How does word length influence 'brush' answers?

Word length is a critical indicator. For instance, a 4-letter answer might be 'COMB' or 'DUST', focusing on a tool or a light action. 5-letter answers often include 'SWEEP', 'PAINT', or 'BROOM'. Longer answers, such as 'SKIRMISH' (8 letters) or 'ENCOUNTER' (9 letters), typically point towards the figurative meaning of a brief contact or conflict.

Can 'brush' refer to a type of vegetation in crosswords?

Yes, 'brush' can indeed refer to dense undergrowth, scrubland, or thickets, especially in clues related to terrain or landscape. While less common than its tool or action meanings, it's a valid interpretation that seasoned crossword solvers should consider.

brush crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are common meanings of 'brush' in crosswords?

The clue 'brush' is notably versatile in crosswords, often referring to a tool (like a paintbrush or broom), an action (to sweep, to comb, to dust), or a brief encounter (a 'brush with' danger, a skirmish). Understanding the context from surrounding clues is essential.

Welcome! If you're tackling the 'brush crossword clue', you've landed on the right page. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "brush crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

COMB: To smooth or untangle hair, typically done with a comb, which acts as a type of brush for hair.

DUST: To remove fine dry powder or particles from a surface, often using a duster or brush.

5 Letters

SWEEP: To clean an area by brushing away dirt or litter, commonly with a broom or brush.

PAINT: To apply paint to a surface, with a paintbrush being the primary tool for this action.

BROOM: A long-handled brush with a bundle of stiff bristles, used for sweeping floors.

GRAZE: To touch or scrape lightly in passing, signifying a very light 'brush' or contact.

SCRUB: To rub (something) hard so as to clean it, typically using a brush and water.

7 Letters

CONTACT: The state or condition of touching; can refer to a brief 'brush' or encounter with something.

8 Letters

SKIRMISH: An irregular or unplanned fight, especially a minor one; a 'brush' or brief conflict between opposing forces.

9 Letters

ENCOUNTER: An unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something; often used as a 'brush with' an experience or person.

More About "brush crossword clue"

"Brush" is a fantastic example of a multifaceted word that crossword setters love to employ. Its meaning can pivot dramatically based on context, making it a challenging yet rewarding clue. From its literal interpretations, referring to a tool for cleaning or painting, to more figurative senses like a brief interaction or a minor conflict, "brush" demands a solver's full attention to the surrounding clues and available letter count.

Common themes for "brush" answers include actions like "SWEEP," "PAINT," or "SCRUB," or the tools themselves such as "BROOM" or "COMB." However, don't overlook its idiomatic uses like a "brush with danger" (leading to answers like "CONTACT" or "SKIRMISH") or even geographical features like dense undergrowth or "brush" in the wilderness. This versatility is precisely what makes it a recurring and sometimes vexing clue in puzzles of all difficulties.

Successfully solving "brush" often hinges on the solver's ability to consider all possible definitions and then cross-reference them with the grid's existing letters and the length of the required answer. It's a true test of vocabulary breadth and contextual reasoning, embodying the very essence of what makes crosswords so engaging.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "brush," think about all possible meanings: a physical tool, an action, a brief encounter, or even a type of vegetation. Crosswords often play on word polysemy.
Check Word Length Carefully: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. A 4-letter "brush" will almost certainly not be "skirmish." Use the length to narrow down the potential meanings instantly.
Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to fill in blanks. This is often the fastest way to confirm which meaning of "brush" is intended for that specific puzzle.
Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct meaning doesn't fit, think of words associated with "brush" (e.g., "clean," "groom") and see if any synonyms fit the letter count.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common meanings of 'brush' in crosswords?

The clue 'brush' is often tricky because it has many meanings: a tool (like a paintbrush or broom), an action (to sweep, to comb), or a brief encounter (a brush with danger, a skirmish). Context from surrounding clues is key.

How does word length help when solving 'brush'?

Word length is crucial. For example, a 4-letter answer might be 'COMB' or 'DUST', while a 5-letter answer could be 'SWEEP' or 'BROOM'. Longer answers like 'SKIRMISH' (8 letters) or 'ENCOUNTER' (9 letters) suggest a more figurative meaning of 'brush'.

Can 'brush' refer to a type of animal or plant?

While 'brush' can refer to dense undergrowth or scrubland (a type of vegetation), it's less commonly used for a specific animal in crossword clues. However, the 'brush' of a fox (its tail) is a known term, though rare as a direct clue answer.