mutual crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "mutual crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and understand the context.
Solutions for "mutual crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
JOINT: Held in common by two or more parties, as in a joint account or a joint decision. It perfectly encapsulates the idea of mutuality.
6 Letters
SHARED: Possessed, experienced, or used in common by two or more people. This is a very direct synonym for mutual, often used in phrases like 'shared understanding'.
COMMON: Belonging equally to or shared equally by two or more. It implies something that is widespread or generally accepted, often fitting 'mutual' in the sense of shared ground.
9 Letters
RECIPROKE: An older or less common spelling of 'reciprocal'. This term signifies a give-and-take relationship or action, where two parties affect each other equally. Keep an eye out for such variations in trickier puzzles.
10 Letters
RECIPROCAL: Indicating a relationship or action given and received in return. This is a strong, formal synonym for 'mutual', often used in academic or legal contexts.
11 Letters
INTERACTIVE: Acting on or influencing each other. While broader, this answer can fit clues implying a mutual exchange or dynamic between elements or individuals, especially in modern crosswords.
More About "mutual crossword clue"
The concept of "mutual" in crosswords often revolves around ideas of shared experience, reciprocal action, or common ownership. Clues may refer to feelings like "mutual respect," agreements like a "mutual pact," or entities like a "mutual fund." Recognizing these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer from various possibilities.
While words like SHARED and JOINT are straightforward synonyms, more challenging clues might lead to words like RECIPROCAL or even INTERACTIVE, depending on the specific context and the desired letter count. Always consider the precise meaning the crossword setter intends for 'mutual' within their clue.
Understanding the etymology of "mutual" – from Latin 'mutuus', meaning 'borrowed, lent, reciprocal' – can also provide insight. It consistently points to an exchange or shared state between two or more parties, making the process of finding the right fit more intuitive.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full crossword clue carefully. "Mutual" could imply different specific synonyms depending on whether the clue hints at feelings, actions, or ownership.
- Check Letter Counts: Use the letter count given in the puzzle to narrow down your options immediately. If you have "mutual" and it's a 6-letter word, you can quickly discard 5-letter or 11-letter options.
- Look for Overlapping Letters: If you've solved intersecting clues, use the existing letters to help fill in the blanks for "mutual." This is often the fastest way to confirm an answer.
- Consider Less Common Synonyms: Sometimes, setters use less obvious or even archaic synonyms (like RECIPROKE). If common answers don't fit, think outside the box for less frequently used but still valid alternatives.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "mutual" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "mutual" often points to words like SHARED, JOINT, or RECIPROCAL, implying something held or experienced by two or more parties in common or in return. It suggests a reciprocal relationship or a shared attribute.
How can I identify "mutual" answers in a puzzle?
Look for clues involving shared feelings ("mutual respect"), common ownership ("mutual fund"), or reciprocal actions. The length of the answer is key, as are surrounding letters and any additional context provided in the clue.
Are there synonyms for "mutual" often used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include JOINT, SHARED, COMMON, RECIPROCAL, and occasionally INTERDEPENDENT or BILATERAL depending on the nuance of the clue. Sometimes, archaic spellings like RECIPROKE might appear.