comparatively dubious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "comparatively dubious". We provide answers across all possible word lengths to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "comparatively dubious crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FISHY: Implies something is suspicious or questionable, often used comparatively.
7 Letters
DODGIER: A comparative form of 'dodgy', meaning more questionable, less reliable, or shadier.
SHADIER: The comparative form of 'shady', suggesting something is more suspicious or morally questionable.
9 Letters
SKETCHIER: Comparative form of 'sketchy', meaning more incomplete, doubtful, or unreliable.
More About "comparatively dubious crossword clue"
The clue "comparatively dubious" is a classic example of how crosswords test your vocabulary with subtle grammatical hints. The word "comparatively" directly signals that the answer will be a comparative adjective, typically ending in "-er" or "-ier". This means you're looking for a word that describes something as being "more" of a certain quality, in this case, "more dubious" or "more questionable".
Understanding this nuance is crucial for solving such clues. Common synonyms for "dubious" include "fishy", "dodgy", "shady", and "sketchy". By converting these to their comparative forms, you arrive at answers like FISHY, DODGIER, SHADIER, and SKETCHIER. The specific answer you need will depend on the number of letters required by your puzzle grid, making it essential to have multiple options ready.
These types of clues often appear in a variety of crossword puzzles, from daily quick crosswords to more complex cryptic ones. Recognizing the "comparative" indicator can significantly speed up your solving process, allowing you to narrow down potential answers quickly and efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Suffixes: Always be on the lookout for comparative suffixes like "-er" or "-ier" when a clue suggests comparison (e.g., "more," "less," "comparatively").
- Brainstorm Synonyms First: For a clue like "comparatively dubious," first list synonyms for the base word "dubious" (e.g., suspicious, questionable, shady). Then, try to form their comparative adjectives.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer grid is your most reliable guide. If you have multiple comparative adjectives that fit the meaning, the letter count will tell you which one is correct.
- Context is King: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. They might provide additional context that steers you towards a specific synonym or nuance.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'comparatively dubious' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'comparatively dubious' indicates that the answer needs to be a comparative adjective. This often means adding '-er' or '-ier' to a base word like 'fishy', 'dodgy', or 'shady'.
How do I know if a crossword answer needs a comparative form?
Clues like 'more...', 'less...', 'comparatively...', or 'in a more...' are strong indicators. Also, if the grid provides a specific number of letters that matches a comparative form of a known synonym, it's a good hint.
Are there other common clues for words meaning 'dubious'?
Yes, common clues for words meaning 'dubious' include 'suspicious', 'questionable', 'shady', 'fishy', 'unreliable', 'sketchy', and 'uncertain'. Context in the clue is key to determining the exact synonym needed.