cruel crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving those tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "cruel crossword", categorized by letter count to help you pinpoint the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "cruel crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
HARSH: Suggests severity, unkindness, or a lack of gentleness, often fitting for 'cruel'.
6 Letters
BRUTAL: A strong synonym for cruel, implying extreme harshness or savagery.
SEVERE: Can mean intensely disagreeable, strict, or harsh, aligning well with 'cruel'.
UNKIND: A direct and widely accepted synonym for cruel, lacking compassion or consideration.
8 Letters
RUTHLESS: Implies a complete lack of pity or compassion, a stronger form of 'cruel'.
More About "cruel crossword"
"Cruel" is a common and versatile adjective in English, making it a frequent visitor in crossword puzzles. When you encounter "cruel" as a clue, the setter is usually looking for a synonym that captures its essence of causing pain or suffering, or lacking compassion. The challenge often lies in matching the exact nuance and, crucially, the letter count.
Crossword setters might use "cruel" to elicit words describing harsh actions, unfeeling individuals, or difficult circumstances. Answers can range from direct synonyms like UNKIND to more intense descriptors such as BRUTAL or MERCILESS. Understanding the various shades of meaning can help you narrow down the possibilities when you have a few crossing letters.
Sometimes, "cruel" might appear in a clue as part of a phrase, like "cruel blow" or "cruel fate," which would then point to a more specific answer related to the entire expression rather than just the word "cruel" itself. Always read the full clue carefully to catch these contextual hints.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available squares for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus. For "cruel," if you have 5 letters, HARSH is a strong contender.
- Consider Nuance: While many words are synonyms for "cruel," their exact connotations differ. Is the clue looking for general unkindness (UNKIND), extreme harshness (BRUTAL), or a lack of mercy (RUTHLESS)?
- Look at Crossing Letters: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues are your best friends. They'll confirm (or deny) your potential answers and guide you to the correct solution.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't a simple synonym but a word describing the *effect* of something cruel (e.g., HARSHNESS if the clue was 'cruelty').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if 'cruel' is part of a longer clue?
If 'cruel' is part of a longer clue, like 'cruel dictator' or 'cruel fate', focus on the entire phrase. The answer will likely be a specific type of cruel person or outcome, e.g., TYRANT for 'cruel dictator' or ADVERSE for 'cruel fate'.
How can I distinguish between similar synonyms like 'harsh' and 'severe'?
The exact fit depends on the puzzle's letter count and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Consider the nuance: 'harsh' often implies a more abrasive or ungentle quality, while 'severe' can refer to strictness, intensity, or a lack of comfort.
Are there any common crossword tricks related to 'cruel'?
Watch for hidden words, anagrams (though less common for a single adjective clue), or definitions that might be a bit more abstract, like 'without mercy' (MERCILESS) or 'hard-hearted' (STONEY), which expand on the meaning of 'cruel'.