crossword clue spear – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "spear", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue spear" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GORE: To pierce with a sharp object, often associated with an animal's horns or tusks, but can also imply piercing with a spear-like weapon.
4 Letters
PIKE: A long, pointed weapon, similar to a spear, historically used by infantry. Also, a type of fish often caught using a spear or gaff.
5 Letters
LANCE: A long, sharp weapon carried by cavalry, especially in medieval times for jousting or battle. Can also be a verb meaning to pierce or open with a lancet.
7 Letters
JAVELIN: A light spear primarily designed to be thrown as a weapon, famously used in ancient warfare and modern athletics.
More About "crossword clue spear"
"Spear" is a versatile crossword clue that can point to various answers, from ancient weaponry to a verb describing an action. As a noun, it most commonly refers to a long-shafted weapon with a sharp, pointed head, such as a PIKE or LANCE. These variations often depend on the historical context, the user of the weapon (cavalry vs. infantry), or its primary method of use (thrusting vs. throwing).
Beyond its weapon meaning, "spear" can also refer to a sharp, pointed object or an action. For example, to "spear" something means to pierce it with a sharp object, aligning with answers like GORE. It can also refer to the act of catching fish with a spear, or even the new shoots of a plant, such as an "asparagus spear," though these are less common in standard crossword clues.
When encountering "spear" in a crossword, consider the letter count and any accompanying words in the clue that might narrow down its meaning, such as "throwable weapon" (JAVELIN) or "cavalry weapon" (LANCE).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is the most crucial filter for potential solutions like PIKE (4 letters) vs. JAVELIN (7 letters).
- Consider Contextual Clues: Look for other words in the clue that provide hints about the setting (e.g., "medieval," "fishing," "athletics") or the type of "spear" being referenced.
- Think of Synonyms and Verbs: "Spear" can be a noun or a verb. Consider synonyms for the weapon itself (PIKE, LANCE, JAVELIN) and verbs related to piercing or thrusting (GORE).
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The letters already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly confirm or eliminate potential answers for "spear."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common themes are associated with 'spear' in crosswords?
Common themes for 'spear' in crosswords often include ancient weaponry, hunting tools, fishing equipment, or verbs like 'to thrust' or 'to pierce'. Contextual clues might relate to specific historical periods, mythological figures, or actions.
How can I distinguish between similar spear-related answers like 'lance' and 'pike'?
Distinguishing between 'lance' and 'pike' often comes down to their historical usage and associated contexts. 'Lance' typically refers to a weapon used by cavalry, often in jousting. 'Pike' refers to a long, infantry polearm used to repel cavalry or during formations. The specific length or historical period hinted at in the clue can be a strong differentiator.
Are there any less common meanings of 'spear' used in crosswords?
Yes, 'spear' can also be used as a verb meaning to 'thrust' or 'pierce' (e.g., 'to spear a fish'). Less common uses might refer to a 'spearhead' (leading part of an attack or movement) or botanical contexts, like a 'spear of grass' or 'asparagus spear'.