free of charge crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "free of charge" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations and letter counts, to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "free of charge crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FREE: Not costing anything; available without payment.
6 Letters
GRATIS: Provided without charge; free. Derived from Latin, often used in formal or international contexts.
13 Letters
COMPLIMENTARY: Given or supplied free of charge as a courtesy or favour, often as part of a service (e.g., a complimentary breakfast).
More About "free of charge crossword clue"
The phrase "free of charge" is a straightforward idiom that indicates something provided at no cost. In crossword puzzles, clues like this are often designed to be direct and literal, testing your vocabulary for synonyms rather than your ability to solve complex wordplay. Common answers typically revolve around words that explicitly mean "without payment."
Understanding the nuances of similar terms can also be helpful. While "free" is the most common and shortest answer, words like "gratis" or "complimentary" offer more formal or specific contexts. "Gratis" carries a sense of something being given out of generosity or without expectation of return, while "complimentary" often implies it's part of a service or a polite gesture.
When encountering this clue, always first consider the most obvious synonyms, then expand to less common ones if the letter count doesn't match. The key is to match the number of letters in the grid precisely to the available synonyms. This clue is a great example of how simple phrases can have multiple valid answers in a crossword, depending on the desired length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Start with Common Synonyms: For direct clues like "free of charge," always begin by thinking of the most common and obvious synonyms first.
- Check Letter Count First: Before trying to fit any word, count the squares in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Consider Formalities: If simple words don't fit, think about more formal or less common synonyms (e.g., "gratis" vs. "free").
- Use Contextual Clues: Sometimes the puzzle's theme or other completed words can give you a hint about whether a more casual or formal synonym is required.
- Cross-Reference: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in to confirm or rule out potential answers for "free of charge."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'free of charge' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'free of charge' almost always implies a direct synonym for something that costs nothing. This can range from single words like 'FREE' to more formal terms like 'GRATIS' or 'COMPLIMENTARY'.
Are there any common misinterpretations for 'free of charge' clues?
'Free of charge' is generally quite literal. The main challenge is finding the correct synonym that fits the given letter count, rather than misinterpreting the core meaning. Sometimes, clues might subtly hint at a less common synonym, but the core idea remains 'no cost'.
How can I quickly identify the correct answer length for 'free of charge'?
Look at the number of blank squares provided in the crossword grid. This directly tells you the required letter count for the answer. Once you know the length, you can narrow down the potential synonyms like 'FREE' (4 letters), 'GRATIS' (6 letters), or 'COMPLIMENTARY' (13 letters).