longing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "longing". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just looking for a hint, we've got you covered with answers across various letter counts.
Solutions for "longing crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
YEN: A strong desire or craving, often for something exotic or foreign.
4 Letters
PINE: To long for something, often intensely and with some degree of suffering.
WISH: A desire or hope for something to happen.
LUST: Intense longing or desire, often with a sensual or greedy connotation.
5 Letters
YEARN: To have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from.
6 Letters
DESIRE: A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
7 Letters
CRAVING: A powerful desire for something, often an addictive substance or a particular food.
9 Letters
HANKERING: A strong desire to have or do something, often used in a more casual or nostalgic sense.
More About "longing crossword clue"
"Longing" is a classic crossword clue that often appears in various forms, testing a solver's vocabulary for synonyms related to desire, yearning, and deep wants. The challenge lies in distinguishing between the nuances of different words like 'yen' (often specific or exotic), 'pine' (implying a wistful or melancholic desire), and 'craving' (often intense and possibly physical). Crossword constructors love this clue because it allows for a wide range of answers depending on the required letter count and the subtle context provided by other clues in the puzzle.
Understanding the emotional depth implied by "longing" can significantly help in finding the correct answer. Is the longing about something lost (yearn), something eagerly anticipated (wish), or something deeply desired to possess (desire)? Pay attention to the overall theme of the puzzle or any subtle hints in the clue's phrasing. Mastering this type of clue can greatly improve your solving speed and accuracy for a variety of puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: Always check the number of boxes in the grid first. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for "longing" from many options to just a few, like YEN for three letters or HANKERING for nine.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue isn't just "longing" but something like "longing for home" or "strong longing". This extra context can point you towards a more specific synonym such as NOSTALGIA or YEN.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to eliminate incorrect answers. For example, if you have "_I_E" for "longing", PINE becomes a strong contender.
- Think about Nuance: Different synonyms for 'longing' carry different shades of meaning. 'Lust' implies a strong, often physical, desire, while 'pine' suggests a more sorrowful or melancholic yearning. Matching the nuance can lead you to the exact word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find the correct crossword answer when there are multiple possibilities for 'longing'?
The key is to check the number of letters required for the puzzle. If the grid indicates a three-letter word, YEN is a strong candidate. For four letters, PINE or LUST might fit. Also, consider the surrounding clues and any letters already filled in to narrow down the options.
Are there different types of 'longing' in crossword clues?
Yes, 'longing' can refer to a general desire (like WISH or DESIRE), an intense or even painful yearning (PINE, YEARN), or a strong craving (CRAVING, HANKERING). Some clues might even hint at a more physical or sensual longing (LUST, DESIRE). Context is crucial.
What's the best strategy for obscure 'longing' synonyms?
When encountering less common synonyms for 'longing', try to think of words that convey similar emotional states or desires. Often, these words might be older, more literary, or simply less frequently used in daily conversation. Look for prefixes or suffixes that might give a hint, or consider if the clue has a specific tone (e.g., poetic, negative, intense).