good or close friends, often implying shared activities.
BESTIES: A modern, informal term for one's very best friends, highlighting extreme closeness.
10 Letters
CONFIDANTS: Individuals to whom one entrusts private matters and secrets, indicating a deep level of trust and closeness.
More About "close friends crossword clue"
"Close friends" is a staple in crosswords, often testing your vocabulary for synonyms of intimacy, loyalty, and companionship. The key to solving this clue lies in understanding the degree of closeness it implies. It's not just about "friends," but about those individuals with whom a deeper bond, shared history, or trust exists.
Crossword setters use this clue to prompt answers ranging from casual, colloquial terms like "PALS" or "BUDDIES" to more formal or descriptive terms like "CONFIDANTS." The specific word length and any intersecting letters will guide you to the precise answer. Always consider the tone of the puzzle – is it formal or informal? This can often narrow down your choices significantly.
Sometimes, the clue might subtly hint at a particular type of close friend, such as a "drinking buddy" or a "childhood chum," but generally, it refers to anyone with a strong, trusted relationship. Keeping a mental thesaurus of synonyms for 'intimate companion' can be very helpful.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Formality: Is the answer likely to be slang (like PALS or BESTIES) or more formal (like CONFIDANTS)? The context of the puzzle often gives clues.
- Think About Word Length: If you have many options, the number of letters is your primary filter. Our page helps by grouping answers by length.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tool in crosswords. Use the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "close friends."
- Brainstorm Synonyms for Trust and Intimacy: Beyond just 'friend,' think about words that convey a deeper bond, loyalty, or shared secrets, as these are often the nuances "close friends" aims for.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "close friends" imply in a crossword clue?
In a crossword, "close friends" typically implies a strong bond, intimacy, trust, and shared history. This often leads to answers that are informal or denote a deeper level of relationship than mere acquaintances, such as PALS, CHUMS, or CONFIDANTS.
Are there common traps with "close friends" clues?
A common trap is confusing general 'friends' with 'close friends'. The 'close' modifier is crucial, directing you towards terms that suggest intimacy, loyalty, or shared secrets, rather than just companions or associates. Always consider the degree of closeness implied by the clue.
How do I choose between multiple answers of the same length for "close friends"?
When multiple answers fit the letter count, use intersecting words from the grid to eliminate possibilities. Also, consider the crossword's overall tone; older puzzles might prefer 'CHUMS', while modern ones might lean towards 'BESTIES'. The specific nuance of the clue might also hint at the best fit.