loom crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "loom crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LOOM: A machine used for weaving, or to appear as a large, often threatening, shape.
5 Letters
WEAVE: To form fabric by interlacing threads, an action directly associated with a loom.
6 Letters
IMPEND: To be about to happen, especially something negative; to hang threateningly, similar to how something might "loom."
DEVICE: A piece of equipment or mechanism designed for a particular purpose; a loom is a type of device.
More About "loom crossword clue"
The word "loom" presents an interesting challenge in crosswords due to its dual meanings. On one hand, it refers to a machine used for weaving textiles, an ancient and essential piece of equipment in fabric production. Clues related to this meaning might involve "weaving machine," "textile frame," or "weaver's tool." This is the more tangible, noun-based interpretation.
On the other hand, "loom" also functions as a verb meaning to appear as a large, often threatening, and indistinct form, or for an event to be about to happen, especially in a menacing or overwhelming way. This second meaning often triggers answers like "impend," "threaten," or "emerge." Recognizing which meaning the setter intends is key to solving the clue, and context from surrounding clues often provides the necessary hint.
Crossword setters love words with multiple interpretations, and "loom" is a prime example. Always consider both the noun and verb forms when encountering this clue, and check the letter count and intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities. This approach will significantly increase your success rate.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Homographs: Words like "loom" are homographs – they are spelled the same but have different meanings and sometimes different pronunciations. Always check if the clue might be pointing to a less common definition of a word, or one that changes its part of speech.
- Check Word Lengths: If you have intersecting words, use the known letters and the required length to narrow down possibilities. For "loom," a four-letter answer is direct, but five- or six-letter answers like "weave" or "impend" suggest a different interpretation or a related concept.
- Context is King: Look at the surrounding clues. Does anything suggest a theme related to textiles or to foreboding events? This can often provide a subtle hint as to which meaning of "loom" is intended by the puzzle creator.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: For verbal clues, brainstorm synonyms or antonyms. For "loom" (verb), think "appear," "emerge," or "threaten." For the noun, think "machine," "device," or specific types of weaving apparatus.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of "loom" in crosswords?
"Loom" can refer to a weaving machine (noun) or the act of appearing in a large, often menacing, way (verb, e.g., "danger looms"). Crossword setters frequently leverage this duality to create challenging clues.
How can I tell which meaning of "loom" a crossword clue refers to?
Pay close attention to the clue's phrasing. Phrases like "textile device" or "weaver's machine" point to the noun. Phrases like "hover threateningly" or "be imminent" point to the verb. Also, consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you've already filled in from other clues.
Are there common synonyms for "loom" (the verb) in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "loom" as a verb include IMPEND, THREATEN, APPEAR, EMERGE, and HOVER. The specific synonym that fits the puzzle will depend on the exact phrasing of the clue and the number of letters required for the answer.