material crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the "material crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and finish your puzzle.
Solutions for "material crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
RAW: Basic, unrefined form of something.
4 Letters
WOOL: Fabric made from sheep's fleece.
5 Letters
CLOTH: Woven or felted fabric.
LINEN: A fabric made from flax fibers.
6 Letters
FABRIC: Textile material often used for clothes or furnishings.
COTTON: A soft, white, fibrous substance used as textile fiber.
7 Letters
TEXTILE: Woven or knitted cloth.
ELEMENT: A component or constituent of a whole.
9 Letters
SUBSTANCE: The physical matter of which a thing consists.
More About "material crossword clue"
The clue "material" in a crossword puzzle is incredibly versatile, making it both challenging and interesting. It can refer to anything from a physical substance (like wood, metal, or fabric) to the raw components used to create something, or even the abstract "stuff" that constitutes an idea or an argument. This breadth means that successful solvers need to consider context very carefully.
Often, the number of letters or intersecting clues will be your best guide. For instance, if the clue is "material" and you have three letters, "RAW" might be a strong contender, indicating an unrefined form. If it's five letters, "CLOTH" or "WOOD" could fit. Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue itself – "natural material," "construction material," or "fabric material" will quickly narrow down the possibilities.
Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings, and "material" is a prime example. It can also refer to relevance ("that's not material to the case") or importance. Always keep an open mind and be prepared to think beyond the most common interpretation when solving.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match the provided letter count with your potential answers. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities, especially for common words like "material."
- Check Intersecting Clues: The answers to crossing words provide crucial letters that can confirm or deny your guesses. If a letter doesn't fit, your "material" answer is likely wrong.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword clues often use wordplay, synonyms, or less common definitions. If your first thought for "material" doesn't fit, consider its less common meanings like "relevant" or "essential data."
- Look for Specific Qualifiers: Clues like "material for a dress" (FABRIC, SILK) or "building material" (BRICK, STONE) will make the answer much more specific. Scan the clue for any hints that narrow down the category.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'material' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'material' can refer to a physical substance (like 'fabric', 'wood', 'metal'), raw components ('raw', 'ore'), or even concepts ('stuff', 'content'). The surrounding clues often help narrow down the precise meaning.
How can I distinguish between similar material answers, like 'fabric' and 'textile'?
While often used interchangeably, 'fabric' typically refers to the finished cloth, whereas 'textile' can encompass the raw fibers, yarns, and the weaving/knitting process itself. The number of letters and other intersecting clues are crucial for differentiation in puzzles.
Are there common synonyms for 'material' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'stuff', 'cloth', 'fabric', 'textile', 'substance', 'element', 'matter', 'goods', 'raw'. Specific materials like 'wool', 'silk', 'linen', 'cotton', 'felt', 'tweed' are also frequently used.