wilful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'wilful' typically mean in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'wilful' often points to answers related to being stubborn, obstinate, determined, or deliberate. It can also imply an action done on purpose, without regard for consequences.

Q: How can I distinguish between 'wilful' meaning stubborn and 'wilful' meaning intentional?

The surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can often provide context. If other clues suggest defiance or resistance, lean towards synonyms like OBSTINATE. If the clue implies action or damage, INTENTIONAL or DELIBERATE might be fitting. Check for common crossword indicator words for each meaning.

Q: Are there common alternative spellings for 'wilful'?

Yes, 'willful' (with two Ls) is the more common spelling in American English, while 'wilful' (with one L) is standard in British English. Crossword puzzles might use either, depending on their origin or style guide, so be prepared for both possibilities in related answers.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the "wilful crossword clue." Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, carefully curated by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Whether you're looking for a short word or a longer, more descriptive term, we've got you covered with detailed explanations.

Solutions for "wilful crossword clue" by Letter Count

6 Letters

DOGGED: Characterized by stubborn determination or persistence, often despite difficulties.

7 Letters

ADAMANT: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; unyielding.

8 Letters

STUBBORN: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good reasons or arguments.

9 Letters

OBSTINATE: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so.

11 Letters

INTENTIONAL: Done on purpose; deliberate. This meaning of 'wilful' is often used in contexts like 'wilful damage' or 'wilful neglect'.

More About "wilful crossword clue"

'Wilful' is a fascinating word in the English language, carrying a dual meaning that makes it a popular, albeit sometimes tricky, crossword clue. On one hand, it refers to an action done deliberately or on purpose, often with a negative connotation, as in 'wilful destruction' or 'wilful disobedience'. This implies intent and a conscious decision behind the action.

On the other hand, 'wilful' can describe a personality trait: someone who is stubbornly determined to do what they want, regardless of advice or persuasion. This sense highlights inflexibility and a strong, unyielding will. Crossword setters love this duality, often crafting clues that subtly point to one meaning over the other, or sometimes even hinting at both simultaneously, requiring solvers to consider the letter count and surrounding answers carefully.

Understanding these nuances is key to cracking 'wilful' clues. Always consider whether the puzzle is asking for a synonym for "stubborn" or for "intentional." The context of the puzzle, including other solved words, can provide valuable hints, guiding you towards the correct interpretation and, ultimately, the solution.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Nuance: For clues like 'wilful', identify if the setter is implying stubbornness (e.g., obstinate, unyielding) or deliberateness (e.g., intentional, purposeful). The surrounding words in the clue often give a hint.
Check Letter Count First: Always match potential answers to the given number of letters. This quickly narrows down possibilities for ambiguous clues.
Consider British vs. American English: As 'wilful' (British) and 'willful' (American) are variant spellings, be open to answers that might relate to either, as crosswords can originate from various sources.
Look for Common Crossword Synonyms: Keep a mental list of popular crossword answers for common concepts. For 'wilful', think of words like OBSTINATE, STUBBORN, and INTENTIONAL as high-probability answers.
Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, try to solve intersecting words first. Often, one or two letters from a solved intersecting word can unlock a tricky clue like 'wilful'.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'wilful' typically mean in a crossword clue?

'Wilful' in crosswords most commonly refers to being stubborn, obstinate, or determined, often against advice. However, it can also mean an action done deliberately or on purpose, as in 'wilful damage'.

How can I distinguish between 'wilful' meaning stubborn and 'wilful' meaning intentional?

The context of the specific crossword puzzle and other solved clues are crucial. If the puzzle has a theme or other words suggest defiance, lean towards answers like STUBBORN or OBSTINATE. If the clue implies a deliberate act, consider words like INTENTIONAL or DELIBERATE. The letter count is also a key differentiator.

Are there common alternative spellings for 'wilful'?

Yes, 'willful' (with two Ls) is the common American English spelling, while 'wilful' (with one L) is standard in British English. Crossword puzzles might use either, so be aware that both forms of the concept could be clued.