extremely dry crossword – All Crossword Answers

Q: What's the best strategy for solving tough crossword clues like 'extremely dry'?

Start by considering synonyms for the core concept ('dry'). Then, think about words that convey the intensity ('extremely'). Check the required letter count. If stuck, fill in surrounding letters from intersecting clues, as this often reveals key letters for the difficult word.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "extremely dry crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "extremely dry crossword" by Letter Count

4 Letters

ARID: A common term for land or climate that is very dry, often lacking enough rainfall to support vegetation. (e.g., "an arid desert").

5 Letters

XERIC: Pertaining to, characterized by, or adapted to a dry environment. Often used in scientific or botanical contexts to describe conditions or plants. (e.g., "xeric shrubland").

7 Letters

PARCHED: Dried out by heat, often to the point of cracking or shriveling. Implies a severe lack of moisture, especially when referring to land or skin. (e.g., "parched earth after a drought").

10 Letters

DESICCATED: Thoroughly dried; having had all moisture removed. This is a very strong word for 'extremely dry', often used for preserved foods or materials. (e.g., "desiccated coconut flakes").

More About "extremely dry crossword"

The clue "extremely dry" in a crossword puzzle is a classic example of how setters use synonyms and intensity to guide solvers. While "dry" might lead to simple answers like "arid" or "sere," the addition of "extremely" demands a word that conveys a higher degree of dryness, such as "parched" or "desiccated." Understanding these nuances is key to mastering crosswords.

This type of clue tests your vocabulary range, pushing beyond common synonyms to more specific or emphatic terms. It's not just about knowing what "dry" means, but how various words express different levels of dryness, from merely lacking moisture to being utterly devoid of it, like a desert landscape or a mummified object.

Crossword clues often leverage the subtle differences between adjectives. For "extremely dry," think about the physical implications – what happens when something is *extremely* dry? It might crack, shrivel, or become brittle. These associations can often lead you to the less obvious, but ultimately correct, answer.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze Intensifiers: Pay close attention to words like "extremely," "very," "utterly," or "completely." These indicate that the answer will be a stronger version of the core concept.
Consider Connotations: Think about the emotional or descriptive quality of the word. "Parched" evokes a feeling of thirst, while "desiccated" sounds more scientific and thorough.
Check Letter Count: The number of letters is often your strongest hint. Longer words are typically reserved for more intense or specific meanings.
Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on "extremely dry," solve intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from those answers will provide crucial clues for your difficult word.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some crosswords have multiple answers for the same clue?

Crossword clues can be ambiguous or have multiple synonyms that fit. Puzzles are often designed with flexibility, allowing for different word lengths or interpretations. The surrounding letters in the grid usually help narrow down the correct solution, making the "multiple answers" situation less confusing in practice.

How can I distinguish between "dry" and "extremely dry" in a crossword?

Look for intensifiers in the clue like 'extremely,' 'utterly,' 'parched,' 'bone,' or 'completely.' These suggest a stronger synonym than a simple 'dry.' Additionally, the number of letters required for the answer will often guide you towards a longer, more emphatic word that fits the 'extremely' descriptor.

What's the best strategy for solving tough crossword clues like this?

Start by considering all possible synonyms for the core concept ('dry'). Then, filter those synonyms based on the intensity ('extremely'). Check the required letter count from the grid. If you're still stuck, try to solve any intersecting clues first, as the letters they provide will often reveal the solution to the trickier clue.