crossword clue feed – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "feed", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue feed" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MEAL: A regular portion of food, or an act of feeding. Often used in puzzles when 'feed' refers to sustenance.
6 Letters
SUPPLY: To provide or furnish, often with necessities like food, water, or resources. Directly relates to the act of 'feeding' resources.
FODDER: Food, especially dried hay or straw, for livestock. A specific type of 'feed' in agricultural contexts.
7 Letters
NOURISH: To provide with food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. A direct synonym for 'feed' in a supportive context.
9 Letters
PROVENDER: Food for livestock; fodder. An older, more formal term for 'feed', particularly for animals.
More About "crossword clue feed"
"Feed" is a remarkably versatile word in the English language, which makes it a frequent and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Its meanings range from providing nourishment, as in 'to feed a child', to supplying information or material, like 'feeding data into a computer' or 'feeding a line to an actor'. It can also refer to a channel of content, such as an 'RSS feed' or a 'news feed'.
Crossword setters often leverage this versatility. A clue for "feed" might hint at an animal's meal, a person's diet, or even the input mechanism of a machine. Paying close attention to the nuances of the clue's phrasing and any accompanying wordplay can help narrow down which specific meaning of "feed" is intended, guiding you to the correct answer length and letters.
Understanding these multiple contexts is crucial for solving. If the clue mentions livestock, answers like FODDER or PROVENDER are strong candidates. If it's about provision or sustenance, words like NOURISH or SUPPLY might fit. Always consider the surrounding words in the clue and any related themes in the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For multi-faceted words like "feed", consider if the clue points to a noun (the food itself) or a verb (the act of giving food/information).
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even if you're unsure of the whole word, filling in a few letters from crossing clues can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "feed".
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: Brainstorming words that mean the same or opposite of "feed" in its various contexts can spark the right answer.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: "Feed" is part of many phrasal verbs (e.g., feed off, feed into). Sometimes clues will hint at these extended meanings.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'feed' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'feed' often refers to providing food (e.g., NOURISH, MEAL), but can also mean to supply or input information (e.g., SUPPLY, INPUT), or even a channel of content (e.g., STREAM, CHANNEL). The context of the surrounding letters and the puzzle theme are key.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'feed' when solving?
Look for additional clues in the wordplay. If the clue implies a process, 'NOURISH' or 'PROVIDE' might fit. If it's about output or a channel, 'STREAM' or 'INPUT' could be correct. Also, consider the number of letters in the answer grid, as this often narrows down possibilities significantly.
Are there common wordplay elements with 'feed'?
Yes, 'feed' can be part of idioms or phrases like 'feed the line' or 'feeding frenzy'. It might also appear in anagrams or hidden words. Sometimes, clues might relate to 'feed' as a noun (animal food) versus a verb (to give food), so pay attention to the part of speech.