nearly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "nearly crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "nearly crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEAR: A direct and concise synonym for 'nearly', often used in its adverbial form.
5 Letters
ABOUT: Can signify approximation or close proximity, as in 'about to happen' or 'about five o'clock'.
6 Letters
ALMOST: A common synonym for 'nearly', indicating something is very close to being true or happening.
8 Letters
WELLNIGH: An archaic or literary term meaning 'nearly' or 'almost', commonly found in older crosswords.
9 Letters
VIRTUALLY: Meaning 'nearly' or 'almost entirely', often implying a functional equivalence despite not being strictly true.
-More About "nearly crossword clue"
The term "nearly" in a crossword clue is a classic indicator for words suggesting approximation, close proximity, or a state of being on the verge of something. It's designed to prompt solvers to think beyond direct synonyms and consider nuances of closeness or approximation. This type of clue often appears in various difficulty levels of crosswords, from daily quick puzzles to more challenging cryptic ones.
Common answers to "nearly" clues often revolve around concepts like "almost," "about," or "virtually." However, advanced crosswords might delve into more obscure or archaic synonyms, like "wellnigh," which means "almost entirely" or "very nearly." Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to unlocking trickier puzzles.
When you encounter "nearly," consider the number of letters and any already revealed letters from intersecting words. This will help you narrow down the possibilities among words that fit the "almost but not quite" meaning. Keep an open mind to less common or more formal synonyms that might fit the bill.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall theme of the crossword and any other clues in the same row or column. Sometimes, a "nearly" clue might relate to a specific context, like time ("nearly midnight") or distance ("nearly home").
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "nearly," brainstorm as many synonyms as possible, then consider their antonyms. Sometimes, the clue is a misdirection, or the answer is an opposite with a modifier.
- Check Word Length: Use the letter count given for the answer slot as your primary filter. Eliminate words that don't match the length, even if they seem like perfect synonyms for "nearly."
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While "nearly" is generally straightforward, in cryptic crosswords, it could hint at a homophone (words that sound alike) or a clever pun related to the concept of being close to something.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'nearly' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'nearly' often indicates that the answer is a synonym for 'almost', 'approximately', or 'on the verge of'. It might also suggest a word that is a partial synonym or requires a slight adjustment from a more common term.
Are there common tricks related to 'nearly' clues?
Yes, 'nearly' can sometimes hint at a word where one letter is removed from a more obvious synonym, or it might point to an archaic synonym. It's also a good indicator to consider words implying approximation rather than exactness.
How do I approach a 'nearly' clue if I'm stuck?
Try thinking of direct synonyms for 'nearly' like 'almost' or 'about'. If that doesn't work, consider words that imply closeness, approximation, or a state of being on the brink. Also, check for intersecting letters to narrow down possibilities.