crossword clue complete total – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "complete total" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue complete total" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SUM: The aggregate of two or more numbers, a complete amount resulting from addition.
5 Letters
TOTAL: The full amount or quantity, with nothing omitted or remaining. A straightforward synonym for both 'complete' and 'total'.
WHOLE: Indicating something complete, undivided, or entire, without any parts missing. It signifies fullness and completion.
GROSS: Referring to a total amount before any deductions, often implying an overall or complete amount before specific items are taken away.
6 Letters
ENTIRE: Meaning all of something, complete and without exception. It emphasizes that no part has been left out.
More About "crossword clue complete total"
The clue "complete total" is a good example of a crossword clue that uses two closely related synonyms to guide you to a single answer. Both words point towards the idea of entirety, fullness, or the absolute sum. Crossword setters often use this technique to narrow down the possibilities or to confirm the intended meaning, making the clue feel redundant but actually quite precise.
When you encounter such a clue, consider words that encapsulate both concepts. Is it a numerical total? Is it an unblemished whole? The context of the crossword itself, including the puzzle's theme or the type of publication, can sometimes provide subtle hints. For instance, a finance-themed puzzle might lean more towards "GROSS" or "SUM", while a general knowledge puzzle might prefer "TOTAL" or "WHOLE".
Understanding the nuances between these synonyms is crucial for advanced crossword solving. While "TOTAL" and "ENTIRE" are often interchangeable in casual speech, their precise definitions can differ slightly, which crosswords exploit. Paying attention to these subtle distinctions, combined with the letter count, will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Double Clues: When a clue uses two similar words like "complete total," consider words that perfectly blend both meanings. Often, the answer is a very direct synonym for both.
- Focus on Letter Count First: Always use the number of letters as your primary filter. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides you to the most relevant answers.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters you already have from crossing words are your best friends. They can confirm a suspicion or rule out an otherwise plausible answer. Never force an answer that doesn't fit the existing letters.
- Consider Nuances of Synonyms: While many words mean 'total' or 'complete', their subtle differences (e.g., numerical total vs. abstract completeness) can be the key. Think about the specific context the clue might imply.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'complete total' imply in a crossword clue?
It typically points to a word signifying an absolute amount, the entirety of something, or the absence of any missing parts. Think synonyms for 'all,' 'entire,' or 'sum.' The clue emphasizes both the finished state and the full quantity.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'TOTAL' and 'ENTIRE'?
The number of letters is key. 'TOTAL' is 5 letters, 'ENTIRE' is 6. Also, consider the specific nuance: 'TOTAL' often implies a numerical sum or an aggregate, while 'ENTIRE' emphasizes completeness or undividedness of an object or concept. The surrounding letters in the grid will often provide the definitive guide.
Are there common tricks related to 'total' clues?
Sometimes 'total' can refer to a summary, an overall effect, or even a state of being utterly so, not just a numerical sum. Be open to words like 'SUM,' 'WHOLE,' 'GROSS,' or even 'UTTER' depending on the context and the letter count. Always cross-reference with intersecting words.