famished crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're struggling with the clue "famished" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "famished crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
EMPTY: Often used in crosswords to imply a feeling of hunger, as in "empty stomach."
6 Letters
HUNGRY: The most direct and common synonym for famished, indicating a need for food.
7 Letters
PECKISH: A milder form of hunger, but sometimes used in crosswords to denote a slight feeling of being famished.
8 Letters
RAVENOUS: Implies extreme hunger, often used when someone is voraciously hungry.
STARVING: Describes a state of acute hunger, suggesting a prolonged lack of food.
ESURIENT: A more formal or literary term for very hungry, often encountered in challenging crosswords.
More About "famished crossword"
The clue "famished" in a crossword puzzle typically points towards synonyms for extreme hunger. While "hungry" is a general term, "famished" conveys a more intense, almost desperate need for food. Crossword setters often leverage this nuance to steer solvers towards more evocative words that describe a significant lack of sustenance. This makes answers like RAVENOUS or STARVING particularly strong candidates, as they perfectly capture the heightened state of hunger implied by the clue.
Understanding the synonyms for "famished" not only helps with immediate puzzle solutions but also enhances one's vocabulary for future crosswords. It's a classic example of how crosswords test both direct knowledge and the ability to discern subtle differences in word meanings. Sometimes, "famished" might even be used metaphorically, referring to a strong desire for something non-physical, adding an extra layer of challenge to the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of boxes available for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "famished" from shorter words like EMPTY to longer ones like RAVENOUS.
- Consider Intensity: "Famished" implies a strong hunger. Think of synonyms that match this intensity, like STARVING or RAVENOUS, rather than milder terms like PECKISH, unless the surrounding letters or crossing clues suggest otherwise.
- Look for Context: Is the puzzle themed around food, emotions, or something abstract? Sometimes "famished" can refer to a hunger for something non-food related (e.g., "famished for success"). The surrounding clues can often provide hints for such metaphorical interpretations.
- Use Crossers: Don't hesitate to fill in letters from intersecting words first. Even one or two letters can reveal whether the answer is HUNGRY, RAVENOUS, or something else entirely.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "famished" and "hungry" in crosswords?
While "hungry" is a general state of needing food, "famished" often implies a more intense or prolonged hunger. Crossword setters might use "famished" to lead you to more extreme synonyms like RAVENOUS or STARVING, whereas "hungry" could lead to a wider range including PECKISH or NIBBLER (as a person).
How do I find the correct length for "famished" in a crossword?
The length is usually indicated by the puzzle grid itself. If you have "famished" as a clue, look at the blank spaces provided. Knowing the number of letters will significantly narrow down your options from synonyms like HUNGRY (6 letters) to RAVENOUS (8 letters).
Are there any common traps with "famished" clues?
Sometimes, "famished" might refer metaphorically to a "hunger" for something, e.g., "famished for knowledge." In such cases, answers might be more abstract like EAGER or THIRSTY (for knowledge). Always consider the puzzle's overall theme and surrounding clues.