flabbergasted crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

More About "flabbergasted crossword clue"

The word "flabbergasted" is an expressive term used to describe a state of being utterly astonished, amazed, or overwhelmed, often to the point of being speechless. Its origin is somewhat obscure but is believed to have emerged in the English language in the early 19th century, likely from an informal or dialectal background, contributing to its vivid and somewhat quirky sound. When you encounter "flabbergasted" in a crossword puzzle, the setter is typically looking for a synonym that conveys a similar sense of profound surprise or shock.

Crossword clues often leverage the nuanced meanings of words. While "flabbergasted" broadly means surprised, some answers might emphasize the "shock" aspect (like SHOCKED or STUNNED), others the "amazement" (like AMAZED or ASTOUNDED), and still others the inability to react (like SPEECHLESS or DUMBFOUNDED). Considering these subtle differences, along with the given letter count and any intersecting letters, is key to pinpointing the exact solution required by the puzzle.

This clue is a great example of how crosswords test your vocabulary breadth and your ability to recall synonyms. It encourages you to think beyond the most common definitions and delve into a word's more colorful or intense relatives.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "flabbergasted," always consider words with similar or opposite meanings. Crossword setters frequently use these relationships.
• Count the Letters Carefully: The number of letters in the answer is your most important hint. Double-check your proposed answer against the required length.
• Utilize Crossing Letters: Even a single letter from an intersecting word can dramatically narrow down the possibilities. Fill in what you know and use it as a guide.
• Consider Part of Speech: If the clue is a verb (e.g., "to flabbergast"), the answer will likely be a verb. If it's an adjective (as "flabbergasted" typically is when clued this way), look for an adjective.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.