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in a comprehensive manner wsj crossword clue

in a comprehensive manner wsj crossword clue

2 min read 02-01-2025
in a comprehensive manner wsj crossword clue

The clue "IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER" frequently appears in WSJ crosswords and similar puzzles, often as a longer answer spanning multiple squares. Understanding its various solutions requires appreciating the nuances of the English language and common crossword construction techniques. This article will explore the most likely answers, offering explanations and examples to help you crack this cryptic clue. We will draw upon examples found on sites like CrosswordFiend, while adding our own analysis and expanding on the context.

Possible Answers and Their Nuances:

While CrosswordFiend doesn't explicitly list all instances of this clue, analyzing similar clues on their site and other crossword databases points towards a few key answers:

  • EXHAUSTIVELY: This is a strong contender. It directly implies thoroughness and leaving no stone unturned. For example, a sentence using this word could be: "The detective exhaustively investigated the crime scene, leaving no clue unexplored." This answer perfectly captures the meaning of "in a comprehensive manner."

  • THOROUGHLY: Similar to "exhaustively," this answer emphasizes completeness and meticulousness. "She thoroughly researched the topic before writing her report" illustrates its use. The subtle difference lies in the implied level of detail; "exhaustively" might suggest a broader, more intense investigation than "thoroughly."

  • EXTENSIVELY: This answer highlights the breadth or scope of the action. "The company extensively tested the new software before its release" emphasizes the wide range of testing conducted. It's slightly less focused on meticulous detail than "exhaustively" or "thoroughly."

  • COMPLETELY: This option is a more straightforward and concise answer. It means something was done in its entirety, without any omissions. Example: "The task was completed completely before the deadline." This is often shorter, and therefore might fit more easily into the crossword grid.

Why These Answers Work (and Why Others Don't):

The clue "IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER" demands an answer expressing the idea of thoroughness, completeness, and broad scope. Words like "briefly," "partially," or "superficially" are antonyms and therefore unsuitable. The puzzle's difficulty might influence the length of the solution, encouraging the solver to consider longer, more descriptive words.

Strategies for Solving:

  • Crossword Grid: Pay close attention to the number of squares allocated to the answer. This strongly limits the possibilities. A shorter answer is more likely to be "completely," while a longer grid space necessitates words like "exhaustively" or "extensively."

  • Crossword Clues: Analyze the crossing words. The letters already revealed in intersecting answers will significantly narrow down the possibilities.

  • Word Associations: If you encounter this clue, think of synonyms for "comprehensive." Think about words that express the idea of thoroughness, completeness, and depth of coverage.

Beyond the Crossword:

Understanding the subtle differences between "exhaustively," "thoroughly," and "extensively" is useful beyond crosswords. Choosing the right word in writing adds precision and enhances clarity. For example, in a scientific report, "exhaustively" is more appropriate than "completely" because it better reflects the rigorous nature of the research.

In conclusion, while "IN A COMPREHENSIVE MANNER" might appear as a single clue, its successful resolution necessitates a thoughtful understanding of vocabulary and crossword-solving strategies. By considering the answer length, intersecting letters, and the specific nuances of each potential solution, you can confidently crack this seemingly complex clue. Remember to always consult available resources, but trust your intuition and vocabulary to guide you toward the correct answer.

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