latches onto nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and are stuck on "latches onto", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "latches onto nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GRABS: To seize or take hold of quickly and often forcefully. This implies an immediate and firm connection, much like latching onto something.
6 Letters
CLINGS: To hold on tightly to something, often resisting separation. This fits the idea of a persistent or strong latch.
SEIZES: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly. Similar to "grabs," but often implies a more powerful or determined action of latching.
7 Letters
ADHERES: To stick fast to a surface or substance. While often literal, it can also metaphorically describe someone who "latches onto" an idea or person.
9 Letters
HOOKSONTO: To attach oneself to something, often with a literal hook or a metaphorical grip. This is a very direct synonym for "latches onto."
More About "latches onto nyt crossword clue"
The clue "latches onto" suggests an action of taking hold, grasping, or attaching firmly to something. In crosswords, especially those from the New York Times, such clues often rely on synonyms that convey a sense of connection, acquisition, or adherence. The variability in possible answers, ranging from common verbs like GRABS to more descriptive phrases like HOOKSONTO, highlights the nuanced nature of English vocabulary and how it's exploited in puzzle design.
When encountering a clue like this, consider both the literal and figurative meanings. "Latching onto" can refer to a physical grip, but it can also mean becoming obsessed with an idea, understanding something fully, or even developing a strong attachment to a person or concept. The length of the answer is your primary guide, but also think about the tone or context that an NYT puzzle might imply for a specific day or theme.
For example, in a themed puzzle about fasteners, a more literal answer like HOOKSONTO might be preferred, whereas in a more abstract puzzle, CLINGS (as in "clings to hope") or ADHERES (as in "adheres to a principle") could be valid. Always cross-reference with surrounding letters to confirm your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to narrow down potential answers. For "latches onto," if you have an 'A' in the third spot for a 5-letter word, you can instantly rule out 'GRABS' and look for alternatives.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Crossword constructors love to play on words. Think about all possible meanings of "latches onto" – physical, emotional, intellectual – and how they might fit the puzzle's overall theme or the day of the week (NYT puzzles get harder through the week).
- Look for Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words or types of actions recur in crosswords. "Latches onto" is a classic action verb, and its synonyms like GRASP, SEIZE, HOLD, or ATTACH frequently appear. Keep a mental list or a physical one of these common crossword-ese terms.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're completely stuck, a tool like Answercrossword.com can provide hints. Use it to confirm your suspicions or to get a fresh perspective, but try to solve as much as you can on your own first to improve your skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Crossword clues can sometimes have multiple valid answers due to the ambiguity of language, synonyms, or different possible interpretations of the clue. The correct answer often depends on the intersecting letters from other clues in the puzzle, which helps narrow down the possibilities.
How do I choose the best answer when there are several options?
When faced with multiple possible answers, the best approach is to look at the intersecting letters from other solved clues. These letters will typically eliminate incorrect options, leaving you with the one that fits perfectly into the grid. Also, consider the puzzle's theme or specific nuances of the clue.
What does 'NYT' mean in a crossword clue?
The abbreviation 'NYT' in a crossword clue typically refers to The New York Times, indicating that the clue is likely from a New York Times crossword puzzle. This context can sometimes provide hints about the puzzle's style, common idioms, or specific wordplay often used in NYT puzzles.