sharp crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the "sharp" crossword clue? You've landed on the right page! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct answer. Whether it's a sharp intellect or a sharp taste, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "sharp crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Often refers to a sharp intellect or sense, like a keen eye or a keen mind.
TART: Used to describe a sharp, sour taste, like that of certain fruits or wine.
5 Letters
ACUTE: Can describe a sharp angle, a sharp pain, or a person's acute awareness or intelligence.
CRISP: Can refer to a sharp, clear sound, a sharp, fresh quality (like crisp air), or a sharp, neat appearance.
6 Letters
SHREWD: Implies a sharp, practical intelligence, especially in business or negotiations, often denoting cunning.
8 Letters
PIERCING: Describes a sharp, penetrating quality, often used for sounds (a piercing shriek) or glances (piercing eyes).
More About "sharp crossword clue"
The word "sharp" is a common yet tricky clue in crosswords due to its wide range of meanings. It can refer to physical attributes, sensory perceptions, intellectual capabilities, or even sudden changes. From a literal sharp edge of a knife to a metaphorical sharp wit, the clue demands careful consideration of the context provided by the rest of the puzzle.
Crossword setters love words like "sharp" because they can be interpreted in numerous ways, leading to diverse answers depending on the specific nuance intended. For instance, 'sharp' could mean intelligent (ACUTE, KEEN, SHREWD), pungent (TART), well-defined (CRISP), or even a musical note (#). Always pay close attention to the word count and any accompanying words in the clue to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your first and most reliable hint. For "sharp," knowing if it's 4, 5, or 8 letters immediately helps eliminate many possibilities.
- Consider the Context: Look at other words in the clue. "Sharp pain" steers you towards ACUTE, while "sharp intellect" might suggest KEEN or SHREWD. The surrounding words are almost as important as the clue itself.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: Sometimes, thinking of words related to 'sharp' or even its opposite can spark the correct answer, especially if the clue is a bit abstract.
- Check for Homographs/Homophones: While less common for "sharp," remember that some clues play on words that sound alike or are spelled the same but have different meanings.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sharp' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'sharp' often found in crosswords include KEEN, ACUTE, SHREWD, EDGY, TART, and CRISP, depending on the context of the clue. The versatility of 'sharp' allows for many different interpretations.
How does context influence the 'sharp' crossword clue?
The surrounding words in a 'sharp' clue are crucial. For example, 'sharp pain' points to ACUTE, 'sharp taste' to TART, 'sharp dresser' to NATTY, and 'sharp turn' to ABRUPT. Always consider the nuance of the clue.
Why are there so many answers for a simple clue like 'sharp'?
The word 'sharp' is highly polysemous, meaning it has many different meanings and applications. It can describe an edge, a taste, an intellect, a sound, a change in direction, or even a style of dress, leading to a wide range of possible crossword answers.