obsolete crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a crossword puzzle and stuck on the clue "obsolete crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "obsolete crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OLD: Something that has existed for a long time and is no longer new or current. A very common crossword answer for "obsolete" or "ancient."
5 Letters
DATED: Describes something that is old-fashioned or out of date, often used to imply something no longer current or relevant.
PASSE: French for "past," commonly used in English to describe something no longer fashionable or current.
FUSTY: Having a stale, musty, or old-fashioned smell or style; typically implying something old and neglected.
6 Letters
BYGONE: Pertaining to a past time; belonging to an earlier period and often no longer existing or relevant.
7 Letters
ANCIENT: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in use or existence, similar to obsolete but often with a grander scale.
ARCHAIC: Very old or old-fashioned, often specifically referring to language or art forms that are no longer current.
DEFUNCT: No longer existing or functioning; often used for organizations, laws, or equipment that have ceased to operate.
EXTINCT: No longer in existence; typically used for species or customs that have died out completely.
8 Letters
OUTMODED: No longer in fashion or use; no longer useful or relevant because it has been replaced by something newer.
MORIBUND: At the point of death; in terminal decline; refers to something nearly obsolete or dying out.
13 Letters
SUPERANNUATED: Obsolete because of age or new developments. Often used for equipment or practices that have been made old by time.
More About "obsolete crossword clue"
The clue "obsolete" in a crossword puzzle typically points towards words describing something that is no longer in use, fashion, or existence. This can range from ancient artifacts to old-fashioned terminology or defunct technologies. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they test a solver's vocabulary depth, historical knowledge, and understanding of synonyms and nuances.
When you encounter such a clue, think broadly about what could be considered "out of date." It might refer to a word (e.g., "thee" or "thou"), a piece of technology (e.g., "VCR"), a historical practice, or even a style of clothing. The length of the required answer is often your best hint, narrowing down the vast array of possibilities.
Sometimes, "obsolete" clues can be trickier, hinting at a word that itself has become less common, or referring to a concept that is only obsolete in a specific context. Always consider the surrounding letters you've already filled in to help pinpoint the exact word the setter is looking for.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the part of speech and any other indicators in the clue. Is it asking for an adjective, a noun, or a verb? This can greatly narrow down your options for "obsolete" synonyms.
- Check Word Length: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers for "obsolete."
- Consider Nuances: Words like 'obsolete,' 'archaic,' 'ancient,' 'dated,' and 'bygone' have subtle differences. While often interchangeable in crosswords, sometimes a specific nuance is intended. Think about whether the clue suggests something completely gone, merely out of fashion, or just very old.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, a solver like Answercrossword.com can give you options based on clue and known letters. Use it to learn and understand the connection, not just to copy the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you find answers for obsolete words in crosswords?
When encountering clues about obsolete words, consider synonyms for 'old,' 'outdated,' 'archaic,' or 'no longer in use.' Sometimes, they might refer to historical terms, old technologies, or fashion. Online crossword solvers and specialized dictionaries for archaic words can also be very helpful.
Are 'obsolete' and 'archaic' the same in crosswords?
While similar, 'obsolete' generally means entirely out of use, often replaced by something newer, whereas 'archaic' refers to words or phrases that are very old-fashioned but might still be understood or used for stylistic effect. In crosswords, clues might differentiate between the two, but often they can lead to similar answers like ANCIENT, BYGONE, or DATED.
Why do crosswords use clues about obsolete things?
Crosswords often incorporate clues about obsolete items, words, or concepts to test a solver's general knowledge, vocabulary breadth, and ability to think historically or culturally. It adds a layer of challenge and requires solvers to delve into less common linguistic territory, making the puzzle more engaging and educational.