former crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "former crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "former crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
EX: Refers to someone or something that was previously, such as a former partner or a previous status.
3 Letters
OLD: Denotes something that existed in the past or is no longer current or new.
4 Letters
PAST: Refers to a period of time that has gone by or an event that has already occurred.
5 Letters
PRIOR: Meaning existing or coming before in time, order, or importance.
8 Letters
PREVIOUS: Indicates something that occurred or existed before in time or order.
More About "former crossword clue"
"Former" is a staple in crossword puzzles, often used to guide solvers towards synonyms or related concepts indicating a past state or prior existence. It's a versatile clue that can refer to anything from relationships (an ex-partner) to historical periods (old traditions) or sequences (a previous step).
Understanding the nuances of "former" involves considering its various synonyms and how they fit different letter counts. It’s rarely a trick clue, but rather a direct signal to think about what came before. The key is often context and letter count, as a clue might specify 'former spouse' pointing directly to 'EX', or 'former times' suggesting 'PAST' or 'OLD'.
This clue's frequency in puzzles makes it one of the first terms experienced solvers learn to recognize. Mastering its associated answers is a significant step towards faster puzzle completion, as it opens up many intersecting possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Full Context: While "former" is key, other words in the clue (e.g., "former leader," "former times") provide vital context that can narrow down possibilities from "EX" to "PREVIOUS."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from solved intersecting words. This is the most effective way to confirm an answer and rule out alternatives, especially when multiple synonyms for "former" exist for a given length.
- Consider Common Crossword Abbreviations/Prefixes: Sometimes "former" can imply a common prefix like "EX-" (as in "ex-president"), even if the clue doesn't explicitly state it. Keep an eye out for these subtle hints.
- Think About British vs. American English: While less common for "former," some synonyms might lean towards one dialect. Be aware of the puzzle's origin if you find yourself truly stuck.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'former' typically mean in crossword clues?
In crossword puzzles, 'former' is a common indicator for words related to something that existed, occurred, or was true in the past. This often leads to answers like EX, OLD, PAST, PRIOR, or PREVIOUS.
How can the number of letters help solve 'former' clues?
The letter count is crucial. If the clue asks for a short word, 'EX' (2 letters) or 'OLD' (3 letters) are strong candidates. For longer slots, 'PAST' (4 letters), 'PRIOR' (5 letters), or 'PREVIOUS' (8 letters) might be the solution. Always match the word's length precisely.
Are there any specific contexts for 'former' in crosswords?
Yes, 'former' often appears in contexts like 'former spouse' (EX), 'former times' (PAST), or 'former president' (PREVIOUS, or even LATE). Pay attention to any other words in the clue for additional context, such as a profession or a period of time.