competitor crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "competitor" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track quickly.
Solutions for "competitor crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FOE: An enemy or opponent.
5 Letters
RIVAL: One who competes with another for the same objective or for superiority.
6 Letters
PLAYER: A participant in a sport, game, or activity, often in competition.
8 Letters
OPPONENT: Someone who competes with or fights another in a contest, game, or argument; a rival.
9 Letters
CONTENDER: A person who competes to win something.
ADVERSARY: An opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute.
10 Letters
CHALLENGER: A person who contests a title or a competition.
CONTESTANT: A person who takes part in a contest or competition.
More About "competitor crossword clue"
The clue "competitor" in a crossword puzzle often points to words describing someone who is vying for the same goal as another. This can range from a friendly rival in sports to a fierce adversary in business. Crossword setters love to use such terms because they have various synonyms of different lengths, allowing them flexibility in puzzle design. Understanding the nuances of competition – be it a contest, a debate, or a race – can help you unlock the correct answer.
When encountering "competitor," think about the context the puzzle might imply. Is it a sporting event? A legal battle? A personal dispute? The surrounding letters or other solved clues can often provide hints as to the specific type of competitor the puzzle is looking for. Common answers include terms like RIVAL, FOE, OPPONENT, and even more specific terms like CHALLENGER or CONTENDER, depending on the number of letters required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme or a specific word from an adjacent clue can narrow down the meaning of "competitor" (e.g., if a sports-related clue is nearby).
- Consider Word Length: This is crucial for "competitor." Since there are many synonyms, knowing the number of letters immediately filters possibilities. Always look at the blanks first!
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: For "competitor," brainstorm words that mean the same thing (RIVAL, FOE) and sometimes even their opposites if the clue is tricky and implies a non-competitor.
- Analyze the Puzzle's Tone: Some puzzles are more formal, others more playful. This can guide you towards a more formal term like "ADVERSARY" or a more common one like "RIVAL."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "competitor" in crosswords?
The word "competitor" has a rich semantic field, with many synonyms in English (e.g., rival, opponent, foe, adversary, contender, challenger). This allows crossword constructors significant flexibility to fit words of various lengths into their grids, making it a very common and versatile clue.
How do I know which "competitor" synonym is correct?
The primary way to determine the correct synonym is by the letter count provided in the clue. Additionally, look for intersecting letters from other solved clues, and consider the overall theme or specific context implied by other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes, a more specific phrasing of the clue itself might hint at a particular type of competitor.
Are there any common traps with "competitor" clues?
A common trap is assuming the most common synonym (like RIVAL) without checking the letter count. Another is missing more formal or less common synonyms if the puzzle is a tougher one. Always be open to less obvious but still valid synonyms, and check for abbreviations or acronyms if the puzzle uses them, although this is less common for a direct synonym clue like "competitor."