rear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are common meanings of 'rear' in crosswords?

'Rear' is a highly versatile word in crosswords. It can refer to the back part of something (noun), to bring up or nurture (verb), or be an adjective meaning at the back. Its multiple interpretations mean you'll find a wide range of synonyms depending on the puzzle's context.

Q: How can I distinguish between 'rear' as a noun and 'rear' as a verb in a crossword clue?

Pay close attention to the grammatical structure of the clue. If the clue implies an action or process (e.g., 'Raise children', 'Nurture'), 'rear' is likely used as a verb. If it describes a location or a part of an object (e.g., 'Back of a ship', 'End part'), it's typically a noun or adjective. Crossword setters often provide subtle hints through phrasing.

Q: Are there common nautical or animal-related terms for 'rear' in crosswords?

Yes, 'AFT' and 'ASTERN' are frequently used nautical terms for the rear of a ship or aircraft. When 'rear' relates to animals, especially in the context of upbringing, answers like 'RAISE' or 'NURSE' might be correct. For the physical back part of an animal, 'TAIL' or 'RUMP' could be possibilities.

Stuck on "rear crossword clue"? You've landed on the ultimate resource! We've meticulously compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers for various word lengths, complete with clear, concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether the clue refers to the back, to raise, or another nuanced meaning, our expert solutions are designed to get you unstuck fast.

Solutions for "rear crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

END: Refers to the back part or conclusion of something, often the opposite of the beginning.

AFT: Primarily used in nautical or aviation contexts, meaning at or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an aircraft.

4 Letters

BACK: The part of something that is farthest from the front; the dorsal side of a body or object.

TAIL: The hindmost part of an animal or object, often used metaphorically for the rear section.

5 Letters

RAISE: As a verb, to bring up or nurture, especially children or livestock; a common interpretation of 'rear'.

NURSE: To care for and bring up (a child or young animal); a synonym for 'rear' in the sense of nurturing.

6 Letters

BEHIND: Indicating a position at the back of, or following, someone or something.

ASTERN: A nautical term meaning behind or toward the stern of a ship or aircraft, similar to 'aft'.

7 Letters

BRINGUP: A phrasal verb meaning to nurture and educate a child until adulthood, directly synonymous with 'rear' as a verb.

8 Letters

DERRIERE: A humorous or euphemistic term for a person's buttocks, the very back part of a person.

More About "rear crossword clue"

"Rear" is a classic crossword clue that often presents a delightful challenge due to its rich semantic range. From denoting the posterior part of an object or body to signifying the act of nurturing or raising, its interpretation hinges heavily on context. As a noun, you might find it clued with synonyms for 'back', 'end', or even more specific terms like 'stern' (for ships) or 'tail' (for animals). The verb form, however, opens up a different set of possibilities, prompting answers related to upbringing, cultivation, or even standing upright, as a horse might rear.

Successful crossword solvers learn to identify subtle cues within the clue's phrasing that point to the intended meaning. For instance, a clue might specify the grammatical role (e.g., "Rear, verb") or include a contextual hint ("Rear a family," "Rear of the house"). Without such direct guidance, solvers must rely on the number of letters required and intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities. This adaptability makes "rear" a recurring and enjoyable challenge in puzzles, testing a solver's vocabulary breadth and understanding of nuanced English usage.

Beyond its literal meanings, "rear" can sometimes appear in playful or indirect clues, requiring a lateral thinking approach. Always consider phrasal verbs it might be part of, or even slightly archaic usages, as these are common traps and delights for experienced setters. Our comprehensive list aims to cover the most frequent interpretations to ensure you can confidently tackle this versatile clue.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Identify the Part of Speech: Determine if "rear" is used as a noun, verb, or adjective in the clue. This is the single most important step for narrowing down potential answers.
Consider Specific Context: Look for any words in the clue that provide a specific context, such as "of a ship," "children," or "animal." These direct you to nautical, familial, or biological synonyms.
Check Letter Count and Intersections: If multiple meanings fit, use the number of letters and any already-filled intersecting letters to confirm the correct word. This is your ultimate validation tool.
Think of Phrasal Verbs: "Rear" is frequently part of phrasal verbs like "bring up." Always keep compound answers in mind if the letter count allows.

For more advice on tackling tricky clues and improving your solving speed, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common meanings of 'rear' in crosswords?

'Rear' can refer to the back part (noun), to bring up or nurture (verb), or be an adjective meaning at the back. Its versatility often leads to multiple possible answers depending on the context of the puzzle.

How can I distinguish between 'rear' as a noun and 'rear' as a verb in a crossword clue?

Look for clues about tense or grammatical function. If the clue implies an action (e.g., 'Raise children'), 'rear' is a verb. If it describes a location (e.g., 'Back of a ship'), it's likely a noun or adjective. Crossword setters often use synonyms to guide you.

Are there common nautical or animal-related terms for 'rear' in crosswords?

Yes, 'AFT' and 'ASTERN' are common nautical terms for the rear of a ship or aircraft. When 'rear' relates to animals, answers like 'TAIL' or 'RUMP' might appear for the noun form, or 'RAISE'/'NURSE' for the verb form (e.g., 'rear lambs').