crossword clue gross – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the crossword clue "gross" and need a hand, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue gross" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOUL: Describing something disgusting or morally offensive, often used when 'gross' refers to something unpleasant.
5 Letters
TOTAL: Representing an amount before deductions, commonly used in financial contexts when 'gross' means the entire sum.
NASTY: Indicating something unpleasant, harmful, or disgusting, aligning with the negative connotation of 'gross'.
6 Letters
ODIOUS: Extremely unpleasant or repulsive, a strong synonym for the 'disgusting' meaning of 'gross'.
7 Letters
HEINOUS: Utterly wicked or reprehensible, a more severe term for something morally 'gross'.
More About "crossword clue gross"
The word "gross" is a fascinating one in the English language due to its dual nature, and this duality is often exploited in crossword puzzles. On one hand, it refers to something highly unpleasant, vulgar, or disgusting, leading to answers like FOUL or NASTY. On the other hand, it signifies a total amount before any deductions, as in "gross income," which might lead to answers like TOTAL or WHOLE.
Crossword constructors love words with multiple distinct meanings because they allow for clever and sometimes tricky clues. When you encounter "gross" in a clue, your first step should be to consider which of these primary meanings is being implied. The surrounding clues, the letter count, and any specific phrasing within the clue itself will provide vital clues. For instance, if the puzzle has a financial theme, it's more likely to be the 'total' meaning.
Less commonly, "gross" can also refer to a quantity of 144 (a dozen dozen). While this meaning is less frequent in standard daily crosswords as a direct answer to just "gross," it's worth keeping in mind for more complex or themed puzzles where number-related clues might appear. Understanding these nuances makes you a more adept crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: Always remember that many words, like "gross," have multiple meanings. Don't get stuck on the first one that comes to mind.
- Check Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by crossing words are your best friends. They can quickly eliminate possibilities and guide you to the correct meaning and answer length.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean the opposite or are closely related to the clue word. Sometimes, a clue might be a cryptic hint rather than a direct definition.
- Practice with Varied Puzzles: The more puzzles you solve, the better you become at recognizing common clue patterns and wordplay. Start with easier puzzles and gradually move to more challenging ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of "gross" in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'gross' most commonly refers to either something 'disgusting' (e.g., FOUL, NASTY, ODIOUS) or 'total/before deductions' (e.g., TOTAL, WHOLE). The context of the surrounding clues is key to determining which meaning is intended.
How do I distinguish between the different meanings of "gross" when solving a crossword?
To distinguish, look at the clue's phrasing and any intersecting letters. If other words in the clue hint at finance or totality, it's likely the 'total' meaning. If the clue suggests unpleasantness or vulgarity, the 'disgusting' meaning is more probable. The number of letters can also narrow down possibilities.
Can "gross" refer to the number 144 in a crossword?
While 'gross' does mean 12 dozen or 144, it's less common for a crossword clue to directly ask for the number 144 with just 'gross'. More often, it might be clued as 'Dozen squared' or 'A baker's dozen of dozens' if the numerical meaning is sought. However, always be open to less common interpretations, especially in trickier puzzles.