untidy crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "untidy," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and finishing your puzzle.
Solutions for "untidy crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
MESSY: Describes something dirty or disordered, often used for a room or appearance.
6 Letters
SLOPPY: Implies carelessness or lack of neatness, can apply to work, dress, or habits.
FROWSY: Refers to an untidy or unkempt appearance, often specifically for hair or clothes.
10 Letters
DISHEVELED: Specifically means hair or clothes are disordered or rumpled.
DISORDERLY: Lacking organization or neatness, can apply to a place or a group.
More About "untidy crossword clue"
"Untidy" is a common descriptive adjective in crosswords, often clued directly or with synonyms. It evokes images of disarray, lack of order, and general sloppiness. Crossword setters frequently use it to refer to a person's appearance, a room, or even a piece of work. The specific answer will often hinge on the length of the required word and any other supporting words in the clue.
Clues for "untidy" might subtly guide you towards specific nuances. For instance, a clue hinting at hair might lead you to "DISHEVELED" or "TOUSELD," while one about a room could suggest "MESSY" or "CLUTTERED." Understanding these subtle distinctions is key to selecting the correct answer among multiple possibilities that fit the general definition.
Beyond direct synonyms, "untidy" can also be clued metaphorically, referring to something that is not precise or well-structured, such as "sloppy work" or "a messy situation." Always consider the full context of the clue and other solved letters in the grid before settling on an answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters in your proposed answer against the grid. This is the simplest and most effective filtering method.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym for "untidy" doesn't fit, think about antonyms (like "neat" or "tidy") that might be part of a wordplay clue.
- Look for Context Clues: Words like "hair," "room," "work," or "appearance" in the clue can narrow down the potential answers significantly, guiding you to the most precise synonym.
- Brainstorm Related Concepts: Sometimes the answer isn't a direct synonym but a related concept. For "untidy," think about actions (e.g., cluttering) or states (e.g., disarray).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "untidy" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "untidy" is a straightforward clue that asks for synonyms related to disarray, sloppiness, or a lack of neatness. Common answers range from general terms like MESSY or SLOPPY to more specific ones like DISHEVELED (for hair/clothing) or FROWSY.
Are there common synonyms for "untidy" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include MESSY, SLOPPY, UNKEMPT, FROWSY, DISHEVELED, and DISORDERLY. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any additional contextual words in the clue.
How can I improve my vocabulary for "untidy" clues?
To improve, keep a running list of synonyms for common descriptive words like "untidy." Pay attention to how different crossword setters clue similar words, as they often have preferred terms. Reading widely and using a thesaurus can also greatly expand your vocabulary.