less crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and need a hand with the clue "less crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "less crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WANE: To decrease in strength, intensity, or size. Often used for the moon or a feeling.
5 Letters
FEWER: The comparative form of "few," used for countable nouns, implying a smaller quantity. This is a very common answer for "less."
MINUS: Indicating subtraction; also meaning "without" or "lacking."
SHORT: Not reaching a certain amount or level; lacking.
7 Letters
WITHOUT: Lacking or not having something.
LACKING: Deficient or absent.
8 Letters
DECREASE: To make or become smaller or fewer in amount, size, or intensity.
More About "less crossword clue"
The word "less" is a versatile clue in crosswords, capable of leading to a variety of answers depending on context. It often points to concepts of reduction, absence, or a smaller quantity. For instance, it can refer to a numerical decrease, a lack of something, or a diminished state. Crossword setters frequently use "less" to prompt solutions like 'FEWER' (when dealing with countable items), 'MINUS' (for subtraction), or even more abstract terms like 'WANE' for diminishing light or enthusiasm.
Understanding the nuance of "less" is key. Sometimes it's a direct synonym, other times it hints at a comparative state or an action of making something smaller. Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any intersecting letters, as these are crucial in narrowing down the possibilities. The clue might also be part of an idiom or a more obscure phrase, so consider broader meanings and common crossword tricks.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answer, but also the reasoning behind it, helping you improve your crossword-solving skills for future puzzles. With our comprehensive database, you'll always have the right solution at your fingertips.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always check the number in parentheses after the clue. This is your first and most important hint. For "less crossword clue," knowing if it's a 4-letter or 8-letter word immediately narrows down options like 'WANE' versus 'DECREASE'.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of direct synonyms for "less" (e.g., 'fewer', 'minus') but also its antonyms, as clues sometimes use opposites in a roundabout way. 'More' clues might use similar wordplay but with an inverse meaning.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Does the puzzle have a theme? Is "less" part of a phrase or a quote? Sometimes the surrounding clues or the puzzle's title can give you a hint about the specific interpretation of "less" the setter is looking for.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from crossing words, use them! They can quickly confirm or eliminate potential answers for "less." This is often the most effective way to solve tricky clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'less' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Less' in a crossword clue usually points to words related to reduction, absence, or a smaller quantity. Common answers include 'FEWER,' 'MINUS,' 'WANE,' or terms implying deficiency like 'LACKING' or 'WITHOUT.' The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues.
Are 'less' and 'fewer' interchangeable in crosswords?
While 'less' and 'fewer' are often confused in general English, crosswords might use this distinction. 'Fewer' is typically used for countable nouns (e.g., 'fewer apples'), whereas 'less' is for uncountable nouns (e.g., 'less water'). However, in clues, 'less' can broadly hint at 'fewer' as a solution, especially when the clue implies a reduction in number.
How can I find the right 'less' answer if there are many options?
To pinpoint the correct answer for 'less,' always consider the letter count, intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme or specific phrasing of the puzzle. Sometimes, 'less' might be part of a phrase or idiom, or refer to a specific context like music (e.g., 'diminuendo' implying 'less' volume) or mathematics (e.g., 'minus').