gaunt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "gaunt crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "gaunt crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
THIN: Lean, slender, often suggesting a lack of flesh.
LEAN: Another word for thin, specifically implying lack of fat.
5 Letters
LANKY: Ungainly tall and thin, often with an awkward appearance.
6 Letters
WASTED: Reduced in health, strength, or substance; emaciated.
7 Letters
HAGGARD: Looking exhausted and unwell, especially from fatigue, worry, or suffering; often implies a gaunt appearance.
SCRAGGY: Thin and bony; scrawny, often used to describe animals or plants.
8 Letters
SKELETAL: Like a skeleton; extremely thin, often implying severe emaciation.
9 Letters
EMACIATED: Extremely thin or weak, especially from illness or a lack of food.
More About "gaunt crossword clue"
The clue "gaunt" is a classic in crossword puzzles, often appearing to describe a person or animal that is notably thin, often to an unhealthy degree. Its popularity stems from the range of synonyms available, allowing setters to create diverse puzzles with varying letter counts.
Understanding the nuances between terms like 'thin,' 'lean,' 'haggard,' and 'emaciated' is key to cracking this clue. While 'thin' and 'lean' might simply describe a natural build, 'gaunt' and its stronger synonyms often suggest a physical state resulting from hardship, illness, or privation. This distinction can sometimes hint at the specific answer the puzzle demands.
When you encounter 'gaunt' as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle, if any. Does it seem to fit a description of someone tired, ill, or perhaps even a desolate landscape? These subtle cues can guide you to the precise solution among the many possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your first and most important hint. For "gaunt," knowing it's a 4-letter or 9-letter word immediately narrows down your options from THIN to EMACIATED.
- Consider Nuances of Meaning: While many words mean "thin," 'gaunt' specifically implies an unhealthy or worn appearance. Think about the intensity of the synonyms – 'haggard' implies weariness, 'emaciated' implies extreme thinness due to starvation or illness.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an answer that crosses with "gaunt" will provide letters that help confirm or eliminate potential solutions. Use those intersecting letters to your advantage!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'gaunt' mean in the context of a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'gaunt' typically refers to someone or something that is extremely thin, bony, or emaciated, often due to hunger, illness, or fatigue. Common synonyms like 'thin', 'lean', 'haggard', or 'emaciated' are frequently used as answers.
How can I find the correct length for 'gaunt crossword clue'?
The length of the answer depends on the specific crossword puzzle you're solving. Check the grid to see how many squares are allocated for the answer. Common lengths for 'gaunt' include 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 letters, corresponding to words like THIN, LANKY, WASTED, HAGGARD, SKELETAL, or EMACIATED.
Are there any common misspellings or tricky synonyms for 'gaunt'?
While 'gaunt' itself is straightforward, watch out for less common synonyms or those with subtle differences in meaning. Words like 'scrawny,' 'cadaverous,' or 'attenuated' might appear in more challenging puzzles. Always cross-reference with surrounding letters if you're unsure.