distinguishing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the right page for help with the crossword clue "distinguishing". Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "distinguishing crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
UNIQUE: Pertaining to something being the only one of its kind, setting it apart.
7 Letters
SPECIAL: Marked by some unusual quality or feature; distinct from what is ordinary.
8 Letters
HALLMARK: A typical characteristic or feature of a person or thing, serving to distinguish it.
10 Letters
DEFINITIVE: Providing a final answer or solution; clearly defined or determined, marking it as distinct.
11 Letters
DISTINCTIVE: Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others.
14 Letters
CHARACTERISTIC: A feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it.
More About "distinguishing crossword clue"
"Distinguishing" as a crossword clue is a common prompt that requires solvers to think about what makes something unique or sets it apart from others. It often leads to words that describe a defining feature, a mark of identity, or something that is unlike anything else. The difficulty lies in pinpointing the exact synonym or related concept that fits the given letter count and integrates with other intersecting words in the grid.
The concept behind "distinguishing" can be applied across various contexts, from a person's unique talent to a specific feature of an animal or object. Crossword constructors love this type of clue because it allows for a broad range of answers, encouraging solvers to consider multiple facets of the word's meaning.
When you encounter "distinguishing" in a puzzle, consider whether the answer should be an adjective (like 'unique' or 'distinctive') or a noun that represents a differentiating quality (like 'hallmark' or 'trait'). The surrounding clues will often provide crucial hints to narrow down the possibilities and guide you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "distinguishing" used as an adjective, a verb, or suggesting a noun? This often dictates the type of answer needed. For instance, 'distinguishing feature' implies a noun, while 'distinguishing characteristic' might imply an adjective.
- Consider Letter Count First: Before diving deep into synonyms, check the required letter count. This immediately prunes down your potential options.
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: Beyond direct synonyms, consider words that imply 'standing out', 'being unique', 'setting apart', or 'identifying'.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters from solved intersecting clues are your best friends. They can reveal partial answers and confirm your guesses.
- Broaden Your Vocabulary: Crosswords are a great way to learn new words. Keep a thesaurus handy, but try to think through the options first to strengthen your brain.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a distinguishing characteristic in a crossword?
When a clue asks for a 'distinguishing' characteristic, consider synonyms like unique, special, specific, or a hallmark. Pay attention to the number of letters required and the overall theme of the puzzle. Sometimes, it might refer to a specific attribute that sets something apart from similar items.
What does 'distinguishing' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'distinguishing' typically points to words that mean unique, characteristic, setting apart, or making something different. It could be an adjective describing a feature or a noun for the feature itself.
Are there common patterns for 'distinguishing' clues?
Yes, 'distinguishing' clues often lead to adjectives (like UNIQUE, DISTINCTIVE) or nouns (like HALLMARK, TRAIT) that describe a unique quality or a key identifier. Look for wordplay that might imply 'standing out' or 'being notable'.