face crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "face crossword puzzle clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "face crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MUG: An informal term for a person's face or mouth.
4 Letters
DARE: To challenge or confront someone boldly; to face a difficult situation with courage.
5 Letters
FRONT: The forward or most important side of an object or building; to confront a situation directly.
CHEEK: Either side of the face below the eye and above the jaw.
6 Letters
VISAGE: A person's face or facial expression, often used in a formal or literary context.
ASPECT: A particular feature or part of something, or a particular appearance or quality.
8 Letters
CONFRONT: To meet someone face to face with hostile or argumentative intent; to deal with a difficult situation directly.
More About "face crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "face" is a classic example of a versatile word that can have multiple meanings in crosswords. Its richness comes from its ability to function as both a noun (referring to a physical part of the body or a surface) and a verb (meaning to confront, to look towards, or to cover). This dual nature allows crossword setters to be quite creative, often leading to answers that surprise solvers who only consider the most obvious definition.
Understanding the context is crucial when tackling such clues. Is the puzzle looking for a synonym for a human face, perhaps a more archaic or formal term? Or is it hinting at an action, like "facing the music" or "facing a challenge"? The number of letters in the answer is your primary guide, but also consider the puzzle's theme, the difficulty level, and any surrounding clues that might offer subtle hints.
Common traps include getting stuck on one meaning when another is intended. For instance, if the clue is "Face a problem," the answer might be a verb like DARE or CONFRONT, not a noun like VISAGE. Always keep an open mind to the different interpretations of the word "face" to unlock the solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For words like "face," always think about all possible definitions – noun, verb, idiom – before settling on one. Crossword setters love to exploit polysemy.
- Check Word Length: The most crucial hint is always the number of letters. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus considerably.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Never underestimate the power of letters from intersecting words. Even one correct crossing letter can turn a vague clue into a clear path to the solution.
- Look for Phrasal Verbs: "Face" often appears in phrasal verbs (e.g., face up to, face off). If the clue has an accompanying preposition or adverb, consider these expanded meanings.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "face" have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word "face" is highly versatile in English, functioning as a noun (a person's visage), a verb (to confront), or even indicating a surface or an aspect. This allows crossword setters to use it in many contexts, leading to various possible answers depending on the specific nuance intended by the clue, the word length, and surrounding letters.
How can I narrow down the answer for "face" in a crossword?
To narrow down the answer, pay close attention to the number of letters required. Also, look for contextual clues: is the clue asking for a synonym of a facial feature? Is it a verb describing an action like 'to meet' or 'to deal with'? Are there any other words in the clue that hint at a specific meaning or phrasal verb? Checking crossing letters is always essential.
Are there common informal or obsolete terms for "face" used in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often use informal or less common synonyms for 'face'. 'MUG' is a very common three-letter answer. 'PHIZ' is an older, informal term for a face, though less common today. Sometimes, clues might refer to specific parts of the face, like 'CHEEK' or 'NOSE', or facial expressions such as 'SMILE' or 'FROWN'.