What are common synonyms for 'olden times' in crosswords?

Common synonyms for 'olden times' found in crosswords often include 'YORE', 'AGES', 'PAST', 'BYGONE', and 'ANCIENT', depending on the required length and specific nuance.

How does context help with clues like 'olden times'?

For clues like 'olden times', context from surrounding letters is crucial. If the answer needs to be 4 letters, 'YORE' or 'AGES' are prime candidates. If more letters are available, 'BYGONE' or 'ANCIENT' become possibilities. The puzzle's theme or other clues might also hint at whether a more formal or colloquial term is expected.

Are there historical periods commonly referenced in crosswords?

Yes, crosswords often reference broad historical periods like 'ANTIQUITY', 'MIDDLE AGES', 'ROMA', 'GREECE', 'VICTORIAN ERA', or general terms like 'OLDEN DAYS' or 'ANCIENT TIMES' to evoke a sense of the past.

olden times crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "olden times crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all potential answers, organized by length, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.

Solutions for "olden times crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

YORE: Time long past; an archaic term for former days.

AGES: A very long period of time, often used to refer to distant past.

6 Letters

BYGONE: Belonging to an earlier time; past.

7 Letters

ANCIENT: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.

9 Letters

ANTIQUITY: The ancient past, especially the period before the Middle Ages.

More About "olden times crossword clue"

The phrase "olden times" is a classic crossword clue because it allows for a variety of answers depending on the specific nuance and letter count. From concise terms like "YORE" and "AGES" to more descriptive words such as "BYGONE" or "ANCIENT", the possibilities reflect different ways to express the concept of the past. These clues test a solver's vocabulary range, particularly in identifying archaic or less common synonyms for familiar concepts.

Often, "olden times" clues appear in puzzles with a historical or literary theme, nudging solvers to think about words that evoke a sense of tradition, folklore, or distant history. The key to solving such clues is often the intersecting letters from other answers, which narrow down the possibilities significantly. Familiarity with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles) also plays a vital role, as certain terms are recycled more often than others.

Understanding the subtle differences between potential answers is also beneficial. For instance, while "YORE" specifically refers to a very long time ago, "AGES" can imply a more general sense of passing time. "ANTIQUITY" is more formal and points to a distinct historical period. Recognizing these distinctions can help in selecting the precise word the puzzle constructor had in mind.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down your search. For "olden times," knowing if it's a 4-letter or 9-letter answer is half the battle.
Consider Common Crosswordese: Many words, like "YORE," are frequently used in crosswords. Learning these common terms can significantly speed up your solving time. Keep a mental list of words often found in puzzles.
Look at Intersecting Letters: The most critical strategy is to use the letters provided by crossing words. Even one correct letter can turn a vague clue like "olden times" into an obvious answer by eliminating all but one option.
Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues involving abstract concepts or common phrases, brainstorm a wide range of synonyms and even antonyms (if the clue implies an opposite). Sometimes, the less obvious synonym is the correct one.
Don't Be Afraid to Guess (Tentatively): If you have a strong suspicion but aren't entirely sure, pencil in the answer lightly. If it doesn't work with crossing clues, you can easily erase it.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which "olden times" answer is correct?

The correct answer depends almost entirely on the number of letters and the intersecting letters from other clues. If you have a few letters filled in, they will usually point you towards the unique solution among the possibilities like YORE, AGES, BYGONE, or ANTIQUITY.

Are there similar clues to "olden times"?

Yes, clues that evoke a sense of the past are very common. Look for phrases like "A long time ago," "Of the past," "Days gone by," or "Ancient era." These will often lead to similar answers as "olden times."

What if none of these answers fit my puzzle?

If the provided answers don't fit, double-check your clue's exact wording. Sometimes a slight variation, like "olden day" versus "olden times," can lead to a different set of solutions. Also, ensure your intersecting letters are correct, as a mistake there can mislead your entire solve. Our database is constantly updated, so feel free to search for the exact clue wording you have.