extremely harsh crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "extremely harsh," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "extremely harsh crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CRUEL: Causing pain or suffering, often without remorse.
6 Letters
SEVERE: Strict or harsh, especially in treatment or punishment.
BRUTAL: Savagely violent or cruel.
8 Letters
RIGOROUS: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate; also, strict and demanding.
9 Letters
DRACONIAN: Excessively harsh and severe, typically referring to laws or rules.
More About "extremely harsh crossword clue"
The clue "extremely harsh" often points to words that describe severe conditions, strict judgments, or unyielding personalities. When encountering such a clue, solvers should consider the context of the puzzle. Is it referring to weather, a law, a person's demeanor, or a critique? Understanding the nuance can help narrow down the possibilities from a broad range of synonyms.
For instance, 'draconian' specifically relates to laws or rules that are excessively severe, drawing from the ancient Athenian legislator Draco. 'Rigorous' can imply a harshness due to strict adherence to standards, like a rigorous training regimen. Meanwhile, 'cruel' and 'brutal' often imply a more personal, uncaring, or violent form of harshness. Paying attention to these subtle differences is key to successful crossword solving.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to not just give you the answer, but to help you understand the depth behind each clue, enhancing your solving skills for future puzzles. We strive to provide the most accurate and comprehensive solutions, ensuring you can complete any crossword with confidence.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Nuance: For clues like "extremely harsh," think about the specific type of harshness implied. Is it physical, emotional, legal, or environmental? This can guide you to more precise answers.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. Sometimes, a less common synonym might fit the exact length needed.
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: If you're unsure about an answer, fill in letters from intersecting words. This can often reveal the correct solution or eliminate incorrect ones.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Actively learning synonyms and antonyms for common adjectives and verbs will significantly improve your crossword performance. Tools like a thesaurus can be invaluable.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'extremely harsh' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Extremely harsh' usually suggests a strong negative connotation, pointing to words like 'severe,' 'cruel,' 'brutal,' 'draconian,' or 'unyielding.' It often implies a lack of leniency, compassion, or moderation, applying to rules, weather, criticism, or even people's personalities.
How can I brainstorm synonyms for 'harsh' when stuck on a crossword?
Start by thinking about different contexts where 'harsh' is used: harsh weather (cold, biting), harsh criticism (severe, scathing), harsh rules (strict, draconian), harsh taste (bitter, acrid). This helps broaden your vocabulary pool beyond the most obvious synonyms. Consider prefixes like 'un-' or 'in-' for opposites that might fit a different clue.
Are there common crossword tricks for clues involving intense adjectives like 'extremely harsh'?
Yes, look out for the exact word length requested, as a long clue might hide a short, direct synonym, or a short clue might point to a more obscure, longer word. Also, consider if the adjective describes a noun (e.g., 'harsh winter') or an action (e.g., 'harshly criticize'), which can guide you to a noun, adjective, or adverb answer. Sometimes, a common idiom or phrase containing 'harsh' might be the intended answer.