demanding crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "demanding crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "demanding crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARD: Requiring great effort or endurance; difficult to accomplish.
5 Letters
TOUGH: Difficult and requiring considerable effort or stamina; robust and able to withstand hardship.
6 Letters
STRICT: Requiring rigid adherence to rules or standards; precise and meticulous.
7 Letters
ONEROUS: Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome; arduous.
8 Letters
EXACTING: Making great demands on one's skill, attention, or other resources; severe in demands or requirements.
RIGOROUS: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate; adhering strictly and uncompromisingly to certain standards.
More About "demanding crossword clue"
The clue "demanding crossword clue" often appears in puzzles because the word "demanding" is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple related meanings and a rich array of synonyms. This allows setters to use it for various letter lengths and contexts within the puzzle. It can refer to something difficult, strict, burdensome, or requiring a lot of effort, skill, or attention.
When you encounter 'demanding' in a crossword, consider the specific nuance the setter might be hinting at. Is it a demanding task (difficult/arduous)? A demanding boss (strict/exacting)? Or a demanding schedule (onerous/rigorous)? Thinking about these slight shifts in meaning can help narrow down the potential answers from a broad list of synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even if you don't know the answer immediately, often filling in intersecting words will give you a few letters. These letters can then guide you to the correct synonym for "demanding".
- Consider the Part of Speech: Is "demanding" used as an adjective (e.g., a demanding task) or a verb (e.g., demanding attention)? This can sometimes subtly influence the type of synonym required.
- Think of Nuances: As mentioned, "demanding" has different shades of meaning. Brainstorm synonyms for each nuance (e.g., 'difficult', 'strict', 'burdensome') and see which fits the letter count and surrounding letters.
- Look for Common Crossword Patterns: Certain words or types of answers appear more frequently in crosswords. Over time, you'll build a mental database of these common solutions for popular clues like "demanding."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'demanding' a common crossword clue?
'Demanding' is a versatile word with many synonyms (e.g., hard, tough, exacting, strict, onerous, rigorous), making it a frequent choice for crossword setters to test vocabulary across different lengths and nuances. Its various interpretations allow for diverse answers.
How can I figure out the length of the 'demanding' answer?
The length of the answer is determined by the number of empty squares in the grid. If the clue 'demanding' leads to 4 squares, then 'HARD' is a strong candidate. Always count the available spaces before considering synonyms.
Are there other words for 'demanding' often seen in crosswords?
Beyond the common ones, 'demanding' can also refer to 'ARDUOUS' (7 letters), 'BURDENSOME' (10 letters), 'CHALLENGING' (11 letters), or even 'HIGH-MAINTENANCE' (15 letters, often clued differently but related to a demanding nature). Context within the puzzle is key.