unusual and shocking crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We're here to help you solve the tricky clue "unusual and shocking." Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "unusual and shocking crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
OUTRE: Unusual and rather shocking; bizarre.
7 Letters
BIZARRE: Extremely strange or unusual, often causing amusement or shock.
8 Letters
ABERRANT: Departing from an accepted standard; divergent, which can be seen as unusual or even surprising.
9 Letters
STARTLING: Very surprising, shocking, or impressive; causing momentary fright or astonishment.
10 Letters
SCANDALOUS: Causing public outrage or shock due to being morally or legally wrong.
More About "unusual and shocking crossword clue"
Crossword clues like "unusual and shocking" are designed to test your vocabulary and ability to find synonyms that bridge two distinct but related concepts. While "unusual" points to something out of the ordinary, "shocking" adds a layer of strong emotional impact, implying surprise, disgust, or outrage. The best answers will encapsulate both facets, providing a word that suggests both rarity and a powerful reaction.
Solving such clues often requires thinking beyond the most obvious definitions and considering words that carry a nuanced sense of both unexpectedness and impact. For instance, something merely 'unusual' might be 'rare,' but 'shocking' implies a stronger, more unsettling deviation from the norm. This combination makes these clues particularly satisfying to solve once you land on the perfect word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Both Adjectives: Break down compound clues. For "unusual and shocking," consider words that fit "unusual" and then see which of those also carry a "shocking" connotation.
- Check Letter Count First: If you have some letters already filled in, immediately focus on answers that fit the known length. This drastically reduces the possibilities.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Some words are simply "unusual" (e.g., 'rare'), while others are "shocking" (e.g., 'appalling'). The combination 'unusual and shocking' demands words that convey both, like 'bizarre' or 'outrageous'.
- Use Cross-References: Don't just look at the current clue. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They can confirm or rule out potential answers quickly.
- Think Beyond Common Synonyms: Sometimes, the answer isn't the most common synonym but a more specific or formal word that perfectly fits the combined meaning, as seen with words like 'outre' or 'aberrant'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify 'unusual and shocking' clues in crosswords?
These clues often use vivid adjectives or suggest a strong emotional reaction. Look for words like 'strange,' 'odd,' 'surprising,' 'appalling,' or 'outrageous.' They might also hint at something unexpected or not conforming to norms.
What are common pitfalls when solving descriptive clues like this?
One pitfall is focusing on only one part of the clue (e.g., just 'unusual' or just 'shocking'). Another is overthinking and looking for overly obscure synonyms when a more common word fits perfectly. Always consider the word length and surrounding letters.
Are 'unusual' and 'shocking' always synonyms in crosswords?
Not always direct synonyms, but they often appear together in clues to suggest a broader range of answers that encompass both concepts. An 'unusual' event can be 'shocking,' and a 'shocking' event is certainly 'unusual.' The combination narrows down the possibilities effectively.