brief nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "brief nyt crossword" from your latest puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions and clear explanations to help you complete your New York Times crossword with ease.
Solutions for "brief nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CURT: Meaning rudely brief or abrupt in speech. Often seen in NYT puzzles when 'brief' implies a negative tone.
5 Letters
SHORT: A very common synonym for 'brief', often used in New York Times crosswords to denote concise duration or physical length.
TERSE: Implies being brief and to the point, sometimes conveying a sense of abruptness or rudeness. A staple in NYT puzzles for 'brief' or 'concise'.
More About "brief nyt crossword"
The clue "brief" is a classic in crossword puzzles, particularly in the New York Times. Its commonality stems from the variety of synonyms it has, allowing setters to create clues that fit various letter counts and contexts. When you encounter "brief," your mind should immediately jump to words related to conciseness, shortness, or summary.
NYT crossword constructors often leverage the multiple meanings of "brief" – referring to time (e.g., a brief visit), length (e.g., a brief article), or even clothing (e.g., briefs as underwear, though less common for a simple "brief" clue). The key to solving these lies in checking the crossing letters and the overall theme of the puzzle.
Understanding these nuances can help you quickly identify whether the required answer is a straightforward synonym like SHORT or TERSE, or something more nuanced like CURT, which adds a subtle connotation of abruptness. Mastering these common synonyms and their subtle differences is a significant step in becoming a proficient crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters needed. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities for clues like "brief."
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to narrow down options. Even one or two letters can make a "brief" clue much easier.
- Consider Nuances and Connotations: Pay attention to whether "brief" implies just shortness (SHORT), or if there's an undertone of rudeness (CURT, TERSE) or simply being to the point (TERSE). The NYT is known for its precise clueing.
- Think Common Crosswordese: Words like SHORT, TERSE, and CURT are frequent answers for "brief." Memorizing these common solutions can save you time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'brief' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'brief' usually refers to something concise, short in duration, or a summary. Common answers include SHORT, TERSE, CURT, or even quick synonyms for summaries like 'ABRIDGED' or 'SUMMARY'. The exact meaning often depends on the surrounding clues.
How do I narrow down answers for 'brief' in a NYT crossword?
Consider the letter count you need, the surrounding letters from intersecting words, and the puzzle's theme. The New York Times often uses common crosswordese for 'brief' (e.g., SHORT, TERSE) but can also surprise with more nuanced synonyms or wordplay related to the clue's specific context.
Are there different kinds of 'brief' clues?
Yes, 'brief' can refer to time (e.g., 'a brief moment'), physical length (e.g., 'brief skirt'), or a style of communication (e.g., 'brief remarks'). The context of the other clues and the puzzle's overall tone can help distinguish the intended meaning and guide you to the correct answer.