How can I find the right answer for 'hostile' when there are many options?

The key is to use the number of letters required for the solution. Crossword puzzles specify the exact length. Match the clue 'hostile' with answers like ENEMY (5 letters), AVERSE (6 letters), UNFRIENDLY (8 letters), or BELLIGERENT (11 letters) based on the grid.

Does 'hostile' always refer to people?

While 'hostile' often describes people or groups, it can also refer to environments (e.g., a hostile climate), actions (e.g., a hostile takeover), or even attitudes. In crosswords, consider the context provided by other clues or themes in the puzzle.

What are common synonyms for 'hostile' used in crosswords?

Common crossword synonyms for 'hostile' include ADVERSE, ENEMY, ANGRY, BITTER, MEAN, UNFRIENDLY, and BELLIGERENT. The specific word choice often depends on the required letter count and the puzzle's style.

hostile crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "hostile" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.

Solutions for "hostile crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

ENEMY: A person or group actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.

NASTY: Highly unpleasant, offensive, or hostile.

6 Letters

AVERSE: Having a strong dislike of or opposition to something; hostile.

FIERCE: Having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness.

8 Letters

OPPOSING: Being in opposition or conflict; hostile.

10 Letters

UNFRIENDLY: Not friendly; hostile or unsociable.

11 Letters

BELLIGERENT: Hostile and aggressive; war-like behavior.

12 Letters

ANTAGONISTIC: Showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something.

More About "hostile crossword clue"

The word "hostile" in a crossword clue often points towards answers related to conflict, opposition, or an unfriendly disposition. It can describe a person, a group, an environment, or even an action. When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle – is it looking for a direct synonym, an adjective describing a situation, or perhaps a noun for an opponent?

Common themes associated with "hostile" include warfare, enmity, aggression, and unfriendliness. Crossword setters love to play on these nuances, sometimes using the clue to hint at a more specific type of hostility, such as "hostile takeover" or "hostile environment." Always keep the letter count in mind, as it's the primary constraint that narrows down the many possible synonyms.

Understanding the various shades of meaning for "hostile" can significantly improve your chances of solving. From a simple "ENEMY" to a more complex "BELLIGERENT" or "ANTAGONISTIC," the breadth of answers reflects the versatile nature of the word itself. Our goal is to provide you with all these possibilities at your fingertips.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters indicated for the blank. This is the most crucial piece of information for narrowing down "hostile" solutions.
Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the opposite of hostile (e.g., friendly, kind) to help exclude incorrect answers, or closely related synonyms.
Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: Words like UNFRIENDLY use common prefixes that can be a giveaway if you have some letters filled in.
Examine Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, solutions to adjacent clues will provide letters that fit into the "hostile" answer, making it easier to deduce.
Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword clues often use less common synonyms or more formal terms. If your first thought doesn't fit, think of more academic or specific synonyms for hostility.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'hostile' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'hostile' typically refers to something or someone unfriendly, aggressive, or showing active opposition. It can describe a person (e.g., an enemy), an attitude (e.g., angry), or a situation (e.g., adverse).

Why are there so many answers for a single clue like 'hostile'?

Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, especially those with broad meanings like 'hostile'. Crossword setters leverage this to create puzzles with varying difficulty levels, offering a range of possible answers depending on the required letter count and the specific nuance they intend.

How do I know which 'hostile' answer is correct for my puzzle?

The correct answer is determined by the number of letters specified in your crossword grid. Match the letter count of the blank squares with one of the solutions provided. If there are multiple words of the same length, use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm the correct choice.