unlikely crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for "unlikely crossword clue," categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "unlikely crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RARE: Seldom occurring or found; not common, implying a low probability of happening.
SLIM: Used to describe a very small chance or possibility, directly aligning with something being unlikely.
6 Letters
REMOTE: Distant in terms of possibility; highly improbable or unlikely to occur.
HARDLY: Scarcely or barely; when used as 'hardly likely', it strongly conveys improbability.
8 Letters
UNCOMMON: Not happening often; unusual or rare, hence unlikely to be encountered frequently.
DOUBTFUL: Not likely or certain to happen or be true; expressing skepticism about probability.
10 Letters
IMPROBABLE: The most direct synonym for 'unlikely', meaning not likely to be true or to happen.
More About "unlikely crossword clue"
The term "unlikely" in crosswords often challenges solvers to think beyond direct synonyms. It can refer to a low probability, something that is rare, or an outcome that is hard to believe. Crossword setters frequently use words that subtly hint at this improbability, drawing on synonyms and related concepts such as scarcity, rarity, or remoteness of chance.
Understanding the context is key. An "unlikely" event might be clued differently than an "unlikely" person or object. For instance, a rare species might be "unlikely" to be seen, leading to answers like RARE or UNCOMMON, while an "unlikely" scenario might lead to DOUBTFUL or IMPROBABLE. Always consider the nuance of the clue's phrasing and the surrounding words in the puzzle grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's length to the required number of letters in the grid. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities for clues like "unlikely crossword clue."
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym for "unlikely" doesn't fit, think about words that describe the opposite of likely or common. Words like "rare," "remote," "doubtful," or "slim" are common choices.
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does the clue for "unlikely" imply a subtle improbability or a strong one? This can guide you towards words like 'SLIM' versus 'IMPROBABLE'. Also, consider if it's an adjective, adverb, or noun derived from the concept.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to validate or eliminate potential answers. This is especially helpful when multiple words fit the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the best answer for 'unlikely crossword clue'?
The best answer often depends on the number of letters required for the specific puzzle. Common synonyms like IMPROBABLE, REMOTE, or SLIM are frequently used. The context of surrounding clues can also provide hints.
Are there different shades of 'unlikely' in crossword clues?
Yes, 'unlikely' can range from 'rare' (seldom seen) to 'improbable' (highly doubtful). A clue might hint at a mild improbability (e.g., SLIM, RARE) or a strong one (e.g., IMPROBABLE, REMOTE). Pay attention to any qualifiers in the clue itself.
What other clues might lead to similar answers as 'unlikely'?
Clues related to 'rare', 'improbable', 'doubtful', 'seldom', 'remote possibility', or 'low chance' can often lead to answers like RARE, SLIM, REMOTE, DOUBTFUL, or UNCOMMON. Thinking of synonyms for these related concepts can broaden your solution pool.