preoccupied crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "preoccupied" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "preoccupied crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BUSY: Engaged in activity; not free or at leisure.
LOST: Deeply absorbed or engrossed, as in thought, to the exclusion of other things.
6 Letters
INTENT: Having the attention sharply focused or concentrated; engrossed.
7 Letters
FIXATED: Directed all of one's attention or a specified type of attention towards something.
8 Letters
ABSORBED: Fully engrossed or occupied; having one's attention fully engaged.
OBSESSED: Preoccupied with or haunted by some idea, interest, etc.
9 Letters
WRAPPEDUP: Deeply involved or engrossed in something; preoccupied.
9 Letters
ENGROSSED: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by something.
More About "preoccupied crossword clue"
"Preoccupied" is a fantastic word for crosswords because it carries multiple shades of meaning, allowing for a wide range of synonyms to be clued. At its core, it describes a state where one's thoughts or attention are primarily directed towards something, often to the exclusion of other matters. This can range from being 'busy' with tasks to being 'absorbed' in a book, or even 'obsessed' with an idea. Crossword setters love words like this because they can be clued in various ways, testing a solver's vocabulary depth.
When you encounter 'preoccupied' as a clue, think about the context. Is the puzzle leaning towards a sense of deep concentration, like 'intent' or 'engrossed'? Or perhaps it's suggesting a more negative or persistent focus, like 'obsessed' or 'fixated'? Sometimes, it might simply imply being 'busy' and unavailable. The number of letters will narrow down your options significantly, but understanding these subtle differences can help you choose the precise answer.
Often, "preoccupied" relates to mental states rather than physical actions, making its synonyms more abstract. Always check the surrounding letters and other clues in the grid to confirm your choice. A four-letter answer is almost certainly 'BUSY' or 'LOST,' whereas a ten-letter answer points strongly to 'ENGROSSED.' Our comprehensive list above covers the most common and accepted answers across various puzzle types.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like 'preoccupied', consider if it implies deep focus (e.g., ABSORB), busyness (e.g., BUSY), or even a negative obsession (e.g., OBSESSED). The exact meaning can guide you to the right synonym.
- Count the Letters Carefully: This is the most crucial step. Our answers are sorted by length for a reason! Knowing the exact letter count immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows down your search significantly.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If 'preoccupied' isn't sparking an immediate answer, brainstorm synonyms. Also, consider its opposite (e.g., 'distracted' might lead you to think of 'focused' which is related to 'preoccupied').
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. Once you have a few letters from intersecting words, revisit the 'preoccupied' clue. Those existing letters are often the key to confirming the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for 'preoccupied' in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required. Common answers range from 'BUSY' (4 letters) to 'ENGROSSED' (10 letters). Also, consider the nuances of the clue itself; sometimes 'preoccupied' might imply a negative obsession, while other times just deep focus.
What are some common synonyms for 'preoccupied' used in crosswords?
Common synonyms include absorbed, engrossed, intent, busy, distracted, lost, and sometimes even obsessed or fixated, depending on the specific nuance of the clue.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Many words have multiple synonyms or can be interpreted in various contexts, leading to several possible correct answers of different lengths. The surrounding letters you've already filled in are usually the key to determining the precise fit.