crossword clue feral – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible answers and explanations for the challenging crossword clue "feral", helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide solutions by letter count, detailed meanings, and helpful tips to improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue feral" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WILD: This is a common and direct synonym for 'feral', referring to an animal or plant existing in a wild or untamed state, especially after domestication.
6 Letters
SAVAGE: While 'savage' can imply brutality, it also aligns with the untamed, fierce, or wild aspect of 'feral', making it a viable answer depending on the nuance of the clue.
7 Letters
UNTAMED: A perfect fit, meaning not domesticated or otherwise controlled, directly reflecting the core meaning of 'feral'.
More About "crossword clue feral"
The term "feral" describes an animal (or sometimes a plant) that has escaped from domestication and returned to a wild state. Unlike naturally wild animals, feral creatures originate from a domesticated lineage, making their 'wildness' a result of reversion rather than inherent nature. This nuance can sometimes be key in crosswords, distinguishing it from simply 'wild'.
In crosswords, "feral" often serves as a straightforward synonym clue, prompting answers like WILD or UNTAMED. However, depending on the puzzle's complexity or theme, it might require a more descriptive or even metaphorical answer, relating to an uncontrolled, untamed, or even brutal quality.
Understanding this specific meaning helps in identifying the correct answer, especially when multiple words might broadly fit the concept of "wildness" but only one precisely captures the essence of "feral" within the given letter constraints.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "feral," think about the specific subtle differences in meaning between synonyms. Is it just wild, or specifically wild after domestication?
- Check Crossing Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. They are your most reliable guide to narrowing down possibilities.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a direct synonym but describes a characteristic or consequence of being "feral," such as being uncontrolled or aggressive.
- Use a Thesaurus Strategically: If you're stuck, a thesaurus can provide a wider range of words associated with "feral," allowing you to test different lengths and meanings against your grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'feral' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Feral' in a crossword clue usually points to words related to being wild, untamed, undomesticated, or having reverted to a wild state after being domesticated. Common answers include 'WILD', 'UNTAMED', or 'SAVAGE'.
How can I distinguish 'feral' from 'wild' when solving crosswords?
While often used interchangeably in crosswords, 'feral' specifically implies an organism that was once domesticated but has returned to a wild state (e.g., feral cats). 'Wild' simply means not domesticated. The puzzle's context or surrounding letters often give clues to the precise synonym needed.
What if my answer for 'feral' doesn't fit the letter count?
If your initial thought for 'feral' (like WILD or UNTAMED) doesn't fit, consider alternative synonyms or slightly different interpretations. Explore words like 'BRUTISH', 'SAVAGE', 'FIERCE', or more specific terms like 'ESCAPED'. Always check the crossing letters to narrow down possibilities.