faints crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "faints", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "faints crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SWOONS: To suddenly lose consciousness, often temporarily, typically as a result of a strong emotion or a sudden drop in blood pressure. It is often used in a more dramatic or romantic context.
BLACKS: To lose consciousness or vision temporarily, especially through a lack of blood to the brain, often used in the phrase 'blacks out'.
9 Letters
PASSESOUT: To lose consciousness; to faint. This is a more common, informal term for fainting.
COLLAPSES: To fall down and become unconscious or extremely weak. This implies a more severe or sudden loss of physical control.
More About "faints crossword clue"
The word "faints" can evoke different scenarios, from a dramatic swoon in a period drama to a more mundane loss of consciousness due to low blood sugar. In crosswords, clue setters often leverage these nuances. While "swoons" is a classic and frequently seen answer, reflecting a more elegant or literary form of fainting, modern puzzles might also use more colloquial terms like "passes out." Understanding these variations is key to cracking the clue.
The concept of fainting, or syncope, is medically defined as a temporary loss of consciousness and posture, characterized by onset that is typically rapid, a short duration, and spontaneous recovery. This broad definition allows for a range of synonymous words in crosswords. Beyond the literal meaning, some clues might play on the idea of something 'fainting' metaphorically, such as a light 'fading' or an effort 'failing', though this is less common for a direct clue like "faints".
Always consider the context of the puzzle, including the era it was published and the setter's typical style. Older puzzles might lean towards more formal synonyms, while contemporary crosswords might embrace more casual expressions. The length of the answer slot is, of course, the most critical piece of information.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all synonyms: For verbs like 'faints', brainstorm every possible synonym you can think of. Sometimes the most obvious isn't the one the setter chose.
- Check letter count carefully: The number of letters is your biggest hint. Always double-check if your potential answer fits the exact slot. For "faints", you might have 6-letter (SWOONS, BLACKS) or 9-letter (PASSESOUT, COLLAPSES) options.
- Think of phrases: Sometimes a single word clue leads to a multi-word answer like "PASSES OUT" (though for crosswords this would usually be presented as a single word or hyphenated if spaces are allowed). Always consider common phrasal verbs related to the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'faints' typically refer to in crosswords?
'Faints' in crosswords usually refers to a temporary loss of consciousness. Common answers often include synonyms like SWOONS, PASSESOUT, or BLACKS OUT, depending on the number of letters required.
Are there common alternative clues for 'faints'?
Yes, clues like 'loses consciousness', 'passes out', 'goes limp', or 'keels over' can all lead to similar answers as 'faints'. Pay attention to the tone and part of speech of the clue.
Why might 'faints' have multiple answers in crosswords?
Many crossword clues, especially for common words or concepts like 'faints', have multiple valid synonyms or phrases that fit the meaning. The correct answer depends on the specific grid and the number of letters available in the puzzle.