graze crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "graze," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "graze crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EAT: To consume food, often implying a casual or continuous consumption like grazing animals.
5 Letters
BRUSH: To touch lightly in passing, which is another common meaning of 'graze', often causing a slight mark.
6 Letters
NIBBLE: To take small, repeated bites, characteristic of how animals graze on pasture.
SCRAPE: To rub or abrade a surface, resulting in a minor injury or mark, akin to a glancing graze.
ABRADE: To wear away or rub off by friction, often used to describe a minor injury caused by rubbing, much like a graze.
More About "graze crossword clue"
The word "graze" is a fantastic example of why crosswords are both challenging and rewarding. It's a polysemous word, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings, which crossword setters love to exploit. In the context of puzzles, "graze" can refer to consuming food, especially by animals in a field, or it can describe a light touch or a minor injury caused by rubbing against something. The key to solving such clues lies in considering the number of letters and any intersecting words you already have.
Understanding these dual meanings is crucial. If the answer is short, like three letters, it's highly probable the setter is looking for a word related to eating. For longer answers, the "touch" or "scrape" meaning might be in play. Always think about context and consider common synonyms for each definition. This approach not only helps you solve the current clue but also sharpens your overall crossword-solving skills for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always remember that many words, like "graze," have more than one definition. If your first thought doesn't fit, think of synonyms for other meanings.
- Utilize Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your biggest hint. Use it to narrow down possibilities, especially for words with multiple meanings where different meanings might have answers of different lengths.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. This is often the most reliable way to solve ambiguous clues.
- Think about Word Origin/Usage: Sometimes, a clue might hint at a more archaic or specific usage of a word. While "graze" is straightforward, keep this in mind for more obscure clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'graze' typically mean in crosswords?
'Graze' in crosswords often refers to two main concepts: either to eat small bits of food, as an animal does (e.g., EAT, NIBBLE, CROP), or to touch something lightly while passing by, causing a superficial scratch or rub (e.g., BRUSH, SCRAPE, TOUCH).
How do I distinguish between the 'eat' and 'touch' meanings of 'graze'?
The distinction usually comes from the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. For instance, a three-letter answer is likely 'EAT', while longer answers might include 'NIBBLE' (eat) or 'BRUSH' / 'SCRAPE' (touch). Pay close attention to the overall theme of the puzzle or other related clues for context.
Are there common synonyms for 'graze' in crosswords?
Beyond the direct answers provided, common synonyms for the 'eat' meaning include 'browse,' 'feed,' or 'crop.' For the 'touch' meaning, think 'skim,' 'brush against,' 'touch lightly,' or 'scrape.' The specific answer will depend on the puzzle's requirements.