sticky crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "sticky" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sticky crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TACKY: Describes something that is slightly adhesive, often used for surfaces that are just a little bit sticky, like freshly applied paint.
GLUEY: Resembling glue in consistency; highly adhesive or viscous, like a thick, syrupy liquid.
GUMMY: Having a sticky or viscous consistency, often implying a texture like chewed gum or a sugary residue, such as gummy candy.
PASTY: Having a sticky, dough-like, or gluey consistency, often used for food items that are thick and hard to chew.
6 Letters
CLINGY: Tending to cling or stick to something, often used to describe fabric that sticks to the body, or a person who is overly dependent.
7 Letters
VISCOUS: Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid, resistant to flow, like honey or motor oil.
TREACLY: Resembling treacle in taste or consistency; syrupy and excessively sweet, often implying a sticky, sugary texture.
8 Letters
ADHESIVE: A substance used for sticking objects or materials together, designed specifically for bonding, such as an adhesive bandage.
9 Letters
TENACIOUS: Not easily pulled apart; clinging or adhering closely. While often used for persistence, it can describe something physically sticky and hard to separate.
More About "sticky crossword clue"
The clue "sticky" is a classic in crosswords, often leading solvers down a variety of paths due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to a physical property of an object, like glue or tape, describing something that adheres to surfaces. Words like ADHESIVE or TACKY fit perfectly into this category, focusing on the ability to cling.
However, "sticky" can also describe a texture or consistency, such as something that feels gooey or gummy to the touch. This broader interpretation allows for answers like GLUEY, GOOEY, or GUMMY, which evoke a specific tactile sensation. Furthermore, in some contexts, "sticky" can even refer to something difficult or awkward, though this is less common in direct physical property clues. Always consider the precise nuance the crossword setter intends.
Understanding these different facets of "sticky" is key to unlocking the correct answer. Pay close attention to the number of letters, any crossing letters you've already solved, and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle to guide your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters provided in the clue to the potential answers. This immediately eliminates many incorrect options.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from crossing words. Even one letter can often narrow down a "sticky" clue with multiple synonyms to the single correct answer.
- Consider Nuances and Context: Think about the specific kind of "sticky" the clue implies. Is it sticky like glue, sticky like mud, or sticky like an awkward situation? The exact wording of the clue often provides subtle hints about the intended answer's meaning.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: If stuck, list out all synonyms for "sticky" you can think of, then consider their opposites, which sometimes helps trigger related concepts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for a 'sticky' crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple potential answers because words can have many synonyms or related meanings. 'Sticky' can refer to physical properties (like TACKY or ADHESIVE), textures (like GLUEY or GUMMY), or even behaviors (like CLINGY). The specific context, surrounding letters, or the crossword setter's style helps narrow down the correct word.
What's the difference between 'tacky' and 'adhesive' in crossword terms?
'TACKY' generally implies a mild, superficial stickiness, often a transient state or a slight residue. For example, paint might be tacky before it's fully dry. 'ADHESIVE' refers to a substance designed to create a strong, lasting bond, like glue or tape. In crosswords, 'tacky' might imply a softer, less permanent stick, while 'adhesive' points to a bonding agent.
How can I figure out the exact 'sticky' answer when I have several options?
The best approach is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues. If you have a few letters, they will often eliminate all but one possible answer. Also, consider the number of letters required for the answer; this is usually given next to the clue. Finally, the specific nuance of the clue itself (e.g., 'mildly sticky' vs. 'very sticky') can provide a hint.