only crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "only crossword clue" and looking for a definitive answer, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "only crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOLE: Referring to something singular or unique, often implying exclusivity.
MERE: Used to emphasize the smallness or insignificance of something, meaning 'only' or 'just'.
JUST: Can mean 'only' or 'simply', indicating no more than a certain amount or state.
5 Letters
ALONE: Implying something exists by itself, exclusively, or without companions.
6 Letters
UNIQUE: One of a kind, having no equal or parallel, embodying the essence of being 'only'.
SINGLE: Denoting one or individual, emphasizing exclusivity or a singular instance.
SIMPLY: In a straightforward or uncomplicated way, often meaning 'only' or 'just'.
7 Letters
EXACTLY: Used to emphasize precision or the exact amount, often meaning 'no more or less than that', hence 'only'.
9 Letters
EXCLUSIVE: Restricted to a particular person, group, or area; being the only one of its kind.
More About "only crossword clue"
The word "only" in a crossword clue is a powerful indicator, guiding solvers towards answers that emphasize singularity, uniqueness, or restriction. It challenges you to think beyond direct synonyms and consider nuances of meaning. For instance, an "only" clue might point to something being the "sole" survivor, "mere" existence, or "just" a moment in time.
Understanding the subtle distinctions between words like SOLE, MERE, JUST, and ALONE is key to mastering these types of clues. The length of the answer, combined with any surrounding words in the clue, will always be your best guide. Crossword setters love to play with these subtle variations to make you think critically about the precise shade of meaning required.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is not just to give you the answer, but to help you understand why it's the answer. By explaining the logic behind each solution, we aim to improve your crossword-solving skills for future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "only", think about what specific aspect of singularity or exclusivity the setter is hinting at. Is it about quantity, uniqueness, or restriction?
- Letter Count is King: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: While "only" might be the core, consider if the clue is asking for a synonym for 'only' or perhaps an antonym of something that implies multiple options.
- Contextual Clues: Pay attention to other words in the clue. Are there adjectives, verbs, or prepositions that suggest a specific type of 'only' (e.g., 'only child', 'only hope')?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "only" often imply in crossword clues?
In crosswords, 'only' typically implies exclusivity, singularity, or a limited quantity. It often points towards synonyms like SOLE, MERE, JUST, ALONE, UNIQUE, or SINGLE, depending on the context and the required letter count.
How do I differentiate between similar "only" answers like MERE and JUST?
While MERE and JUST can both mean 'only', MERE often carries a connotation of smallness or insignificance (e.g., 'a mere scratch'), whereas JUST can simply mean 'simply' or 'exactly' (e.g., 'just enough'). The surrounding words in the clue usually provide subtle hints to distinguish between them.
Are there common synonyms for "only" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'only' that frequently appear in crossword puzzles include SOLE, MERE, JUST, ALONE, UNIQUE, SINGLE, EXCLUSIVE, and simply A. Context and the number of letters will guide you to the correct choice.