occasionally crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "occasionally" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "occasionally crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ATTIMES: Signifying 'now and then' or 'sometimes', this answer is a direct synonym often used for 'occasionally'.
8 Letters
OFFANDON: Implying something happens intermittently, not continuously, perfectly matching the definition of 'occasionally'.
9 Letters
SOMETIMES: A very common and direct synonym for 'occasionally', indicating something happens at certain times but not always.
10 Letters
NOWANDTHEN: A classic idiom for 'from time to time', fitting the meaning of 'occasionally' very well.
12 Letters
PERIODICALLY: Suggests happening at regular intervals, which can sometimes be synonymous with 'occasionally' in a broader sense, especially if the intervals are infrequent.
13 Letters
ONCEINAHWHILE: Another common idiom meaning 'from time to time' or 'infrequently', closely aligned with 'occasionally'.
More About "occasionally crossword clue"
The clue "occasionally" in crosswords often points to adverbs of frequency or idiomatic expressions that convey intermittence. It implies an action or event that is not constant or continuous but happens at irregular or specified intervals. Understanding the subtle nuances between "occasionally," "rarely," and "sometimes" can be crucial for selecting the correct answer, as crossword setters love to play on these fine distinctions.
Solutions tend to range from single-word adverbs like "SOMETIMES" to multi-word phrases such as "NOWANDTHEN" or "ONCEINAHWHILE." The length of the required answer is often the best indicator of which specific synonym or phrase the setter is looking for. Paying attention to any surrounding letters you've already filled in can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
Beyond direct synonyms, consider words that describe a lack of regularity or a sporadic nature. Crossword puzzles are known for their cleverness, so an unexpected but fitting synonym could be the key to unlocking this common clue. Always think broadly about how a word implies infrequency.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For frequency-related clues like "occasionally," think of both direct synonyms (sometimes, now and then) and their opposites (always, constantly) to help trigger related words.
- Look for Idioms: Many crossword answers for time or frequency clues are common idioms. Phrases like "once in a blue moon" or "every now and then" are frequent targets.
- Consider Word Length: If you have an "occasionally" clue, and you've already determined the answer is, for example, 10 letters long, it immediately points you towards answers like NOWANDTHEN rather than shorter options like ATTIMES.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to other words in the clue or related clues. Sometimes a specific context (e.g., "occasionally seen in the wild") might lean towards a more descriptive answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'occasionally' mean in crossword puzzles?
'Occasionally' in crosswords typically refers to something that happens infrequently or from time to time, but not always. Clues seeking this often have answers like 'SOMETIMES', 'ATTIMES', or idiomatic expressions like 'NOWANDTHEN'.
How can I find synonyms for time-related crossword clues?
To find synonyms for time-related clues, consider adverbs of frequency, idiomatic phrases (e.g., 'once in a blue moon', 'now and then'), and expressions that denote intermittent action. Thinking about both common and less common expressions can widen your options for a solution.
Are there common tricks for 'occasionally' clues?
Watch for the length of the answer; shorter answers might be 'ATTIMES', while longer ones could be 'FROMTIMETOTIME' or 'ONCEINAHWHILE'. Also, consider if the clue implies a regular (PERIODICALLY) or irregular (ERRATICALLY) 'occasionally', as context can be key.