crossword clue small antelope – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "small antelope", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue small antelope" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GNU: A type of wildebeest, an antelope often used for shorter answers in crosswords, despite some species being quite large.
5 Letters
ADDAX: A desert antelope, sometimes referred to as the white antelope, known for its distinctive spiraled horns. It is medium-sized but fits into 'antelope' categories.
6 Letters
DIKDIK: A very small, deer-like antelope native to the bushlands of eastern and southern Africa, typically standing under 2 feet tall. A perfect fit for 'small antelope'.
DUIKER: A small to medium-sized antelope found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its short horns and secretive, often solitary habits.
More About "small antelope"
The term "small antelope" can refer to a variety of fascinating species, many of which are common inhabitants of African plains and forests. These smaller antelopes often have unique characteristics that differentiate them from their larger relatives, such as a more secretive nature, adaptations for dense bush, or distinctive markings.
When solving crosswords, clues for "small antelope" frequently point to specific genera known for their diminutive size. The DIKDIK, for instance, is one of the smallest antelopes in the world, perfectly embodying the "small" descriptor. DUIKERS, while varying in size, also include several truly small species. Understanding these specific animals can significantly speed up your crossword-solving process.
Sometimes, crossword setters use "small antelope" to guide you towards a shorter answer that might be a general term for an antelope, like GNU or even ORYX, rather than strictly implying physical size. Always consider the number of letters required for the answer to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is the most crucial piece of information in any crossword clue and can immediately eliminate many possibilities for "small antelope".
- Think Broadly and Specifically: While the clue says "small antelope", remember that setters sometimes use broader terms (like GNU for any antelope) if the letter count demands it. Also, be ready for very specific, truly small antelopes like DIKDIK or DUIKER.
- Contextual Clues: Look for any additional words in the clue. Is it "small desert antelope"? "small African antelope"? These details can point you towards a specific species like the ADDAX or a region-specific DUIKER.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly confirm or rule out potential answers. This is especially helpful with less common animal names.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common small antelope answers in crosswords?
The most common answers for 'small antelope' in crosswords typically include DIKDIK and DUIKER, as they are genuinely miniature species. Other more general antelope names like GNU or ADDAX might also appear, where 'small' is used to imply a shorter word length rather than strict biological size.
Why is 'GNU' sometimes an answer for 'small antelope'?
While a GNU (wildebeest) is not biologically a small antelope, it is a very common short (3-letter) word for 'antelope' in general crossword puzzles. The clue might be designed to trick solvers into thinking of a short word rather than strictly a small animal, or to refer to a juvenile animal.
How can I distinguish between different antelope answers in crosswords?
The key is often the letter count. If you need a 6-letter word for 'small antelope', DIKDIK or DUIKER are strong candidates. For shorter answers, words like GNU (3 letters) or ORYX (4 letters) might be used. Pay attention to any additional descriptors in the clue, such as 'desert antelope' (ORYX, ADDAX) or 'African antelope'.