crossword clue relative – All Crossword Answers

More About "crossword clue relative"

The clue "relative" in crosswords almost universally points to a member of one's family or a person connected by kinship. This broad category can encompass immediate family members like parents and siblings, as well as extended family such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. The key to solving this clue often lies in the number of letters required for the answer, guiding you towards the specific family term needed.

While the primary meaning of "relative" in crosswords leans heavily into family ties, seasoned solvers know to keep an eye out for wordplay. Occasionally, a cryptic crossword might twist the meaning to refer to something "in relation to" another item, or even a grammatical "relative pronoun." However, for standard daily crosswords, stick to the family tree first!

Understanding the common associations with "relative" will significantly speed up your puzzle-solving. Knowing that KIN is a common short answer, while RELATION or SIBLING might be longer options, provides a valuable starting point before even looking at the grid's letter count.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Check Letter Count First: Always look at the number of available boxes in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "relative" from KIN (3 letters) to RELATION (8 letters) or more.
• Consider Common Kinship Terms: Keep a mental list of frequently used family terms in crosswords. KIN, AUNT, UNCLE, PARENT, SIBLING, and COUSIN are all strong contenders.
• Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words. These will provide crucial hints and often confirm which "relative" word fits perfectly into the puzzle's structure.
• Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the clue might offer a subtle hint, such as "male relative" or "female relative," which further refines your options to UNCLE/BROTHER or AUNT/SISTER.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.