on the whole crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "on the whole," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "on the whole crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
OVERALL: Signifying generally or considering everything, a very common synonym for 'on the whole'.
BROADLY: In a general sense; extensively, often used to express a summary view.
8 Letters
ALLINALL: Considering everything; all things considered. This phrase itself means 'on the whole' and is frequently used as a single word in crosswords.
GLOBALLY: Involving the whole world; generally or comprehensively. While often used geographically, it can also mean 'overall' in a broader context.
9 Letters
GENERALLY: In most cases; usually. This word perfectly encapsulates the meaning of 'on the whole', referring to a general tendency or truth.
10 Letters
ALTOGETHER: Considering everything; completely. This answer directly aligns with the meaning of 'on the whole' in a summarizing context.
More About "on the whole crossword clue"
The phrase "on the whole" is an idiom that means "considering everything" or "in general." When you encounter this clue in a crossword puzzle, the expected answer will be a single word (or sometimes a common hyphenated or compound word treated as one) that carries this comprehensive or generalized meaning. It's a clue designed to test your vocabulary of synonyms for concepts like summary, generality, or overall impression.
Crossword setters love using such idiomatic phrases because they offer a rich pool of related synonyms. Common answers often include words like OVERALL, GENERALLY, BROADLY, and ALTOGETHER. The specific answer you need will depend on the number of letters required by the puzzle grid and any intersecting letters you might already have filled in.
Understanding the nuance of "on the whole" helps in identifying the correct synonym. It's not about being specific, but rather about capturing the essence of a situation or collection of facts when viewed in their entirety. Always consider the context of the puzzle – is it a general knowledge crossword, or does it have a specific theme that might influence the choice of synonym?
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue Type: Recognize if "on the whole" is an idiom, a straightforward definition, or part of a pun. Understanding clue types can narrow down possibilities.
- Count the Letters: Always use the letter count as your primary filter. Our page organizes answers by length specifically for this reason.
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you have any letters filled from crossing words, use them to confirm or eliminate potential answers. Even one letter can be crucial.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "on the whole," brainstorm as many synonyms as you can. Sometimes thinking of the opposite (e.g., specifically, individually) can also help trigger the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase "on the whole" mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "on the whole" is a common phrase clueing words that mean generally, overall, or considering all aspects. It asks for a word that summarizes the general situation or conclusion.
Why do some crossword clues, like "on the whole," have multiple answers?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because different synonyms can fit the same meaning, or the clue might be broad enough to encompass several related concepts. The number of letters or intersecting words in the grid helps determine the correct one.
Are there other common phrases similar to "on the whole" that I should know?
Yes, phrases like "in general," "by and large," "for the most part," or "all things considered" carry similar meanings and are often clued with synonyms like GENERALLY, OVERALL, or BROADLY.