leer at crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "leer at", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the possible answers organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle and understand the solution better.
Solutions for "leer at crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OGLE: To stare at someone in an overtly amorous or lustful way, often implying a lecherous or unpleasant gaze, which is a direct synonym for 'leer at'.
GAWK: To stare foolishly or rudely, sometimes with an open mouth. While not always sexual, it can imply an intrusive or inappropriate stare, fitting the negative aspect of leering.
GAPE: To stare with an open mouth, as in wonder or surprise. It can also refer to staring rudely or inappropriately, which connects it to the notion of leering in some contexts.
5 Letters
GLARE: To stare with a fierce or angry broad light. While the emotion (anger) differs from the typical 'leer at', it shares the intensity and negative connotation of a fixed, unpleasant gaze.
STARE: To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something with one's eyes wide open. While 'stare' is neutral, in some crossword contexts, 'leer at' might be broadly interpreted as a specific, intense form of staring.
More About "leer at crossword clue"
The clue "leer at" in a crossword puzzle is designed to evoke a specific type of gaze—one that is often suggestive, malicious, or unpleasantly direct. It's not just about looking; it's about looking with ill intent or inappropriate interest. This makes it a fascinating clue, as it requires solvers to think beyond simple synonyms for "look" and delve into the nuances of human expression and intent.
Words like OGLE, GAWK, and GLARE perfectly capture this negative connotation. OGLE is perhaps the most direct synonym, implying a lecherous stare. GAWK suggests a rude or foolish gaze, which can still be intrusive and uncomfortable. GLARE, while typically associated with anger, can also imply an intense, unpleasant scrutiny that shares the aggressive nature of a leer. Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering such clues.
Crossword constructors love clues that play on emotional context and subtle variations of common actions. "Leer at" is a prime example, challenging solvers to consider not just the action itself, but the feeling or purpose behind it. It's a reminder that every word in a clue, especially verbs describing human interaction, can carry significant weight and guide you to the correct, often negatively charged, answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Emotion: Clues like "leer at" are loaded with emotion. Always consider the emotional tone (positive, negative, neutral) of the clue. This will help you narrow down answers to words that carry a similar emotional weight.
- Think of Context: How would this action manifest? Is it rude, admiring, angry, curious? For "leer at," the context is inherently negative and often intrusive, guiding you towards answers with similar implications.
- Consider Letter Counts First: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, check their letter counts against any known letters in your grid. This is often the quickest way to confirm or rule out a word.
- Expand Your Vocabulary of Gaze: Crosswords frequently feature clues about looking. Beyond "leer at," familiarize yourself with words like peer, gaze, stare, ogle, glare, gape, glimpse, behold, etc., and their specific connotations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'leer at' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'leer at' typically implies looking at someone in a suggestive, unpleasant, or malicious way. It often points to answers that denote a negative or inappropriate kind of stare, such as 'OGLE' or 'GAWK'. Context is key, but the underlying meaning is usually about an uncomfortable or rude gaze.
Are there common alternative answers for 'leer at' that aren't exact synonyms?
Yes, crosswords often use words that imply a similar intent or action, even if not direct synonyms. For 'leer at', you might find answers like 'GLARE' (stare angrily), 'STARE' (a fixed look), or 'GAPE' (stare with open mouth, sometimes rudely), depending on the specific nuance the puzzle creator is aiming for. Always consider the number of letters and any existing letters in the grid.
How can I distinguish between similar clues like 'look at' vs. 'leer at'?
The key is the emotional or moral connotation. 'Look at' is neutral. 'Leer at' carries a strong negative connotation—it's always about an unpleasant, suggestive, or malicious gaze. When you see 'leer at,' think of words that convey this negative judgment or impropriety. This distinction helps narrow down potential answers significantly.