Every seasoned crossword solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising through a puzzle, letters falling into place, when you hit a seemingly simple
crossword clue
that makes you pause. It’s not the obscure trivia or the complex anagrams that trip you up, but often the elegant simplicity of a clue like “Opposite of ‘expensive’ (5)“. This particular
crossword clue
seems straightforward, yet it demands a moment of careful thought, especially when that crucial five-letter constraint comes into play.
Understanding the nuances of a
crossword clue
like this is key to mastering the daily grid. It’s more than just finding an antonym; it’s about finding the
right
antonym that fits the specific context and letter count. “Expensive” conjures images of high price, luxury, perhaps even prohibitive cost. So, its opposite must reflect affordability, accessibility, or good value. But which five-letter word captures this essence perfectly for a
word puzzle
?
When you’re faced with a
crossword clue
asking for an antonym, your first instinct is to brainstorm all possible opposites. For “expensive,” you might think of words like “cheap,” “affordable,” “bargain,” “economical,” or even concepts like “frugal.” This is an excellent starting point for any
crossword puzzle
challenge. However, the (5) at the end of the
crossword clue
immediately trims down your options significantly. Suddenly, many of those initial ideas are too long or too short, forcing you to dig deeper into your vocabulary.
The art of solving
crossword puzzles
often lies in recognizing the elegance of common words. Sometimes, the most direct and unpretentious answer is precisely what the constructor is looking for. A
crossword clue
might seem to hint at something complex, but the solution is surprisingly simple, perfectly balanced in its meaning and letter count. For “Opposite of ‘expensive’ (5),” consider words that carry a general sense of being reasonably priced without implying poor quality, which can sometimes be a connotation of other five-letter alternatives. It’s about value, practicality, and ease on the wallet.
This specific
crossword clue
perfectly illustrates why crosswords are so engaging. They test not just your knowledge of words, but your ability to parse meaning, consider synonyms and antonyms, and meticulously adhere to structural constraints. It’s a delicate balance between literal interpretation and subtle connotation. For daily
crossword puzzle
enthusiasts, mastering these types of
word puzzle
challenges builds confidence and sharpens linguistic skills.
Solving a
crossword clue
like “Opposite of ‘expensive’ (5)” can be a satisfying “aha!” moment. It’s the kind of clue that, once solved, feels so obvious you wonder why it took you a moment to get it. But that initial pause is where the fun of the
crossword puzzle
truly lies—the mental gymnastics required to land on that perfect word. So next time you encounter a
crossword clue
that seems deceptively simple, remember to leverage that letter count and think about the most direct, yet subtly nuanced, antonym. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
CHEAP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 8 October 2025