foolish crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "foolish," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "foolish crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DAFT: An informal term meaning silly or foolish, often implying a lack of good sense rather than severe mental incapacity.
5 Letters
SILLY: Lacking sense or judgment; absurdly trivial. This implies a lighter form of foolishness, often associated with childish or playful behavior.
INANE: Devoid of intelligence or sense. Often used for remarks or actions that are empty, senseless, or lacking substance.
6 Letters
STUPID: Having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense. This answer suggests a more fundamental deficiency in understanding or reasoning.
ABSURD: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate. Something that is completely ridiculous or contrary to reason.
7 Letters
IDIOTIC: Relating to or characteristic of an idiot; utterly senseless or foolish. A strong term for extreme foolishness or lack of intelligence.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: Something that is absurd or meaningless. Can refer to actions, ideas, or words that lack any logical basis.
GORMLESS: Lacking intelligence, common sense, or initiative; stupid. An informal British term often used for someone who appears vacant or clueless.
9 Letters
LUDICROUS: So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous. This word emphasizes the comical or absurd aspect of being foolish.
More About "foolish crossword puzzle clue"
"Foolish" is a classic crossword clue that can open up a wide range of synonyms, testing a solver's vocabulary and understanding of nuances. The word itself suggests a lack of good sense, wisdom, or judgment, but its potential answers vary significantly in their connotations and intensity. From lighthearted silliness to outright intellectual deficiency, the setter's choice of "foolish" as a clue often requires careful consideration of the letter count and surrounding letters.
Crossword setters love "foolish" because it allows for a diverse set of answers, from informal terms like DAFT to more formal ones like INANE or LUDICROUS. The key to solving such clues is often to think about the different facets of foolishness: is it naive, reckless, senseless, or merely playful? Consider not just direct synonyms, but also words that describe actions or states of being that are characteristic of foolishness.
When encountering "foolish" in a puzzle, remember that the context of the entire puzzle, the theme (if any), and the difficulty level can all play a role in guiding you towards the correct solution. Sometimes, the answer might be a less common synonym, requiring a deeper dive into your mental lexicon or a quick dictionary check.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: The word "foolish" has many shades of meaning. Think about whether the clue implies a mild lack of sense (like 'silly') or a more profound one (like 'idiotic').
- Check Letter Count First: Always use the given letter count to narrow down your options immediately. This eliminates many possibilities from the start.
- Examine Surrounding Clues: Letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can provide crucial hints to confirm or rule out potential answers for "foolish."
- Think About Context: Sometimes, the setter might be hinting at a specific type of foolishness. For instance, if the puzzle has a humorous theme, the answer might lean towards 'ludicrous' or 'silly'.
- Use a Thesaurus (Carefully): While our page provides common answers, a thesaurus can spark ideas for less common synonyms if you're truly stumped, but always verify with the letter count and cross-references.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'foolish' imply in a crossword clue?
'Foolish' in a crossword clue typically points to words meaning silly, irrational, absurd, or lacking good sense. It's a broad term that can cover a range of synonyms for stupidity or unreasonableness, prompting solvers to think about synonyms with varying degrees of severity.
Are there common tricky synonyms for 'foolish'?
Yes, common tricky synonyms include 'inane' (lacking sense), 'daft' (silly or crazy), 'gormless' (lacking intelligence), or even 'dim' (lacking proper understanding). The trick often lies in the formality or common usage of the synonym.
How can I distinguish between 'silly' and 'stupid' when 'foolish' is the clue?
While both are synonyms for foolish, 'silly' often implies a more lighthearted or playful lack of seriousness or good judgment. 'Stupid' generally denotes a more profound lack of intelligence or common sense, often with a more negative connotation. The context of other clues in the puzzle or the setter's style can sometimes provide hints.