cowardice crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "cowardice" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "cowardice crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEAR: A fundamental human emotion that directly underlies cowardice, often used as a concise answer.
8 Letters
TIMIDITY: The state of being easily frightened or lacking in courage, a direct synonym for cowardice.
10 Letters
CRAVENNESS: The quality or state of being a craven; a very cowardly quality, implying a deep-seated lack of courage.
13 Letters
PUSILLANIMITY: A more formal and less common term for a lack of courage or resolution; excessive timidity.
More About "cowardice crossword clue"
The concept of 'cowardice' is a rich one for crossword setters, as it boasts a variety of synonyms across different lengths and nuances. From simple emotional states to more complex character traits, understanding the subtle differences between words like 'fear', 'timidity', and 'pusillanimity' can be key to unlocking the correct answer in your puzzle.
When you encounter a clue like "cowardice," consider the broader context of the puzzle. Is it a cryptic crossword, demanding a more metaphorical or indirect answer? Or is it a quick crossword, likely seeking a direct synonym? The surrounding letters you've already filled in will also provide invaluable hints, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Our goal is to provide you with all potential solutions, ensuring you're never stuck.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For abstract clues like "cowardice," consider if the setter is looking for a general synonym (e.g., FEAR) or a more specific or archaic term (e.g., PUSILLANIMITY). The number of letters is your biggest hint.
- Check for Anagrams or Homophones: While less common for direct synonym clues, always keep an eye out, especially in cryptic crosswords. Sometimes, a clue might cleverly disguise a related word.
- Use Contextual Clues: The letters already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They will quickly eliminate many possible answers and confirm the correct one. Don't force a word that doesn't fit the existing letters.
- Broaden Your Vocabulary: Regularly solving crosswords will naturally expand your vocabulary, especially with synonyms and antonyms. Words like 'cowardice' often have a rich pool of related terms that appear frequently.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for cowardice in crosswords?
Common synonyms for cowardice often include words like FEAR, TIMIDITY, DREAD, CRAVENNESS, and in longer forms, PUSILLANIMITY or FAINTHEARTEDNESS. The specific answer depends on the required letter count.
How does letter count help in solving crossword clues about abstract concepts?
For abstract concepts like 'cowardice', the letter count is crucial. It narrows down possibilities from a broad range of synonyms to very specific words. For example, 'FEAR' fits 4 letters, while 'PUSILLANIMITY' fits 13 letters, guiding your selection significantly.
Can 'fear' be a valid answer for a clue about cowardice?
Yes, 'FEAR' is often a valid and very common answer for clues related to cowardice, especially for shorter word lengths. Cowardice is, at its core, an excessive or ignoble fear.