crossword clue tedium – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "tedium", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue tedium" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ENNUI: A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
7 Letters
BOREDOM: A state of feeling bored and lacking interest.
8 Letters
MONOTONY: Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine.
DRABNESS: The quality of being dull, uninteresting, or cheerless.
DULLNESS: Lack of brightness, sharpness, or intensity; a state of being uninteresting.
9 Letters
WEARINESS: Extreme tiredness; fatigue; or a state of being tired of something.
More About "crossword clue tedium"
The word "tedium" directly refers to the state of being tedious, which means boring, monotonous, or tiresome. In the realm of crosswords, clues pointing to tedium often seek synonyms that evoke this feeling or describe conditions that lead to it. Common answers like BOREDOM, MONOTONY, or ENNUI are strong candidates, each carrying a slightly different nuance but all related to a lack of interest or mental stimulation.
Crossword setters might use various angles to clue "tedium." They could describe a repetitive task ("Routine's result?"), a feeling ("Apathy's kin"), or a general state of dullness ("The daily grind"). Recognizing these different approaches is key to identifying the correct answer among similar-length options. Always consider the precise connotation of the clue and how it might align with the synonyms for 'tedium'.
When 'tedium' appears in a clue, it's a good reminder to think broadly about words describing unpleasant sameness, weariness, or the absence of excitement. Sometimes, the answer might be less about the direct feeling and more about the characteristic of something that causes that feeling, like 'drabness' or 'dullness'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "tedium," pay close attention to subtle differences between synonyms. Is the clue hinting at a feeling (ennui), a quality (monotony), or a result (boredom)?
- Check Letter Count: The exact number of letters is your most valuable constraint. Use it to narrow down possible answers quickly. If you have some letters already filled, try fitting the known letters into potential solutions.
- Consider the Setter's Style: Some crossword setters prefer more straightforward synonyms, while others might lean towards more obscure or literary terms. Familiarity with the puzzle's source (e.g., cryptic vs. quick) can provide hints.
- Look for Antonyms: Sometimes, thinking of the opposite of the clue can spark ideas for synonyms. The opposite of tedium is excitement, interest, or vibrancy. This can occasionally lead to a relevant word or a type of word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the primary meaning of 'tedium' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'tedium' most commonly refers to a state of being bored, monotonous, or weary. Answers often revolve around synonyms like BOREDOM, MONOTONY, or ENNUI.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like BOREDOM and MONOTONY?
While related, BOREDOM typically describes a feeling of being unengaged, whereas MONOTONY emphasizes the repetitive, unchanging nature of something that causes the boredom. The clue's nuance or surrounding letters can help distinguish.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'tedium' in clues?
'Tedium' is fairly straightforward, but sometimes clues might hint at the 'cause' of tedium (e.g., 'repetitive work') rather than the feeling itself. Always consider if the clue points to a state or an action/cause.