crossword clue inlet – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "inlet". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just curious about the different meanings, we've got you covered with answers organized by letter count.
Solutions for "crossword clue inlet" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAY: A broad indentation of the shoreline by the sea, lake, or river.
ARM: A narrow branch of the sea, a lake, or river that extends inland.
4 Letters
COVE: A small sheltered bay or indentation, especially one with a narrow entrance.
GULF: A deep inlet of the sea almost surrounded by land, with a narrow mouth.
RILL: A very small stream or brook, sometimes used for small inlets.
5 Letters
FIRTH: A long, narrow inlet of the sea, especially in Scotland.
FJORD: A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high, steep-sided cliffs, especially in Norway.
BIGHT: A curve or recess in a coastline, river, or other geographical feature.
SOUND: A large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, deeper than a bight, and wider than a fjord; or a narrow body of water between two landmasses.
CREEK: A narrow, sheltered waterway, especially an inlet in a coastline or a stream.
7 Letters
ESTUARY: The tidal mouth of a large river, where the tide meets the stream.
CHANNEL: A length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water, especially two seas.
More About "crossword clue inlet"
The clue "inlet" is a staple in crosswords due to its versatility and the numerous geographical features it can describe. From small, sheltered coves to vast gulfs and intricate fjords, the term encompasses a wide range of water bodies. This broad definition makes "inlet" a particularly challenging clue, as the correct answer often hinges on the specific number of letters required and how it intersects with other words in the puzzle.
Crossword constructors love clues like "inlet" because they can lead solvers down multiple paths, requiring a deeper understanding of synonyms and geographical terms. Sometimes the clue might be paired with an adjective, such as "narrow inlet" or "sheltered inlet," to help narrow down the possibilities. Without such hints, relying on the letter count and surrounding answers becomes even more crucial for a successful solve.
Understanding the nuances of each possible answer—like the Scottish origin of FIRTH or the steep-sided nature of a FJORD—can be a huge advantage. Building your vocabulary of geographical terms related to water bodies will significantly improve your ability to tackle this common crossword clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of boxes available for your answer. This is the single most important factor when dealing with multi-solution clues like "inlet".
- Check Intersecting Clues: The letters from other solved clues will often narrow down the possibilities. For "inlet," if you have an 'A' as the second letter, 'BAY' or 'CHANNEL' might be options, but 'COVE' or 'GULF' would be eliminated.
- Consider the Source/Context: While "inlet" is general, sometimes a puzzle's theme or the constructor's style might hint at less common or more specific answers (e.g., a puzzle heavy on geography might favor FJORD).
- Think of Synonyms and Related Words: Beyond direct synonyms, consider words that describe types of inlets, like 'bay' or 'arm', or terms for small streams if the context allows.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues for 'inlet' have so many possible answers?
The word 'inlet' is quite generic and can refer to various geographical features like bays, coves, fjords, or estuaries. The specific answer often depends on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues in the puzzle. Crossword constructors use these synonyms to vary difficulty.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'bay' and 'cove' for 'inlet'?
Pay close attention to the length of the word needed. Also, consider the specific nuance of the clue if it offers more detail (e.g., 'sheltered inlet' might lean towards COVE). Always check intersecting letters from other clues to confirm the correct fit.
Are there any less common answers for 'inlet' I should know?
Beyond the common ones like BAY, COVE, and ARM, you might encounter FIRTH (a Scottish term), FJORD (a Scandinavian term), BIGHT (a large curve in a coast), or even RIAS (a river valley drowned by the sea). Context and letter count are crucial for these less frequent solutions.