close crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "close" in your crossword? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers for the clue "close crossword clue," complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "close crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
END: To bring to a close; the final part.
4 Letters
SHUT: To move a door, window, or lid into a closed position.
NEAR: At a short distance or interval; close by.
NIGH: Archaic term for near or close.
SNUG: Fitting closely or tightly.
SEAL: To formally close or fasten (e.g., a letter).
5 Letters
FINAL: Denoting the end of something; close.
TIGHT: Fitted closely, or a close contest.
6 Letters
FINISH: To bring to an end; conclude.
SHUTIN: To enclose or confine.
8 Letters
CONCLUDE: To bring (something) to an end.
INTIMATE: Having a close or personal relationship.
ADJACENT: Next to or adjoining something else; close.
More About "close crossword clue"
The word "close" is a fascinating and often tricky clue in crosswords due to its multiple meanings and grammatical forms. As a verb, "close" can mean to shut, end, or conclude. For example, "Close the door" (SHUT) or "Close the meeting" (END, CONCLUDE). As an adjective, it can describe proximity ("close call" - NEAR, NIGH), intimacy ("close friend" - INTIMATE), or tightness of fit ("close-fitting" - SNUG, TIGHT). It can also refer to the final part of something, as in "the close of day" (END, FINAL).
The challenge for solvers lies in discerning which meaning is intended by the clue's context. Always consider the number of letters required and any surrounding words in the clue. A clue like "Close, as a deal" might point to SEAL, while "Close by" clearly suggests NEAR. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering clues like "close" and significantly improves your crossword-solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Context: "Close" can be a verb, adjective, or even a noun (the close of day). Look at the rest of the clue to determine its grammatical role and intended meaning. Is it an action, a description, or a time period?
- Consider Letter Count: Different meanings of "close" yield different answer lengths (e.g., SHUT (4) vs. CONCLUDE (8)). This is your primary guide. If you have intersecting letters, they can further narrow down the possibilities.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: Brainstorm words that mean "close" in its various senses. Also, consider opposites if the clue is phrased as "not close" or similar, which might lead to answers like FAR or OPEN.
- Look for Homographs: "Close" is a homograph (same spelling, different pronunciation and meaning). One pronounced with an 's' sound (like 'dose') means near. One pronounced with a 'z' sound (like 'doze') means to shut. While crosswords primarily deal with spelling, understanding this ambiguity helps you think of both sets of meanings.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'close' appear so often in crosswords?
'Close' is a popular crossword clue because it's a homograph (same spelling, different pronunciations and meanings) and a polysemous word (multiple related meanings). This allows setters to use it in various contexts, from 'shut' to 'near' to 'intimate,' making it versatile for different letter counts and puzzle themes.
How do I distinguish between 'close' as 'near' and 'close' as 'shut'?
The key is context and letter count. If the clue implies proximity (e.g., "close by," "within close range"), answers like NEAR (4), NIGH (4), or ADJACENT (8) are likely. If it implies an action of sealing or ending (e.g., "close a door," "close a deal"), answers like SHUT (4), SEAL (4), END (3), or CONCLUDE (8) are more fitting.
Are there common crossword phrases that use 'close'?
Yes, phrases like "close call," "close friend," "close quarters," "close ranks," and "bring to a close" often inspire clues. Recognizing these common idioms can help you quickly identify the intended meaning and solution for 'close' when it appears in a longer clue.