gross crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "gross" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "gross crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VILE: Describing something morally objectionable, highly unpleasant, or disgusting. Often used for 'gross behavior' or 'gross smell'.
5 Letters
TOTAL: Referring to the whole or complete amount before deductions, as in 'gross income' or 'gross weight'.
CRUDE: Meaning unrefined, lacking in subtlety, or vulgar. Common in phrases like 'gross humor' or 'crude oil'.
OBESE: Describing someone who is extremely overweight or corpulent, a more direct interpretation of 'gross' when referring to body size.
9 Letters
EGREGIOUS: Standing out in a negative way; conspicuously bad or shocking. Frequently used for 'gross error' or 'gross misconduct'.
More About "gross crossword clue"
"Gross" is a fascinating word in the English language due to its multiple meanings, which makes it a frequent, yet sometimes tricky, crossword clue. It can refer to something unrefined or disgusting (e.g., 'gross out', 'gross food'), an entire amount before deductions (e.g., 'gross salary'), or even a unit of measurement (12 dozen, or 144 items). Crossword setters often play on these different definitions, requiring solvers to consider the word's context or the number of letters in the answer to determine the correct solution.
When you encounter "gross" in a puzzle, don't immediately jump to the first meaning that comes to mind. Instead, think about the provided letter count and any intersecting words. For instance, if the answer is short, it might be 'VILE' or 'FOUL'. If it's longer, words like 'EGREGIOUS' or 'OBSCENE' could be possibilities. Understanding the multifaceted nature of "gross" is key to mastering this common crossword challenge.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the exact number of letters needed. This is the single most important constraint in crosswords, immediately narrowing down possibilities for clues like "gross" that have multiple meanings.
- Check Crossings: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are invaluable. If you're unsure between "TOTAL" and "CRUDE" (both 5 letters for "gross"), the third letter from a crossing word will tell you if it's 'T' or 'U'.
- Consider Nuances: Words like "gross" are often used for their less common or more specific definitions. Be open to all semantic possibilities, from financial terms to adjectives describing behavior or appearance.
- Build Vocabulary: The more you read and solve crosswords, the more familiar you'll become with common crossword tropes and the specific synonyms constructors favor for certain words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'gross' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'gross' in crosswords often include 'TOTAL' (for overall amount), 'CRUDE' or 'VILE' (for unpleasant or vulgar), and 'OBESE' (for large or corpulent).
Does 'gross' ever refer to a number in crosswords?
Yes, 'gross' can also refer to a unit of measure, specifically '12 dozen' or '144'. While the clue 'gross' itself doesn't directly ask for the number 144, context clues might lead to answers related to this numerical meaning if the puzzle uses it abstractly.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of 'gross' when solving a crossword?
The number of letters in the answer is your primary clue. For example, 'VILE' is four letters, while 'TOTAL' or 'CRUDE' are five. Also, look at crossing letters from other clues, which can eliminate possibilities. The puzzle's theme or other related clues might also provide hints about the intended meaning (e.g., a finance-themed puzzle might lean towards 'TOTAL').