negative crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with a crossword clue that points to something "negative"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "negative crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
NO: A simple and common two-letter word signifying refusal or absence. Often used in clues like "Opposite of yes" or "Word of denial."
3 Letters
NAY: An archaic or formal word for 'no,' often found in older puzzles or clues with a classic feel, like "Old-fashioned refusal."
BAD: Indicating something of poor quality, harmful, or undesirable. Clues might be "Opposite of good" or "Not good."
5 Letters
MINUS: Denoting subtraction or a negative quantity; also meaning 'without.' Common in clues related to math or a lack of something, e.g., "Subtraction sign" or "Without."
6 Letters
DENIAL: The act of asserting that something is not true, or refusing to admit something. Clues could be "Refusal to accept" or "Rejection."
7 Letters
OPPOSED: Being against something; in conflict with. Used for clues like "Against" or "In conflict with."
8 Letters
REJECTED: Dismissed as unsuitable or refused to accept. Clues might be "Turned down" or "Not accepted."
More About "negative crossword clue"
Crossword clues often use the concept of "negative" in various ways, making them a common yet tricky category for solvers. A "negative crossword clue" doesn't always mean the answer is simply "NO." It can refer to words that imply absence (e.g., NONE, EMPTY), opposition (e.g., AGAINST, FOE), a lack of quality (e.g., BAD, POOR), or even a mathematical concept (e.g., MINUS). Understanding these nuances is key to cracking such clues.
Seasoned crossword constructors frequently employ wordplay, synonyms, and antonyms when crafting "negative" clues. For instance, a clue like "Not up" could lead to DOWN, or "Not positive" might lead to NEGATIVE itself, or a word implying a bad outcome. Always consider the precise wording and the required letter count before committing to an answer.
Sometimes, the "negative" aspect of a clue is subtly embedded. It might be an adjective describing something undesirable, a verb indicating refusal, or a noun representing an absence. Expanding your vocabulary related to these categories, and practicing with different types of negative clues, will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: "Negative" can imply refusal, absence, bad quality, opposition, or even mathematical symbols. Don't limit yourself to just "no."
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If you think of 'NO' but need five letters, think 'MINUS' or 'WORSE'.
- Look for Synonyms/Antonyms: Clues often use indirect phrasing. "Opposite of 'positive'" could be 'NEGATIVE' or a synonym for it. "Lack of" implies absence.
- Context is Key: How does the clue relate to other solved words? Does it fit the theme or tone of the puzzle?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'negative' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'negative' can refer to a word meaning 'no' or 'not', an antonym, a word indicating a bad quality, or even a mathematical subtraction sign. It prompts you to think of concepts of absence, opposition, or undesirable traits.
How can I solve clues that suggest negativity?
To solve such clues, look for synonyms of 'no,' 'bad,' 'opposite,' or words implying refusal, absence, or poor quality. Consider the context and the number of letters to narrow down possibilities like 'NO', 'NAY', 'BAD', 'MINUS', 'DENY', or 'REJECT'.
Are there common 'negative' words used in crosswords?
Yes, common negative answers frequently seen in crosswords include short words like NO and NAY, descriptive words such as BAD and EVIL, terms related to absence like NONE, or verbs like DENY and REJECT. The mathematical 'MINUS' is also a frequent answer.