harbinger crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "harbinger crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Let's find your solution!
Solutions for "harbinger crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OMEN: A common answer for a sign or warning of things to come, often supernatural.
SIGN: A direct synonym for an indication or mark of something, often an event or situation.
6 Letters
HERALD: A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.
7 Letters
PRELUDE: An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.
9 Letters
PRECURSOR: A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner.
INDICATOR: A thing, especially a trend or fact, that indicates the state or level of something.
10 Letters
FORERUNNER: A person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else.
PROGNOSTIC: A sign or warning of a future event; an omen.
More About "harbinger crossword clue"
The term "harbinger" carries a sense of anticipation, often signaling the arrival of something significant, be it good or bad. In crosswords, clues like "harbinger of spring" might lead you to answers related to early flowers or returning birds, while "harbinger of doom" points towards more ominous solutions. Understanding the nuanced meaning of "harbinger" can unlock a range of potential answers, from simple, direct synonyms to more illustrative terms.
Crossword setters love using words like "harbinger" because of their rich etymology and multiple semantic connections. Originating from an Old French word referring to someone who provides lodging, it evolved to mean someone who goes ahead to make arrangements, and then metaphorically to anything that foreshadows an event. This historical depth allows for a diverse set of clues and answers, making it a challenging yet rewarding word to encounter in a puzzle.
When you see "harbinger" in a clue, think about what it could be signaling. Is it a person, an object, an event, or an abstract concept? Consider the context provided by other words in the clue, as they often give vital hints about the required answer's tone, type, and specific meaning within the puzzle's theme.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is your primary filter for potential solutions.
- Consider Nuances and Synonyms: For a clue like "harbinger," think beyond the most obvious synonyms. Explore words that convey 'early sign,' 'precursor,' 'messenger,' or 'omen.'
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme of adjacent clues or a longer central clue can give you a hint about the type of word or concept the puzzle setter is looking for.
- Use Common Crossword Patterns: Many common crossword answers for "harbinger" reappear across different puzzles. Familiarize yourself with words like OMEN, HERALD, and FORERUNNER.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'harbinger' in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, a 'harbinger' refers to something that precedes and indicates the approach of something else. It's a sign, a warning, or a precursor. Common synonyms like 'omen,' 'sign,' 'herald,' or 'forerunner' are frequently used as answers.
How can I deduce the correct length for 'harbinger crossword clue'?
The length of the answer depends on the specific crossword puzzle you're solving. Often, if you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, those letters will help you narrow down the possible answers based on their length. Contextual clues within the puzzle might also hint at a shorter or longer synonym.
Are there different types of harbingers?
Yes, harbingers can be natural phenomena (like a specific bird signaling spring), events (a stock market dip signaling a recession), or even people (a prophet or a person who announces important news). In crosswords, the clue generally implies the concept of an 'early sign' or 'foreshadowing event'.