elaborate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're pondering the clue "elaborate crossword clue," you've arrived at the ultimate resource. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, carefully categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Let's find that elusive word!
Solutions for "elaborate crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ORNATE: Meaning elaborately or excessively decorated. Often used to describe something very intricate and detailed, fitting "elaborate."
7 Letters
EXPOUND: To explain or elaborate on something in detail. This verb directly aligns with the act of making something elaborate through explanation.
AMPLIFY: To make more extensive, comprehensive, or detailed. Similar to expound, it implies adding detail or substance, making something more elaborate.
8 Letters
DETAILED: Having many details or thoroughness. This adjective directly describes something that is elaborate in its construction or description.
9 Letters
ELABORATE: Worked out with great care and in detail. This is the direct word from the clue itself, often a straightforward answer if the clue is a definition.
13 Letters
SOPHISTICATED: Developed to a high degree of complexity. This word often implies intricate design, advanced knowledge, or complex systems, aligning with an elaborate nature.
More About "elaborate crossword clue"
The term "elaborate" in a crossword clue can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a range of potential answers depending on whether it's used as a verb (to elaborate) or an adjective (something elaborate). As a verb, it often points to synonyms like 'expound' or 'amplify,' indicating the act of providing more detail or expanding on a topic. This requires solvers to think about how information is presented or developed.
When used as an adjective, "elaborate" suggests complexity, intricacy, or being highly decorated. In this context, answers might include words like 'ornate,' 'detailed,' or even 'sophisticated,' describing objects, plans, or ideas that are not simple. The key to solving such clues is to consider the precise nuance the puzzle setter intends, often by looking at the word length and any crossing letters you've already filled in.
Understanding these different interpretations of "elaborate" is crucial. Crossword setters often play on the multiple meanings of words to create challenging yet fair clues. By analyzing the surrounding words in the clue or considering the overall theme of the puzzle, you can often narrow down whether you're looking for a synonym for 'to explain' or 'highly complex.'
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Determine if "elaborate" is used as a verb (to elaborate) or an adjective (an elaborate thing). This is key to finding the right type of synonym.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "elaborate," have several meanings. Keep an open mind and think about all possible interpretations that fit the given letter count.
- Use Cross-References: Don't just focus on one clue. Use the letters you've already placed from intersecting words to eliminate possibilities and confirm your answers for "elaborate crossword clue."
- Think about Connotations: Does "elaborate" suggest positive (e.g., intricate beauty) or neutral (e.g., complex explanation) connotations in the context of the clue? This can guide your word choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'elaborate' mean in a crossword clue context?
In a crossword, 'elaborate' can mean 'to explain in detail' (e.g., EXPOUND, AMPLIFY), or it can describe something 'ornate' or 'complex' (e.g., ORNATE, DETAILED, SOPHISTICATED). The specific context of the puzzle will guide which meaning is intended.
How do I find synonyms for elaborate words in crosswords?
Start by identifying the part of speech of 'elaborate' in the clue (verb, adjective, etc.). Then, think of direct synonyms or related concepts. Online thesauruses and crossword dictionaries can be incredibly helpful for expanding your vocabulary and finding less common synonyms. Also, consider cryptic meanings if it's a cryptic clue.
Are elaborate crossword clues always long?
Not necessarily. While a long clue might provide more information, an 'elaborate' clue can also be short but highly intricate or cleverly disguised. The challenge often lies in the complexity of the wordplay or the specific nuance of the definition required, rather than just the clue's length.