likes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "likes", categorized by letter count to help you quickly find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "likes crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIGS: An informal term meaning to like or understand, often used in casual conversation.
5 Letters
LOVES: To feel a deep affection or intense enjoyment for something or someone. A very common synonym for 'likes'.
6 Letters
ENJOYS: To take delight or pleasure in an activity or an experience. Directly synonymous with 'likes'.
ADORES: To love or revere deeply. Implies a very strong form of liking, bordering on worship.
7 Letters
FANCIES: To feel a desire or liking for something or someone. Can also refer to an attraction or a whimsical idea.
PREFERS: To like one thing better than another; to choose one over others. Suggests a comparative liking.
ESTEEMS: To regard with respect or admiration. Often used in formal contexts for a high level of regard.
8 Letters
RELISHES: To enjoy greatly, often with appreciation for the unique qualities of something. Suggests savoring the experience.
APPROVES: To officially agree to or accept as satisfactory. While formal, it implies a positive regard or acceptance.
11 Letters
APPRECIATES: To value or admire highly; to recognize the full worth of. Implies gratitude or understanding of worth.
More About "likes crossword clue"
The word "likes" is a versatile term that can appear in crosswords as a verb, a noun, or even part of a phrase. As a verb, it often implies fondness, enjoyment, or preference, leading to a wide range of synonyms. When clued as a noun, it might refer to social media interactions or general preferences, though this is less common in traditional cryptic crosswords.
Understanding the nuance of the clue is crucial. Is it asking for a direct synonym of 'to enjoy'? Or is it hinting at a more subtle form of appreciation or preference? Contextual clues from the number of letters and intersecting words are your best friends in deciphering the setter's intent. Pay attention to whether the clue uses 'likes' in singular or plural, or in a specific tense, as this will guide you to the correct grammatical form of the answer.
Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings. 'Likes' can refer to a multitude of similar items (e.g., 'things likes me'), or it can indicate comparison ('likes a cat'). Always consider the possibility of a double meaning or a homophone, particularly in more advanced puzzles. Our list above provides the most common interpretations you'll encounter for the direct 'likes' verb clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Part of Speech: Is 'likes' used as a verb (e.g., 'he likes apples') or a noun (e.g., 'social media likes')? This drastically narrows down potential answers.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the surrounding words in the clue, or even the style of the puzzle (cryptic vs. quick), can hint at whether a formal or informal synonym is required.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count to the potential answers. If you have crossing letters, use them to quickly eliminate incorrect options.
- Think of Intensity: 'Likes' can range from mild preference to strong adoration. Does the clue imply a strong liking (like ADORES) or a more casual one (like DIGS)?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do crossword setters clue 'likes'?
Crossword setters often clue 'likes' by using synonyms such as 'enjoys', 'prefers', 'adores', or 'fancies'. They might also use phrases like 'is fond of', 'is keen on', or 'takes to'. Sometimes, the clue can be a noun referring to the 'things one likes', or a verb in its various tenses, requiring careful parsing of the clue's grammar.
Are there common synonyms for 'likes' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include LOVES, ENJOYS, ADORES, FANCIES, PREFERS, ESTEEMS, RELISHES, and APPROVES. Less common or informal ones might be DIGS. The specific synonym chosen depends heavily on the letter count and surrounding cross-references in the puzzle.
Why might 'likes' be a challenging crossword clue?
'Likes' can be challenging due to its versatility: it can be a verb, a noun (as in social media 'likes'), or even part of a phrase. This ambiguity allows for a wide range of synonyms and interpretations, making it harder to pinpoint the exact intended meaning without additional crossing letters or a deeper understanding of the setter's style.