like a wave crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "like a wave crossword," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle completed.
Solutions for "like a wave crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
RIPPLED: Having a surface that is gently waved or undulated.
BILLOWY: Resembling a large wave, especially of smoke, cloud, or fabric.
8 Letters
WAVELIKE: Literally means resembling a wave in form or motion; undulating.
8 Letters
UNDULANT: Moving with a smooth, wavelike motion or appearance; wavy.
More About "like a wave crossword"
The clue "like a wave" is a classic example of a descriptive crossword clue, prompting solvers to think about synonyms or adjectives that capture the essence of a wave's movement or appearance. Waves are fundamental phenomena, observed in water, sound, light, and even abstract concepts like emotion or trend. This broad applicability means the answer could come from various fields, though crosswords typically lean towards common, descriptive words.
When encountering such a clue, consider the different facets of a wave: its motion (undulating, surging, oscillating), its form (curved, rippled, cresting), or its effect. The context of the puzzle itself can sometimes offer subtle hints; for instance, a puzzle with a nautical theme might lean towards terms related to ocean waves, while a science-themed puzzle could hint at physics terms.
Ultimately, "like a wave" seeks a word that evokes that familiar up-and-down, back-and-forth, or flowing motion. By exploring different word lengths and considering the nuanced meanings of synonyms, you can often pinpoint the exact word the puzzle setter had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always check the number of letters required. This is your most powerful filter. For "like a wave," a 7-letter answer might be RIPPLED, while a 9-letter one could be UNDULANT.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym isn't apparent, think about the core concept. What does a wave do? What does it look like? Then brainstorm words related to those actions or descriptions. Sometimes thinking of the opposite can also spark an idea.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use those as clues to narrow down your options. Even one or two letters can eliminate many possibilities and help you confirm the correct answer.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use synonyms that aren't the first thing that comes to mind. While "WAVELIKE" is direct, other answers like "BILLOWY" or "UNDULANT" require a slightly deeper vocabulary dive, which is common in crosswords.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "like a wave" mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "like a wave" typically refers to something that moves with an undulating motion, has a wavy appearance, or resembles a wave in its characteristics. Answers often include words like UNDULANT, WAVELIKE, RIPPLED, or BILLOWY.
Are there common patterns for "wave" related clues?
Yes, "wave" related clues often lead to adjectives describing motion, shape, or sound. Look for synonyms for "undulating," "curving," "flowing," or "oscillating." The context of the clue (e.g., "sea wave," "sound wave," "hair wave") can also guide you to the specific type of "wave" intended.
How do I find the correct length for a crossword answer?
The length of the answer is crucial and usually indicated by the number of blank squares in the puzzle. If you're stuck, try to think of synonyms for the clue's core meaning that fit the available spaces. Websites like Answercrossword.com list answers by letter count, which is incredibly helpful.