crossword clue nonsense – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "nonsense", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue nonsense" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BUNK: Meaning absurd talk or opinions.
5 Letters
TRIPE: Meaning something of no value or meaning, foolish talk.
7 Letters
HOGWASH: Meaning nonsense; bunkum.
TWADDLE: Meaning trivial or silly talk or writing.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: Meaning something that is foolish or absurd.
9 Letters
GIBBERISH: Meaning unintelligible or meaningless speech or writing; nonsense.
More About "crossword clue nonsense"
The clue "nonsense" is a versatile one in crosswords, often pointing towards words that imply lack of meaning, absurdity, or triviality. This type of clue can test your vocabulary across various registers, from colloquial terms like "bunk" to more formal ones like "gibberish." Recognizing the shades of meaning in "nonsense" is key to finding the correct answer.
Crossword setters love using such clues because they allow for a wide array of synonyms. Sometimes, "nonsense" might even hint at a sound (like "blah" or "hooey") rather than a direct definition, or it could be part of a pun or a cryptic construction. Always consider the context of the puzzle – is it a quick, easy puzzle, or a more challenging cryptic one that demands deeper thought?
When you encounter "nonsense," think about what kind of "nonsense" is implied: is it foolish talk, impractical ideas, or simply unintelligible speech? Each nuance can lead you to a different, yet equally valid, answer depending on the available letters and crossing words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Words like "nonsense" can range from playful to derisive. Consider if the answer should be humorous (e.g., "bunk") or more dismissive (e.g., "tripe").
- Check for Wordplay Cues: If the puzzle is cryptic, "nonsense" might be an indicator for an anagram, a hidden word, or a homophone. Look for other words in the clue that hint at such devices.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. This is often the most critical step in narrowing down possible solutions for a vague clue like "nonsense."
- Consider Letter Length: As demonstrated on this page, possible answers for "nonsense" vary significantly in length. Knowing the required letter count immediately eliminates many possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crosswords use words like 'nonsense' as clues?
Clues like 'nonsense' often point to words that are synonyms for absurdity, trivial talk, or meaningless sounds. They encourage solvers to think broadly about synonyms and sometimes wordplay, moving beyond literal definitions to find the answer.
What's the difference between a direct and an indirect clue for 'nonsense'?
A direct clue would be a straightforward synonym like 'Absurdity.' An indirect clue might be more cryptic, hinting at the concept with wordplay, puns, or by asking for a word that sounds like 'nonsense' or is an anagram. For example, 'Sense on, for confusion!' (anag. of NONSENSE).
How can I improve my vocabulary for abstract clues like 'nonsense'?
Regularly solving crosswords, using a thesaurus, reading widely, and specifically noting synonyms for abstract concepts like 'nonsense,' 'truth,' 'beauty,' etc., can significantly improve your vocabulary. Pay attention to how clues are phrased in different puzzles and expand your mental dictionary of such words.