thinnest crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "thinnest crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "thinnest crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
FINEST: Of the very best quality, often implying a delicate or very thin texture, as in 'finest silk' or 'finest thread'.
7 Letters
TENUOUS: Very slight, insubstantial, or weak; can describe something very thin in form or consistency.
8 Letters
FILMIEST: Resembling a very thin film; extremely delicate and insubstantial.
SLIMMEST: The most slender or least bulky; very thin.
More About "thinnest crossword clue"
The clue "thinnest" is a superlative adjective, meaning it's looking for a word that describes something as having the least thickness or breadth. Crossword setters often use superlatives to guide solvers toward specific word structures, usually those ending in '-EST' or '-IEST', or words that inherently convey the ultimate degree of a quality. Understanding the nuances of these words can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
When encountering such a clue, consider not just direct synonyms, but also words that describe extreme delicacy, insubstantiality, or lack of mass. For instance, 'filmiest' directly implies being like a very thin film, while 'finest' can describe a material that is extremely thin and delicate. The context of the surrounding letters in your grid is crucial for determining which of these suitable options is the correct fit.
Always keep an open mind to the various interpretations of 'thinness' a crossword setter might employ, from physical dimensions to abstract concepts like 'a tenuous argument'. This flexibility is key to mastering superlative clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Examine Word Length: The number of letters is often your strongest hint. Try fitting known synonyms for 'thin' or 'delicate' into the available spaces and see which ones, when made superlative, fit the length.
- Consider Different Meanings of "Thin": Beyond physical thinness, 'thin' can also refer to something being sparse, flimsy, or lacking substance (e.g., a 'thin' plot). Think about these broader meanings when the direct superlatives don't fit.
- Look for Suffixes: Many superlative answers will end in -EST or -IEST. If your crossword grid has these letters available at the end of the word, it's a strong indicator.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Always use the letters from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down your options. This is a fundamental crossword strategy that becomes even more important with ambiguous clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for a 'thinnest' crossword clue?
To find the best answer, consider the number of letters required. Also, think about synonyms for 'thin' in their superlative form, or words that imply extreme lack of bulk or substance. Common answers include SLIMMEST, FILMIEST, or even FINEST when referring to material.
What kind of words commonly mean 'thinnest' in crosswords?
Crossword clues for 'thinnest' often point to words like SLIMMEST, FILMIEST, or FINEST (as in very delicate). Sometimes more descriptive words like TENUOUS or DIAPHANOUS might fit depending on the clue's nuance and letter count.
Are there common tricks for superlative clues like 'thinnest' in crosswords?
Yes, for superlative clues, look for words ending in -EST or -IEST. Also, consider words that inherently convey the superlative degree of a quality, even if they don't end in -EST. Sometimes the answer is a synonym for the base word (e.g., 'thin') that naturally implies an extreme state.