craven crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and came across the clue "craven," you've landed on the perfect page. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "craven crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TIMID: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened. A common and direct synonym for craven.
6 Letters
COWARD: A person who lacks courage in a dangerous or difficult situation. Often the most straightforward answer for "craven."
7 Letters
FEARFUL: Feeling or showing fear or apprehension. Closely related to the emotional state of being craven.
8 Letters
POLTROON: An utter coward. A more archaic but precise word for someone who is craven.
9 Letters
DASTARDLY: Wicked and cruel. While not a direct synonym for craven, it often describes actions that are both villainous and cowardly.
More About "craven crossword clue"
The word "craven" is an adjective meaning contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly. It paints a picture of someone who is not just afraid, but shamefully so. In crosswords, clues like "craven" are popular because they allow for a range of synonyms that vary in nuance and length, providing a good test of a solver's vocabulary.
Understanding the core meaning of "craven" is key. It's not just about fear, but about a significant failure of nerve. This distinction can help you choose the right answer among several possibilities, especially when faced with an overlapping letter count with other fear-related clues. Always consider the context of the puzzle, and if the clue hints at an action or a characteristic.
Crossword constructors love words like "craven" because of their rich history and varied synonyms, from common terms like 'coward' to more literary or archaic words like 'poltroon'. Expanding your vocabulary with such words will undoubtedly enhance your crossword solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Examine the Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Match your potential answers to the given length. For "craven," answers like TIMID (5), COWARD (6), or FEARFUL (7) are common.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from crossing clues. These can eliminate many possibilities and confirm the correct answer quickly.
- Consider Nuance: While "craven" means cowardly, some answers might imply a slightly different shade of meaning (e.g., DASTARDLY for a cowardly act). Think about how the answer fits the overall tone of the clue and puzzle.
- Think of Synonyms: If the direct answer doesn't come to mind, brainstorm synonyms for "craven." Sometimes a less obvious but perfectly valid synonym is the intended answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'craven' mean in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'craven' typically refers to someone who is cowardly, lacking courage, or easily frightened. Common answers include synonyms like COWARD, TIMID, or FEARFUL. It often implies a shameful or contemptible lack of bravery.
Are there common synonyms for 'craven' used in crosswords?
Yes, aside from the most direct synonyms like COWARD and TIMID, you might encounter words such as FEARFUL, DASTARDLY (implying a cowardly act), or even less common terms like POLTROON, depending on the puzzle's difficulty and constructor's style.
How can I distinguish between similar clues when 'craven' comes up?
Pay attention to the letter count and any crossing letters you already have. If the clue implies an action (e.g., 'craven act'), DASTARDLY might fit. If it's a person, COWARD or POLTROON. Context from surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme can also provide vital hints.