linger crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "linger crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved.
Solutions for "linger crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
STAY: One of the most common answers for 'linger', meaning to remain in a place.
WAIT: To stay in expectation of something, often implying a period of lingering.
5 Letters
TARRY: Often used in a more formal or poetic context, meaning to delay or wait.
DALLY: To waste time or move slowly, synonym for linger or dawdle.
6 Letters
REMAIN: To continue in the same place, condition, or course of action.
LOITER: To stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose.
7 Letters
PROLONG: To extend the duration of something, implying a lingering effect or presence.
More About "linger crossword clue"
The clue "linger" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to challenge solvers. At its core, "linger" refers to staying in a place or situation longer than necessary or expected. This can apply to physical presence, as in lingering at a party, or to abstract concepts, like a smell lingering in the air or a memory lingering in the mind.
Because of its versatile meaning, "linger" can have several synonyms that fit different crossword grid lengths. Common answers like STAY, TARRY, and REMAIN are straightforward, but more nuanced options like LOITER (implying idleness) or DALLY (suggesting delay or wasting time) might also be valid. Always consider the specific context of the puzzle, including any other words that fit, to pinpoint the best answer.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to mastering such clues. For instance, if the clue implies a slow, unhurried movement or a reluctance to depart, TARRY or DALLY might be better fits than a simple STAY.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "linger" to words of the exact length.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Before committing to an answer, see if it creates valid letters for the crossing words. This is often the quickest way to confirm or rule out a potential solution.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Think about the exact shade of meaning the clue might be hinting at. Does "linger" suggest a slow pace (DALLY, TARRY), an idle wait (LOITER), or simply not leaving (STAY, REMAIN)?
- Brainstorm Synonyms: If you're stuck, list as many synonyms for "linger" as you can think of, then try to fit them into the grid based on their length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'linger' mean in a crossword puzzle context?
'Linger' typically refers to remaining in a place longer than expected, delaying departure, or spending an unusual amount of time on something. Common synonyms include 'stay,' 'tarry,' 'loiter,' and 'remain.'
How do I choose between multiple 'linger' answers in a crossword?
The number of letters in the answer is your primary guide. If multiple words fit the length, consider the surrounding letters in the grid and any intersecting words. The specific nuance of the clue might also hint at a more precise synonym (e.g., 'linger idly' might suggest LOITER).
Are there any less common synonyms for 'linger' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, sometimes less common words like 'DALLY' or 'PROLONG' might be used, especially in more challenging puzzles. Always check the letter count and intersecting letters, as well as the overall theme or difficulty of the puzzle.