pressing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "pressing crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pressing crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DIRE: Indicating an extremely serious or urgent situation, as in 'dire need'.
5 Letters
VITAL: Absolutely necessary or important; essential for life or success.
ACUTE: Of a problem or need, very great or serious; urgent.
6 Letters
URGENT: Requiring immediate action or attention; a matter of high priority.
7 Letters
IRONING: The act of smoothing clothes using heat, a direct action of 'pressing' garments.
8 Letters
CRITICAL: Of crucial importance; having a decisive or crucial importance in the success, failure, or existence of something.
More About "pressing crossword clue"
"Pressing" is a versatile word that can often lead to multiple answers in crosswords due to its varied meanings. Primarily, it refers to something urgent or vital, demanding immediate attention. This is its most common interpretation in a general knowledge crossword, leading to answers like URGENT, CRITICAL, or VITAL. These synonyms convey a sense of immediacy and importance that aligns well with the core meaning of "pressing."
However, "pressing" also has a literal meaning related to applying force. This can manifest in answers such as IRONING, which describes the act of applying heat and pressure to smooth fabrics. Other less common but possible interpretations could relate to "the press" (journalism), or the act of extracting juice, as in pressing grapes. Always consider the context of the other clues and the puzzle's theme to determine the precise meaning intended by the constructor.
Understanding the different facets of a word like "pressing" is key to mastering crosswords. It challenges solvers to think beyond the most obvious definition and explore the full semantic range of a clue. This depth is what makes crossword puzzles so engaging and rewarding to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
Tackling clues like "pressing" requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you conquer your next crossword:
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's length with the number of boxes provided. This is your first and most reliable filter.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Look at the letters filled in by intersecting answers; they often reveal the correct word for the "pressing" clue.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For polysemous words like "pressing," list out all possible meanings (urgent, ironing, squeezing, newspaper, etc.) and see which fits the existing letters.
- Think About Context: Is it a cryptic crossword? A themed puzzle? The style and theme can hint at whether a literal or figurative meaning of "pressing" is required.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pressing" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "pressing" most commonly refers to something urgent, crucial, or vital. However, it can also relate to the act of ironing clothes, making juice (e.g., grape pressing), or even the news media ("the press"). The specific context of the puzzle will help narrow down the meaning.
Why are there so many answers for "pressing crossword clue"?
Crossword clues like "pressing" are often polysemous, meaning they have multiple distinct meanings. Additionally, cryptic crosswords might use wordplay or indirect references to these meanings, leading to a variety of possible answers depending on the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme.
How can I narrow down the answer for a "pressing" clue?
To narrow down the answer, first, check the letter count provided in the puzzle. Then, look at intersecting letters from other solved clues. Consider the crossword constructor's style – do they tend to use literal or more abstract meanings? The theme of the puzzle (if any) might also offer valuable clues.