old crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "old crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible solutions, ranging in length, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find the perfect fit for your grid below!
Solutions for "old crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AGED: Having lived for a long time; showing signs of age.
PAST: Gone by in time; no longer existing; from a previous time.
5 Letters
ELDER: A person of greater age or seniority.
6 Letters
FORMER: Having previously been, especially in the past.
7 Letters
ANCIENT: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
8 Letters
OBSOLETE: No longer produced or used; out of date.
10 Letters
ANTIQUATED: Old-fashioned or outdated.
More About "old crossword clue"
The term "old" in crossword clues is surprisingly versatile, encompassing a broad range of meanings from chronological age to a state of being outdated or from a bygone era. It's a classic clue type that tests a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to consider various synonyms. Depending on the context, "old" could refer to ancient civilizations, historical figures, or simply things that are no longer new or in current fashion.
Often, "old" clues lean into "crosswordese" – words frequently used in crosswords due to their convenient letter patterns, even if they are less common in daily speech. Examples might include archaic words like 'ere' (before) or 'yore' (of old). Understanding these common crossword tropes can significantly speed up your solving process when you encounter a seemingly straightforward clue like "old."
Consider the nuance of the clue. Is it asking for something that is simply aged, or something truly ancient? Is it looking for a term for something that is no longer used, or something that was once active but is now retired? The surrounding clues and the number of letters will guide you to the precise answer needed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms Broadly: For a clue like "old," don't just think of synonyms for age. Also consider words related to past, former, traditional, obsolete, archaic, and even worn out or dilapidated.
- Leverage Intersecting Words: The most critical hint in any crossword puzzle is the letters provided by intersecting words. Use these fixed letters to narrow down the possible answers based on their length and specific character placement.
- Look for Tense or Specificity Cues: If the clue implies a past action ("was old") versus a current state ("is old"), this can guide your answer. Similarly, if there's a specific context (e.g., "old city," "old coin"), think about words that fit that niche.
- Familiarize Yourself with "Crosswordese": Many words, especially shorter ones, are common in crosswords. Words like ORE, EKE, ERE, and ADO might seem out of place but are often the exact answer for clues related to "old" or simple concepts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'old'?
A crossword clue can be considered 'old' in several ways: it might refer to an archaic word, a historical figure or event, a bygone era, or a common piece of 'crosswordese' – words that appear frequently in crosswords but less so in everyday conversation. It often implies something no longer current or in use.
How do I approach a clue like 'old crossword clue'?
When encountering a clue like 'old crossword clue', consider synonyms for 'old' such as aged, past, ancient, former, antique, or even antiquated. Pay attention to the letter count required, the context provided by intersecting words, and whether the puzzle's theme or difficulty suggests a more common or obscure synonym. Always think about different facets of 'old' – age, time, style, or disuse.
Are there common 'old' words used in crosswords?
Yes, many 'old' words are staples in crosswords due to their useful letter patterns or specific meanings. Examples include ERE (before), YORE (of old), AGES (long periods), ORE (a natural mineral), or even ANTE (before, as in poker). Familiarizing yourself with these 'crosswordese' terms can greatly improve your solving speed.