smallest great lake crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "smallest great lake crossword clue" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find the most common answer, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with confidence.
Solutions for "smallest great lake crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ONTARIO: The smallest of North America's five Great Lakes by surface area (though not by volume). It's bordered by the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York, making it a prime candidate for general knowledge and geography clues in crosswords.
More About "smallest great lake crossword clue"
The clue "smallest great lake" almost universally points to Lake Ontario. While all five Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) are massive freshwater bodies, Ontario stands out for being the smallest in terms of surface area. This unique characteristic makes it a frequent and straightforward answer in crosswords, testing solvers' general geographical knowledge.
Lake Ontario plays a significant role both geographically and economically, with major cities like Toronto, Hamilton, and Rochester situated along its shores. Its connection to the other Great Lakes via the Niagara River and its outlet to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River highlight its importance in the North American hydrological system. For crossword enthusiasts, remembering this specific detail about its size is key to quickly solving related clues.
Understanding such specific attributes of famous landmarks or geographical features is a common strategy in crossword puzzle construction. By focusing on distinct characteristics like "smallest," "largest," "deepest," or "highest," setters can craft precise clues that lead directly to a single, verifiable answer, helping maintain the integrity and solvability of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify Unique Descriptors: When a clue uses superlatives like "smallest," "largest," "first," or "last," these are often direct indicators. For geographical clues, these descriptors usually point to a specific, well-known entity.
- Consider Common Knowledge: Crosswords frequently draw upon widely known facts, especially in geography, history, and pop culture. If a clue seems too simple, it might be relying on a piece of common knowledge you already possess.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Always use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can confirm a suspected answer or help you narrow down possibilities if you're unsure, especially with names or proper nouns.
- Think Broadly, Then Narrow Down: For clues like "lake," consider all possibilities, then use the specific modifiers ("great," "smallest") to refine your options until only the correct answer fits the given letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lake Ontario often referred to as the smallest Great Lake?
Lake Ontario is indeed the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, making it a distinct geographical fact perfect for crossword clues. While Lake Erie is smaller by volume, Lake Ontario holds the title for the least surface area.
Are there other Great Lakes that appear in crosswords frequently?
Yes, all the Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – are common crossword answers. Clues might relate to their size (e.g., 'largest Great Lake' for SUPERIOR), their unique location (MICHIGAN is the only one entirely within the USA), or historical significance.
How can I improve my knowledge of geography for crosswords?
To excel in geography-related crossword clues, regularly review maps, learn world capitals, major rivers, mountain ranges, and unique geographical features. Familiarity with world landmarks and major cities can also be very helpful. Pay attention to clues with specific adjectives like 'smallest' or 'largest' as they often point to unique geographical entities.