think crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "think crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's get you unstuck!
Solutions for "think crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MUSE: To be absorbed in thought; to ponder or consider deeply. Often implies a reflective, artistic, or philosophical kind of thinking.
5 Letters
OPINE: To state one's opinion. While it refers to expressing a thought, it implies the act of having thought about it first.
6 Letters
PONDER: To think about something carefully and deeply. Often used when someone is reflecting or meditating.
8 Letters
CONSIDER: To think carefully about (something), typically before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. A direct synonym for 'think'.
COGITATE: To think deeply or ponder. A more formal or academic synonym for 'think'.
8 Letters
RUMINATE: To think deeply about something; to ponder. Often implies a long and intense period of thought, sometimes to the point of obsession.
More About "think crossword clue"
The clue "think" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing as a straightforward synonym clue. However, its simplicity can be deceiving, as there are many verbs that express different shades of thinking – from casual consideration to deep philosophical reflection. Puzzle setters love to use this versatility to their advantage, requiring solvers to consider not just the meaning, but also the specific nuance or formality of the word.
When you encounter 'think' as a clue, it's essential to consider the number of letters in the answer box and any intersecting letters you might already have. This often narrows down the possibilities significantly. For instance, 'MUSE' implies a more contemplative state, while 'OPINE' suggests forming and perhaps expressing a view. Cryptic crosswords might use 'think' as an indicator for anagrams, or wordplay related to brain activity or mental processes.
Understanding the common synonyms for 'think' that appear in crosswords is key. Words like PONDER, MUSE, OPINE, COGITATE, CONSIDER, and RUMINATE are frequent visitors to the grid. Each carries its own specific flavor of thought, which can be hinted at by other words in the clue or the overall theme of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Don't just look for a direct synonym for "think." Consider if the clue implies a specific type of thinking (e.g., deep thought, expressing an opinion, casual thought). This can help you distinguish between answers like MUSE and OPINE.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count. If you need a 6-letter word for "think," you can immediately rule out 4-letter or 8-letter answers.
- Look for Cryptic Indicators: If it's a cryptic crossword, "think" can be a powerful indicator. Words like "brainstorming," "considering," "mulling over," or "pondering" might signal an anagram, a hidden word, or a charade involving mental concepts.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have one or two letters already filled in from intersecting clues, use them as anchors. This will drastically reduce the number of possible answers for "think."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common answers for 'think' in crosswords?
The most common answers for 'think' in crosswords typically include PONDER, MUSE, OPINE, and CONSIDER, covering various lengths and nuances of the verb. Less common but still frequent are COGITATE and RUMINATE.
Does 'think' ever refer to a noun in crosswords?
While less frequent for the direct clue "think," it can sometimes be part of a phrase clued as a noun (e.g., "think tank" as an organization, or "food for thought"). The clue "think" itself almost always refers to the verb.
What should I do if 'think' doesn't fit any of the common answers?
If common answers don't fit, reconsider the context. Is it part of a phrase? Is it a homophone? Look for less common synonyms or a more obscure definition that fits the available letters. Sometimes, the setter is looking for a less obvious synonym or an archaic form of the word.