startle nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "startle" from the New York Times crossword, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "startle nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JUMP: To cause a sudden, involuntary movement or reaction, often out of surprise or fear.
5 Letters
SHOCK: To deeply surprise or disturb someone, often with an unpleasant or sudden event.
ALARM: To fill someone with apprehension or fear; to startle.
8 Letters
FRIGHTEN: To make someone afraid or anxious; a stronger form of startling.
More About "startle nyt crossword"
"Startle" is a classic crossword clue that often appears in various puzzles, including the esteemed New York Times crossword. Its commonality stems from the fact that it has several synonyms of different lengths and intensities, allowing constructors flexibility. When you encounter 'startle' in an NYT puzzle, it's a good idea to consider not just direct synonyms, but also words that describe the effect of being startled, such as 'cause to jump' or 'give a fright to'.
The 'NYT' context often implies a certain level of precision or wordplay. While 'startle' itself is straightforward, the surrounding clues or the day of the week (NYT puzzles get harder through the week) might hint at a less common synonym or a more nuanced interpretation. Always keep the letter count in mind, as this is usually the primary differentiator between potential answers like JUMP, SHOCK, or FRIGHTEN.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Letter Count: Always count the blank spaces in your crossword grid first. This is the single most important factor for narrowing down potential answers, especially for clues with many synonyms like "startle."
- Consider Synonyms & Nuances: If a clue has multiple synonyms, think about the subtle differences in meaning. Is the "startle" gentle or violent? A sudden surprise or a deep fear? This can help differentiate between words like SHOCK and ALARM.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by using crossing letters. Fill in what you know from other clues, and see which 'startle' answer fits perfectly with the existing letters.
- Think About Wordplay (NYT Specific): New York Times crosswords are known for their cleverness. Sometimes, a common word like "startle" might be used in a less literal sense or as part of a pun. Stay open to creative interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues sometimes have multiple answers?
Many words in English have multiple synonyms or can be interpreted in slightly different ways depending on context. Crossword constructors often choose clues that allow for flexibility, meaning a single clue might fit several possible answers of varying lengths or nuances. The correct answer usually depends on the intersecting letters from other clues.
How do I know which 'startle' synonym is correct for my puzzle?
To determine the correct synonym, first, count the number of boxes available for the answer. Then, look at the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words. These intersecting letters will narrow down the possibilities until only one answer fits perfectly.
Are New York Times crossword clues generally harder or more obscure?
The New York Times crossword is renowned for its cleverness and often challenging clues, especially later in the week. While they typically stick to standard English vocabulary, their clues can be highly creative, involve wordplay, or require a deeper understanding of nuances and pop culture references. They are generally considered more challenging than many daily crosswords.