crossword clue close – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "crossword clue close," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with detailed explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. No more staring blankly – let's get you unstuck!
Solutions for "crossword clue close" by Letter Count
3 Letters
END: To bring something to a finish or conclusion. Often used when a meeting or period 'closes'.
4 Letters
SHUT: To move something into a position that blocks an opening, like a door or a book.
NEAR: At a short distance away or almost touching. Commonly used for 'close' in terms of proximity.
5 Letters
TIGHT: Closely fitting, or indicating being difficult to obtain or manage. Can also refer to being stingy.
8 Letters
ADJACENT: Next to or adjoining something else, meaning very close in position.
CONCLUDE: To bring or come to an end; to finish. A more formal synonym for 'close' when completing an activity.
More About "crossword clue close"
The word "close" is a delightful chameleon in the English language, which makes it a favourite, yet challenging, for crossword setters. Depending on its part of speech and context, "close" can imply proximity (like NEAR or ADJACENT), an action of sealing or shutting (SHUT), or the act of finishing something (END, CONCLUDE). It can also describe a relationship (INTIMATE), a quality (TIGHT, as in stingy), or even weather conditions (STUFFY).
Understanding these different facets is key to solving the clue. A setter might use a straightforward synonym, or they could craft a clever cryptic clue that plays on the various meanings. Always consider the surrounding words, the length of the answer, and any cryptic indicators that might hint at a specific interpretation of "close."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As "close" has many definitions (verb, adjective, adverb), don't just stick to the first one that comes to mind. Think about 'near', 'shut', 'end', 'tight', 'intimate', etc.
- Pay attention to word length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If the answer is 3 letters, 'END' is more likely than 'ADJACENT'.
- Look for contextual clues: Is the clue part of a phrase? Does it hint at a specific scenario (e.g., 'close a deal', 'close to tears')? These details often guide you to the specific meaning.
- Check for cryptic indicators: Words like "finally," "at last," "by," or "about" can suggest a cryptic interpretation or a play on words related to "close."
- Use crossing letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, they will quickly narrow down the possibilities for "close."
For more advice on tackling tricky clues, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'close' mean in a crossword clue?
The word 'close' is highly versatile in crosswords, often referring to proximity (e.g., NEAR), an action (e.g., SHUT, END), or even a characteristic (e.g., TIGHT for stingy, or INTIMATE for a close relationship). Its precise meaning depends heavily on the context of the clue, the part of speech implied, and the number of letters required.
How can I determine the correct answer for 'close' when there are multiple possibilities?
To pinpoint the right answer, consider the exact number of letters needed, any surrounding letters you've already solved, the part of speech implied by the clue (e.g., 'close' as a verb versus an adjective), and whether the clue suggests a direct synonym, an idiom, or a cryptic interpretation. Always check if the potential answer fits with crossing words.
Are there common tricks or wordplay associated with 'close' clues?
Yes, 'close' is a favourite for crossword setters due to its multiple meanings. It can be part of idiomatic phrases (e.g., 'close call' leading to NEAR MISS), or it can be used for its homophone ('clothes' perhaps). Cryptic clues might play on 'close' as a verb (to shut) versus an adjective (intimate or near), often using indicators like 'finally' or 'at hand'.