Ultimate Crossword Book

Product Information

By following the three steps below you can start, enjoy, and complete online crossword puzzles in no time: These are clues that are less obvious and use wordplay. This means that one of the words may have multiple meanings, for example, “crane” can mean: Despite the many changes and innovations in the world of crossword puzzles, the basic concept remains the same: to fill in a grid of blank squares with words based on clues given for each word. Crossword puzzles continue to be a popular and beloved form of entertainment and mental exercise. Rare synonyms: Crossword clues can ask for synonyms that are not well-known or used frequently, which can make the puzzle more challenging. On Dec. 21, 1913, in a Sunday edition of The New York World, the first-ever “word-cross” puzzle appeared. The first-ever cruciverbalist, or person skilled in the creation or solving of crossword puzzles, was a journalist named Arthur Wynne from Liverpool, who’d immigrated to the states. A few weeks after the first word puzzle of its kind appeared, a typesetting error changed the name “word-cross” to “cross-word,” and it’s been called a crossword puzzle since.

Here is an example of a frequently asked question (FAQ) about crossword clues: Which clues should you start with? Fill-in-the-blank questions are typically easiest. Usually, you’ll see a common idiom, phrase, or pop culture reference that’s only missing one section. Keep in mind, though, that non-native English speakers might struggle with this because phrases can be so regional and colloquial; see this list of common idioms if you’re struggling. Wynne called his creation a Word-Cross Puzzle and it was inspired by a range of word puzzles. What made his contribution unique was the introduction of vertical and horizontal lines that gave people boxes to input letters. The New Yorker’s first-ever issue contains the observation that crossword-solvers have swarmed into the subway and L trains. Some crossword puzzles mix things up by using themes that expand on the standard Q&A format. These are the main types our members expect to see when playing web-based crossword puzzles:

A Brief History of the Crossword

If you really want to get fancy with your crosswords, you can also create a crossword puzzle with a program like Crossword Compiler for Windows or CrossFire by Beekeeper Labs. Themed Crosswords: Themed crosswords are crossword puzzles that are centered around a particular theme, such as a specific subject or category. The clues and answers in a themed crossword all relate to the theme, making it a fun and educational way to learn about a particular topic. Clues in crossword puzzles can vary in difficulty, from easy to challenging, depending on the type of puzzle being solved and the solver's experience and knowledge. Regardless of the difficulty, crossword clues are a crucial part of the puzzle and play a key role in making crossword puzzles such a fun and entertaining form of wordplay.

There are a huge number of crossword puzzles you can choose from, ranging from introductory challenges all the way up to expert-level tests. That includes crisscross puzzles and specialized puzzle types and custom formats that are only available via a subscription. Crossword puzzles are the perfect way to put your vocabulary skills and logical thinking to the test. They ask you to reach into your word bank, decipher clues, and build connections between letters. One of Dan Feyer’s best pieces of advice is that you shouldn’t feel ashamed if you don’t know the answer to a crossword puzzle.Consider the all-important theme. Crossword writers frequently use themes or even tell stories with their clever puzzles. For instance, if the theme is ballet, an easy answer to “point of pain for dancers” might be “toe.”