crossword precipitous – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "precipitous" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the most common and accurate solutions, along with their meanings, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Let's dive in!
Solutions for "crossword precipitous" by Letter Count
5 Letters
STEEP: Marked by a sharp, nearly perpendicular ascent or descent. This is a very common answer for "precipitous" in the sense of a physical incline.
SHEER: Extremely steep or perpendicular, often used to describe cliffs or drops. Closely related to STEEP in meaning.
6 Letters
ABRUPT: Sudden and unexpected. This answer focuses on the less common, but equally valid, meaning of "precipitous" as sudden or hasty.
SUDDEN: Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly. A direct synonym for the "abrupt" meaning of precipitous.
More About "crossword precipitous"
The word "precipitous" is interesting in crosswords because it can refer to two distinct concepts. Its primary meaning relates to a physical steepness, like a cliff face or a rapid decline. This is where answers like STEEP or SHEER come into play, describing a sharp, almost vertical incline or descent. These are often used when the clue hints at geographical features or sharp changes.
However, "precipitous" also carries a secondary meaning: something done suddenly, without careful consideration, or happening quickly and unexpectedly. In this context, answers such as ABRUPT or SUDDEN are fitting. Crossword constructors love to play on these dual meanings, so always consider the number of letters and any intersecting clues to determine which sense of "precipitous" is intended.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering clues that seem straightforward but have hidden depths. By knowing both interpretations, you significantly increase your chances of finding the correct solution for "precipitous" no matter how it's used in the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze all meanings: For words like "precipitous," always consider all possible definitions. Many clues have multiple interpretations, and the correct answer depends on which meaning the constructor is using.
- Check intersecting letters: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by checking how it fits with other words in the grid. Even if a word seems right, if it doesn't align with intersecting clues, it's likely incorrect.
- Consider word length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and can help you choose between synonyms that have different lengths.
- Look for context clues: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can give you a hint about which meaning of a word is being used. For example, if the puzzle is about nature, the "steep" meaning of precipitous is more likely.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'precipitous' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'precipitous' most commonly refers to something very steep, like a cliff or a slope. However, it can also mean 'sudden' or 'abrupt', so consider answers like STEEP, SHEER, ABRUPT, or SUDDEN depending on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How can I find synonyms for tricky clues like 'precipitous'?
To find synonyms for challenging clues, first, understand all possible meanings of the word (e.g., steep vs. sudden for 'precipitous'). Then, consider the number of letters required. Using a thesaurus or an online crossword solver can help, but always cross-reference with the surrounding puzzle to ensure a fit.
Are there multiple meanings for 'precipitous' in crosswords?
Yes, 'precipitous' has two primary meanings often used in crosswords: 1) Extremely steep, like a precipice (answers like STEEP, SHEER). 2) Happening with alarming speed or without sufficient consideration; sudden or abrupt (answers like ABRUPT, SUDDEN). Be aware of the context of the puzzle to determine which meaning is intended.