There are those moments in a crossword puzzle where a seemingly simple
crossword clue
brings your pen to a halt. A straightforward definition, a manageable word length, yet the answer remains elusive, hovering just out of reach. Today, we’re mulling over one such head-scratcher: ‘Separately (5)‘.
On the surface, ‘Separately’ appears to be a clear directive, pointing towards a synonym for ‘apart’ or ‘individually’. But the beauty, and sometimes the frustration, of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to offer multiple interpretations or to demand a very specific, perhaps less common, five-letter word from a rich lexicon of possibilities. What initially seems like an obvious path can quickly branch into several different avenues of thought.
Is the setter looking for a common adverbial synonym? Or is there a more nuanced, perhaps slightly archaic or specific-context word that perfectly fits the five-letter constraint? This particular
crossword clue
encourages a deep dive into word associations, exploring not just direct synonyms but also words that convey the
idea
of being separate, distinct, or in isolation. It’s a classic example of a definition that requires a precise fit, challenging solvers to think beyond the obvious and consider the exact nuance the puzzle setter intended.
Available Answers:
APART.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 12 October 2025