crossword clue dark – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the clue "dark" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Find all possible solutions and detailed explanations, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "crossword clue dark" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DUSK: The time of day just after sunset when light is fading, leading to darkness.
EVIL: Characterized by profound immorality or malevolence, often associated with a 'dark' nature.
GRIM: Unpleasant or depressing to contemplate; forbidding or formidable.
5 Letters
NIGHT: The period from sunset to sunrise when the sun is below the horizon, synonymous with darkness.
BLACK: The darkest possible color, resulting from the absence or complete absorption of light.
GLOOM: A state of partial or total darkness, or a feeling of deep sadness and despondency.
SHADY: Full of shade, protected from the sun's direct light, or of questionable honesty/reputation.
BLEAK: Uninviting and dreary; cold and miserable. Can describe a dark outlook.
MOODY: Given to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood; also, dark or gloomy.
MURKY: Dark and gloomy, especially due to thick mist.
6 Letters
SOMBER: Dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy or serious in mood.
7 Letters
OBSCURE: Not discovered or known about; uncertain. Can refer to a 'dark' or hidden meaning.
More About "dark"
The clue "dark" is a recurring favorite in crosswords due to its remarkable versatility. It can challenge solvers to think beyond the literal sense of absence of light, pushing them to consider its numerous figurative meanings. From describing a mood to an ethical stance or even a mysterious quality, "dark" demands a careful assessment of the surrounding clues and the puzzle's overall theme.
Understanding the context is crucial when tackling "dark." Is the puzzle hinting at a specific time of day, like "nightfall"? Or is it leaning towards a more abstract concept, such as "dark humor" or a "dark secret"? The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to open up a wide array of potential answers, each correct within a particular interpretive frame. This makes "dark" not just a clue, but a mini-puzzle in itself, rewarding those who can think broadly and specifically.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at surrounding clues for hints. If "dark" is paired with a clue about weather, perhaps "overcast" or "murky" is a better fit than "evil."
- Check for Synonyms: "Dark" has many synonyms. If you're stuck, think of words like gloomy, obscure, shady, or somber, and see if any fit the letter count you need.
- Consider Word Length: If you have some letters filled in or know the word's length, use that information to filter potential answers. This is often the most effective strategy for narrowing down options for versatile clues like "dark."
- Part of Speech Matters: Determine if the answer needs to be a noun (e.g., NIGHT, DUSK), an adjective (e.g., BLACK, SHADY), or a verb (less common for "dark" as a direct answer, but possible in a phrase).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "dark" have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'dark' is highly versatile, carrying multiple meanings in English. It can refer to a lack of light (e.g., NIGHT, DUSK), a color (BLACK), a mood or atmosphere (GLOOM, SOMBER), or even a moral quality (EVIL, SHADY). Crossword setters leverage this semantic richness to create varied and sometimes ambiguous clues, leading to many possible solutions depending on the puzzle's specific context.
How can I distinguish between literal and figurative "dark" clues?
To discern whether 'dark' is used literally or figuratively, look for subtle clues within the puzzle's wording. For instance, a clue like 'Time after sunset' points to a literal interpretation (e.g., NIGHT), while 'Sinister' suggests a figurative, metaphorical use (e.g., EVIL). Always consider the part of speech and any modifying words that might hint at the intended meaning.
What's the best way to use Answercrossword.com for clues like "dark"?
When using Answercrossword.com, first check if you know the letter count for your answer; this helps narrow down the options significantly. Then, read through the brief explanations provided for each potential answer. Cross-reference these explanations with other clues you've already solved in your puzzle, or with the overall theme, to find the perfect fit. Our goal is to provide context beyond just the word itself.