scare crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "scare crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "scare crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEAR: The feeling of being afraid or apprehensive; a common noun related to being scared.
5 Letters
ALARM: A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety; also, to cause someone to feel this. Often implies a warning.
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive; to discourage.
SPOOK: To frighten or unnerve, often used informally, especially in relation to animals or sudden movements.
6 Letters
TERROR: Extreme fear; also, to fill with terror. A more intense form of being scared.
RATTLE: To make someone feel nervous, worried, or agitated; to unnerve them.
FRIGHT: A sudden intense feeling of fear; similar to alarm or scare. Often used as a noun.
7 Letters
STARTLE: To cause to feel sudden shock or alarm; to surprise abruptly.
8 Letters
FRIGHTEN: To make someone afraid or anxious; a direct verb synonym for 'scare'.
More About "scare crossword clue"
The clue "scare" often appears in crosswords, inviting a range of synonyms depending on the puzzle's specific context and the required word length. It can be interpreted as a verb, meaning to cause fear (e.g., frighten, alarm, intimidate), or as a noun, referring to the feeling of fear itself (e.g., fright, alarm, terror). Puzzlers should pay close attention to whether the clue hints at a subtle unease or an intense, sudden shock.
Cryptic clues involving "scare" might play on its different meanings, or even on its phonetic qualities (e.g., "bear" as in "scarebear"). Understanding the various nuances of fear-related vocabulary is key to unlocking these types of clues. Words like 'daunt,' 'spook,' and 'cow' (as a verb meaning to intimidate) add further complexity and breadth to the possible solutions, making 'scare' a versatile and common crossword clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: The number of letters in the answer box is your biggest hint. Always cross-reference your potential solutions with the available spaces.
- Consider Part of Speech: Is "scare" used as a verb (to frighten) or a noun (a fright)? This distinction significantly narrows down your options.
- Look for Synonyms and Intensity: "Scare" can range from a mild apprehension to outright terror. Think about the intensity implied by other words in the clue, if any.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Use already filled-in letters from intersecting words to confirm or rule out your guesses. This is fundamental to crossword solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy for 'scare' crossword clues?
When encountering a 'scare' clue, consider the context and the required word length. Think of synonyms like 'frighten,' 'alarm,' 'intimidate,' or even 'panic.' Also, determine if the clue implies a noun (e.g., 'a scare') or a verb (e.g., 'to scare').
Are there common tricky aspects to 'scare' related clues?
Yes, 'scare' can sometimes imply a lesser degree of fear (e.g., 'a bit of a scare') compared to 'terror' or 'horror.' It can also be used figuratively, meaning to ward off (e.g., 'scare away birds'). Always consider the subtle nuances and surrounding words in the clue.
How can I improve my vocabulary for 'scare' synonyms?
Regularly using a thesaurus can help, but more effectively, try to notice the different shades of meaning for words related to fear and intimidation. Practicing various types of crosswords will also expose you to a wider range of synonyms and their common usages in puzzles.