spare crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue 'spare', you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "spare crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FREE: Meaning available or not in use; also to liberate.
LEAN: Referring to being thin or without excess.
SAVE: To set aside, preserve, or rescue from harm.
5 Letters
EXTRA: Something additional or surplus to what is required.
7 Letters
RESERVE: To keep back or set aside for future use.
SURPLUS: An amount remaining after requirements have been met.
8 Letters
UNNEEDED: Not required or necessary.
More About "spare crossword clue"
'Spare' is a wonderfully versatile word, making it a favorite for crossword constructors due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to something additional or in excess, as in "a spare tire" or "spare time." In another sense, it describes being thin or lean, often used to depict a person's physique. Furthermore, 'spare' can be a verb, meaning to save or set aside (as in "spare no expense") or to exempt from punishment or harm.
This multifaceted nature means that when you encounter "spare" as a crossword clue, you must carefully consider the context provided by intersecting letters and the overall theme of the puzzle. Is the puzzle leaning towards synonyms for 'extra' or 'reserve'? Or is it hinting at words describing 'thinness' or the act of 'saving'? A good solver always considers all possibilities before committing to an answer.
Understanding these nuances is key to cracking clues like 'spare'. Often, constructors will use a specific meaning to lead you down a particular path. By being aware of the different interpretations, you can quickly narrow down the potential answers and pinpoint the correct one for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: As with 'spare', many common words have multiple definitions. Always run through all possible interpretations of a clue before settling on an answer.
- Check Intersecting Letters: The letters from crossing words are your best friends. They often confirm or deny your initial guesses, helping you to pinpoint the exact word needed.
- Think About Parts of Speech: Is the clue a noun, a verb, or an adjective? This can significantly narrow down your options. For instance, 'spare' as a verb might lead to 'SAVE', while 'spare' as an adjective might lead to 'EXTRA' or 'LEAN'.
- Look for Homonyms & Puns: Crossword clues often play on words that sound alike but have different meanings, or use puns. If an answer seems too obvious, there might be a clever twist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'spare' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Spare' is a versatile word in crosswords, often referring to something extra or surplus (e.g., 'EXTRA', 'SURPLUS'). It can also mean to be thin or lean (e.g., 'LEAN'), to save or set aside (e.g., 'SAVE', 'RESERVE'), or even to exempt someone from punishment or harm (less common for short answers). The context of other clues is crucial.
How can I distinguish between similar 'spare' answers?
Look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, consider the specific nuance of the clue. Is it asking for something 'left over' (SURPLUS), 'not in use' (FREE), or 'put aside' (RESERVE)? Pay attention to the tense or part of speech if indicated by the clue's wording.
Are there common synonyms for 'spare' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, besides the direct answers like EXTRA or RESERVE, clues for 'spare' might hint at words like 'excess', 'redundant', 'available', 'thin', 'save', 'forgo', or 'afford'. Always broaden your synonym search when a 'spare' clue appears.