watch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with "watch crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find all possible solutions for this clue, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "watch crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EYE: To look at or observe closely. Often used in phrases like 'keep an eye on'.
4 Letters
VIEW: To look at or perceive something, especially for pleasure or information.
5 Letters
GUARD: To keep watch over in order to protect or control; also, a person who watches.
CLOCK: A common type of timepiece, often found on walls or desks. While not directly 'watch' as a verb, it's a noun related to the time-telling aspect of 'watch'.
7 Letters
OBSERVE: To watch carefully, especially in order to learn something or notice details.
MONITOR: To observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period of time; a device used for observing.
9 Letters
TIMEPIECE: An instrument for measuring and indicating time, typically a clock or watch. This refers to the noun form of 'watch'.
More About "watch crossword clue"
The word "watch" is a classic example of a crossword clue that leverages multiple meanings and parts of speech to challenge solvers. It can refer to a small portable clock (the noun form), or it can mean to observe or look at something (the verb form). This duality often means there are many potential answers depending on the specific context implied by the rest of the clue.
When you encounter "watch" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider whether the clue is seeking a synonym for observing (like EYE, VIEW, OBSERVE, MONITOR) or a type of time-telling device (like CLOCK, TIMEPIECE). Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any accompanying words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as "on the wrist" or "keep an eye on".
Crossword setters love words like "watch" because they allow for clever misdirection. A clue might hint at the verb, leading you down one path, when the answer is actually a noun, or vice-versa. Always keep both interpretations in mind, and don't be afraid to try different possibilities until one fits both the definition and the intersecting letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "watch" being used as a verb (to observe) or a noun (a device/duty)? This is your first crucial step to narrow down potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words that mean "to watch" (e.g., gaze, peek, survey) or types of "watches" (e.g., chronometer, stopwatch).
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While less common for "watch" itself, some clues might rely on a word that sounds like "watch" but has a different meaning (e.g., "wash"). Always be on the lookout for wordplay.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. This is often the most reliable way to confirm an answer when multiple possibilities exist for a single clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'watch' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'watch' is highly versatile, serving as both a verb (to observe) and a noun (a timepiece, a period of duty, a guard). Crossword setters leverage these multiple meanings and synonyms to create varied clues, often leading to a wide range of potential solutions depending on the context.
How can I figure out if 'watch' refers to a verb or a noun in a crossword clue?
Look for contextual cues in the rest of the clue. If the clue implies action (e.g., 'Observe closely'), it’s likely a verb. If it refers to an object or a person (e.g., 'Wrist accessory'), it's probably a noun. Also, consider the length of the blank – shorter answers like 'EYE' or 'VIEW' are typically verbs, while longer ones like 'TIMEPIECE' or 'OBSERVE' can be either depending on the full context.
Are there any common crossword 'tricks' associated with 'watch'?
Yes, setters often use synonyms for 'watch' (e.g., 'EYE', 'GAZE', 'PEEK', 'MONITOR', 'OBSERVE'). They might also use homophones or puns (less common for 'watch' itself but possible with other words in the clue). Another common trick is using one meaning to misdirect you towards another, so always consider all possible interpretations of the word.