fault finding crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "fault finding" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate, and comprehensive solutions to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below you'll find various answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations.
Solutions for "fault finding crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CARPING: Constantly complaining or finding fault, especially in a petty or annoying way.
8 Letters
CRITICAL: Involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment; often implying finding fault.
CAPTIOUS: Tending to find fault or raise petty objections.
CAVILING: Making petty or unnecessary objections.
10 Letters
CENSORIOUS: Having or showing a tendency to criticize someone or something severely; extremely fault-finding.
13 Letters
HYPERCRITICAL: Excessively or unreasonably critical, especially of small faults.
More About "fault finding crossword clue"
The term "fault finding" in crosswords usually points to an adjective describing someone who is habitually inclined to notice and highlight errors, defects, or imperfections. These clues often test your vocabulary for synonyms that convey a sense of negativity, scrutiny, or excessive criticism. Understanding the subtle nuances between words like "critical" (which can be positive or negative) and "carping" (which is almost always negative and petty) is key to selecting the correct answer.
Crossword setters love using such clues because they have a rich array of synonyms across various lengths. The context of other intersecting words in the puzzle is often crucial in narrowing down the possibilities. This clue is a classic example of how crosswords challenge your ability to think broadly about word meanings and their precise applications.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Always Check Letter Count: Before attempting to fill in an answer, confirm the exact number of squares allocated for the word. This is the most crucial step and immediately eliminates many possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuance: For clues like "fault finding," brainstorm various synonyms. Then, consider the specific nuance of each word. Is it petty criticism (carping)? Severe criticism (censorious)? Or just objective analysis (critical)?
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes the clue implies a specific grammatical form. For "fault finding," you're likely looking for an adjective, but consider if it could be a verb or noun form too.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by solved intersecting clues are invaluable. They can confirm your suspicions or help you choose between multiple plausible answers of the same length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fault finding' mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'fault finding' typically refers to a characteristic or action of someone who habitually points out flaws, defects, or imperfections. The answers are usually adjectives describing such a person or behavior, like 'critical,' 'carping,' or 'censorious'.
Are there common synonyms for 'fault finding' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that appear as answers for 'fault finding' or similar clues include CRITICAL, CARPING, CENSORIOUS, CAPTIOUS, and sometimes HYPERCRITICAL for more extreme cases. The specific answer will depend on the required letter count.
How do I determine the length of a 'fault finding' answer?
The length of the answer is crucial. Always count the empty squares in your crossword grid for the clue. This number will tell you exactly how many letters your answer should have. For instance, if there are seven squares, you might be looking for CARPING; for eight, CRITICAL.