investigating crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "investigating". Whether you need a quick hint or a comprehensive breakdown, we've got you covered to help you complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "investigating crossword clue" by Letter Count

7 Letters

PROBING: To investigate or explore thoroughly, often with a probe. This fits the 'investigating' meaning perfectly for a seven-letter slot.

8 Letters

SCOUTING: To explore in order to obtain information. Often used in the context of sports or military, but also generally for 'investigating' an area or opportunity.

9 Letters

EXAMINING: To inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition. A very direct synonym for 'investigating'.

INQUIRING: Asking for information from someone; an act of asking for information or an official investigation. This answer captures the essence of seeking information.

11 Letters

RESEARCHING: To investigate systematically. This implies a detailed and often academic form of investigation.

CHECKINGOUT: To investigate or examine something. This phrase, often appearing as one word in crosswords, directly relates to inspecting or looking into something.

More About "investigating crossword clue"

The clue "investigating" in a crossword puzzle often points to a verb describing the act of delving into something to discover facts or information. These types of clues typically seek a synonym for the act of inquiry, inspection, or research. The specific answer will depend heavily on the number of letters required and any crossing letters already filled in your grid. Common answers revolve around verbs that mean to look closely at, to examine, or to explore systematically.

When you encounter "investigating," consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a general knowledge clue, or does it hint at a specific field, like police work, scientific study, or journalism? The versatility of the word allows for a wide range of synonyms, from the formal "RESEARCHING" to the more casual "CHECKINGOUT," making it a rich source of potential answers for setters. Always keep an open mind to different interpretations of the word's core meaning.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: "Investigating" is a verb (specifically a present participle). Your answer will almost certainly also be a present participle (ending in -ING) or another verb form.
Consider Letter Count First: Before thinking of synonyms, check the number of boxes. This immediately narrows down your options significantly. For "investigating," if you have 7 letters, "PROBING" is a strong candidate. If it's 9, "EXAMINING" or "INQUIRING" might fit.
Look at Crossing Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters are your best friend for confirming or eliminating potential answers for "investigating."
Think of Synonyms & Their Nuances: Brainstorm all possible synonyms for "investigating." Then, consider the slight differences in their meanings. Does the clue imply a superficial look or a deep dive? This can guide you to the perfect fit.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common lengths for 'investigating' crossword answers?

Answers for 'investigating' can range widely. Common lengths include 7 (PROBING), 8 (SCOUTING), 9 (EXAMINING, INQUIRING), and longer words like 11 (RESEARCHING, CHECKINGOUT) depending on the puzzle's specific context and a solver's word knowledge.

How can synonyms help with 'investigating' clues?

Crossword clues often use synonyms. For 'investigating,' thinking of words like 'probing,' 'examining,' 'inquiring,' 'exploring,' or 'researching' can help. Consider the nuance of each synonym and how it might fit the given letter count.

Are there any common suffixes or prefixes for 'investigating' clues?

While not strictly prefixes or suffixes, many verbs related to 'investigating' end in -ING, as 'investigating' itself does. This can sometimes give a hint about the answer's ending if the clue suggests an ongoing action or present participle. Look for patterns in common crossword answers.