near crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "near", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line of your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "near crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
BY: Means near or beside. Often used for physical proximity, e.g., 'sitting by the window'.
4 Letters
NIGH: An archaic or poetic term meaning near or almost. Commonly seen in phrases like 'the end is nigh'.
NEXT: Immediately following or adjacent in order or position. For example, 'the house next door'.
5 Letters
CLOSE: A common synonym for near, indicating a short distance away. E.g., 'Stay close to me'.
HANDY: Conveniently close or easily accessible. E.g., 'Keep your tools handy'.
6 Letters
AROUND: In the vicinity or general area. E.g., 'Is anyone around?'.
AT HAND: A phrase meaning within reach or nearby. E.g., 'Help is at hand'.
8 Letters
ADJACENT: Next to or adjoining something else. Often used for structures or properties, e.g., 'the adjacent building'.
9 Letters
PROXIMATE: Closest in relation; immediate. Frequently used in a more formal or legal context, such as 'proximate cause'.
More About "near crossword clue"
The clue "near" is a classic example of a crossword entry that can have multiple solutions, largely due to the richness of the English language. Synonyms for "near" range from very short words like "BY" to longer, more formal terms such as "PROXIMATE" or "ADJACENT." This variety makes "near" a versatile clue for crossword setters, allowing them to fit different letter counts required by the grid.
When encountering "near" in a crossword, always consider the number of letters needed and any intersecting letters you already have. This will quickly narrow down the possibilities. Common contexts include physical proximity ('close'), temporal proximity ('soon' or 'imminent' could be related but not direct synonyms for 'near' in most cases), or a general sense of being in the vicinity.
Paying attention to the specific nuance of the clue, if any, can also help. For instance, if the clue hints at an older or poetic usage, "NIGH" might be the perfect fit. If it implies convenience, "HANDY" could be the answer. Our detailed breakdown by letter count aims to provide you with all common answers and their specific connotations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the blank squares for the word. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your focus to answers of the correct length, like distinguishing between a 2-letter 'BY' and a 9-letter 'PROXIMATE'.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use the letters you've filled in from crossing words. These letters are critical for confirming your answer and ruling out incorrect synonyms. For "near," if you have a 'P' and the answer is 9 letters, "PROXIMATE" becomes a strong candidate.
- Consider the Nuance: Think about any subtle hints in the clue. Is it a formal crossword, a cryptic one, or a quick daily puzzle? The style might suggest whether to look for a common synonym like "CLOSE" or a less common one like "NIGH."
- Think Beyond Single Words: Sometimes, crossword answers for single clues can be two-word phrases that function as one unit, such as "AT HAND" for "near". Always keep an open mind to these possibilities if single-word options aren't fitting.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many answers are there for 'near crossword clue'?
There are several possible answers for the 'near crossword clue', varying in length. Common solutions include 'BY', 'NIGH', 'CLOSE', 'AROUND', 'ADJACENT', and 'PROXIMATE', among others. The exact answer depends on the specific puzzle and intersecting letters.
What's the shortest answer for 'near' in a crossword?
The shortest common answer for 'near' in a crossword is 'BY', which is just two letters long. It frequently appears when the puzzle requires a very short word meaning proximity.
Why are there so many answers for a simple clue like 'near'?
Words like 'near' have many synonyms and related meanings, which makes them versatile crossword clues. Puzzle constructors use various synonyms to fit different letter counts or to align with specific wordplay themes, leading to multiple valid solutions depending on the context.