gross crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "gross crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "gross crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VILE: Denotes something extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or morally reprehensible.
5 Letters
TOTAL: Refers to the full amount, often used in financial or quantity contexts before deductions.
CRUDE: Can mean unrefined, vulgar, or lacking sophistication, aligning with another sense of 'gross'.
NASTY: Similar to vile, implying something unpleasant, offensive, or malicious.
7 Letters
OBVIOUS: Referring to something easily perceived or understood, glaringly evident, which 'gross' can also imply.
More About "gross crossword"
The word "gross" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its multiple, distinct meanings. It can signify the total or entire amount of something before deductions, as in 'gross income' or 'gross weight.' This is a very common usage in general English and thus frequently appears in puzzles.
However, "gross" also carries connotations of being repulsive, vulgar, or unrefined. This duality often stumps solvers who might only consider one meaning. For example, a clue could hint at something disgusting (e.g., 'Gross smell') or something unpolished (e.g., 'Gross manners'). Furthermore, in some contexts, it can mean glaringly obvious or blatant, as in 'a gross error.'
Always consider the number of letters and any intersecting words you already have in the grid. This will help you narrow down which specific meaning of "gross" the puzzle constructor intended, whether it's related to quantity, distaste, or clarity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your first critical hint. If a clue like "gross" can have multiple meanings, checking the available slots immediately narrows down possibilities (e.g., 'TOTAL' is 5 letters, 'VILE' is 4).
- Check for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are often the definitive decider between synonyms, helping you confirm which meaning of "gross" is correct.
- Consider Nuance and Context: While "gross" often means 'total' or 'disgusting,' crossword constructors love to play on less common or more nuanced definitions. Think about how the word might be used idiomatically or in specific fields (e.g., commerce, law).
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Sometimes a clue might sound like "gross" but refer to something else entirely (e.g., a 'groce' a type of fabric, though less common). While not directly applicable here, always be aware of wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of "gross" in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'gross' commonly refers to the total or entire amount (as in 'gross income'), but it can also mean repulsive, vulgar, or unrefined. Occasionally, it might refer to something blatantly obvious or a large quantity (a gross being twelve dozen).
How can I identify the correct meaning of "gross" in a crossword clue?
To identify the correct meaning, consider the number of letters required for the answer, any intersecting letters, and the context provided by other words in the clue or surrounding clues. For example, if it's paired with a financial term, 'total' is likely; if it's describing a smell, 'vile' or 'nasty' might fit.
Are there different types of "gross" clues?
Yes, 'gross' clues can be direct definitions (e.g., 'Total sum'), synonyms (e.g., 'Disgusting'), or even part of a wordplay clue. Its versatility as a word makes it a common and sometimes tricky crossword entry.