shadow crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "shadow" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "shadow crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DARK: The absence of light; gloom.
5 Letters
SHADE: An area of darkness produced by an object blocking light.
TRACE: A faint mark or indication.
GHOST: A faint or vague indication; a phantom.
10 Letters
SILHOUETTE: The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background.
More About "shadow crossword clue"
The clue "shadow" is a versatile term in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts that go beyond its literal meaning. It can refer to the visible dark area created when an object blocks light, but it can also denote a hint, a faint resemblance, a constant companion or follower, or even a sense of gloom or obscurity.
Crossword setters love to play with these multiple interpretations. For instance, a clue might refer to "a bit of shade" to mean a literal shadow, or "a constant follower" to imply someone who shadows another. Understanding these nuances is key to cracking such clues quickly. Synonyms like "dark," "shade," "trace," "ghost," and "silhouette" are common solutions, each fitting a specific length and context.
Sometimes, the clue might even be part of a wordplay, where "shadow" itself is used to indicate a hidden word or an anagram, especially in cryptic crosswords. Always consider the surrounding letters and the overall theme of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact meaning intended by the setter.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Explore Multiple Meanings: For clues like "shadow," consider all possible interpretations – literal (darkness), figurative (hint, gloom), and active (to follow).
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. They are your strongest allies in narrowing down possible answers and confirming lengths.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Related Concepts: Think broadly about words associated with the clue. For "shadow," consider terms related to light and dark, following, outlines, or even fleeting presences. Also, consider if the clue hints at wordplay like anagrams or hidden words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "shadow" in crosswords?
Common crossword synonyms for "shadow" include shade, dark, trace, outline, ghost, follower, and tail. Sometimes it refers to a faint resemblance or a hint.
How does the length of the answer affect "shadow" clues?
The length helps immensely. For example, a 4-letter answer might be DARK, while a 5-letter answer could be SHADE or TRACE. Longer answers like SILHOUETTE or APPARITION (10 letters) require more specific contexts.
Can "shadow" be part of a cryptic crossword clue?
Yes, "shadow" is often used in cryptic crosswords. It might indicate a hidden word (e.g., "A shadow of doubt") or suggest following/tailing someone, or even an anagram of "shadow" itself if indicated.