demanding crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "demanding crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide all the possible solutions, with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "demanding crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARD: Requiring great effort or endurance.
5 Letters
TOUGH: Difficult to solve or deal with.
8 Letters
RIGOROUS: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate, often implying difficulty.
11 Letters
CHALLENGING: Testing one's abilities; demanding considerable effort or skill.
More About "demanding crossword"
A "demanding crossword" isn't just about obscure words; it's about the puzzle's overall complexity and the mental effort required to solve it. This can stem from intricate wordplay, clever misdirection in clues, or a need for a broad general knowledge base spanning various subjects. Often, these puzzles are designed to push solvers' limits, making the eventual triumph even more satisfying.
The term "demanding" can also refer to cryptic crosswords, which employ a unique language of their own, combining definitions with wordplay elements like anagrams, hidden words, and charades. Understanding these conventions is key to cracking such a demanding puzzle. Even standard crosswords can be demanding if they feature less common vocabulary or a particularly fiendish setter.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue Structure: For demanding clues, break them down. Look for indicators of anagrams, reversals, or other wordplay. If it's a cryptic clue, identify the definition part and the wordplay part.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Demanding crosswords often use synonyms that aren't the first to come to mind or homophones that play on sound-alikes. Consider multiple meanings of words in the clue.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words as powerful hints. Even a single letter can unlock a previously intractable clue.
- Take a Break: Sometimes, stepping away from a demanding puzzle for a short while allows your brain to reset. You might return with fresh eyes and spot something you missed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword 'demanding'?
A demanding crossword often features obscure vocabulary, complex wordplay (especially in cryptic crosswords), multi-part clues, or an unusual grid structure. The clues might be highly ambiguous or require deep lateral thinking beyond simple definitions.
How can I improve my skills for demanding crosswords?
To tackle demanding puzzles, expand your vocabulary by reading widely, practice regularly with various types of crosswords, and familiarize yourself with common clue patterns and indicators (e.g., anagrams, hidden words, homophones). Don't be afraid to use a dictionary or thesaurus when stuck.
Are there different types of demanding crosswords?
Absolutely. Cryptic crosswords are inherently demanding due to their intricate wordplay and double meanings. Other types might be challenging due to their sheer size, an extremely niche theme, or a strict grid that limits possible word choices. American and British styles can also present different demands.