crossword clue doubting thomas – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Your ultimate resource for solving the clue "doubting thomas". Below you'll find all possible solutions categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and enrich your crossword vocabulary.
Solutions for "crossword clue doubting thomas" by Letter Count
7 Letters
SKEPTIC: One who doubts or questions, aligning with the core meaning of 'Doubting Thomas'.
DOUBTER: A person who doubts, a direct synonym for 'Doubting Thomas' in its literal sense.
10 Letters
UNBELIEVER: Someone who lacks religious faith or belief, often used in a broader context but applicable to the original biblical story.
More About "crossword clue doubting thomas"
The idiom "Doubting Thomas" originates from the Gospel of John (Chapter 20, verses 24-29) in the New Testament. It refers to Thomas the Apostle, who was not present when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after his resurrection. Upon hearing their account, Thomas declared he would not believe unless he could see and touch the wounds on Jesus's body.
When Jesus later appeared again, he invited Thomas to touch his wounds, after which Thomas confessed his belief. This biblical narrative has given rise to the phrase, which now describes a person who is skeptical and refuses to believe something without direct, often tangible, proof or personal experience. In crosswords, this clue often points to words that signify skepticism, disbelief, or a lack of faith, making synonyms like SKEPTIC, DOUBTER, or UNBELIEVER common solutions.
Understanding the full context of "Doubting Thomas" not only helps in solving crossword puzzles but also enriches one's general knowledge of common idioms and their origins. This type of clue tests your vocabulary and your ability to connect a well-known cultural reference to its core meaning of skepticism.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: For clues like "doubting thomas," consider the origin of the phrase. Is it biblical, literary, or historical? This often narrows down the type of synonyms you should be looking for (e.g., words related to faith, skepticism, or questioning).
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of letters required for the answer. If you have several possible words, the letter count will quickly eliminate incorrect options. For "doubting thomas," you might think of 'CYNIC' (5 letters) which doesn't fit a 7-letter slot.
- Look for Common Synonyms: Think about the core meaning of the phrase. "Doubting Thomas" essentially means someone who doubts. Brainstorm common synonyms for 'doubt' or 'skepticism' that fit the required letter count.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Once you have a few intersecting letters from other solved clues, those letters can often provide the crucial hint needed to confirm or eliminate potential answers for challenging clues like this one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the term 'Doubting Thomas'?
The phrase 'Doubting Thomas' originates from the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It refers to Thomas the Apostle, who initially doubted Jesus's resurrection and insisted on physical proof. This story led to the idiom for someone who is skeptical and requires tangible evidence before believing.
How does 'Doubting Thomas' typically appear in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'Doubting Thomas' clues usually point to words that mean a person who doubts, a non-believer, or someone who is skeptical. Common answers include SKEPTIC, DOUBTER, or UNBELIEVER. The clue often tests your knowledge of common idioms and synonyms for disbelief.
Are there other biblical figures often clued in crosswords?
Yes, many biblical figures and terms appear in crosswords. Examples include ADAM, EVE, NOAH, CAIN, ABEL, EDEN, ARK, etc. Clues can range from direct references to metaphorical or idiomatic uses, similar to 'Doubting Thomas'.