investigated nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "investigated" from a New York Times crossword, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, complete with explanations to help you complete your puzzle and deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "investigated nyt crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
PROBED: To make a thorough inquiry into, often deeply or intrusively. Common in clues referring to scientific or police inquiries.
7 Letters
STUDIED: Given careful attention to, often for the purpose of learning or research. Can imply a more academic or observational form of investigation.
8 Letters
EXAMINED: Inspected in detail to determine the nature or condition of. A versatile answer used for anything from medical check-ups to reviewing documents.
10 Letters
LOOKEDINTO: A colloquial phrase meaning to research or examine a matter. Often used when the investigation is less formal or still preliminary.
More About "investigated nyt crossword"
The clue "investigated" is a perennial favorite in crossword puzzles, particularly in the New York Times, due to its rich tapestry of synonyms and varying degrees of formality. When you encounter this clue, think about the context the puzzle might be hinting at. Is it a crime being investigated by police? A scientist investigating a phenomenon? Or perhaps someone simply looking into a matter for personal understanding?
NYT crosswords are renowned for their precise and often witty clueing. For "investigated," constructors often play on the past tense, requiring solvers to look for verbs ending in -ED. The key to unlocking these clues is not just knowing a synonym, but understanding which synonym fits the precise letter count and the overall tone or theme of the puzzle. Considering prefixes and suffixes can also be a significant advantage.
This verb's versatility means answers can range from short, direct words like PROBED to longer, more descriptive phrases such as LOOKEDINTO. Paying attention to crossing letters is always paramount, as they quickly eliminate incorrect possibilities and guide you to the exact word the constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tense: "Investigated" is past tense. Always prioritize past tense verb answers (e.g., PROBED, EXAMINED) when the clue is a past tense verb. This is a fundamental rule for many crossword verb clues.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Brainstorm different scenarios where something might be "investigated"—a crime scene, a scientific experiment, a claim, or even just a rumor. This can help you think of a wider array of synonyms that fit various contexts.
- Leverage Crossing Letters: Once you have a few letters from words that intersect with your target, use them to filter your list of potential answers. A single correct crossing letter can often narrow down your options significantly, leading you directly to the solution.
- Look for Common Suffixes/Prefixes: Words related to "investigated" might include common prefixes like "RE-" (e.g., RESEARCHED, although not an answer here) or suffixes like "-ED" for past tense, which can give you a head start on word formation.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "investigated" have so many different answers in crosswords?
"Investigated" is a broad term with many synonyms that vary slightly in nuance or formality. Crossword constructors love these types of words because they offer flexibility in creating clues for different word lengths and can be used in various contexts (e.g., legal, scientific, casual inquiry), leading to diverse valid solutions.
How can I tell if the answer needs to be a specific type of investigation, like legal or scientific?
Often, the crossword's theme or other clues in the puzzle might hint at the general subject matter. Additionally, the phrasing of the clue itself might use words that lean towards a particular field (e.g., "Lab-____" for scientific, "Police-_____" for legal). If not, general synonyms are usually safest.
What's the best strategy for solving verb clues like "investigated"?
Start by identifying the tense of the verb (past, present, future). Then, brainstorm as many synonyms as possible, considering common crossword answer lengths (3-10 letters are very common). If you have crossing letters, use them immediately to filter your brainstormed list. Also, consider if the clue implies a noun derived from the verb (e.g., "An investigation").