feeling of ill will crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "feeling of ill will" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "feeling of ill will crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SPITE: A malicious desire to hurt, annoy, or frustrate someone. Often implies an act of revenge or intentional meanness.
6 Letters
MALICE: The intention or desire to do evil; ill will. A more formal term for intentional wrongdoing.
RANCOR: Bitter, long-lasting resentment or ill will. Implies a deep-seated animosity.
7 Letters
ILLWILL: Unfriendly or hostile feelings. Directly matches the clue and is a common synonym.
9 Letters
ANIMOSITY: Strong hostility. A feeling of strong dislike or opposition.
More About "feeling of ill will crossword clue"
The concept of "ill will" is a common theme in crosswords, often appearing under various synonyms and nuances. It refers to a negative disposition, resentment, or enmity towards someone or something. Crossword setters frequently use this clue to test solvers' vocabulary around emotions, conflict, and negative human interactions. Understanding the subtle differences between terms like malice, spite, and rancor can be key to selecting the correct answer based on surrounding letters or other clues in the puzzle.
The depth of this feeling can range from a petty annoyance (spite) to deep-seated hatred (animosity, rancor). Context is always vital in crosswords. If a puzzle leans towards more formal or literary language, words like "rancor" or "animosity" might be preferred. For a more direct, common term, "ill will" or "malice" are strong contenders. Keep in mind that setters might also use synonyms of synonyms to broaden the range of possible answers, encouraging a deeper dive into your vocabulary.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, helping you eliminate words that don't fit the length.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: For abstract clues like "feeling of ill will," thinking of direct synonyms is crucial. Sometimes, considering the opposite feeling (e.g., goodwill, benevolence) can also spark ideas for words that describe the negative counterpart.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes a crossing word might give you a letter or two, or provide a hint towards the general theme of that section of the puzzle. This can confirm your suspicions or lead you to the correct answer.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use a Thesaurus: If you're stuck, a quick thesaurus check for "ill will" or related terms can uncover less common but valid crossword answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "malice" and "spite" in crosswords?
While both relate to ill will, "malice" often implies a general intent to do harm, whereas "spite" suggests a specific action taken out of petty resentment or a desire to annoy. Crossword setters might use subtle distinctions for different word lengths.
How do I find longer answers for abstract clues like 'feeling of ill will'?
For abstract clues, consider synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts. Think about emotional states (resentment, hostility), or legal/philosophical terms (malevolence, animosity). Also, look for common prefixes or suffixes that might extend a shorter word. Sometimes, thinking of common phrases containing the core concept can help, e.g., 'bear a grudge' leading to GRUDGE.
Are there common word patterns for 'feeling' clues in crosswords?
'Feeling' clues often lead to nouns describing emotions or states of mind. Common suffixes might include -MENT (as in resentment), -ITY (as in animosity, hostility), or -OR (as in rancor). Keep an eye out for these patterns as they can often narrow down possibilities and fit specific letter counts.