tops nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "tops nyt crossword", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the most likely answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "tops nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ACES: Refers to the best or highest-ranking individuals or items, hence "tops."
5 Letters
PEAKS: Signifies the highest points of mountains, or figuratively, the pinnacle of achievement, aligning with "tops."
6 Letters
SHIRTS: Often used in the context of clothing, where 'tops' refers to garments worn on the upper body.
CROWNS: To place something on top, or to signify the best and highest position, like a monarch's crown.
More About "tops nyt crossword"
The clue "tops" is a classic example of how crossword puzzles use polysemous words – words with multiple meanings. In the context of a New York Times crossword, "tops" could be interpreted in several ways, challenging solvers to think broadly about synonyms and contexts. It might refer to the highest points of a structure or a mountain (as in 'peaks' or 'summits'), or it could signify excellence and superiority (as in 'aces' or 'bests').
Additionally, "tops" can refer to articles of clothing worn on the upper body, such as 'shirts' or 'blouses.' The brilliance of NYT crosswords often lies in their ability to use such clues to mislead or guide solvers depending on the intersecting letters and the overall theme of the puzzle. Always consider the part of speech and any subtle nuances in the clue's wording.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For clues like "tops," always brainstorm all possible definitions of the word. Is it a noun, a verb, or an adjective? This broadens your options.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most important constraint. Use it to eliminate possibilities quickly.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from crossing words are your best friends. They'll confirm or deny your hypotheses about an answer.
- Think Crosswordese: The NYT Crossword often reuses common words and phrases. Words like 'ETA', 'ORE', 'ELI' show up frequently. Familiarize yourself with common crossword jargon.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "tops" mean in a crossword clue?
In crossword puzzles, 'tops' can have various meanings depending on the context. It might refer to the highest points (like mountain peaks), the best or most excellent (like 'aces'), or even articles of clothing for the upper body (like 'shirts'). The surrounding clues and the number of letters usually help narrow down the meaning.
How do I find answers for common NYT crossword clues?
To find answers for common NYT crossword clues, start by considering synonyms for the clue, different parts of speech, and any common crosswordese. Online solvers and dedicated crossword websites like Answercrossword.com are excellent resources. Pay attention to common crossword patterns and recurring themes in NYT puzzles.
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue?
A single crossword clue can have multiple valid answers due to the richness of the English language, with its many synonyms, homographs, and wordplay possibilities. Clues can be interpreted in various ways (e.g., literal, figurative, pun-based), leading to different words fitting the same description. The intersecting letters from other clues are crucial for determining the correct answer in the puzzle.