duds crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to source for quick and accurate crossword solutions! If you're stuck on the clue "duds crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of answers, ranging from common terms to more obscure ones, along with explanations to help you understand the context.
Solutions for "duds crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GEAR: Often refers to clothing or equipment, especially in a casual or specialized sense (e.g., "hiking gear").
6 Letters
ATTIRE: A more formal or general term for clothing, suitable for various contexts.
LEMONS: Less common for clothing, but "duds" can also mean failures or defective items, in which case 'lemons' fits.
7 Letters
CLOTHES: The most direct and common synonym for duds, referring to garments worn by people.
APPAREL: A slightly more formal term for clothing, often used in fashion or retail contexts.
OUTFITS: Complete sets of clothing worn together, aligning with the sense of 'duds' as attire.
8 Letters
GARMENTS: Individual items of clothing, a precise and common answer for "duds."
FAILURES: When "duds" refers to unsuccessful items or events, this is a direct fit.
More About "duds crossword"
"Duds" is a fascinating crossword clue because it carries a dual meaning, often playing on the solver's understanding of context. Primarily, "duds" refers to clothing or garments, especially older, casual, or functional attire. This is where answers like CLOTHES, ATTIRE, or GEAR come into play. Crossword constructors love this common usage because it allows for a wide range of synonyms depending on the specific letter count needed for the grid.
However, "duds" also has a distinct meaning referring to something that fails, doesn't work, or is a disappointment. Think of a "dud firecracker" or a "dud project." If the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme hint at failure, malfunction, or something being a flop, then answers like LEMONS or FAILURES might be the intended solution. Always consider the broader context of the puzzle to determine which meaning is most applicable.
Understanding these different interpretations is key to mastering clues like "duds crossword." By exploring both the sartorial and the unsuccessful aspects of the word, you can quickly narrow down the possibilities and fill in those tricky squares.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "duds," have more than one definition. Always think about all possible interpretations of a clue before settling on an answer.
- Check Letter Counts: The number of letters required for the answer is your most reliable hint. Use it to filter out words that don't fit the length.
- Look for Context Clues: The words surrounding the clue in the puzzle, or the theme of the crossword, can provide invaluable context to help you choose between different meanings of a word.
- Use a Thesaurus (or Answercrossword.com): If you're stuck, a thesaurus can help you brainstorm synonyms. Our site is designed to do just that, giving you explanations for each possible answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "duds" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "duds" most commonly refers to clothing or apparel, often casual or old clothes. However, it can also refer to failures or items that don't work, like "a dud rocket."
Are there common synonyms for "duds" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include GEAR, ATTIRE, CLOTHES, GARMENTS, APPAREL, and OUTFITS for the clothing sense. If referring to failures, words like BOMBS or LEMONS might be used, depending on the clue's specific context.
How can I distinguish between "duds" as clothing and "duds" as failures?
The surrounding clue words are key. Look for words like 'wear,' 'fashion,' 'outfit,' or 'garb' for clothing. If the clue mentions 'flop,' 'misfire,' 'failure,' or 'unsuccessful,' it likely refers to the second meaning.