american crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "american crossword" and need a little help, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand the context and complete your puzzle with confidence.
Solutions for "american crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NYT: Refers to the New York Times crossword, widely considered the most prominent and influential American crossword puzzle.
5 Letters
THEME: A central concept or recurring element often found in American crosswords, especially on Sundays, where multiple answers relate to a specific topic or pun.
6 Letters
SUNDAY: The day of the week when many American newspapers publish their largest and most complex crosswords, often featuring elaborate themes.
7 Letters
CONTEST: Pertains to events like the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, where enthusiasts compete to solve puzzles for speed and accuracy.
10 Letters
WILLSHORTZ: The renowned editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle, a highly influential figure in American crosswords. (Answer is often presented without spaces in crosswords.)
More About "american crossword"
The term "American crossword" typically refers to the style of crossword puzzles predominant in the United States, as opposed to British or cryptic crosswords. These puzzles are characterized by their grid structure, which usually exhibits 180-degree rotational symmetry, meaning the pattern of black and white squares looks the same when rotated upside down. They often feature a central theme, particularly in larger puzzles like those published on Sundays, where several long answers relate to a specific concept, pun, or wordplay.
Unlike their British counterparts, American crosswords are "fully checked," meaning every letter in the grid is part of both an across word and a down word, ensuring no isolated letters. The clues are generally straightforward definitions, synonyms, or puns, without the highly intricate and often misleading wordplay found in cryptic crosswords. The New York Times crossword is arguably the most famous and influential American crossword, setting the standard for quality and difficulty progression throughout the week.
The cultural impact of the American crossword is significant, serving as a daily mental exercise for millions and even spawning national competitions like the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. They reflect American culture, current events, and pop culture, making them both a challenging and engaging form of entertainment.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Themes: Many American crosswords, especially those appearing in larger newspapers and on Sundays, have a hidden theme. Identifying it early can often help you unlock multiple answers that relate to the central concept.
- Start with the Easiest Clues: Begin by filling in the words for which you know the answers immediately, especially shorter ones. These initial letters will provide valuable starting points for intersecting words, making more challenging clues easier to decipher.
- Pay Attention to Wordplay Cues: Look for indicators in the clue itself. Punctuation like question marks often signal a pun or a non-literal meaning. Abbreviations in the clue (e.g., "abbr.") mean the answer will also be an abbreviation. Similarly, if a clue is plural, the answer will be plural.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an "American crossword" different from others?
American crosswords typically feature a grid with 180-degree rotational symmetry, extensive use of themes (especially on Sundays), and unkeyed squares that are filled by crossing words. This contrasts with British or cryptic crosswords which have different rules and clueing styles.
Who is Will Shortz and what is his significance to American crosswords?
Will Shortz is the long-time editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle, a role he has held since 1993. He is widely credited with popularizing crosswords in the U.S. and elevating their status. He also founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.
Are there different difficulty levels for American crosswords?
Yes, most American newspapers publish crosswords that increase in difficulty throughout the week. For example, The New York Times crossword typically gets harder from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being larger and often themed, but not necessarily the hardest.