outstanding crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "outstanding crossword clue" and need a little help, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations to guide you to the perfect solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "outstanding crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
NOTED: Meaning well-known or famous, often for a particular achievement or quality. This fits the 'prominent' aspect of outstanding.
6 Letters
UNPAID: A common alternative meaning for "outstanding" in crosswords, referring to a debt or bill that has not yet been settled.
9 Letters
EXCELLENT: Directly signifies something of extremely high quality or superior merit, aligning with the primary sense of 'outstanding'.
More About "outstanding crossword clue"
The clue "outstanding" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that often appear in crosswords. Its primary meaning relates to excellence, superiority, or being noteworthy, as in an "outstanding performance" or an "outstanding achievement." Solutions like EXCELLENT, SUPERB, or NOTED would fit this interpretation perfectly, depending on the letter count and surrounding clues.
However, "outstanding" also has a distinct financial meaning, referring to something that is still due, unpaid, or unsettled, as in "outstanding debt" or "outstanding bills." This dual nature is a common trick used by crossword setters to challenge solvers, prompting them to consider all possible interpretations of a word before settling on an answer. Recognizing these common word traps is a key skill for any crossword enthusiast.
Always consider the context of your puzzle, especially if you have intersecting letters. These can often quickly eliminate one interpretation in favor of another, guiding you to the precise word the setter had in mind. Remember that crossword clues often play on subtle nuances of language, making the process of finding the right word both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "outstanding," many words have multiple meanings. Always think beyond the most obvious definition, especially if you're stuck.
- Look for indicators: Clues often contain subtle hints for abbreviations, synonyms, or specific categories (e.g., "briefly" might indicate an abbreviation, "capital" might refer to a city).
- Work with intersecting letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer or narrow down possibilities is to use the letters from words that cross your target word. If an answer doesn't fit, it's probably not the right one.
- Practice regularly: The more puzzles you solve, the more familiar you'll become with common clue patterns, setters' styles, and frequently used crossword vocabulary. Consistency is key to improvement.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I deal with ambiguous crossword clues?
Ambiguous clues often rely on wordplay, synonyms, or different meanings of a word. Consider all possible interpretations, check the letter count you need, and look at intersecting letters from other solved clues. Sometimes, the ambiguity is the key to the solution.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Clues can have multiple answers because a word might have several synonyms that fit the clue's meaning, or the clue itself might be a pun or refer to different definitions of a single word (like 'outstanding' meaning both 'excellent' and 'unpaid'). The correct answer usually becomes clear as you fill in intersecting words.
What's the best way to improve my crossword solving skills?
Regular practice is key. Start with easier puzzles and gradually move to harder ones. Pay attention to common crossword conventions, abbreviations, and frequently used clue types. Building your vocabulary and general knowledge will also significantly help. Don't be afraid to use resources like this site when stuck!