scrutinize crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. If you're looking for answers to "scrutinize crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide quick solutions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to master your puzzle!
Solutions for "scrutinize crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PROBE: To physically explore or examine something with an instrument, or to delve into a matter in search of information or truth, making it a good fit for detailed scrutiny.
STUDY: To devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge or understanding, which often involves careful examination and analysis.
6 Letters
REVIEW: To examine or assess something formally with the intention of improving or making changes, requiring a close look at details.
PERUSE: To read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way, directly implying scrutiny of written material.
7 Letters
EXAMINE: To inspect (someone or something) in detail to determine their nature or condition, which perfectly aligns with the act of scrutinizing.
INSPECT: To look at (something) closely, typically to assess its condition or to discover any shortcomings, a synonym for detailed scrutiny.
ANALYZE: To examine something methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain or interpret it, a deeper form of scrutiny.
8 Letters
POREOVER: To read or study something carefully and in detail, often with great concentration. Though two words, it's a common phrase in crosswords as a single concept.
More About "scrutinize crossword"
The clue "scrutinize crossword" points to a core skill in solving puzzles: the ability to examine details meticulously. It's not enough to simply read a clue; true crossword solvers engage in an act of linguistic and logical investigation. Scrutiny involves parsing each word, considering its multiple meanings, looking for hidden signals (like abbreviations, homophones, or anagram indicators), and understanding the precise role of punctuation.
For instance, if a clue reads "Small insect (3)" you might initially think 'ANT'. But if another clue uses 'small' in a different context, say "Small amount (3)", then 'BIT' might be the answer. Scrutinizing the surrounding clues and filled-in letters helps confirm your suspicions. It's about paying attention to every nuance, every potential double-bluff laid out by the crossword setter.
Mastering this level of scrutiny transforms crossword solving from a mere vocabulary test into a delightful exercise in critical thinking. It allows you to appreciate the cleverness of the clues and to confidently arrive at the correct solution, even when the initial interpretation seems obscure.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Break Down the Clue: Don't look at the clue as a whole initially. Identify the definition part and any wordplay indicators. For "scrutinize crossword", this means finding the core meaning of 'scrutinize' and then considering if 'crossword' adds any specific context or trick.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Ensure your answer matches the part of speech of the clue. If the clue is a verb like "scrutinize", your answer should likely also be a verb (e.g., EXAMINE, INSPECT), unless it's a noun formed from the verb.
- Look for Hidden Signals: Scrutiny isn't just about the main words. Look for parenthetical notes, numbers in brackets (indicating letters), question marks (signaling wordplay), or abbreviations. These are common ways setters hint at specific types of answers.
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: As you fill in answers, constantly cross-reference them with intersecting clues. This iterative scrutiny helps confirm correct answers and provides crucial letters for unsolved ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to 'scrutinize' crossword clues?
Scrutinizing crossword clues is crucial because many clues employ wordplay, double meanings, or specific grammatical structures. A superficial reading might miss hidden indicators for synonyms, homophones, anagrams, or even the exact part of speech required for the answer. Thorough scrutiny helps uncover these layers.
What's the difference between 'scrutinize' and simply 'read' a crossword clue?
Reading a clue means passively taking in its words. Scrutinizing, however, involves active analysis: breaking down the clue into components, considering each word's possible meanings, looking for punctuation cues, and identifying potential wordplay techniques. It's a much deeper and more engaged process.
Are there common synonyms for 'scrutinize' often found in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'scrutinize' that frequently appear as answers or parts of clues in crosswords include EXAMINE, INSPECT, ANALYZE, PORE OVER, REVIEW, STUDY, PROBE, and PERUSE. Clues might also hint at specific types of scrutiny, like 'audit' for financial examination or 'diagnose' for medical scrutiny.