fanaticism nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "fanaticism nyt crossword" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find the most likely answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "fanaticism nyt crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
BIGOTRY: Obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices, especially regarding religion, politics, or race.
8 Letters
ZEALOTRY: Extreme enthusiasm, especially in religion or politics, often accompanied by intolerance of others' beliefs.
9 Letters
DOGMATISM: The tendency to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others, often seen in a rigid, zealous manner.
OBSESSION: The state of being obsessed with someone or something; a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling.
More About "fanaticism nyt crossword"
The term "fanaticism" in a New York Times crossword puzzle often serves as a gateway to exploring synonyms that denote extreme belief or unyielding devotion. While it can point to a singular, intense focus, it frequently carries a connotation of irrationality or intolerance.
Crossword setters love words like "zealotry" and "bigotry" because they fit common letter counts and directly align with the core meaning of fanaticism. These words highlight the fervent and often narrow-minded adherence to a particular cause, religion, or viewpoint, making them ideal for challenging but fair clues.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms, such as "dogmatism" emphasizing rigid adherence to doctrine versus "obsession" focusing on an overpowering preoccupation, can be key to selecting the correct answer when multiple options seem plausible for a given clue and letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Pay attention to whether the clue hints at a negative connotation (like intolerance) or just extreme passion. This can guide you between similar-length answers like BIGOTRY vs. ZEALOTRY.
- Check Cross-References: Always look at the intersecting words. Sometimes, a tricky clue like "fanaticism" becomes obvious when you've filled in a few letters from crossing answers.
- Consider Common Crosswordese: Familiarize yourself with words that frequently appear in crosswords for various meanings. While "fanaticism" is straightforward, its synonyms are often part of the standard crossword vocabulary.
- Start with the Easiest Clues: Don't get stuck on one difficult clue. Solve all the obvious answers first, and then return to the harder ones like "fanaticism" with more letters filled in.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fanaticism' typically imply in crossword clues?
'Fanaticism' in crossword clues often points to words like 'ZEALOTRY', 'BIGOTRY', 'DOGMATISM', or 'OBSESSION'. It generally refers to an extreme, uncritical zeal or devotion to a cause or idea, sometimes implying an intolerant or unreasonable attitude.
Are New York Times crossword clues for 'fanaticism' always straightforward?
While some NYT clues for 'fanaticism' might be direct, others can be more nuanced, requiring you to think about synonyms that fit a specific letter count or a slightly different shade of meaning, such as 'ardor' or 'fervor' if a shorter word is needed, or 'extremism' for a longer one. Always consider the context of the puzzle.
How can I improve my ability to solve abstract clues like 'fanaticism'?
Improving your ability to solve abstract clues involves expanding your vocabulary, understanding different nuances of synonyms, and recognizing common crossword patterns. Practicing regularly, using a thesaurus, and familiarizing yourself with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles) can be very helpful. Also, pay attention to the day of the week, as NYT puzzles generally get harder towards the weekend.