silliness crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "silliness crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "silliness crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BOSH: Exclamatory nonsense; trivial or insincere talk.
5 Letters
FOLLY: Lack of good sense; foolishness.
TRIPE: Something of no value or significance; nonsense.
6 Letters
IDIOCY: Extreme foolishness or lack of intelligence.
8 Letters
NONSENSE: Spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense.
10 Letters
TOMFOOLERY: Foolish or silly behavior; buffoonery.
More About "silliness crossword clue"
The term "silliness" encapsulates a wide range of lighthearted, frivolous, or even outright foolish behaviors and expressions. In the context of crosswords, this versatility makes it a rich source of clues, as it can refer to anything from playful antics to absurd declarations. Crossword setters often leverage the various nuances of silliness to fit different word lengths and puzzle themes.
Understanding the subtle distinctions between synonyms is key to solving this type of clue. For instance, while 'folly' suggests a specific act of foolishness, 'nonsense' points to meaningless communication. 'Idiocy' implies a more severe lack of intelligence, whereas 'bosh' and 'tripe' are often used to dismiss something as utter rubbish. 'Tomfoolery' specifically refers to clownish or mischievous silliness.
When encountering "silliness crossword clue," consider the surrounding letters and other completed words in your puzzle. This can help narrow down the possibilities and pinpoint the exact synonym that fits the grid, ensuring you pick the most appropriate answer from the many options available.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always double-check the required number of letters. This is the single most important filter for "silliness" and similar clues, as many synonyms exist with different lengths.
- Consider the Tone: Does the puzzle feel lighthearted, or more serious? 'Tomfoolery' might fit a playful puzzle, while 'idiocy' might imply a more critical tone. The overall puzzle's theme can often give hints.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: For longer words like 'NONSENSE' or 'TOMFOOLERY', knowing common word parts can sometimes help you guess the beginning or end of a solution even before you have all the letters.
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. These partial letters are crucial for confirming or rejecting potential "silliness" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'silliness' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'silliness' in crosswords include FOLLY, NONSENSE, IDIOCY, ABSURDITY, and TRIPE. The best answer often depends on the number of letters required.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'FOLLY' and 'TRIPE'?
While both FOLLY and TRIPE can mean silliness, FOLLY often implies a lack of good sense leading to a foolish action, whereas TRIPE more strongly suggests something worthless or nonsensical, like 'talking tripe'.
Why is 'silliness' a common crossword clue?
'Silliness' is a popular crossword clue because it has many synonyms of varying lengths (e.g., BOSH, FOLLY, IDIOCY, NONSENSE, TOMFOOLERY), making it versatile for setters to fit into different puzzle grids.