special crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "special crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find common answers, their lengths, and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "special crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RARE: Something uncommon or extraordinary, often fitting for a 'special' clue.
5 Letters
ELITE: This word refers to a select group or superior quality, perfectly describing something 'special'.
6 Letters
UNIQUE: It directly implies being one of a kind, a very common interpretation of 'special'.
SELECT: It means carefully chosen as being the best or most suitable, indicating a 'special' choice.
More About "special crossword clue"
The term "special" in a crossword clue is wonderfully versatile, making it both challenging and rewarding to solve. Constructors often use it to hint at something unique, exceptional, or out of the ordinary. It can point to direct synonyms like 'rare' or 'unique', but it can also lead you down a path of more nuanced interpretations.
Sometimes, "special" might refer to a specific category or type. For example, a "special blend" might lead to COFFEE, or a "special occasion" to a FESTIVITY. The key is to look at the other words in the clue and consider the context. Is it referring to an object, a feeling, a person, or an event? Understanding this can narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Furthermore, 'special' can be used in wordplay. While less common for such a straightforward word, a clever constructor might use it to suggest a homophone or a pun. Always keep an open mind and be ready to think outside the box when this word appears, as its 'special' nature often demands a 'special' solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For clues like "special," immediately think of words that mean the same thing, such as unique, rare, exceptional, specific, or distinct.
- Consider Context: Always read the full clue. If "special" is followed by another word (e.g., "special delivery"), it might be part of a common phrase or idiomatic expression.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a few potential answers, check which ones fit the given number of letters in the grid. This is often the quickest way to confirm a solution.
- Look at Crossers: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These "crossers" will either confirm your choice or rule it out, guiding you to the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I approach a clue like 'special' in a crossword?
When encountering 'special' in a crossword clue, consider its various synonyms like unique, rare, select, or elite. Also, think about contexts where 'special' might imply a specific item or characteristic, such as a 'special blend' or a 'special occasion'. Wordplay is also common, so look for puns or homophones if a direct synonym doesn't fit.
What are common pitfalls when solving 'special' clues?
One common pitfall is immediately looking for the most obvious synonym without considering the number of letters or other words in the clue. 'Special' can also be part of a phrase (e.g., 'special delivery') or hint at a specific category. Always check if the answer fits the crossers and the overall theme of the puzzle.
Does 'special' always mean positive in crosswords?
While 'special' often implies something positive or superior, it can sometimes be used more neutrally or even negatively, depending on the clue's tone. For instance, 'a special kind of odd' might lead to a word like 'PECULIAR'. Always interpret 'special' within the full context of the clue and the puzzle's style.