nastily crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "nastily crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with their explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "nastily crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
MEANLY: In a cruel, unkind, or unfair way, often implying a deliberate intention to harm or displease.
VILELY: In a disgusting, morally corrupt, or despicable manner; wickedly.
EVILLY: In a way that is morally wrong or bad; maliciously.
7 Letters
CRUELLY: In a way that causes pain or suffering to others, without pity or compassion.
SHARPLY: In an abrupt, harsh, or cutting manner; often used when speaking.
8 Letters
BITTERLY: With intense resentment, sorrow, or hostility; also can mean with a sharp, unpleasant taste.
MALIGNLY: In a harmful or evil way; with malicious intent or impact.
10 Letters
SPITEFULLY: With malice or ill-will; desiring to annoy, hurt, or offend someone.
12 Letters
UNPLEASANTLY: In a disagreeable or offensive way, causing discomfort or dislike.
More About "nastily crossword clue"
"Nastily" is an adverb, and in crosswords, clues that are adverbs usually lead to answers that are also adverbs. This grammatical consistency is a key feature of well-constructed puzzles. When you encounter "nastily," think about words that describe an action performed in an unpleasant, mean, or malicious way. The range of possible answers, as seen above, can vary significantly in length, requiring you to consider the broader context of your puzzle grid.
Often, "nastily" will direct you towards synonyms that imply a certain degree of malice or deliberate unkindness. Words like MEANLY or CRUELLY are very direct translations, while others like BITTERLY or SPITEFULLY add more specific nuances of emotion or intent. The beauty of crosswords lies in discerning these subtle differences based on the available letters and intersecting words.
Always consider both the common and less obvious synonyms. Sometimes, a clue like "nastily" might be used to trick you into a common answer when a less frequent but equally valid synonym fits. Checking the letter count and the pattern of already filled letters is crucial for selecting the best fit from the array of possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Match the Part of Speech: As with "nastily" (an adverb), always try to find an answer that matches the grammatical form of the clue. If the clue is a noun, look for a noun; if it's a verb, look for a verb, and so on.
- Look for Common Suffixes: For adverbs clued by words ending in "-LY", the answer often also ends in "-LY". This can be a significant hint when you have a few letters filled in.
- Consider Nuance and Context: While many words mean "nastily," some are more about cruelty, others about meanness, and some about ill-will. The surrounding theme of the puzzle or other clues might hint at the specific shade of meaning required.
- Use Check Letters Wisely: Don't guess. Wait for intersecting words to give you check letters. These letters are your best friends in narrowing down multiple possibilities for a single clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'nastily' mean in a crossword context?
'Nastily' typically clues for an adverb describing an action performed in an unpleasant, mean, or malicious way. Look for synonyms ending in '-LY' to match the grammatical form, such as MEANLY or CRUELLY.
Are there common patterns for adverbs in crosswords?
Yes, many adverbs end in '-LY', and this is a very common pattern in crosswords. If the clue is an adverb (like 'nastily'), the answer often is too. This grammatical consistency is a key feature of crossword puzzle design.
How can I distinguish between similar 'nastily' answers?
Context is key! Check surrounding letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. Also, consider the specific nuance of 'nastily' – is it more about general unpleasantness, overt cruelty, or subtle malice? Sometimes the puzzle's constructor's style or a hint from another clue can help differentiate the best fit.