widespread crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "widespread crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their length, along with clear explanations to help you understand the context and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "widespread crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RIFE: Abundant; prevalent, especially of something undesirable.
6 Letters
COMMON: Frequently encountered or found in many places.
7 Letters
GENERAL: Affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread.
9 Letters
PREVALENT: Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
EXTENSIVE: Covering a large area; widespread.
PERVASIVE: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.
10 Letters
UBIQUITOUS: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
More About "widespread crossword clue"
"Widespread" is a common adjective that signifies something is found or distributed over a large area, among many people, or is very common. In crosswords, clues containing "widespread" often point to synonyms that convey a sense of prevalence, commonality, or distribution. Depending on the puzzle's difficulty and the available letter count, answers can range from simple, everyday terms to more sophisticated vocabulary.
Understanding the nuances of synonyms for "widespread" is key. For instance, "rife" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an undesirable quality is widespread, while "ubiquitous" simply means 'everywhere' without a strong positive or negative bias. Crossword setters love to play with these subtleties, so always consider the specific context of the clue and any intersecting letters you might have.
Whether you're dealing with a short, punchy answer like RIFE or a longer, more descriptive one like UBIQUITOUS, the core meaning revolves around extensive presence or distribution. By studying these variations, you not only solve the current puzzle but also build a stronger vocabulary for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options for "widespread" and similar clues.
- Look for Synonyms & Antonyms: "Widespread" can be clued in many ways, including its direct synonyms or even indirect clues that point to its opposite. Think broadly about related concepts.
- Context is King: Pay attention to other words in the clue. Is it "widespread illness" (suggesting RIFE or EPIDEMIC) or "widespread appeal" (suggesting POPULAR or COMMON)? The context can often hint at the precise synonym needed.
- Use Known Letters: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in. These are invaluable for confirming or ruling out potential answers for "widespread".
- Check for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words like 'omni-' (as in omnipresent, related to ubiquitous) or suffixes like '-ive' (as in pervasive, extensive) can be indicators.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find answers to crossword clues quickly?
The fastest way to find crossword answers is to use a reliable online crossword solver like Crosswordanswer.co.uk. Enter the clue and any known letters, and it will provide potential solutions with explanations, helping you complete your puzzle efficiently.
What does 'widespread' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'widespread' typically refers to something that is common, prevalent, ubiquitous, or extends over a large area or among many people. The exact answer depends heavily on the number of letters the solution requires and how it intersects with other clues in the puzzle.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Many words in the English language are synonyms or have similar meanings, leading to multiple valid answers for a single clue depending on the specific puzzle's constraints. For "widespread," words like COMMON, RIFE, PREVALENT, and UBIQUITOUS all fit the general meaning but vary in length and nuance, offering flexibility to the puzzle setter.