obsessive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving the "obsessive" crossword clue. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand why each answer fits.
Solutions for "obsessive crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
FIXATED: Strongly focused or preoccupied with a single idea or object.
8 Letters
MANIACAL: Exhibiting extremely wild or violent behavior, or characterized by extreme enthusiasm or obsession.
9 Letters
FANATICAL: Filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, often to an extreme degree.
10 Letters
COMPULSIVE: Resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge, especially one that is against one's conscious wishes or better judgment.
More About "obsessive crossword clue"
"Obsessive" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing towards a state of intense preoccupation, a strong and often irrational fixation, or an all-consuming dedication. The key to solving it lies in identifying the specific nuance the clue is aiming for, which can range from a negative connotation like an unhealthy obsession to a more neutral, single-minded focus.
Crossword setters love using words like "obsessive" because they have multiple synonyms and can fit various letter counts. Understanding the subtle differences between words like "fanatical," "maniacal," "fixated," and "compulsive" is crucial. While all convey a sense of intense focus, the context of the puzzle's theme or other intersecting words will typically narrow down the possibilities. For instance, a clue might hint at an 'obsessive' collector (FANATICAL) versus an 'obsessive' hand-washer (COMPULSIVE).
This clue also challenges solvers to think beyond the most obvious synonyms and consider more abstract interpretations of being "obsessed." Sometimes, the answer might describe a person, an action, or even a feeling, depending on how the clue is structured. Always keep an eye out for any misdirections or clever wordplay that might be embedded in the clue's phrasing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Connotation: Does the clue imply a positive dedication, a neutral focus, or a negative, unhealthy fixation? This can guide you towards words like DEDICATED (positive), FIXATED (neutral), or MANIACAL (negative).
- Check Surrounding Clues: Use intersecting letters from already solved clues to narrow down potential answers. Even one correctly placed letter can eliminate many incorrect possibilities.
- Think of Word Types: Is the answer likely to be an adjective (e.g., OBSESSIVE, FANATICAL), a noun (e.g., MANIAC), or a verb (e.g., FIXATE)? The clue's grammatical structure often provides a hint.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Many words related to 'obsessive' might share common prefixes like 'pre-' (preoccupied) or suffixes like '-ive' (compulsive).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "obsessive" mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, "obsessive" often points to words like FANATICAL, FIXATED, COMPULSIVE, or MANIACAL, describing an intense, often unhealthy, preoccupation or dedication. The specific answer will depend on the required letter count and other intersecting letters.
How do I choose between multiple answers for an "obsessive" clue?
To select the correct answer, look at the letter count required by the puzzle, check any intersecting letters you've already solved, and consider the specific nuances of the clue's wording. Sometimes, 'obsessive' might lean towards a negative connotation (e.g., maniacal) or a more neutral, intense dedication (e.g., fixated).
Are there common word patterns or synonyms for "obsessive" clues?
Yes, clues for 'obsessive' often use synonyms such as 'preoccupied,' 'fixated,' 'zealous,' 'driven,' 'intense,' or 'compulsive.' Always pay attention to the part of speech required by the answer (e.g., adjective, noun) and any qualifiers that might narrow down the specific type of obsession.