crossword clue for anxious – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the crossword clue "anxious"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue for anxious" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TENSE: Feeling or causing stress or nervousness, often a direct synonym for anxious.
EAGER: While often positive, "anxious" can mean eagerly desirous, as in "anxious to start."
6 Letters
UNEASY: Feeling troubled, worried, or uncomfortable, closely related to feeling anxious.
7 Letters
WORRIED: Feeling or showing anxiety or concern about something, a very common interpretation of anxious.
NERVOUS: Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious or highly strung.
FEARFUL: Feeling or showing fear or apprehension, another strong synonym for anxious.
12 Letters
APPREHENSIVE: Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen, a longer, more formal synonym for anxious.
More About "crossword clue for anxious"
The clue "anxious" is a staple in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms and shades of meaning. From a state of unease to a strong eagerness, understanding the context is key. Puzzles often play on these nuances, sometimes hinting at a negative connotation (like worry or fear) and other times a positive one (like keen anticipation).
When you encounter "anxious," consider not just the feeling itself but also what might cause it or how it manifests. Is it an internal state, or does the clue suggest an external action or desire? This can help you narrow down between options like TENSE, UNEASY, or even EAGER, depending on the surrounding words in the clue.
Always cross-reference with letters you've already filled in. The exact fit for the grid is often your best guide when multiple synonyms for "anxious" might initially seem plausible.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Look at the other words in the clue. "Anxious for a result" might lead you to different answers than "anxious feeling."
- Check Word Length: Always confirm the letter count of your potential answer against the required length in the grid. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: "Anxious" can mean worried, uneasy, or even eagerly anticipating. Think about the subtle differences and which one fits the overall theme or tone of the puzzle.
- Think about common prefixes/suffixes: Sometimes, solutions involve common prefixes like UN- (e.g., UNEASY) or suffixes.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common word lengths for "anxious" clues?
Crossword clues for "anxious" can vary widely in length, from short answers like 'TENSE' (5 letters) to longer ones such as 'APPREHENSIVE' (14 letters). Common lengths often include 5, 6, 7, and 9 letters.
How can I distinguish between similar "anxious" answers?
Pay attention to the surrounding letters in the grid and any additional words in the clue. For example, "anxious for an outcome" might suggest 'EAGER', while "anxious feeling" could point to 'UNEASE' or 'DREAD'. The nuance of the clue is key.
Does "anxious" ever mean "eager" in crosswords?
Yes, occasionally! "Anxious" can sometimes refer to an eager or keen desire, as in "anxious to begin." If other synonyms like 'WORRIED' don't fit, consider 'EAGER' or 'KEEN'.