small monkey crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "small monkey", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "small monkey crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
APE: Often used in crosswords to broadly refer to any primate, including smaller ones, even though technically apes are distinct from monkeys.
5 Letters
LEMUR: While not technically a monkey, lemurs are small primates commonly used in crosswords for this clue due to their size and appearance.
7 Letters
TAMARIN: A very small New World monkey native to Central and South America, known for its distinct facial features.
SAIMIRI: The scientific genus for squirrel monkeys, which are small New World monkeys found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
8 Letters
MARMOSET: Extremely small New World monkeys, often considered among the smallest primates, making them a perfect fit for this clue.
More About "small monkey crossword clue"
The clue "small monkey" frequently appears in crosswords, and it can sometimes be a bit deceptive. While there are many genuinely small monkey species, setters often stretch the definition to include other small primates or even general terms for non-human primates. This flexibility is part of what makes crosswords challenging and fun!
When you encounter this clue, consider both true small monkeys like tamarins and marmosets, as well as broader primate terms like 'ape' or 'lemur' if the letter count fits. The context of surrounding letters is always your best guide, but knowing the common variations can save you a lot of time.
Remember that crossword puzzle clues often play on words or common misconceptions, so being aware of the biological distinctions (like between monkeys and lemurs/apes) is less important than understanding how these terms are popularly used in puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the exact number of letters required. This is the most crucial step for "small monkey" clues, as many different primates can fit the general description.
- Consider Broader Categories: For animal clues, especially primates, think beyond just the strict scientific definition. Crossword setters often use broader categories or common colloquialisms. 'Ape' or 'Lemur' might be the answer even if the clue specifies 'monkey'.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters will quickly narrow down the possibilities for "small monkey" and confirm if your chosen answer fits the puzzle grid.
- Think of Famous Examples: Sometimes, a clue might lead to a specific, well-known small monkey species or a commonly referenced primate. For example, "organ grinder's monkey" often leads to answers like CAPUCHIN or MARMOSET.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a monkey and an ape?
Monkeys typically have tails and are generally smaller, while apes (like gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons) do not have tails and are usually larger, with more complex brains and social structures. Crossword clues sometimes use 'ape' broadly for primates, including smaller ones.
Why are 'small monkey' clues often tricky in crosswords?
'Small monkey' clues can be tricky because the definition of 'monkey' can sometimes be stretched in crosswords to include other primates like lemurs or smaller apes. Also, there are many types of small monkeys, leading to multiple possible answers depending on the letter count.
Are lemurs considered small monkeys?
Technically, no. Lemurs are prosimians, a group of primates that are more primitive than monkeys and apes. However, in crossword puzzles, their small size and general primate characteristics often make them acceptable answers for clues like 'small monkey' or 'primate'.