appear to be crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "appear to be", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "appear to be crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SEEM: To give the impression of being; to look or appear to be. This is a very common answer for this clue.
LOOK: To have the appearance or semblance of. Often used interchangeably with 'seem' in crosswords, depending on the context.
5 Letters
FEIGN: To pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury); to give a false appearance of. Often implies a deliberate deception.
8 Letters
RESEMBLE: To have qualities or features, especially those of appearance, in common with (someone or something); look like. Implies similarity in looks or characteristics.
More About "appear to be crossword clue"
"Appear to be" is a classic crossword clue that tests your understanding of synonyms related to perception, semblance, and impression. It's less about the factual state of something and more about how it presents itself or is perceived. This can lead to a variety of answers, from simple verbs like 'SEEM' or 'LOOK' to more nuanced terms like 'FEIGN' or 'RESEMBLE', which suggest a specific kind of appearance, whether deceptive or comparative.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a straightforward synonym? Or does the setter want you to think about a particular way something might appear, such as appearing to be something it's not (feign) or appearing similar to something else (resemble)? The word length is often the biggest hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: For clues like "appear to be," always start by brainstorming direct synonyms. Words like 'seem', 'look', 'bode', 'portend', or even phrases that imply appearance are good starting points.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue hint at a false appearance (e.g., 'feign', 'disguise') or merely a general impression ('seem', 'look')? Paying attention to subtle differences in meaning can guide you to the exact word.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to quickly test which of your potential answers fits. This is often the fastest way to confirm a solution.
- Look at Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter your potential answers by the required length before anything else.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "appear to be" imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "appear to be" often points to synonyms related to semblance, impression, or seeming. It might indicate that the answer describes how something looks or feels, rather than its true nature. Common answers include 'SEEM' or 'LOOK'.
Are there common longer answers for "appear to be"?
Yes, while shorter answers like 'SEEM' or 'LOOK' are frequent, longer alternatives could include 'RESEMBLE' (to appear similar to), 'FEIGN' (to appear to be doing something while faking it), or 'STRIKEAS' (to give the impression of being). Context and letter count are key.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'SEEM' and 'LOOK'?
Often, the surrounding letters or the specific puzzle's theme can help. 'SEEM' often implies an opinion or impression ('It seems cold'), while 'LOOK' can be more direct about visual appearance ('It looks cold'). If the clue has a subtle nuance, consider which word fits the sentiment better.