familiar crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "familiar crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "familiar crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OLD: Often used to denote something that has been around a long time and is therefore familiar.
5 Letters
USUAL: Refers to something that is customary or frequently encountered, making it familiar.
TRITE: Describes something overused and unoriginal, thus extremely familiar.
OFTEN: If something happens often, it becomes familiar.
6 Letters
COMMON: Implies widespread existence or frequent occurrence, aligning with familiarity.
STAPLE: A principal or regular element, hence familiar within its context.
7 Letters
TYPICAL: Representative of a class or group, making it familiar in its characteristics.
8 Letters
STANDARD: Conforming to an established norm, which makes it familiar and expected.
9 Letters
WELLKNOWN: Directly means widely or generally known, which is the essence of familiarity.
HACKNEYED: Lacking originality due to overuse, thus very familiar to the point of being tiresome.
More About "familiar crossword clue"
The clue "familiar" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary and understanding of nuance. It can refer to something commonly seen, heard, or experienced, or even something overly used to the point of being clichéd. The key to solving such a clue lies in considering the context of the puzzle, the surrounding letters, and the precise number of characters required.
Crossword setters love to play with words that have multiple meanings or subtle differences. For "familiar," answers can range from the straightforward "OLD" or "USUAL" to more descriptive terms like "WELLKNOWN" or "HACKNEYED." Paying attention to the tone or specific hint within the full clue can often guide you to the most accurate answer. For instance, if the clue implies boredom or lack of originality, "TRITE" or "HACKNEYED" might be better fits than just "COMMON."
This clue frequently appears in daily crosswords, cryptic crosswords, and themed puzzles alike. Its versatility makes it a staple, but also a potential pitfall if you don't consider all possible interpretations. Our aim is to provide you with all the angles to ensure you confidently fill in that crossword square.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "familiar," think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Is it familiar in a positive, neutral, or negative (e.g., overused) way? This can help narrow down options like COMMON vs. TRITE.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer to the exact number of letters required in the grid. This is your first and most important filter.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is when it correctly forms part of intersecting words. Fill in letters you are certain about from other clues to reveal hints for "familiar."
- Think of Homophones and Anagrams (for cryptic clues): While "familiar" is typically a straight definition, some cryptic clues might involve wordplay where a familiar sound or rearranged letters lead to the answer. Always be alert for these possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'familiar' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'familiar' in crosswords include OLD, USUAL, COMMON, TRITE, WELLKNOWN, KNOWN, and sometimes phrases indicating recurrence like 'OFTEN SEEN'.
How does the word length influence possible answers for 'familiar'?
The length is crucial. A 3-letter answer might be OLD, a 5-letter answer could be USUAL or TRITE, while a 9-letter answer could be WELLKNOWN or HACKNEYED. Always check the number of blanks in the grid.
Are there specific types of 'familiar' clues?
Yes, 'familiar' can refer to a well-known person (e.g., 'familiar name'), a common occurrence (e.g., 'familiar sight'), or something overly used (e.g., 'familiar tune'). The context of other solved letters can help narrow it down.