spouse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "spouse crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle. Get ready to complete that grid!
Solutions for "spouse crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WIFE: A female partner in a marriage. One of the most common answers for a female spouse.
MATE: A partner, often used informally to refer to a spouse or a life partner.
5 Letters
BRIDE: A woman on her wedding day, soon to become a wife/spouse.
GROOM: A man on his wedding day, soon to become a husband/spouse.
6 Letters
SPOUSE: A direct answer, referring to a partner in marriage. Sometimes clues can be surprisingly direct.
7 Letters
HUSBAND: A male partner in a marriage. The counterpart to 'WIFE'.
PARTNER: A person with whom one is united in a common endeavor; often used for a life partner or spouse.
CONSORT: A spouse, especially of a monarch. This answer suggests a more formal or royal context.
8 Letters
HELPMATE: An older term for a helpful companion or partner, typically referring to a spouse.
9 Letters
COMPANION: A person with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels; can imply a life partner or spouse in broader contexts.
More About "spouse crossword clue"
The term "spouse" in crosswords is a versatile one, often leading to a wide array of potential answers depending on the specific nuance the clue intends. While "wife" and "husband" are the most straightforward gender-specific answers, the clue can extend to more general terms like "mate" or "partner," or even terms related to the wedding event such as "bride" or "groom." This variety reflects the different ways a marital partner can be described in language.
Crossword setters often use synonyms, archaic terms, or even informal expressions to add layers of difficulty. For instance, a clue might lean towards a historical context, pointing to "consort," or a more supportive role, suggesting "helpmate." Paying attention to the exact wording of the clue, any accompanying descriptors, and the letter count is crucial for distinguishing between these possibilities and finding the precise fit for your puzzle.
Understanding the common associations with "spouse" in crossword puzzles, beyond just the direct synonyms, can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy. Always consider the possibility of gender specification, formal versus informal usage, and even metaphorical interpretations if the clue seems particularly tricky.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Letter Count: This is your most immediate filter. If the clue asks for a 4-letter word for spouse, you can immediately rule out "HUSBAND" (7 letters) and focus on options like "WIFE" or "MATE."
- Look for Gender Hints: Sometimes the clue subtly (or explicitly) indicates gender. Phrases like "female partner" or "man wed" will guide you to "WIFE" or "HUSBAND" respectively. Without such hints, more neutral terms like "PARTNER" or "MATE" are likely candidates.
- Consider Specific Context: Does the clue mention royalty (likely "CONSORT") or a wedding day ("BRIDE," "GROOM")? Crossword clues often embed small details that point to a very specific synonym.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you're stuck, solve other clues that cross with your "spouse" answer. The letters you fill in will provide critical constraints, often revealing the correct word from a list of possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "spouse crossword clue"?
The term 'spouse' can be broadly interpreted in crosswords. Clues might refer to gender-specific roles (wife, husband), states (bride, groom), legal status (partner), or even archaic terms (consort, helpmate). The specific context, letter count, and surrounding clues in your puzzle will determine the correct answer.
How do I choose the correct 'spouse' answer in a crossword?
First, consider the number of letters required. Then, look for any other hints in the clue: is it masculine or feminine? Does it suggest a royal connection (consort)? Is it informal (mate)? Finally, use intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down the possibilities until only one answer fits.
Can 'spouse' itself be a crossword answer for the clue 'spouse crossword clue'?
While it's less common for a clue to be its own answer, it is possible in crosswords, especially for very direct or generic terms. If 'SPOUSE' fits the letter count and the overall theme of the puzzle, and no other synonyms seem appropriate, it could indeed be the intended solution.