crossword clue small island – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and stuck on the clue "small island," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your crossword.
Solutions for "crossword clue small island" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CAY: A low-lying island formed on a coral reef.
AIT: A small island, especially one in a river or lake.
ILE: French word for island, often used in crosswords when a foreign term is needed.
4 Letters
ISLE: A small island or peninsula, often used poetically.
5 Letters
ISLET: A very small island, a diminutive of 'isle'.
ATOLL: A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets, often enclosing a lagoon.
More About "small island"
The clue "small island" is a perennial favorite in crosswords due to the rich variety of synonyms and specific geographical terms that fit this description. From common English words like 'ISLE' and 'ISLET' to more specialized terms like 'CAY' (a coral island) or 'AIT' (a river island), crossword setters have a wide palette to choose from. This variety allows them to fit different letter counts within their grids, making it a versatile clue.
Understanding the nuances of each term can be incredibly helpful. For instance, 'ATOLL' specifically refers to a ring-shaped coral formation, while 'ILE' introduces a foreign language element, often appearing in more advanced puzzles or those with a European theme. By recognizing these variations, you can more effectively deduce the correct answer based on the surrounding letters and other clues in your puzzle.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide you with all these possibilities, ensuring you're never stumped for long on clues like "small island." We aim to be your go-to resource for accurate and comprehensive crossword solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available boxes in the grid. This immediately narrows down your options, as demonstrated by our categorized answer lists.
- Consider Specific Types: For clues like "small island," think beyond the generic. Is there a hint of coral (CAY, ATOLL), a river (AIT), or a foreign word (ILE)? Specific context often points to a unique answer.
- Check Crossing Letters: Once you have a few letters filled in from other clues, use them to eliminate incorrect answers. The most obscure terms become obvious when only one fits the letter pattern.
- Think about Poetic or Obscure Synonyms: Crosswords often delve into less common or older synonyms. For a "small island," 'ISLE' can sometimes be used in a more poetic sense than a literal geographical one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "small island"?
Crossword constructors often use various synonyms or specific types of small islands (like cays, atolls, or aits) to fit different letter counts in their puzzles. The context of the surrounding letters is key to finding the right fit, as is the specific nuance of the definition.
What's the difference between an 'isle' and an 'islet'?
An 'isle' is simply an island, often implying a smaller one, or used in a poetic context. An 'islet' is a diminutive form, specifically meaning a very small island. So, an islet is always an isle, but an isle isn't necessarily an islet.
How can I narrow down the options for "small island" in a crossword?
Always check the number of letters required first. Then look at any crossing letters you've already filled in. The clue might also provide a subtle hint, such as "river island" (hinting at AIT) or "coral formation" (hinting at ATOLL or CAY). Sometimes, knowledge of foreign words like 'ILE' (French for island) is also required.