smart crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the ultimate resource for solving the crossword clue "smart crossword clue". Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "smart crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Quick-witted, sharp, or highly perceptive. Often used when someone is intelligent and enthusiastic.
WISE: Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
5 Letters
ACUTE: Highly perceptive or discerning, indicating sharp intellectual ability or insight.
SHARP: Mentally quick or alert; intelligent. Can also refer to a sudden, intense feeling (like pain), or a stylish appearance.
6 Letters
CLEVER: Quick to learn and understand things; intelligent.
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; very perceptive.
BRIGHT: Intelligent and quick-witted, often implying a cheerful disposition too.
More About "smart crossword clue"
"Smart" is a word with a surprising range of meanings, making it a versatile and often tricky crossword clue. Beyond its most common association with intelligence (e.g., clever, astute, intelligent), "smart" can also refer to being well-dressed and fashionable (e.g., chic, natty), experiencing a sharp, stinging pain (e.g., a smarting wound), or even being quick and lively in movement (e.g., a smart pace). This polysemy is precisely why it's a crossword setter's favourite, allowing for diverse wordplay and misdirection.
When encountering "smart" in a crossword, always consider the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle. Is it paired with a clue about academics or problem-solving? Then an intelligence-related answer is likely. Is it describing an outfit or appearance? Then a fashion-related term might be the key. Is it about a sudden, sharp sensation? Pain-related synonyms could fit. Keeping these different facets in mind will significantly boost your chances of cracking the puzzle.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answers, but also the context and understanding to improve your crossword-solving skills for good. We hope this comprehensive breakdown for "smart crossword clue" proves invaluable in your puzzle-solving journey.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: As with "smart," many common words have multiple definitions. Always run through every possible meaning of a clue word in your head, not just the first one that comes to mind.
- Look at Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Use it to filter out irrelevant answers and narrow down possibilities quickly.
- Check Cross-References: If you've filled in intersecting words, use those letters as anchors. They provide invaluable context and often reveal which "smart" synonym fits perfectly.
- Think about Wordplay: Crossword clues often involve puns, anagrams, hidden words, or cryptic elements. A "smart" clue might not always be a direct definition.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does 'smart' appear as a crossword clue?
Words like 'smart' or synonyms thereof are very common in crosswords due to their versatility. They can refer to intelligence, fashion, pain, or even military precision, making them excellent candidates for various wordplay clues. It appears frequently across different puzzle types and difficulties.
What are common synonyms for 'smart' used in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'smart' often found in crosswords include KEEN, ACUTE, CLEVER, ASTUTE, SHARP, BRIGHT, WISE, SAGE, DEXTEROUS, and NATTY (for fashion). The specific context of the clue usually points to the intended meaning.
Can 'smart' refer to something other than intelligence in crosswords?
Absolutely! 'Smart' can be clued in various ways: as in 'fashionably dressed' (NATTY, CHIC), 'stinging pain' (SHARP, STING), or 'quick and vigorous action' (BRISK, NIPPY). Always consider all possible definitions of the word in question when stuck.