unkempt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "unkempt"? You've landed on the right page! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and complete your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "unkempt crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
MESSY: Disordered or untidy, often used to describe hair, a room, or a general state of disarray.
6 Letters
UNTIDY: Not neat or orderly, lacking in tidiness.
SHAGGY: Having long, thick, and untidy hair or fur. Often applies to animals or a person's hairstyle.
SLOPPY: Careless and untidy, often implying a lack of effort or neatness in execution.
7 Letters
TOUSLED: Disordered or rumpled, almost exclusively used to describe hair that has been ruffled or messed up.
BEDHEAD: The state of a person's hair after waking up, when it is messy and uncombed.
8 Letters
UNCOMBED: Not combed; a specific type of untidiness related to hair that hasn't been tidied with a comb.
10 Letters
DISHEVELED: Untidy; disordered, especially of a person's hair, clothes, or general appearance. Implies a very unkempt look.
More About "unkempt crossword clue"
"Unkempt" is a classic crossword clue that frequently appears in puzzles of all difficulty levels. Derived from Old English, where 'kempt' meant combed or tidied, 'unkempt' literally means 'not combed,' though its modern usage extends far beyond just hair to describe anything that is untidy, disheveled, or in disarray. This versatility makes it a popular clue, but also one that can have numerous synonyms, requiring solvers to pay close attention to the number of letters and any intersecting words.
When you encounter "unkempt" in a crossword, think broadly about synonyms for 'messy,' 'disordered,' or 'neglected.' Answers can range from simple terms like MESSY or UNTIDY to more specific ones like SHAGGY (for hair or fur), TOUSLED (often exclusively for hair), or the longer DISHEVELED, which describes an overall untidy appearance. The context provided by other clues or the puzzle's theme can sometimes offer subtle hints to guide you toward the precise word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of available squares in your grid to the potential answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for "unkempt."
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They will often narrow down several possible answers for "unkempt" to just one correct solution.
- Consider Nuances and Context: While many words mean "unkempt," some carry specific nuances. For example, "SHAGGY" usually implies hair or fur, while "MESSY" can apply to a room or general state. Look for other clues that might hint at a specific context.
- Think of Opposites: If you're stuck, think about words that mean the opposite of "unkempt" (like neat, tidy, kempt) and then brainstorm their antonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'unkempt' typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'unkempt' most often refers to a state of disarray, usually concerning a person's appearance (hair, clothes) or a physical space (a room, a garden). Common answers include synonyms for messy, untidy, or disheveled.
Are there common letter counts for 'unkempt' answers?
Yes, 'unkempt' can have answers ranging from 5 letters (like MESSY) to 10 letters (like DISHEVELED). It's helpful to consider the available spaces in your puzzle grid.
How can I distinguish between similar 'unkempt' answers?
Look at the crossing letters you already have filled in your grid. These letters are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities. Also, consider any specific nuances implied by other clues in the puzzle that might hint at a particular type of untidiness (e.g., hair vs. a room).