eclipse nyt crossword clue

Sandra Almird

2 min read

·

02-01-2025

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The New York Times crossword puzzle, a daily brain teaser for millions, often incorporates cleverly worded clues. One such clue that has likely stumped many solvers is some variation of "Eclipse." Let's explore how this word appears in crossword puzzles, drawing upon insights from CrosswordFiend (while ensuring proper attribution and expanding upon their content). CrosswordFiend offers a valuable resource for crossword solvers, providing a database of clues and answers. Their data will be used to illustrate the versatility of this clue and help you solve future puzzles.

Common Clue Variations and Their Solutions:

While CrosswordFiend doesn't maintain a central list titled "Eclipse Clues," analyzing their database reveals that "Eclipse" itself, or variations related to its meaning, frequently appears as an answer. Let's break down a few examples and illustrate the thinking process behind solving them:

• Clue: Obscuration (Possible Answer: ECLIPSE)

  • Analysis: This clue directly refers to the primary definition of an eclipse: the obscuring of one celestial body by another. The word "obscuration" is a synonym that points directly to the astronomical phenomenon.

• Clue: Solar or lunar event (Possible Answer: ECLIPSE)

  • Analysis: This clue is more specific, narrowing down the answer to the two most well-known types of eclipses: solar and lunar. The solver needs to identify the commonality between these two events.

• Clue: Overtake (Possible Answer: ECLIPSE) – a more figurative meaning.

  • Analysis: Here, we are dealing with the figurative meaning of "eclipse." To "eclipse" someone or something means to surpass or overshadow them. This requires a deeper understanding of the word's multiple meanings.

Expanding on the Figurative Meaning:

The versatility of the word "eclipse" is highlighted by its figurative usage. In the example above ("Overtake"), we see the word used to describe surpassing someone in achievement or fame. Consider these examples:

• "The rising star eclipsed the veteran actor's career." The newcomer's success overshadowed the older actor's previous prominence.
• "Her new novel completely eclipsed her previous work." This new novel was so successful it made her earlier work seem insignificant in comparison.

Strategies for Solving Eclipse Clues:

When encountering a clue that might lead to "ECLIPSE" as the answer, consider these strategies:

1. Consider the word's multiple meanings: Remember that "eclipse" can refer both to an astronomical event and a figurative overshadowing.
2. Look for synonyms: Clues often use synonyms to hint at the answer. Familiarize yourself with words like "obscure," "overshadow," "outperform," and "surpass."
3. Think about word length: The number of letters in the answer is crucial. Use this information to eliminate possibilities.
4. Crossword context: Use the intersecting letters from other clues to help narrow down the possibilities.

Conclusion:

By understanding the multiple meanings of "ECLIPSE" and employing effective solving strategies, you can confidently tackle any NYT crossword clue that incorporates this versatile word. Remember to use resources like CrosswordFiend (with proper attribution, of course!) to broaden your crossword vocabulary and improve your solving skills. The key is to recognize the connection between the clue's wording and the different interpretations of the word "eclipse." Happy puzzling!