until now crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "until now" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most common answers along with explanations to help you complete your grid with ease.
Solutions for "until now crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SOFAR: Indicates what has happened up to the present moment, aligning with 'until now'.
7 Letters
THUSFAR: Similar to 'so far,' meaning up to this point in time.
UPTONOW: A common phrase directly meaning 'until now'.
8 Letters
HITHERTO: Up to this or that time; previously. A formal synonym for 'until now'.
More About "until now crossword clue"
"Until now" is a common temporal phrase often found in crossword clues. It directs solvers to think about words or phrases that indicate a period of time concluding at the present moment. These clues test your vocabulary for adverbs and adverbial phrases that convey a sense of continuity or accumulation up to the current point.
Clues like "until now" frequently appear in puzzles of varying difficulty. Recognizing these phrases can quickly narrow down potential answers to a specific category of words, often related to time or progress. Understanding the nuances of words like SOFAR, THUSFAR, and HITHERTO is key to tackling such clues effectively.
Whether you're dealing with a simple daily puzzle or a more challenging Sunday cryptic, clues that point to "until now" are a staple. Knowing the common answers by heart and considering their precise letter counts will significantly speed up your solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the overall context of the clue. "Until now" clearly indicates a temporal aspect, guiding you towards adverbs or phrases related to time.
- Letter Count Guidance: Use the exact number of letters provided in the grid as your primary filter. This is crucial for distinguishing between similar answers like SOFAR (5 letters) and THUSFAR (7 letters).
- Synonym Brainstorming: Beyond the most common answers, quickly brainstorm other synonyms for "until now" or "up to this point" (e.g., ASYET, AS OF YET, UP TO THE PRESENT). Even if they aren't the answer, this exercise sharpens your mind for other clues.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Once you have a potential answer, check if any already-filled letters in the intersecting words match. This cross-referencing is a fundamental crossword solving technique.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "until now" mean in a crossword clue?
In crossword puzzles, 'until now' typically refers to a state or action that has been ongoing up to the present moment. It often requires a temporal adverb or phrase that conveys the meaning 'up to this point in time' or 'previously'.
Are there common patterns for "until now" clues?
Yes, clues involving 'until now' frequently lead to adverbs that denote continuation or a point in time, such as SOFAR, THUSFAR, or HITHERTO. The letter count is usually the primary differentiator between these common answers.
How do I choose between similar answers like SOFAR and THUSFAR?
The main way to differentiate between similar answers for 'until now' is the letter count provided by the puzzle. SOFAR is 5 letters, while THUSFAR is 7 letters. Always check the number of boxes in the grid. Sometimes, the surrounding words in the clue might also provide a subtle hint, but the length is key.