guarded crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "guarded," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Discover answers ranging from words describing caution to those implying protection or emotional restraint.
Solutions for "guarded crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WARY: Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
6 Letters
SECURE: Protected against attack or other criminal activity; well-secured.
7 Letters
CAREFUL: Exercising caution or otherwise considering risks; cautious.
8 Letters
RESERVED: Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; restrained.
9 Letters
PROTECTED: Kept safe from harm or injury; safeguarded.
More About "guarded crossword clue"
"Guarded" is a versatile clue that can lead to a variety of answers in crosswords, often depending on the nuance the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to physical protection, as in being safeguarded or kept secure. Think of a 'guarded castle' or 'guarded treasure' suggesting words like PROTECTED or SECURE.
However, "guarded" also frequently relates to caution, vigilance, or a lack of openness. A 'guarded response' or 'guarded optimism' might point towards answers like WARY, CAREFUL, or RESERVED. The context within the puzzle, particularly any intersecting letters, will be your best guide to determining which sense of "guarded" is intended.
Crossword constructors love words like "guarded" because of their multiple meanings, allowing for clever misdirection. Always consider synonyms for each interpretation to broaden your search for the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "guarded" being used as an adjective (e.g., 'a guarded secret') or a verb (e.g., 'he guarded the gate')? This can help narrow down potential answers.
- Consider the Context: Look at the theme of the puzzle or any related clues. Sometimes a specific context will nudge you towards a particular meaning of "guarded."
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: Always prioritize the number of letters required and how the answer fits with letters from crossing words. These are the most concrete clues you have.
- Think of Antonyms: Sometimes, knowing the opposite of the clue can spark an idea for a synonym. For "guarded," consider its opposite, "unguarded," and what words it brings to mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'guarded' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Guarded' in crosswords often refers to caution (e.g., WARY, CAREFUL), protection (e.g., SECURE, PROTECTED), or emotional restraint (e.g., RESERVED). The specific context of the puzzle and intersecting letters will narrow down the exact meaning.
How do I choose the best answer for 'guarded' when there are multiple options?
To pick the best answer, first, check the number of letters required. Then, look at any intersecting letters from other clues – these are your strongest hints. Finally, consider the puzzle's theme or the setter's style, as some setters lean towards specific types of wordplay or synonyms.
Are there common tricky usages of 'guarded' in crosswords?
Yes, 'guarded' can be tricky. It might mean 'watched over' (e.g., KEPT) or imply secrecy (e.g., HIDDEN). Sometimes, it refers to a financial state, like 'guarded savings'. Always consider less common synonyms or phrases if the obvious answers don't fit.