crossword clue ill will – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "ill will", designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue ill will" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HATE: Intense dislike or animosity.
5 Letters
SPITE: A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
6 Letters
MALICE: The intention or desire to do evil; ill will.
GRUDGE: A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury.
RANCOR: Bitter resentment or ill-will.
ENMITY: The state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.
More About "crossword clue ill will"
"Ill will" is a classic crossword clue often used to prompt answers related to negative emotions, animosity, or hostile feelings. It's a broad term that can encompass a range of synonyms, making it a versatile clue for puzzle setters. Recognizing the various nuances can be key to selecting the correct answer from the available letters in your grid.
The challenge with "ill will" lies in its many possible interpretations and the numerous words that fit its definition. Common solutions like MALICE, SPITE, HATE, GRUDGE, and RANCOR all convey a sense of negative disposition towards another. The specific answer usually depends on the required letter count and any intersecting letters from other clues in the puzzle.
Mastering clues like "ill will" requires building a strong vocabulary of synonyms for common emotional states. Keeping an open mind to different shades of meaning, from a general feeling of dislike to a deep-seated resentment, will greatly assist in solving these types of clues quickly and accurately.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the exact number of letters in the answer you're considering. This is often the most critical filter for synonyms like "ill will."
- Consider Nuances: While many words mean "ill will," some have specific connotations. A "grudge" implies persistence, while "spite" implies an active desire to annoy. Check if the surrounding clues hint at a particular nuance.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes, even with synonyms, certain common word beginnings or endings can appear. For instance, words ending in -OR (like RANCOR) are frequent answers for abstract nouns.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm letters. Even if you're stuck on "ill will," a clear intersecting clue might provide a letter that locks in the correct synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ill will" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "ill will" typically refers to feelings of animosity, hostility, or resentment. Common answers often include synonyms like MALICE, SPITE, GRUDGE, or HATE.
How can I narrow down answers for a clue like "ill will"?
When faced with synonyms like "ill will," consider the number of letters required. Also, look at surrounding letters in the grid, as these can help eliminate possibilities. Sometimes, the specific nuance of a synonym (e.g., persistent 'grudge' vs. general 'hate') might be indicated by other clues in the puzzle.
Are there common word patterns for "ill will" synonyms?
While there aren't specific patterns, many synonyms for "ill will" tend to be 4-6 letters long, like HATE, SPITE, MALICE, or GRUDGE. Being familiar with these common lengths can be very helpful in solving.