fret crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "fret crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, categorized by their letter count, along with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you're feeling a little "fretful" about your current crossword or simply looking for quick verification, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "fret crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PINE: To worry or grieve excessively, often about longing.
STEW: To worry about something intensely, typically in a state of agitation.
5 Letters
WORRY: To feel or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.
CHAFE: To feel irritation or annoyance, often due to restriction or annoyance.
ANNOY: To irritate or bother someone.
7 Letters
AGONIZE: To suffer great anguish or put forth great effort, especially to achieve something.
More About "fret crossword clue"
"Fret" is a deceptively simple word in English, carrying several distinct meanings that can make it a challenging crossword clue. Most commonly, it evokes a sense of anxiety or worry, as in "to fret over a problem." This emotional connotation is frequently exploited in crosswords, leading to answers like WORRY, PINE, or STEW.
However, "fret" also has specific technical meanings, particularly in the realm of music. The raised strips on the neck of a guitar, banjo, or similar stringed instrument are called frets, which divide the fingerboard into segments and help determine pitch. While less common than the anxiety-related usage, this meaning can appear in musically themed puzzles. Less frequently, "fret" can also refer to the action of eroding or wearing something away, though this usage is quite archaic in modern English but might appear in older or more obscure puzzles.
Understanding these different facets of "fret" is crucial for successful crossword solving. Always consider the context provided by the rest of the clue and the number of letters in the answer to pinpoint which meaning the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "fret," consider all possible meanings of the word. Is it an emotion, a physical object, or an action? This broad thinking helps unlock diverse answer possibilities.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the required letter count. This immediately narrows down the options for ambiguous clues like "fret."
- Use Crossing Letters: Once you've filled in a few letters from intersecting words, revisit clues that were difficult. The new letters can often provide the crucial context needed to solve a tricky word like one for "fret."
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For emotional clues like "fret," brainstorm synonyms (worry, annoy) and even antonyms if the clue implies the opposite.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "fret" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "fret" most commonly refers to feeling anxious, worried, or irritated. It can also, less frequently, relate to the ridges on a guitar neck or to the act of wearing something away.
Are there multiple meanings of "fret" relevant to crosswords?
Yes, "fret" is a versatile word. While its primary crossword meaning is often "worry" or "annoy," it can also refer to the raised strips on a stringed instrument's neck (like a guitar) or, in an older usage, to the erosion or wearing away of something.
How can I distinguish between the different "fret" meanings when solving?
Context is key! Look at the number of letters required, surrounding letters you've filled in, and any other words in the clue. If it's an action, it's likely "worry" or "annoy." If it relates to music or instruments, think "guitar part." If it's about erosion, look for clues related to wear and tear.