crossword clue headland – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "headland," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and improve your crossword skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue headland" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CAPE: A point or extension of land jutting out into the sea or other body of water.
NESS: A common geographical term for a headland, especially prominent in place names like Dungeness.
SPIT: A narrow point of land projecting into the sea or a lake, typically formed by the deposition of sediment.
5 Letters
BLUFF: A broad, steep cliff or headland, often with a flattened top.
POINT: A tapering piece of land projecting into a body of water, smaller than a cape or peninsula.
8 Letters
FORELAND: A piece of land that projects into the sea; synonymous with a headland or promontory.
10 Letters
PROMONTORY: A point of high land that juts out into a large body of water; a prominent headland.
More About "crossword clue headland"
A headland is a significant geographical feature, representing a portion of land extending from the coastline into a body of water, often characterized by steep slopes or cliffs that resist erosion more effectively than the surrounding land. They are typically formed by differential erosion, where softer rock erodes away, leaving the more resistant rock formations standing proud.
Headlands play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing unique habitats for various flora and fauna, especially seabirds. Historically, they have also served as important navigational landmarks for sailors and locations for lighthouses due to their prominent positions. Famous examples include the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, the White Cliffs of Dover in England, and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, each offering dramatic vistas and rich natural or historical significance.
In crosswords, 'headland' is a popular clue due to the rich vocabulary associated with this geographical term. Its various synonyms, such as cape, point, ness, bluff, and promontory, offer constructors flexibility in clueing and testing a solver's knowledge of precise geographical terminology.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the quickest way to narrow down potential synonyms for "headland." For example, if you need 4 letters, look at CAPE, NESS, or SPIT.
- Look at Crossing Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This can immediately eliminate many possibilities and confirm the correct answer, especially when multiple synonyms fit the letter count.
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: Sometimes the clue gives a hint about the specific type of headland. "Steep headland" might point to BLUFF, while a historical or nautical context might suggest CAPE or POINT.
- Think of Geographical Suffixes: Certain suffixes, like "-ness" (as in Dungeness), often indicate a headland, which can be a valuable clue in itself for specific answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 'cape' and a 'headland' in geography?
In geographical terms, 'headland' is a broader term for any point of land extending into a body of water, often characterized by steep slopes or cliffs. A 'cape' is a specific type of headland, usually a large point of land that significantly extends into the sea, often navigable. While all capes are headlands, not all headlands are large enough or significant enough to be called capes.
Why do crossword puzzles often use so many synonyms for 'headland'?
Crossword constructors love words with multiple synonyms because it allows for varied clueing and different letter counts. 'Headland' is a perfect example, having many closely related terms like cape, point, ness, bluff, promontory, and foreland. This provides flexibility in puzzle design and challenges solvers to think broadly about the definition.
What's the best strategy when a crossword clue like 'headland' has multiple possible answers?
When a clue has several synonyms, the best strategy is to look at the letter count required for the answer. Then, consider any crossing letters you already have from other clues. The context of the clue can also be helpful; for instance, 'sharp headland' might suggest 'point' or 'spit,' while 'lofty headland' might point to 'bluff' or 'promontory.'