sticky substance crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "sticky substance" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution.
Solutions for "sticky substance crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GUM: A common sticky substance, often from trees or for chewing.
TAR: A dark, thick, sticky liquid, often used in road construction.
SAP: The fluid that circulates in vascular plants, often sticky.
4 Letters
GLUE: An adhesive used to stick things together.
5 Letters
RESIN: A sticky, flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by trees.
PASTE: A thick, soft, moist substance, often used as an adhesive.
MUCUS: A slimy substance secreted by mucous membranes.
SLIME: A thick, viscous, slippery substance.
8 Letters
ADHESIVE: A substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment.
More About "sticky substance crossword clue"
The clue "sticky substance" is a classic in the world of crosswords, appearing in various forms across different puzzle types and difficulties. Its versatility stems from the broad range of materials that fit the description, from natural exudates like tree sap and resin to man-made compounds like glue and tar. Understanding the nuances of these substances can often give you an edge in solving the puzzle.
When encountering this clue, consider the context provided by other clues or the puzzle's theme. For instance, if the puzzle has a nature theme, 'sap' or 'resin' might be more likely. If it's about construction, 'tar' or 'adhesive' could fit. Paying attention to the required letter count is, of course, paramount, as it narrows down the possibilities considerably.
Our goal at Answercrossword.com is to provide not just the answer, but also the context and knowledge that helps you become a better crossword solver. We hope this page has demystified 'sticky substance' for you, making your next puzzle experience more enjoyable and successful!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Specificity: Does the clue offer any additional descriptors (e.g., "tree's sticky substance," "road builder's sticky substance")? These details can point to a more specific answer among the various "sticky substance" options.
- Check for Common Homographs/Synonyms: Many words have multiple meanings or close synonyms. For "sticky substance," think broadly about anything that adheres or is viscous. Common short answers like GUM or TAR are frequent fillers.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them! Even one letter can often eliminate many potential answers for "sticky substance," leaving you with the correct one based on its length and the available letters.
- Consider the Puzzle's Difficulty: Easier puzzles might use common, everyday "sticky substances" like GLUE or GUM, while more challenging ones might go for less obvious terms like MUCUS or RESIN.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are "sticky substance" clues so common in crosswords?
Clues like "sticky substance" are common because they allow for a wide range of answers (glue, gum, tar, resin, etc.) across various letter lengths, providing flexibility for puzzle constructors to fit words into their grids. They often test general knowledge and synonyms.
What's the difference between "glue" and "adhesive" in crossword contexts?
While "glue" and "adhesive" are often used interchangeably, "adhesive" is a broader term encompassing any substance that sticks things together, including glues, tapes, and cements. "Glue" typically refers to a specific type of adhesive, often liquid-based. Crossword setters might use "adhesive" when a longer word is needed, or "glue" for a shorter answer when referring to a common household item.
How can I guess the length of a "sticky substance" answer?
Context is key. Look at surrounding clues and any given letters. If the clue has a specific modifier (e.g., 'tree's sticky substance'), it might point to SAP or RESIN. If it's very general, common short answers like GUM or TAR are possibilities. The number of empty boxes in the grid will, of course, be your primary guide to the exact length.