periods crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "periods," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "periods crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ERAS: Distinct long periods of time, often marked by a specific characteristic or event.
AGES: Long, indefinite periods of time, often used in a historical or geological context.
5 Letters
SPANS: Lengths of time, indicating the duration from one point to another.
TERMS: Fixed or limited periods, often referring to a specific duration of office, school, or agreement.
TIMES: Indefinite durations or instances; plural of time, representing various points or intervals.
6 Letters
EPOCHS: Significant periods in history or a person's life, marked by notable events or characteristics.
SPELLS: Short, indefinite periods of time, often referring to a particular activity or state.
9 Letters
STRETCHES: Extended or continuous periods of time.
More About "periods crossword clue"
The clue "periods" in a crossword puzzle typically refers to intervals or lengths of time. This can range from very long, geological periods like 'ERAS' or 'AGES', to more specific, shorter durations such as 'TERMS' or 'SPELLS'. Understanding the context of the clue and the number of letters required for the answer is crucial.
Crossword setters often use 'periods' to prompt for various synonyms relating to time. It rarely refers to the punctuation mark (full stop) unless explicitly hinted at with words like 'end of sentence' or 'dot'. Therefore, when you see "periods," your mind should immediately go to temporal definitions.
Consider the surrounding clues and any overarching themes in the puzzle. A historical theme might favor 'EPOCHS' or 'ERAS', while a more general puzzle might lean towards 'TIMES' or 'SPANS'. The richness of the English language provides many suitable answers, making 'periods' a versatile clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the clue with the number of empty squares. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "periods."
- Think of Synonyms for Time: Brainstorm all words that mean 'a duration of time'. Don't just think of the most common ones; consider more formal or archaic terms.
- Check Surrounding Answers: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them! This is the most reliable way to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "periods."
- Beware of Pun or Trick Clues: While "periods" usually means time, some setters might use it cryptically to refer to 'dots' or 'stops' (punctuation). However, this is less common for a direct clue like this.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'periods' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'periods' often used in crosswords include ERAS, AGES, EPOCHS, TERMS, SPANS, and sometimes even TIME or ROUNDS, depending on the context. Always consider the length and surrounding clues.
How do I identify if 'period' refers to time or punctuation in a crossword clue?
The context is key. If the clue uses phrases like 'times of yore', 'geological divisions', or 'lengths of service', it likely refers to time. If it mentions 'full stop', 'dot', 'punctuation mark', or has a cryptic hint related to grammar, it's probably referring to a punctuation mark (often answered as DOT or STOP).
Are there other tricky uses of 'period' in crosswords?
Crossword setters can be creative! 'Period' might also hint at a menstrual cycle (though less common in family-friendly puzzles), or even be part of a phrase like 'Period piece'. Always consider literal, figurative, and even phonetic interpretations, especially in cryptic crosswords.