match crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "match crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with their definitions, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "match crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FIT: To correspond or be suitable for; to be compatible.
4 Letters
GAME: A contest, competition, or sporting event.
MATE: A partner, spouse, or companion.
SUIT: To be appropriate for; to go well with something else.
PAIR: Two corresponding items or people forming a set.
5 Letters
EQUAL: To be the same in quantity, size, degree, or value.
AGREE: To be in harmony or accord with; to correspond.
STICK: A slender piece of wood used to light a fire; to adhere.
6 Letters
SPOUSE: A husband or wife; a marriage partner.
COUPLE: Two people or things of the same kind considered together; to join or connect.
7 Letters
CONTEST: A competition or game in which people try to win.
IGNITER: A device used to light something, like a match.
More About "match crossword clue"
The word "match" is a crossword setter's delight due to its rich polysemy – it boasts a remarkable number of distinct meanings, making it a versatile and often tricky clue. From a sporting event (a tennis match) to a perfect pairing (a good match), or even a small device for creating fire, the word spans a wide semantic range. This variety means that solving a "match" clue requires careful consideration of the context provided by other words in the clue and any letters already filled in from intersecting words.
Crossword constructors love to play on these multiple meanings, often using misdirection to lead solvers down the wrong path. For instance, a clue like "Game for a light" might seem to point towards a playful activity, but the "light" hints at a fire-starting device (match/STICK). Understanding this multi-faceted nature is key to unlocking such clues and is a common technique in both cryptic and standard crosswords.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: When faced with a polysemous word like "match," list out all its possible meanings (e.g., competition, pair, fit, fire-starter, partner).
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters in the answer box is your most concrete hint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities from your brainstormed list.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters already filled in from crossing words. These are definitive constraints that will quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the right one.
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Pay close attention to the other words in the clue. Do they suggest a synonym, an antonym, a definition, or a cryptic wordplay? For example, "A good fit" clearly points to the "suit" or "equal" meaning of match.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'match' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'match' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters exploit this by using different senses of the word, such as 'a game' (GAME), 'a partner' (MATE), 'to correspond' (AGREE), or 'a device for starting fire' (FUSE).
How can I figure out which 'match' answer is correct in my puzzle?
The key is to consider the number of letters in the answer box and any intersecting letters you already have. Crucially, pay close attention to the surrounding words in the clue for context, as they often hint at the specific meaning intended.
Are there common tricks or pitfalls related to 'match' clues?
Yes, 'match' is often used by setters to create misdirection. They might want you to think of one common meaning (like a sporting match) but the answer refers to another (like a fire-starting match). Always consider all possible definitions and their synonyms, and be wary of the most obvious interpretation.