crossword clue for difficult – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a clue related to "difficult," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, explanations, and expert tips to help you conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue for difficult" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARD: Requiring great effort or endurance.
5 Letters
TOUGH: Resilient, strong, or presenting difficulties.
6 Letters
TRICKY: Requiring skill or caution; difficult to handle.
KNOTTY: Full of knots; complex and difficult to solve.
7 Letters
ARDUOUS: Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
More About "crossword clue for difficult"
The clue "difficult" is a staple in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test solvers' vocabulary and understanding of synonyms. Its broad meaning allows for a wide range of answers, from common adjectives like "hard" and "tough" to more nuanced terms like "arduous" or "tricky." The challenge lies in determining the precise synonym that fits the letter count and the specific context of the puzzle.
Crossword setters love using "difficult" because it can refer to a multitude of situations: a difficult task, a difficult person, or a difficult concept. This versatility means you might encounter it in a straight clue, a cryptic clue, or even as part of a longer phrase. Always consider the tone and style of the crossword you are solving when pondering answers to this pervasive clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For clues like "difficult," immediately think of as many synonyms as possible. Words like 'hard', 'tough', 'challenging', 'arduous', 'tricky', and 'complex' are common starting points.
- Consider Letter Count: Once you have a list of potential words, filter them by the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to narrow down the options for a given clue.
- Check Crossing Letters: The most crucial tip! Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words to confirm your answer. If a word like 'HARD' fits the letter count but doesn't align with the crossing letters, it's time to consider another synonym.
- Think About Nuance: Some synonyms of "difficult" carry subtle differences. 'Tricky' implies requiring skill or cunning, while 'arduous' suggests effort and weariness. The specific context of the clue might hint at which nuance is intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue "difficult"?
Clues for "difficult" can be tricky due to the range of synonyms, varying nuances (e.g., physically difficult vs. intellectually difficult), or cryptic wordplay. They often rely on common synonyms like 'hard,' 'tough,' 'arduous,' or even less common terms like 'knotty' or 'steep,' depending on the puzzle's style and the specific context.
How can I solve clues like "difficult"?
To solve clues for 'difficult,' first consider synonyms that fit the letter count. Think about the puzzle's specific style—is it a standard daily or a cryptic? Broaden your thoughts to different meanings of 'difficult,' such as a difficult problem, a difficult climb, or a difficult person. Always use crossing letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Are "hard" and "difficult" always interchangeable in crosswords?
While 'hard' and 'difficult' are often interchangeable in the context of challenge, they are not always perfectly synonymous. 'Hard' can also refer to physical hardness (e.g., 'hard as a rock'), while 'difficult' almost exclusively refers to a challenge or complexity. Always pay close attention to the full clue and any existing crossing letters to confirm the precise synonym intended.