obscure crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "obscure crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "obscure crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ARCANE: Secret, mysterious, or known or understood by very few.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure.
8 Letters
ESOTERIC: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
ABSTRUSE: Difficult to understand; obscure.
More About "obscure crossword"
"Obscure" is a highly common and sometimes frustrating descriptor in the world of crosswords. It signals that the answer isn't straightforward or widely known, requiring solvers to delve into less common vocabulary or niche areas of knowledge. This type of clue tests a solver's breadth of vocabulary and ability to think laterally, often hinting at synonyms that are rarely used in everyday conversation.
When a clue contains "obscure," it could refer to a word's meaning, its etymology, or even a specific cultural or historical reference that only a few might grasp. It challenges solvers to not just know definitions but also to understand the subtle shades of meaning and usage that can make a word fit perfectly into a grid. Mastering these types of clues is a hallmark of an experienced crossword enthusiast.
Understanding the various facets of "obscure" can unlock many tricky puzzles. It encourages research into synonyms, antonyms, and related concepts that might not immediately come to mind. Our goal is to provide you with those less obvious answers and the context to understand why they fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly read books, articles, and even dictionaries to encounter less common words. Pay special attention to synonyms and antonyms of everyday terms.
- Learn Common Crosswordese: Crosswords often use a specific vocabulary of short, old, or rarely used words (e.g., 'EPEE', 'ERNE', 'OLEO'). Familiarize yourself with these, as they frequently appear in 'obscure' contexts.
- Consider Alternative Meanings: Many words have multiple meanings. An 'obscure' clue might be leading you to a less common or archaic definition of a familiar word. Always question the most obvious interpretation.
- Utilize Cross-References: If an 'obscure' answer is proving difficult, try to solve intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from other answers can provide crucial hints for the trickier words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 'obscure' relate to crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'obscure' often indicates that the answer will be a less common word, a specialized term, or a word used in a nuanced or dated context. It's a hint to dig deeper into your vocabulary.
What are common synonyms for 'obscure' used in crosswords?
Besides common answers like ARCANE, CRYPTIC, ESOTERIC, or ABSTRUSE, other synonyms that might appear include RECONDITE, ENIGMATIC, VAGUE, or MYSTIC, depending on the specific nuance required by the clue.
Are there specific types of 'obscure' clues?
Yes, 'obscure' can refer to a rare word, a recondite piece of knowledge (e.g., an ancient god or a scientific term), or even a cleverly disguised pun or cryptic definition where the direct meaning is hidden.