crossword clue serious – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "serious," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword clue serious" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GRIM: Suggesting a forbidding, somber, or unyielding seriousness, often associated with a difficult situation or a severe expression.
5 Letters
GRAVE: Indicating solemnity, importance, or a critical nature. Often used when a situation is weighty or has significant consequences.
SOBER: Describing someone who is not under the influence of alcohol, but also implying a serious, thoughtful, and unexcitable demeanor.
6 Letters
SOLEMN: Referring to something formal, dignified, or deeply serious, often without humor or lightness.
SEVERE: Implying strictness, harshness, or a lack of indulgence, which can relate to a serious disposition or situation.
7 Letters
EARNEST: Denoting sincerity, intense conviction, or a serious and determined attitude towards a task or goal.
WEIGHTY: Suggesting something of great importance, consequence, or requiring serious thought and consideration.
More About "crossword clue serious"
"Serious" is a common and versatile crossword clue that can point to a variety of synonyms depending on the context and the letter count. It often implies a lack of levity, humor, or triviality, focusing instead on solemnity, importance, or earnestness. Puzzles might use it to describe a mood (like 'grim' or 'solemn'), a situation ('grave' or 'critical'), or an individual's character ('earnest' or 'sincere').
When you encounter 'serious' as a clue, consider the nuances. Is the puzzle looking for a word about health (e.g., a 'serious' illness)? Or perhaps about demeanor (e.g., a 'serious' expression)? The intersecting letters from other clues are your best friend here, as they will quickly narrow down the possibilities among the many words that can mean 'serious'. Always keep an eye out for any accompanying words in the clue that might give a more specific hint.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters required by the grid to the potential answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many options for clues like "serious."
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from already solved intersecting words are crucial. They provide concrete constraints that can confirm or rule out potential answers.
- Consider Nuances and Context: While "serious" is broad, the specific crossword setter might be hinting at a particular shade of meaning (e.g., serious as in 'important' vs. serious as in 'not joking').
- Think Beyond Basic Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer might be a less obvious synonym or an adjective describing something 'serious' rather than a direct synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'serious' mean in a crossword clue context?
'Serious' in crosswords typically points to answers related to solemnity, importance, earnestness, or a lack of humor. Common synonyms include GRAVE, SOLEMN, EARNEST, SOBER, GRIM, and IMPORTANT. The specific answer often depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues.
How do I choose between multiple answers for a 'serious' clue?
When multiple words fit the meaning of 'serious', use the letter count provided by the puzzle, and check intersecting letters from other solved clues. If it's a themed puzzle, consider if the answer fits the theme. Contextual clues or subtle wordplay hints can also guide your choice.
Are there any common trick answers for 'serious'?
While 'serious' is usually straightforward, watch out for nuances. Sometimes, 'serious' might imply 'critical' (as in critical condition) or 'important'. Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as 'deadly serious' or 'humorless serious'.