threatening crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "threatening" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your grid with confidence.
Solutions for "threatening crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GRIM: Forbidding or uninviting; sinister.
DIRE: Extremely serious or urgent, often with a sense of dread.
6 Letters
DANGER: The state of being exposed to harm or injury; a potential threat.
7 Letters
OMINOUS: Giving the impression that something bad is going to happen.
BALEFUL: Threatening harm; menacing.
8 Letters
MENACING: Suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.
ALARMING: Causing great concern or fear.
10 Letters
PORTENTOUS: Of or like a portent; boding ill; threatening.
More About "threatening crossword clue"
"Threatening" is a versatile clue that can appear in various forms of crosswords, from standard to cryptic. It evokes a sense of impending danger, warning, or an unpleasant outcome. Crossword setters often use synonyms that convey this feeling, sometimes playing on the subtle differences in meaning to make the puzzle more challenging.
Understanding the context of the clue within the puzzle is key. Is it an adjective describing a situation, a person, or perhaps a more abstract concept? The surrounding clues and any letters you've already filled in will provide vital clues to narrow down the possibilities and select the exact word the setter had in mind. Words like GRIM often describe atmosphere, while DANGER is more direct, and MENACING implies an active threat.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters in the grid against your potential answer. This is the most fundamental step to avoid common errors, especially with multi-word clues.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: For clues like "threatening," think beyond the most obvious synonyms. Words can have subtle differences in meaning that impact their fit in the puzzle. Sometimes, a more archaic or less common synonym might be the intended answer.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tool in your crossword arsenal is using intersecting answers. Even one correctly placed letter can unlock multiple possibilities and eliminate incorrect ones for a challenging clue.
- Think About Wordplay (for cryptic puzzles): If you're solving a cryptic crossword, remember that "threatening" might not be a direct definition. It could be part of an anagram, a hidden word, or a charade.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the correct 'threatening' answer for my crossword?
To select the right answer, consider the number of letters required in your grid. Also, look at any intersecting letters you've already filled in. The nuance of the clue (e.g., is it a physical threat, or a foreboding atmosphere?) can also guide you.
Are there common synonyms for 'threatening' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that often appear include OMINOUS, MENACING, GRIM, DIRE, and BALEFUL. These words convey a sense of impending danger or negativity, fitting the 'threatening' theme.
What type of crossword clue is 'threatening'?
'Threatening' is typically a straightforward definition or synonym clue. However, it can sometimes be part of a cryptic clue, where it might indicate a wordplay element like 'men' (menacing) or 'danger' (danger).