painstaking crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "painstaking", along with explanations and helpful tips to conquer your next puzzle. We provide answers across all possible word lengths to ensure you find exactly what you need.
Solutions for "painstaking crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ARDUOUS: Requiring considerable effort and time; difficult and tiring.
8 Letters
DILIGENT: Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
9 Letters
LABORIOUS: Involving a great deal of effort, especially over a period of time.
10 Letters
METICULOUS: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
More About "painstaking crossword"
"Painstaking" is a common and often challenging clue in crosswords, requiring solvers to think beyond immediate synonyms and consider nuances of effort, detail, and care. It can imply something that is done with great diligence, precision, or something that is simply very difficult and requires significant labor. The variety of possible answers reflects these different facets.
When you encounter 'painstaking' as a clue, it's essential to consider the context provided by other intersecting words. Is the puzzle leaning towards the 'difficult' aspect, or the 'detailed and careful' aspect? For instance, a clue might subtly hint at a job that requires 'painstaking' effort versus a craft that demands 'painstaking' attention to detail. This precise matching of meaning to the crossword's overall theme or adjacent letters is what makes solving so rewarding.
The words provided above, such as ARDUOUS, DILIGENT, LABORIOUS, and METICULOUS, cover a spectrum of meanings for 'painstaking', making them ideal candidates for this type of clue. Always cross-reference with the known letters and the overall puzzle theme to pinpoint the exact answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances: For clues like 'painstaking', think about the different shades of meaning: is it about effort, attention to detail, or difficulty? Each nuance might lead to a different correct answer.
- Check Letter Counts First: Always match potential answers to the given letter count immediately. This narrows down possibilities significantly and prevents wasted time.
- Look for Suffixes and Prefixes: Many adjectives that fit 'painstaking' end in '-OUS' (e.g., METICULOUS, ARDUOUS). Being aware of common word endings for different parts of speech can be a huge advantage.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm a difficult answer is by using the letters provided by crossing words. If a word doesn't fit the existing letters, it's not the right answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'painstaking' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'painstaking' often points to synonyms related to carefulness, thoroughness, detail-orientation, or requiring great effort, like 'METICULOUS', 'DILIGENT', or 'ARDUOUS'.
How do I find the right synonym for a detailed clue like 'painstaking'?
Look at the letter count first. Then, consider the specific nuance: is it about effort, detail, or conscientiousness? Test various synonyms that fit the length and the exact meaning. Context from intersecting words is also key.
Are there common word patterns or suffixes for 'painstaking' clues?
While there's no single pattern, many answers to 'painstaking' related clues end in -OUS (e.g., METICULOUS, ASSIDUOUS, SCRUPULOUS, ARDUOUS, LABORIOUS), indicating an adjective. Always keep an eye out for these common endings.