close friend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "close friend crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "close friend crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAL: A common informal term for a friend, often used in casual contexts.
BFF: An acronym for 'Best Friends Forever', a modern and popular term for a very close friend.
4 Letters
MATE: A term for a companion or friend, particularly common in British English.
CHUM: An old-fashioned, informal term for a close friend.
ALLY: While often political, can refer to a trusted close associate or supporter.
5 Letters
BUDDY: An informal term for a close friend or companion, widely used.
7 Letters
COMRADE: A companion or fellow member of a group, often implying shared struggles or beliefs, can denote a close bond.
8 Letters
INTIMATE: Someone with whom one has a very close personal relationship, implying deep familiarity and trust.
SOULMATE: A person with whom one has a profound and deep connection, often implying a perfect understanding.
9 Letters
CONFIDANT: A person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it.
COMPANION: A person with whom one spends a lot of time, typically because they are friends or because they are traveling together.
More About "close friend crossword clue"
The clue "close friend" is a staple in crossword puzzles due to the rich vocabulary available to describe various levels and types of friendship. From casual acquaintances to lifelong bonds, English offers a plethora of words that can fit this description, making it a versatile clue for constructors to use at different letter counts.
Understanding the nuances of each potential answer is key to solving these clues. For instance, a 'PAL' or 'BUDDY' implies a general, friendly relationship, while a 'CONFIDANT' or 'INTIMATE' suggests a deeper, more trusting connection where secrets might be shared. 'SOULMATE' often implies an almost spiritual level of understanding and compatibility.
Crossword setters often leverage these subtle distinctions. If the puzzle has a specific theme (e.g., related to travel, military, or historical figures), the "close friend" answer might lean towards terms like 'COMPANION' or 'COMRADE'. Always consider the broader context of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "close friend," consider if the clue implies a casual, deep, professional, or specific type of relationship. This helps differentiate between similar answers (e.g., BUDDY vs. CONFIDANT).
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your choices significantly for words like 'PAL' (3 letters) versus 'COMPANION' (9 letters).
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting clues. This is often the definitive way to confirm or rule out an answer, especially when multiple words fit the initial definition.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll learn that certain words are crossword mainstays for common concepts. 'PAL', 'MATE', and 'BUDDY' are extremely frequent answers for "friend" clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'close friend' in crosswords?
The concept of a 'close friend' is broad and can be expressed in many ways, from informal slang (e.g., PAL, BUDDY) to more formal or intimate terms (e.g., CONFIDANT, INTIMATE). Crossword constructors use this linguistic variety to create clues that fit different letter counts and puzzle themes. The context of the surrounding words in the puzzle often helps narrow down the specific answer.
How can I distinguish between similar 'close friend' answers?
Pay attention to the nuance of the clue. Is it asking for a casual term ('pal,' 'chum')? An affectionate one ('soulmate')? Or someone trusted with secrets ('confidant')? Also, check the letter count and intersecting letters from other clues. The specific puzzle's constructor might also have a preference for certain types of synonyms.
Are there regional differences in 'close friend' terms used in crosswords?
Yes, definitely! Crosswords from different regions (e.g., American, British, Australian) might favor terms prevalent in their local dialects. For example, 'MATE' is very common in British and Australian crosswords, while 'BUDDY' might appear more frequently in American ones. Being aware of these regionalisms can give you an edge.