greatly surprise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "greatly surprise" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "greatly surprise crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
STUN: To astonish or shock (someone) so that they are temporarily unable to react.
5 Letters
AMAZE: To fill with great wonder or astonishment.
SHOCK: To cause a sudden, powerful, and upsetting feeling, often of surprise or dismay.
6 Letters
DAZZLE: To impress deeply, often with brilliance or skill; to overwhelm with splendor.
7 Letters
ASTOUND: To shock or greatly surprise someone with its magnitude or force.
More About "greatly surprise crossword clue"
The clue "greatly surprise" typically calls for a verb that denotes a strong, intense emotional impact. It's not just about a mild wonder, but something that truly takes one aback or leaves them in awe. Common synonyms that fit this description include words like 'astound,' 'amaze,' 'shock,' or 'dazzle,' all of which convey a powerful sense of unexpectedness or overwhelming emotion.
When encountering such a clue, consider the nuance of "greatly." This intensifier is crucial. It steers you away from simpler 'surprise' synonyms and towards those that imply a profound, perhaps even disorienting, level of astonishment. The best answers often evoke a feeling of being completely taken aback or losing one's composure due to the unexpected nature of an event.
Crossword setters love to play with these subtle differences in meaning. By understanding the intensity conveyed by words like "greatly," you can more accurately predict the required answer and improve your solve rate significantly.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Adverbs: Pay close attention to adverbs like "greatly," "deeply," "slightly," etc. They provide critical context on the intensity or manner implied by the main verb or noun in the clue.
- Consider Synonyms for Intensity: For emotional clues, brainstorm words that convey various levels of intensity. A simple surprise is different from a great surprise, which is different from a mild surprise.
- Check Word Length Against Common Phrases: If an answer doesn't immediately come to mind, think of common phrases that use the core word. Sometimes, the crossword answer is a single verb that encapsulates a longer concept.
- Look for Part of Speech: Ensure your proposed answer matches the part of speech implied by the clue. "Greatly surprise" is a verb phrase, so your answer should be a verb.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a "greatly surprise" clue in a crossword?
When you encounter a clue like "greatly surprise," consider synonyms for strong reactions such as astonishment, awe, or shock. Think about verbs that describe causing such a feeling, and always keep the required letter count in mind to narrow down possibilities.
Are there common traps when solving "surprise" clues?
A common trap is focusing only on mild forms of surprise. The adverb "greatly" indicates a much stronger impact. Also, be mindful of whether the clue refers to the *feeling* of surprise (e.g., ASTONISHMENT) or the *action* of surprising someone (e.g., ASTOUND, AMAZE).
How can I expand my vocabulary for emotion-based crossword clues?
Regularly using a thesaurus for verbs and adjectives related to emotions can be highly effective. Pay attention to the intensity levels indicated by adverbs in the clue. Reading widely across different genres and noting new words in context is also a great way to expand your vocabulary for crosswords.