prying crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "prying crossword clue," designed to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore answers by letter count along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "prying crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NOSY: Often used for someone who is excessively curious about others' business, directly fitting the idea of prying.
7 Letters
CURIOUS: Eager to know or learn something; when taken to an extreme, this can imply a degree of prying.
8 Letters
SNOOPING: The act of looking or searching in a furtive or intrusive way, usually to find out private information, making it a very strong fit for 'prying'.
11 Letters
INQUISITIVE: Unduly curious about the affairs of others; a direct and formal synonym for prying, suggesting a questioning nature that can become intrusive.
More About "prying crossword clue"
"Prying" in the context of crosswords often points to words that describe an intrusive or excessively curious nature. Clues might play on the act of gathering information discreetly or unethically, or simply on an intense desire to know details about others' lives or private matters. This type of clue tests your vocabulary around curiosity, investigation, and boundaries.
When you encounter 'prying' as a clue, think about synonyms that convey a sense of 'peeking,' 'probing,' or 'investigating' in a nosy way. The word choice for the answer will depend heavily on the number of letters required and any existing letters in the grid, guiding you towards shorter terms like NOSY or longer ones like INQUISITIVE.
Understanding the nuances of such words helps not only in solving this specific clue but also in recognizing similar patterns and synonyms in future puzzles. Many crossword setters love to use words with multiple shades of meaning to make their clues challenging but fair.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the required number of letters. This immediately narrows down your options for clues like "prying," which can have many synonyms.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the puzzle's theme or other completed words can hint at whether the 'prying' refers to a literal action (like 'opening something forcefully') or a figurative one (like 'being nosy').
- Brainstorm Synonyms & Antonyms: For words like 'prying,' jot down as many synonyms as you can think of that fit the different nuances of the word. Also, consider its antonyms if the clue implies the opposite.
- Use a Crossword Solver Strategically: If you're truly stuck, use a solver like Crosswordanswer.co.uk. Enter the clue and any known letters. Don't just copy the answer; try to understand why it's correct.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'prying' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'prying' typically refers to being overly inquisitive or intrusive. Clues often lead to words like NOSY, CURIOUS, SNOOPING, or INQUISITIVE. It implies a desire to gain information about something that is not one's business.
Are there common synonyms for 'prying' often used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'nosy', 'curious', 'snooping', 'inquisitive', 'meddling', 'intrusive', and 'probing'. The specific answer depends on the letter count and other intersecting words in the puzzle.
How can I find answers to obscure crossword clues?
If you're stuck on an obscure clue, first re-read it carefully for hidden meanings or wordplay. Consider synonyms, homophones, or anagrams. Use online crossword solvers like Crosswordanswer.co.uk by entering the clue and known letters. Sometimes, leaving it and returning later helps, or looking up proper nouns/specific terms mentioned.