petty crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "petty," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "petty crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MEAN: Referring to something unkind, cruel, or small-minded, fitting the 'petty' nature.
5 Letters
MINOR: Denoting something of lesser importance or significance, aligning with a 'petty' issue.
SMALL: Implying something of limited size or importance, often used synonymously with petty.
6 Letters
PALTRY: Meaning small or meager, often contemptibly so, perfectly describing something petty.
7 Letters
TRIVIAL: Describing something of little value or importance, a very common synonym for 'petty'.
13 Letters
INSIGNIFICANT: Meaning too small or unimportant to be worth consideration, a longer, more emphatic form of 'petty'.
More About "petty crossword puzzle clue"
"Petty" is a versatile word in crosswords, often leading to a range of potential answers depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to something of little importance or value, like a 'petty' quarrel or a 'petty' sum of money, in which case answers like TRIVIAL, MINOR, or INSIGNIFICANT might fit. Alternatively, it can describe a person's character, highlighting a mean-spirited or small-minded disposition, leading to answers such as MEAN.
Understanding the context of the clue, especially any accompanying words or the overall theme of the puzzle, is crucial. For instance, "Petty detail" clearly points to a trivial or minor aspect, whereas "Petty tyrant" emphasizes a mean or overbearing characteristic. Always consider the number of letters required in the grid to narrow down the possibilities from the various synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "petty," consider if it refers to size, importance, or character. This will help you select the most appropriate synonym from the available letter counts.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly identify possible solutions that fit both the length and the known letters.
- Think of Homophones or Puns: While less common for direct synonyms like "petty," some clues might play on words that sound similar or have double meanings. Always be alert to this possibility.
- Consult a Thesaurus: If you're completely stuck, a quick look at a thesaurus for "petty" can often spark ideas, revealing synonyms you hadn't considered.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'petty' usually refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'petty' often refers to something small, minor, insignificant, or trivial. It can also describe a person who is small-minded, mean, or spiteful. The specific context of the clue and the number of letters will guide you to the correct meaning.
How do I determine the correct length for a 'petty' answer?
The number of blanks provided in the crossword grid is your primary guide. Once you have a potential answer word, count its letters and check if it matches the grid. For 'petty', common lengths range from 4 letters (like MEAN) to much longer words (like INSIGNIFICANT).
Are there common synonyms for 'petty' used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms used as answers for 'petty' include MINOR, TRIVIAL, MEAN, SMALL, PALTRY, SLIGHT, and occasionally more obscure words depending on the puzzle's difficulty. Always consider the nuance of 'petty' in the clue.