terrifying crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "terrifying," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "terrifying crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SCARY: Causing fear or alarm; frightening. A very common and direct synonym for terrifying.
AWFUL: Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible. Can be used to describe something terrifying in a broader sense.
6 Letters
SPOOKY: Eerie or sinister in a way that suggests ghosts or evil spirits. Often associated with a Halloween-like terrifying experience.
7 Letters
GHASTLY: Extremely unwell; causing great horror or fear. Often implies a pale, deathly appearance or a dreadful event.
MACABRE: Disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury. Suggests a terrifying quality related to the grotesque.
8 Letters
HORRIBLE: Causing horror; dreadful. A very strong synonym for terrifying, implying something deeply unpleasant or shocking.
DREADFUL: Causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious. Similar to horrible, conveying intense negative feelings.
CHILLING: Frightening or unsettling. Suggests a cold sense of dread or fear that makes one's blood run cold.
9 Letters
FRIGHTFUL: Causing fear or alarm; terrible. A more formal or intense way of saying terrifying.
More About "terrifying crossword clue"
"Terrifying" is a rich adjective often used in crosswords to test your vocabulary for synonyms related to fear, horror, and dread. Clues like this encourage solvers to think beyond the most obvious answer and consider nuances of meaning, word length, and common crosswordese. The solutions can range from simple adjectives like "SCARY" to more evocative terms such as "GHASTLY" or "MACABRE," each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning.
When encountering a clue like "terrifying," it's beneficial to consider the source or context of the terror. Is it a spooky ghost story, a horrific event, or simply something extremely unpleasant? The subtle differences can often point you towards the precise answer needed for your puzzle, especially when combined with intersecting letters.
Many crossword constructors love to play with words that have multiple meanings or applications. "Terrifying" can describe an experience, a creature, a sound, or even a feeling. Keeping an open mind about these possibilities is key to unlocking the grid, and our detailed explanations aim to provide that breadth of understanding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters in the answer box. This is your primary filter for any clue, especially for adjectives like "terrifying" which have many synonyms.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords frequently use synonyms. For "terrifying," think of words that mean fearful, scary, dreadful, horrifying, or even their opposites if the clue hints at reversal or wordplay.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your most valuable hints. They will confirm or rule out potential answers for "terrifying."
- Think About Wordplay and Puns: While "terrifying" is quite direct, some clues can be puns or involve wordplay. Always be alert to double meanings or phonetic clues, although less common for straightforward adjectives.
- Use a Thesaurus (Carefully): While our site provides direct answers, a general thesaurus can help expand your vocabulary for similar clues. However, always verify that the suggested word fits the crossword's specific nuance.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a crossword clue seems very broad?
If a clue like 'terrifying' seems too broad, consider other filled-in letters in the grid. This can significantly narrow down the possibilities. Also, think about synonyms or different contexts for the word, as crosswords often play on multiple meanings.
Are there different types of 'terrifying' clues in crosswords?
Yes, 'terrifying' could refer to something literally scary (e.g., 'SPOOKY'), something very bad or unpleasant ('HORRIBLE', 'AWFUL'), or even a characteristic of a person or situation. The exact nuance often depends on the specific puzzle constructor's style and the crossword's theme.
How can I improve my vocabulary for descriptive clues like 'terrifying'?
Regularly solving crosswords helps, but also reading widely, using a thesaurus for synonyms and antonyms, and keeping a mental list of common crossword terms for emotions or descriptions can be very beneficial. Pay attention to how similar adjectives are used in different contexts.