What is a promontory?

A promontory is a point of high land that juts out into a large body of water. It's essentially a prominent mass of land overlooking lower land or a body of water.

Why are geographical terms like 'promontory' common in crosswords?

Geographical terms are popular in crosswords because they often have multiple synonyms (like cape, head, point, bluff, ness) and can refer to specific, well-known locations, providing a rich pool of clues for constructors.

How can I find answers to obscure crossword clues?

When facing obscure clues, consider the word length, look for common prefixes or suffixes, and think about the clue's category (e.g., geography, history, pop culture). Online crossword solvers and dictionaries can also be invaluable tools.

crossword clue promontory – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the clue "promontory", organized by letter count, ensuring you get back to your puzzle quickly.

Solutions for "crossword clue promontory" by Letter Count

4 Letters

CAPE: A piece of land projecting into a sea or lake, often used as a synonym for promontory.

5 Letters

POINT: A tapering piece of land projecting into water, typically smaller than a cape but serving a similar geographical function.

BLUFF: A broad, steep cliff or headland, often overlooking a body of water, which can also be considered a type of promontory.

8 Letters

HEADLAND: A narrow piece of land that projects from the coastline into the sea, a more specific and prominent type of promontory.

More About "crossword clue promontory"

A promontory is a striking geographical feature, defined as a high point of land or rock projecting into a sea, lake, or marshy land. These natural formations are often significant landmarks, serving as navigation points for mariners and offering strategic advantages for fortifications throughout history. The word itself evokes a sense of grandeur and overlooks, hinting at its elevated position.

In crosswords, clues like "promontory" often test your vocabulary of geographical terms. Synonyms like "cape," "head," "point," "bluff," and "ness" are common answers, varying in length and nuance. Recognizing these related terms is key to solving such clues, as crossword constructors frequently use them interchangeably or in combination with other descriptive words.

Understanding the context – whether it refers to a general landform or a specific, named location (e.g., "Cape Horn") – can also guide you to the correct solution. Always consider the number of letters required and any crossing letters you may already have filled in your puzzle.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Clue's Type: Is it a definition, a pun, a synonym, or an anagram? Identifying the clue's nature helps narrow down possible answers. For "promontory," it's primarily a definition or synonym clue.
Consider Word Lengths: Always keep the required number of letters in mind. For a clue like "promontory," there are many possible answers across various lengths (e.g., CAPE for 4 letters, HEADLAND for 8 letters).
Look for Common Crosswordese: Certain words or categories appear frequently in crosswords. Geographical terms, particularly those describing landforms, are a common category to master.
Check Crossing Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These can provide crucial hints and confirm your suspicions for a given clue.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common synonym for 'promontory' in crosswords?

While many words can fit, 'CAPE' is a very common answer for 'promontory' in crosswords due to its widespread usage, relatively short length, and direct synonymy.

Are there any historical or literary references for 'promontory' clues?

Yes, 'promontory' can appear in clues related to famous historical events (e.g., 'Promontory Summit' in the US railroad history) or literary works that feature dramatic landscapes, such as Shakespeare's plays or adventure novels. Always be mindful of the context suggested by the clue.

How do I differentiate between similar landform clues like 'island' vs. 'peninsula' vs. 'promontory'?

An island is completely surrounded by water. A peninsula is mostly surrounded by water but connected to the mainland on one side. A promontory is a high point of land or rock that juts out into the sea, often forming part of a coastline or peninsula, distinguished by its elevation or dramatic projection. Pay close attention to keywords in the clue that suggest elevation ("high land," "cliff") or the extent of water surrounding it.