crossword clue sleeping – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue sleeping," 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 guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "crossword clue sleeping" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ASLEEP: In a state of slumber or sleep, often used descriptively like "The baby is asleep."
SLEEPY: Feeling tired and ready for sleep; drowsy. Describes the state before or during light sleep.
DOZING: Lightly sleeping, often for a short period, especially in an upright position. A less intense form of sleeping.
7 Letters
NAPPING: Taking a short sleep, typically during the day. This implies a temporary and often restorative period of sleep.
DORMANT: Inactive or suspended, as if in a deep sleep. Often used for biological states like plants in winter or volcanoes.
RESTING: Taking a break or repose, which can often involve sleep. It implies a state of recuperation or inactivity.
10 Letters
SLUMBERING: Sleeping deeply and peacefully. This word often carries a poetic or more profound connotation of sleep.
More About "crossword clue sleeping"
The clue "sleeping" is a versatile one in crosswords, often appearing as a participle that can function as an adjective or part of a verb phrase. Its commonality means there are several synonyms and related terms that constructors love to use. When you see this clue, consider not just the literal act of sleeping, but also states of inactivity, rest, or even metaphorical 'sleep' like a dormant company or a sleeping giant.
The nuance of the clue's wording is crucial. Is it 'sleeping' as in currently in the act (like ASLEEP or DOZING), or 'sleeping' as in a characteristic state (like SLEEPY or DORMANT)? Pay attention to surrounding words, question marks, and the overall theme of the puzzle. Sometimes, 'sleeping' might even refer to things that aid sleep, like 'sleeping pill' or 'sleeping bag', though these would typically be part of a longer clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Parts of Speech: For verbs ending in '-ing' like 'sleeping,' think about whether the answer needs to be an adjective (ASLEEP), a noun (NAPPING), or even a verb (DOZING). The clue's structure will usually hint at this.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If 'sleeping' is the clue, think of words that mean the opposite (awake, active) to spark ideas, or direct synonyms for its various shades of meaning (dozing, resting, dormant).
- Check Cross-References: Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues. This is the most reliable way to confirm or narrow down possibilities, especially when multiple answers fit the letter count for "sleeping."
- Think Beyond the Literal: Crossword setters often employ wordplay. 'Sleeping' could refer to something inactive, quiet, or even a 'sleeper cell' in a spy context. Be open to figurative interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sleeping' in crosswords?
Common answers for 'sleeping' in crosswords include ASLEEP, SLEEPY, DOZING, NAPPING, DORMANT, and RESTING, depending on the context and required length. Consider synonyms for 'inactive' or 'at rest' too, as crosswords often use indirect clues.
How can I determine the part of speech for 'sleeping' in a crossword clue?
The surrounding words in the clue often provide crucial hints. If the clue implies 'being sleeping,' it suggests an adjective (e.g., ASLEEP, SLEEPY). If it refers to 'the act of sleeping,' it might be a noun (e.g., SLUMBER, NAP). Punctuation, specific phrasing, and the tense of other verbs in the clue are also key indicators.
Are there any common crossword setter tricks related to 'sleeping' clues?
Crossword setters often use wordplay. For 'sleeping,' watch out for clues that hint at an indirect effect (e.g., 'Sleeping problem?' might clue INSOMNIA or SNORE) or a state of dormancy (e.g., 'Sleeping volcano'). Always consider verb forms and noun forms of related words, as well as literal and figurative meanings.