close by nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "close by" from the NYT crossword, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "close by nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
NEAR: A very common and direct synonym for 'close by'.
NIGH: An older, more poetic term meaning 'near' or 'close to'.
6 Letters
AT HAND: A phrase indicating something is readily available or very close in proximity.
8 Letters
ADJACENT: Meaning next to or adjoining, often used for objects or locations physically 'close by'.
More About "close by nyt crossword"
"Close by" is a classic crossword clue that almost always points to words or phrases indicating proximity. Understanding this common theme can significantly speed up your solve time. Clues like these often rely on your vocabulary of synonyms for "near," "adjacent," or "in the vicinity." Context is key: sometimes the clue's surrounding words might hint at a more formal (like ADJACENT) or archaic (like NIGH) answer.
The New York Times crossword, known for its cleverness, might also use "close by" in a figurative sense, though less often for a direct synonym. It's more common to see it in its literal meaning. Pay attention to the letter count provided in the puzzle grid; this is your strongest hint when choosing between multiple possible answers for "close by."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: For clues like "close by," immediately brainstorm all the synonyms you know for proximity. Words like NEAR, NIGH, ADJACENT, PROXIMATE, and phrases like AT HAND are great starting points.
- Check Letter Count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the number of squares available in the grid. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: Some synonyms might have slightly different connotations (e.g., NIGH is more archaic than NEAR). If other crossing words suggest a particular era or style of language, choose the answer that best fits that tone.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. Once you have a few letters from intersecting words, fill them in. These confirmed letters will often make the answer for "close by" immediately apparent.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'close by' mean in a crossword context?
'Close by' in a crossword typically refers to proximity, indicating that the answer should be a word or phrase meaning near, adjacent, or in close vicinity. It often hints at synonyms related to location or spatial relationship.
Are synonyms for 'close by' common in NYT crosswords?
Yes, clues like 'close by' or variations of it are quite common in NYT crosswords. They are fundamental vocabulary terms that allow for a wide range of synonyms, from simple four-letter words like NEAR to longer, more descriptive terms like ADJACENT or PROXIMATE.
How do I determine the length of a multi-word answer like 'AT HAND' for 'close by'?
For multi-word answers, crosswords typically count the total number of letters, ignoring spaces. So, 'AT HAND' would be a 6-letter answer. Always count all letters within the phrase to match the given word count in the grid.