prospect crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue 'prospect' has you stumped, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's solve your puzzle together!
Solutions for "prospect crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HOPE: A feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen in the future.
6 Letters
SEARCH: An act of looking carefully for something, often referring to mineral exploration or treasure hunting.
FUTURE: The time or a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing, often representing one's outlook.
7 Letters
OUTLOOK: A person's point of view or general attitude to life; or a probable future, a prospect.
EXPLORE: To travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about it, similar to prospecting for resources.
9 Letters
CANDIDATE: A person who is applying for a job or is nominated for election, considered a 'prospect' for a role.
More About "prospect crossword clue"
The word "prospect" carries a fascinating dual meaning that makes it a popular yet sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. On one hand, it refers to the likelihood of something happening in the future – an outlook or a hope. This is its more abstract, forward-looking sense, often implying potential or promise. For instance, a "good prospect" might mean a bright future.
On the other hand, "prospect" has a very concrete, active meaning related to searching, especially for valuable minerals like gold or oil. To "prospect" is to explore an area for these resources, making answers like SEARCH or EXPLORE highly relevant. This duality often requires solvers to consider the letter count and any other intersecting letters to determine the correct interpretation within the puzzle's context.
Understanding these distinct facets of "prospect" is key to successfully navigating clues that use this versatile word. Always consider whether the clue leans towards a future possibility or a literal search, and let the provided letter count guide your choice among the various strong synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the exact number of letters your answer requires. This is often the most critical filter for "prospect" clues, which have many synonyms of varying lengths.
- Consider Noun vs. Verb: Think about whether the clue implies "a prospect" (a noun, like a candidate or an outlook) or "to prospect" (a verb, like to search or explore). This can significantly narrow down your options.
- Look for Context: Examine surrounding clues or already filled-in letters. These can provide crucial context that pushes you towards one meaning of "prospect" over another. A clue about mining would favor SEARCH, while a clue about a career might favor CANDIDATE.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Beyond the most obvious, quickly list other words that mean "prospect" in different contexts. Sometimes a less common synonym is the intended answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "prospect" mean in a crossword puzzle?
"Prospect" can have several meanings in crosswords, leading to various answers. It might refer to a future possibility (like OUTLOOK or HOPE), someone being considered for a role (CANDIDATE), or the act of searching for minerals (SEARCH or EXPLORE). The surrounding letters are key!
How do I choose between different "prospect" answers?
Look at the letter count required. Then, consider if the clue hints at a noun (a future expectation, a potential person, a mine site) or a verb (to search, to explore). The context of other solved letters in the puzzle will often narrow down the options significantly.
Are there common wordplay tricks for "prospect" clues?
Sometimes "prospect" might hint at a literal "view" or "vista" (e.g., SCENE, VIEW), or even relate to a 'pro' (professional) looking at something. Always be alert for synonyms, antonyms, homophones, and anagrams within the clue itself, although for "prospect," it's usually direct synonyms.