wind crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a puzzle and stuck on the clue "wind crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you moving forward.
Solutions for "wind crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AIR: A common crossword answer for wind, referring to the gaseous substance in motion.
4 Letters
GALE: A strong wind, often used in crosswords to specify intensity.
COIL: To wind something into a spiral or roll, referring to the verb meaning of wind.
BLOW: To move by the force of wind, or a current of air itself.
5 Letters
TWIST: To wind or turn in a particular direction, as in to twist a rope.
6 Letters
BREEZE: A gentle wind, a frequent synonym for light wind in crossword puzzles.
SPIRAL: To move or cause to move in a continuous curve that winds around a central point, often related to the verb 'to wind'.
More About "wind crossword clue"
The word "wind" is a classic example of a homograph in English, which makes it a frequent and sometimes tricky crossword clue. It has two distinct pronunciations and meanings: 'wind' (rhymes with 'sinned'), referring to moving air, and 'wind' (rhymes with 'find'), meaning to coil or turn something around. Crossword setters love to play on these dual interpretations, so understanding the context of the clue is paramount.
When you see "wind" in a clue, first consider the number of letters required for the answer. Then, look for any other words in the clue that might hint at the intended meaning. For instance, phrases like "gentle wind" or "strong wind" clearly point to the air movement definition, while "wind up a clock" or "wind around a pole" indicates the coiling action.
This versatility means "wind" can lead to a wide array of answers, from weather-related terms like GALE or BREEZE to action verbs like TWIST or COIL. By familiarizing yourself with these possibilities, you'll be better equipped to tackle future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Homographs: Always be aware of words like "wind" that have multiple meanings and pronunciations. These are prime candidates for misdirection in crosswords.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and can help differentiate between similar synonyms.
- Look for Context Clues: Pay close attention to accompanying words in the clue. "Wind instrument" is very different from "wind down." These additional words are essential for distinguishing between meanings.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from solved clues to confirm your suspicions or eliminate incorrect answers. This is especially helpful when dealing with ambiguous clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the crossword clue "wind" have so many different answers?
The word "wind" is a homograph, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings and pronunciations. In crosswords, it can refer to moving air (pronounced /wɪnd/) or the act of coiling/turning (pronounced /waɪnd/). This duality leads to a wide range of possible answers depending on the setter's intended meaning and the puzzle's context.
How can I determine if "wind" in a crossword clue refers to air movement or the act of coiling?
Context is key. Look at the length of the answer, any other words in the clue, or intersecting letters from other clues. For instance, clues like 'gentle wind' point to 'BREEZE', while 'wind a clock' suggests 'COIL' or 'TWIST'.
Are there common synonyms for "wind" used in crosswords?
Yes, for air movement, common synonyms include GALE, BREEZE, BLOW, AIR, or even ZEPHYR. For the coiling/turning meaning, answers like TWIST, COIL, TURN, or SPIRAL are frequently used.