want crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "want crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide provides all possible solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "want crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
REQUIRE: To necessitate or have an indispensable need for something. Often used when a situation or task calls for a specific element.
6 Letters
DESIRE: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. It speaks to a deep longing or aspiration.
DEMAND: An insistent and peremptory request, made as of right. This answer implies a strong, non-negotiable need or desire.
5 Letters
CRAVE: To feel a powerful desire for something. This often implies an intense, almost overwhelming longing, particularly for food or a specific experience.
COVET: To yearn to possess or have (something belonging to another). This answer specifically refers to wanting what someone else has, often with a slight negative connotation.
4 Letters
NEED: To require (something) because it is essential or very important, rather than just desirable. This indicates a fundamental requirement for survival or function.
LACK: To be without or deficient in something. In crosswords, 'want' can sometimes mean 'to be without', making 'lack' a fitting answer.
WISH: To want something to happen or be true, even if it is unlikely or impossible. This refers to a desire for an outcome or state of being.
More About "want crossword clue"
"Want" is a versatile word in the English language, which makes it a frequent and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Its primary meaning relates to desire or a strong wish for something, leading to common answers like DESIRE, CRAVE, or WISH. However, crossword setters often use its less common, yet equally valid, meaning: to be without or to lack something. This dual nature is what catches many solvers off guard, as it can lead to answers like LACK or NEED.
Understanding the context of the puzzle is key when encountering "want". Look at the number of letters in the grid and any intersecting words. For instance, if the clue is accompanied by a hint implying deficiency, 'LACK' might be the answer. Conversely, if the clue suggests a strong yearning, 'COVET' or 'DESIRE' would be more appropriate. Our list above covers these varied interpretations, providing you with a comprehensive set of options.
The beauty of crosswords lies in their clever wordplay, and "want" is a prime example of a word with multiple meanings that can be exploited for a challenging clue. Mastering this particular clue involves broadening your understanding of its semantic range beyond the most obvious interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "want", always think beyond its primary meaning. Could it mean 'desire', 'need', or even 'lack'? Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings or their direct opposites.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them! This is the most effective way to narrow down the possible answers for "want" when multiple options of the same length exist (e.g., DESIRE vs. DEMAND for 6 letters).
- Think About the Puzzle's Theme or Tone: Some crosswords lean towards more formal language, while others are more playful. This can influence whether an answer like 'CRAVE' (informal) or 'REQUIRE' (formal) is more likely.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters are in the most common answer for 'want'?
The most common answers for 'want' in crosswords typically range from four to seven letters, with common answers like NEED (4 letters), CRAVE (5 letters), and DESIRE (6 letters).
Can 'want' mean 'lack' in a crossword clue?
Yes, absolutely! In crossword puzzles, 'want' often serves as a double-edged clue. It can refer to a desire for something, but it can also mean to be without something, hence answers like 'LACK' or 'NEED' in the sense of deficiency.
What other words are similar to 'want' in crosswords?
Words like COVET, CRAVE, LONG (for), DESIRE, NEED, LACK, WISH, and REQUIRE are frequently seen as synonyms for 'want' in various crossword contexts, depending on the number of letters and specific nuance of the clue.