encounter crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "encounter" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back to solving your puzzle.
Solutions for "encounter crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MEET: To come across someone or something, often by chance.
FACE: To be confronted with or have to deal with (a difficult situation).
7 Letters
RUNINTO: To meet someone or something unexpectedly or by chance.
8 Letters
CONFRONT: To meet (someone) face to face with hostile or argumentative intent, or to deal with a problem directly.
10 Letters
COMEACROSS: To find or meet (something or someone) by chance or unexpectedly.
More About "encounter crossword clue"
The clue "encounter" is a classic in crosswords because of its rich semantic field. It can refer to a simple meeting, a chance discovery, a confrontation, or even an experience. This versatility means that possible answers can range from short, common verbs to longer, more nuanced phrases. The context provided by other clues in your puzzle, or the number of letters required, will often be key in narrowing down the correct solution.
Understanding the various shades of meaning for "encounter" is crucial. For instance, an "unpleasant encounter" might lead to answers like CLASH or FRICTION, while a "brief encounter" could be a RENDEZVOUS or DATE. Pay close attention to any adjectives or adverbs accompanying "encounter" in the clue, as they will guide you towards the precise meaning intended by the puzzle setter. Always consider if the clue is looking for a noun (the encounter itself) or a verb (to encounter).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all synonyms: For a word like "encounter," brainstorm as many synonyms as possible, including less common ones. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that might not immediately come to mind.
- Check the letter count: This is your most powerful tool. If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use that to your advantage to quickly eliminate answers that don't fit the length.
- Analyze the surrounding clues: Often, nearby clues or answers can provide hints or context that help clarify the intended meaning of a tricky word like "encounter." Is the puzzle focusing on nature, relationships, or conflict?
- Think about parts of speech: Is the clue asking for a noun (an encounter) or a verb (to encounter)? This can drastically change the pool of potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters can an "encounter" crossword answer have?
Crossword answers for "encounter" can vary widely in length, from short words like MEET (4 letters) or FACE (4 letters) to longer terms or phrases such as RUNINTO (7 letters) or COMEACROSS (10 letters), depending on the specific nuance and context of the clue.
What are common synonyms for "encounter" in crosswords?
Common synonyms for "encounter" frequently used in crosswords include MEET, FACE, CONFRONT, FIND, RUN INTO, COME ACROSS, and CLASH. The exact answer often depends on the number of letters required and the specific context provided by other clues.
Does "encounter" always imply a physical meeting in crosswords?
No, "encounter" in crosswords does not always imply a physical meeting. It can also refer to experiencing a difficulty, a situation, a feeling, or even a problem. Crossword setters often play on these various meanings to make clues more challenging.