gaping crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "gaping," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle. We also provide explanations and helpful tips to improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "gaping crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WIDE: Describing something broadly open, often implying a significant breadth. It perfectly fits the visual of a 'gaping' opening.
OPEN: Not closed; unobstructed. This word directly conveys the state of being 'gaping', indicating a clear and unobstructed view or passage.
5 Letters
CHASM: A deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface. While a noun, it strongly implies a wide, gaping void or opening.
7 Letters
YAWNING: Very wide open, as if in a yawn; immense or vast. This answer directly reflects the action or state associated with 'gaping'.
8 Letters
UNCLOSED: Not closed or shut. This describes a state of continuous openness, which aligns well with the concept of something 'gaping'.
More About "gaping crossword clue"
"Gaping" is a versatile adjective often used in crosswords to describe something that is wide open, vast, or revealing a void. It can refer to a physical opening, like a 'gaping hole' in a wall, or more abstract concepts, such as a 'gaping maw' or a 'gaping wound'. The clue frequently aims at synonyms that convey broadness, openness, or a sense of emptiness or awe due to size.
When you encounter "gaping" in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it looking for a literal description of an opening, or is it used metaphorically? The number of letters available is your primary guide, followed by any intersecting letters that might provide hints. Common pitfalls include focusing too narrowly on just 'open' and missing other more descriptive or less obvious synonyms.
Understanding the nuances of such words helps in anticipating the setter's intent. Crossword setters love words that have multiple interpretations or are part of common phrases, and "gaping" fits this bill perfectly, allowing for a range of answers from the very literal to the slightly more evocative.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Type: Determine if "gaping" is used as an adjective (describing something) or implying a verb (the act of gaping). This can sometimes lead to different sets of synonyms.
- Consider Common Phrases: Think about common phrases that include "gaping," such as "gaping maw" or "gaping hole." The word that completes the phrase might be your answer.
- Check for Anagrams or Wordplay: While "gaping" itself isn't a common anagram clue, always be alert for hidden words or other forms of wordplay that setters might use, especially if the straight synonyms don't fit.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The letters you already have from other clues are your most powerful tool. They will help confirm or eliminate potential answers for "gaping."
- Broaden Your Synonym Search: Don't just think of direct synonyms. Consider words that imply the *result* of something gaping (like 'void' or 'chasm') or its *state* (like 'unclosed').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'gaping' typically imply in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'gaping' typically implies something that is wide open, extensive, or showing a large, deep void. Common answers relate to breadth, openness, or a sense of emptiness.
Are there synonyms for 'gaping' that are common crossword answers?
Yes, common synonyms that frequently appear as crossword answers for 'gaping' include WIDE, OPEN, YAWNING, VAST, CHASM (referring to a wide opening), and sometimes UNCLOSED, depending on the context and letter count.
How does letter count help when solving 'gaping'?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. For example, a 4-letter slot might suggest WIDE or OPEN, while a 7-letter slot could point to YAWNING. This narrows down possibilities significantly, especially when combined with intersecting letters.