monastery crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "monastery crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "monastery crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABBEY: A religious community led by an abbot or abbess, often featuring a church and living quarters for monks or nuns.
6 Letters
PRIORY: A monastic house similar to an abbey but typically smaller, governed by a prior or prioress, sometimes dependent on a larger abbey.
FRIARY: A residence for friars, members of mendicant religious orders, distinguishing them from monks who typically live in cloistered monasteries.
7 Letters
CONVENT: While often associated with communities of nuns, in crosswords, it can sometimes broadly refer to a religious house or monastic institution.
8 Letters
CLOISTER: Can refer to a covered walk, often within a monastic complex, or more broadly, the monastic life itself or the area where monks/nuns live.
LAMASERY: A specific type of monastery for lamas, or Buddhist monks, particularly found in Tibetan and Mongolian traditions.
More About "monastery crossword clue"
Monasteries have played a significant role in history, culture, and religion across various civilizations. From the secluded Christian abbeys of Europe, serving as centers of learning and spirituality, to the serene Buddhist lamaseries nestled in the Himalayas, these institutions are places of religious devotion and communal living. Monks and nuns residing in monasteries dedicate their lives to spiritual practice, often following strict rules and routines.
In the context of crosswords, "monastery" is a classic clue that can lead to several answers depending on the required length and specific nuance. The various terms like abbey, priory, friary, and convent, while related, each denote a subtly different type of religious dwelling or community. Understanding these distinctions can be key to unlocking the correct answer in your puzzle.
Crossword setters often use these terms interchangeably or specifically to test your knowledge of religious institutions. Paying attention to any additional words in the clue (e.g., "Buddhist monastery" pointing to LAMASERY) can be crucial for an accurate solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in the answer grid. This is your most reliable guide for narrowing down possibilities for "monastery" and similar clues.
- Consider Synonyms and Subtypes: For general terms like "monastery," think about more specific types (abbey, priory) or broader synonyms (cloister, convent).
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might include an adjective (e.g., "Tibetan monastery") or be part of a phrase that guides you to a more specific answer like LAMASERY.
- Use Cross-References: Leverage letters from intersecting words. If you have an 'B' in the third position, and you know the answer is 5 letters, ABBEY becomes a strong contender.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an abbey and a priory?
An abbey is typically a larger monastic establishment headed by an abbot or abbess, while a priory is generally smaller and led by a prior or prioress. Both are types of monasteries, but abbeys usually signify a higher hierarchical status within their order.
Are all monasteries Christian?
While monasteries are commonly associated with Christianity (e.g., Benedictine, Cistercian orders), the concept of monasticism exists in various religions. For example, 'lamasery' refers to a Buddhist monastery, particularly in Tibetan and Mongolian traditions.
How should I approach a crossword clue like 'monastery'?
Consider the number of letters required. Common answers include ABBEY, PRIORY, FRIARY, and CONVENT. Also, think about specific types like LAMASERY or the more abstract CLOISTER. The context of other solved clues might also narrow down the possibilities.