crossword clue severe – All Crossword Answers

Q: How can I find the best answer for 'severe' if I have a specific number of letters?

Knowing the letter count is crucial. For instance, if you need a 4-letter word, 'DIRE' or 'GRIM' might be options. For 5 letters, 'HARSH', 'STERN', or 'CRUEL' are possibilities. If the clue directly matches the word 'SEVERE', it will be 6 letters long. Always cross-reference with intersecting clues to confirm the correct fit.

Q: Are there common themes or contexts for 'severe' in crosswords?

Yes, 'severe' commonly appears in contexts of weather (e.g., 'severe storm'), health (e.g., 'severe pain'), rules or punishments (e.g., 'severe penalty'), or personality traits (e.g., 'severe look' or 'severe critic'). The surrounding words in the clue often provide vital context to narrow down the meaning and help select the correct synonym.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! On this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for the clue "crossword clue severe", categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.

Solutions for "crossword clue severe" by Letter Count

4 Letters

DIRE: Indicating a situation or event that is extremely serious or urgent, often with a sense of impending doom.

GRIM: Forbidding or uninviting in appearance; stern or unyielding in character.

5 Letters

HARSH: Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses; cruel or severe in manner.

STERN: (Of a person or their manner) serious and unrelenting, especially in the assertion of authority and exercise of discipline.

ACUTE: (Of a bad situation or feeling) present or experienced to a severe or intense degree.

GRAVE: (Of a situation, feeling, or effect) very serious or important; giving cause for alarm.

CRUEL: Willfully causing pain or suffering to others, or feeling no concern about it; severely punishing.

6 Letters

SEVERE: (Of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense, as in severe weather or a severe test.

8 Letters

RIGOROUS: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate; adhering strictly or scrupulously, often implying difficulty or strictness.

9 Letters

DRACONIAN: (Of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe, named after Drakon, an Athenian lawgiver.

11 Letters

UNRELENTING: Not yielding in strength, severity, or intensity, often referring to pressure or conditions.

More About "crossword clue severe"

The word "severe" carries a strong connotation of intensity, strictness, or seriousness, making it a versatile and frequently appearing clue in crosswords. Depending on the context, it can refer to a multitude of situations, from extreme weather conditions to a harsh critical assessment, or even a strict disciplinary measure. Understanding these varied applications is key to identifying the correct answer.

Crossword setters love using words like "severe" because they have a rich tapestry of synonyms across different word lengths. This allows them to create challenging yet fair puzzles. For example, a clue might hint at the 'severity' of a storm (leading to answers like GRIM or DIRE), or the 'severity' of a judge's ruling (suggesting STERN or HARSH). Always consider the tone and surrounding words in the clue to pinpoint the most appropriate meaning.

When tackling a clue like "severe", thinking beyond the most obvious synonym is often necessary. Consider words that imply the *effect* of something severe, such as an ACUTE problem or a GRAVE situation. By broadening your vocabulary around the core meaning of intensity and strictness, you'll be better equipped to solve even the trickiest variations of this clue.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Context is King: Always read the full clue. If "severe" is paired with words like "weather," "pain," or "critique," it can guide you towards specific synonyms that fit the context.
Check Letter Count First: Before guessing, use the number of boxes provided in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you focus on answers of the correct length, as demonstrated in our solution list above.
Look for Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky "severe" clue in isolation. Use letters from intersecting words to fill in blanks, which often makes the correct answer for "severe" apparent.
Consider Nouns and Verbs: While 'severe' is an adjective, some crossword clues might lead to related nouns (e.g., SEVERITY) or verbs if the clue implies an action. Always be flexible with word forms if the context suggests it.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'severe' typically imply in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'severe' often implies intensity, strictness, harshness, or seriousness. Answers could range from words describing extreme weather to strict rules or grave situations. It's a broad term that allows for many synonyms.

How can I find the best answer for 'severe' if I have a specific number of letters?

Knowing the letter count is crucial. If you have 4 letters, 'DIRE' or 'GRIM' might fit. For 5 letters, 'HARSH' or 'STERN'. If you have 6, the word 'SEVERE' itself could be the answer. Always cross-reference with intersecting clues.

Are there common themes or contexts for 'severe' in crosswords?

Yes, 'severe' can appear in contexts of weather (severe storm), health (severe pain), rules (severe penalty), or personality (severe look). Pay attention to the surrounding clue words for context clues that narrow down the meaning.