this problem solving method crossword clue

• LA Times Crossword
• November 12 2023

Problem-solve

While searching our database we found 1 possible solution for the: Problem-solve crossword clue.  This crossword clue was last seen on November 12 2023 LA Times Crossword puzzle . The solution we have for Problem-solve has a total of 12 letters.

Share the Answer!

Related clues.

We have found 0 other crossword clues with the same answer.

Related Answers

We have found 0 other crossword answers for this clue.

Other November 12 2023 Puzzle Clues

There are a total of 139 clues in November 12 2023 crossword puzzle.

• Cut off from escape
• __ attitude
• Like most wedding receptions

If you have already solved this crossword clue and are looking for the main post then head over to LA Times Crossword November 12 2023 Answers

Puzzles by Date

Facts and figures.

There are a total of 1 crossword puzzles on our site and 172,843 clues.

The shortest answer in our database is ROD which contains 3 Characters.

Photoreceptor cell is the crossword clue of the shortest answer.

The longest answer in our database is SECONDEDITIONADDITION which contains 21 Characters.

Erratum appendix or reader testimonial? is the crossword clue of the longest answer.

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Enter your email to get the latest answers right in your inbox.

Trial and ___ (problem-solving method) Crossword Clue

We have the answer for Trial and ___ (problem-solving method) crossword clue if you need help figuring out the solution! Crossword puzzles provide a fun and engaging way to keep your brain active and healthy, while also helping you develop important skills and improving your overall well-being.

Now, let's get into the answer for Trial and ___ (problem-solving method) crossword clue most recently seen in the Daily Themed Mini Crossword.

Trial and ___ (problem-solving method) Crossword Clue Answer is…

Answer: error.

This clue last appeared in the Daily Themed Mini Crossword on February 13, 2024 . If you need help with other clues, head to our Daily Themed Mini Crossword February 13, 2024 Hints page. You can also find answers to past Daily Themed Mini Crosswords .

Today's Daily Themed Mini Crossword Answers

You can play the Daily Themed crossword by downloading its mobile app ( Google Play / Apple App Store ).

Clue & Answer Definitions

• finding a solution to a problem
• a source of difficulty
• a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

Historical Usage in Crossword Puzzles

• Daily Themed Mini Crossword - February 13 2024
• Daily Themed Crossword - August 16 2022

About the Daily Themed Mini Crossword

The puzzles in Daily Themed Mini Crossword are smaller and less complex than those in the regular Daily Themed Crossword game. They consist of a 5x5 grid with a limited set of clues, making them quick and easy to solve. However, the clues are still organized around a different theme each day, with all the answers related to that theme.

The game is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels, with puzzles ranging from very easy to moderately challenging. The game also includes helpful features such as hints and the ability to reveal individual letters or words to help players progress through more difficult puzzles.

One of the unique features of Daily Themed Mini Crossword is that it's a great way to start your day, as it provides a quick mental warm-up that doesn't take up too much time. The game also includes achievements that players can earn by completing certain puzzles or reaching certain milestones.

That should be all the information you need to solve for the Trial and ___ (problem-solving method) crossword clue answer to help you fill in more of the grid you’re working on! Be sure to check more Crossword Clues , Crossword Answers , and our other Word Game coverage.

Christine Mielke

Christine Mielke has been writing content for the web for over 15 years. She is well-known for concise, informative content and her transparency. Christine is a 2011 graduate of Santa Clara University’s JD/MBA program, after having graduated in 2007 from University of California, Irvine with B.A. in Economics and B.A. in Political Science.

Try Our Daily Word Games

Concludle – Trivia-based

Adoptle – For animal lovers

Mislettered – Solve today's quote

Word Frenzy - For word masters

More content.

Beautiful youth of Greek myth Crossword Clue

Daily Commuter Crossword June 4 2024 Answers (6/4/24)

Big bangs la times crossword clue.

He drags his feet 7 Little Words Answer

Leave a comment cancel reply.

All comments go through a moderation process, and should be approved in a timely manner. To see why your comment might not have been approved, check out our Comment Rules page!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Nickname (Required)

Email (Required)

Save my nickname and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

Mini Crossword

Play more crosswords games.

Penny Dell Word Search

Crossword for kids

Amazing Word Fresh

Word A Minute

Math Word Search

Witch Word:Halloween Puzzel Game

Holiday Crossword

Baby Animal Cross Word

Witch CrossWord

Ninja Crossword Challenge

Get the Word!

Crossword Kingdom

Crossword Island

Premier Crossword

Free Themed Crossword Puzzles

Thomas Joseph Crossword

Arkadium's Fill Ins

Daily Commuter Crossword

Sheffer Crossword

Stan's Daily Crossword

Daily Anagram Crossword

Penny Dell Sunday Crosswords

BestCrosswords Puzzle

Daily American Crossword

Daily CodeWords

Polymath Crossword

Cryptic Crossword

Crosswords 2

Daily Quick Crossword

BestCrosswords Themed

Daily Crossword Challenge

Daily Crossword

Cryptic Crossword Easy

Daily Letter Logic

Casual Crossword

Commuter Crossword

Penny Dell Crosswords

Anagram Crossword

Arkadium's Codeword

Easy Crossword

Hard Crossword

The Daily Crossword

The Mini Crossword  is a difficult and entertaining word puzzle game that typically features a 5x5 grid of boxes with a list of clues underneath the grid. In order to complete the  crossword puzzle, the goal of the game is to fill in every box with the appropriate letters using the provided clues.  The Mini Crossword's size and complexity are two key distinctions between it and a regular crossword puzzle. Mini crosswords are made to be shorter and easier to solve; players normally take a short while to complete them.  You must carefully read the clues and try to deduce the answers in order to complete the mini crossword. The answers may require you to use your problem-solving skills, language and vocabulary knowledge, and understanding of straightforward or more cryptic hints. Every day, a fresh mini crossword is provided. Additionally, if you want a new challenge, you can always go back to the earlier puzzles.

How To Play

• To acquire a general understanding of the puzzle, start by reading all of the clues.
• Find the simplest clues, then try to fill in the corresponding words in the grid.
• To help you solve the more challenging clues, use intersecting words.
• To help narrow down your options, pay attention to the length of the answer and any letters you have already filled in.
• Don't give up and keep trying if you get stuck on a clue. Ask for help from someone else, or take a break and return to it later.
• After you've completed all the boxes, double-check your answers to be sure they are accurate.
• In order to finish the crossword puzzle, you must fill in all the boxes with the appropriate letters using the provided clues.
• To make it easier for you to remember which clue corresponds to which box in the grid, the clues and matching boxes are each given a number.
• The solutions to the clues may consist of one or more words, and they must fit within the grid's available boxes.
• To ensure that every word in the grid makes sense and is connected, the letters in the responses must match up with the letters in the intersecting words.
• It's vital to read the clues carefully and use your imagination because they might occasionally be difficult or have double meanings.
• You can always skip a clue and come back to it if you get stuck on it.
• After you've completed all the boxes, double-check your answers to be sure they're accurate.
• Typically, the game consists of a 5x5 grid of boxes with a list of clues underneath.
• The clues are often short and straightforward and can be across or down.
• Mini crosswords are made to be shorter and easier to solve; players normally take a short while to finish.
• Anyone with an internet connection and a printed copy of the puzzle can play the game because it can be played both online and offline.

Tips To Solve Puzzles In Mini Crossword

• Before moving on to the more difficult ones, start with the simpler clues.
• Fill in the boxes with a pencil so that you can simply correct any mistakes.
• To help you solve the puzzles, try using word associations and context clues.
• If you are stuck on a puzzle, don't be afraid to take a break and come back to it later.
• As you continue to play, your skills will improve as you complete more mini crosswords.

Why Do People Enjoy Playing Mini Crossword?

Crossword puzzles are a tried-and-true, popular pastime. Even though Mini Crossword are easier, they are nonetheless entertaining. They are available everywhere and at any time online. The objective is to guess every word on a grid with 5x5 cells. Because there aren't many words, you don't need to spend a lot of time on Mini Crossword, but it's still cool because you won't get bored here. Both adults and kids can benefit from this activity to challenge their minds and increase their erudition. By working through mini crossword puzzles against the clock, you can challenge your friends.

Benefits Of Playing Mini Crossword

• Increases spelling and vocabulary.
• Improves cognitive performance, including memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
• Offers a mental workout that can help prevent or delay the start of age-related cognitive decline.
• Reduces tension and promotes relaxation by engaging your brain in an entertaining and challenging activity.
• Develops perseverance and determination as you process challenging clues.

Mini Crossword: FAQs

How can i play mini crossword.

To begin playing Mini Crossword, read all of the clues to obtain a general understanding of the puzzle. Find the simplest clues, then try to fill in the words on the grid that go with them. To help you solve the most difficult clues, use intersecting words. To help narrow down your options, pay attention to the length of the answer and any letters you have already filled in. Don't give up and keep trying if you're stuck with a clue. After you've completed all the boxes, double-check your answers to be sure they are accurate.

What benefits does playing Mini Crossword offer?

Playing Mini Crossword can help with spelling and vocabulary, as well as cognitive function, stress relief, and the development of persistence and determination.

How much time does it take to finish The Mini Crossword?

It usually only takes a few minutes to finish the mini crossword puzzle because it is made to be smaller and easier to solve than a standard crossword puzzle.

How challenging are the puzzles in Mini Crossword?

Mini Crossword’s puzzles range in difficulty depending on the puzzle's author and the particular puzzle itself. While some puzzles are made to be simpler, others are more difficult. However, because of their smaller size and easier clues, they are typically seen as being less challenging than crossword puzzles of the usual size.

Are There Any Strategies To Solve Mini Crossword?

Yes, there are a number of strategies for completing Mini Crossword’s puzzles, such as starting with the simplest clues first, using context clues and word connections to aid in solving the puzzles, and taking breaks if you get stuck. The more mini crosswords you complete, the more proficient you'll get at playing.

Similar Word Games

Playing  Mini Crossword is a fun and interesting way to pass the time, enhance your cognitive abilities, and increase your vocabulary. Mini Crossword is definitely worth a try, whether you're an expert or casual crossword puzzle player.  You can play additional word games, including BTS Heardle , Dordle , Wordle , Horse, Primel and other well-known word games .

You might also like

Super Wordle Game

Candy Match Saga 2

Block puzzle

Find The Truth Master

Christmas Spot the Difference

Super Pony World

Frosty Connection Quest

Christmas Maze Mania

Billionaires

Christmas Memory

Search Answers

Search crossword answers.

Select Length

For multiple-word answers, ignore spaces. E.g., YESNO (yes no), etc.

Crossword Solver

Explore Crossword Solver for instant solutions to your favorite crossword puzzles. You can search by given clues, discover today’s puzzles, and access expert help.

Today’s Featured Puzzles

How crossword solver works.

Looking for crossword puzzle answers today or for past solutions? Crossword Solver handles all crossword types.

Enter Crossword Clue

Enter your crossword clue, and the tool generates a list of possible words.

Select Word Length

To get better results, give the word length of the answer.

Enter Known Letters

If you already know some letters you can easily search for the remaining.

Discover More Puzzles

Featured articles.

What Types of People Do Newspapers Mention on Their Crosswords?

Books Around America: Uncover the Books Set Nearest to You

The Most Popular Slang Words by State

Fresh clues from recent puzzles.

• Ginger is revolutionary leader? (7) Crossword Clue
• Funny story about one cadet (8) Crossword Clue
• Coming later, freeholder's first in rate-adjustment (5) Crossword Clue
• Dark blue Crossword Clue Puzzler Backwords
• Pest guzzling old boy's cold stew Crossword Clue The Times Cryptic
• Casual eatery Crossword Clue Thomas Joseph
• Forbid access to the cathedral precinct (5) Crossword Clue
• Milkman protagonist of the 1964 musical Fiddler on the Roof by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein (5) Crossword Clue
• ___ Chapel, venue for conclaves to elect a new pope Crossword Clue
• Symbolic warning Crossword Clue
• Mother identifies servants (5) Crossword Clue
• Sends overseas with Carol's three? (5) Crossword Clue
• Prior to AD: Abbr. Crossword Clue
• Condemned area between Truro and Slough Crossword Clue
• Decline to participate in getting behind travel agents around start of summer Crossword Clue
• A coat worn on the dance floor (4) Crossword Clue
• Particular period of time (5) Crossword Clue
• Sonia -, 1978 Commonwealth 100m gold medallist Crossword Clue Mirror Quiz
• Endless respect little man gives senior officer Crossword Clue The Sun Two Speed
• Erase and start over Crossword Clue
• Cooked set dinner in Soho is source of constant irritation (5,2,4,4) Crossword Clue
• Reddish-brown dye obtained from the powdered leaves of the tropical Asian and African shrub Lawsonia inermis (5) Crossword Clue
• Attach end to a series of book supplements (7) Crossword Clue
• Acclaimed US TV thriller series that starred Claire Danes and Damian Lewis Crossword Clue The Times Specialist
• Kagan of SCOTUS Crossword Clue Commuter
• Frugal and austere (7) Crossword Clue
• Bent opening in a wall? (3-6) Crossword Clue
• Protein filled veggie Crossword Clue
• God of trash control? Crossword Clue
• Abbreviation for this puzzle's title: the first sounds of the starred entries, in clue order, provide another clue Crossword Clue
• Pork pies purveyor? Crossword Clue The Sun Two Speed
• To volunteer Crossword Clue
• Grounds Crossword Clue The Telegraph Cross Atlantic
• "True Detective" airer: Abbr. Crossword Clue
• Clothing for those in show ring (7) Crossword Clue
• Don't take so much notice, being rash (8) Crossword Clue
• Packs tightly Crossword Clue Wall Street Journal
• Famous cartoon bear (4) Crossword Clue
• Capital of the autonomous region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in NE Italy, near the border with Slovenia (7) Crossword Clue
• Language suffix Crossword Clue Commuter
• Are such monks apt to catch things? Crossword Clue
• Pine next to team obliquely (8) Crossword Clue
• Member under a chieftain can slam around the North (8) Crossword Clue
• Quietly go ahead and appeal (5) Crossword Clue
• Louisa --Alcott, author Crossword Clue
• Said with a twang Crossword Clue Thomas Joseph
• Act after credit note ___ that's my belief! (5) Crossword Clue
• African national, thus neighbour of Niger (6) Crossword Clue
• Pleasant and accommodating Crossword Clue New York Times
• Change, as the Constitution Crossword Clue Thomas Joseph

Popular Trending Clues

• Pay a backhanded compliment, perhaps Crossword Clue New York Times
• Blue race in "Avatar" Crossword Clue New York Times
• Mozzarella with a creamy core Crossword Clue New York Times
• Email button Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Like England between the ninth and 15th centuries Crossword Clue New York Times
• Religion that originated in the Punjab (7) Crossword Clue
• Bottom-of-the-barrel Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Give to charity, be kind to others, etc. Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Genre that influenced reggae and rocksteady Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Magical object Crossword Clue The Sun Two Speed
• Some lamb chops prepared with money spent - sign of spring? (5,7) Crossword Clue
• Cushions in front of a computer keyboard Crossword Clue New York Times
• Champing at the bit Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Alphabetically first gas on the periodic table Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• How solitaire is played Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Compulsiveness, monomania (13) Crossword Clue
• Curse word Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Muhammad's birthplace Crossword Clue The Telegraph Quick
• Chomping at the bit Crossword Clue New York Times
• Coiling reptile Crossword Clue
• Three-pointer Crossword Clue Commuter
• Squarespace creations Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• Strongly desire Crossword Clue New York Times
• "All right, that's fine" Crossword Clue New York Times
• Novelist Jaffe Crossword Clue New York Times
• Brim (with) Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• To be performed slowly (6) Crossword Clue
• Triple-platinum song from Taylor Swift's debut album Crossword Clue New York Times
• Like much '90s music and video games Crossword Clue New York Times
• Cleaning implement for bunnies? Crossword Clue New York Times
• Finally breaking up with that no-good, pool hall hustler? Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• Yale of Yale University Crossword Clue New York Times
• Yellow cotton cloth (7) Crossword Clue The Guardian Weekend
• "Big yikes" Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• Turn topsy-turvy Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• E&G company Crossword Clue Newsday
• H.S. test result that can translate into college credit Crossword Clue New York Times
• Papua New Guinea region Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• Don't drop the little birds (6) Crossword Clue
• College sports channel Crossword Clue New York Times
• "Bear" that's not actually a bear Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Tiny bells added to an ugly Christmas sweater? Crossword Clue LA Times Daily
• ___ Jackson, former judge on "American Idol" Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Be of use Crossword Clue Thomas Joseph
• Chinese gambling game with dominoes Crossword Clue New York Times
• Ancient region once conquered by Julius Caesar Crossword Clue New York Times
• Ice cream brand with brown-and-white striped lids Crossword Clue New York Times
• Three-pointer, in hoops slang Crossword Clue New York Times Mini
• Latin dance popular in the '60s Crossword Clue Universal
• Irksome, like a fly Crossword Clue New York Times

How to Be an Expert Crossword Puzzle-Solver

Want to become the ultimate crossword puzzle-solver? Let us help you find answers to crossword puzzles with our online crossword solver, whether you have a word on the tip of your tongue or just need one clue. Crossword puzzle answers for today can be found easily, so you don’t have to wait for the next day’s newspaper or cheat on an app to find out the solutions!

Use this crossword helper to enter crossword clues, search for specific words by the number of letters, or read our guide to learn new, different strategies for solving your daily crossword. Help is finally here in our ultimate guide to crossword puzzle-solving!

Our ultimate guide has everything, like where to find crossword games, how to solve crosswords, the most common crossword clues and answers, and other fun facts about America’s favorite word-puzzle game. Nothing is more maddening than a crossword clue that’s difficult to understand, but don’t worry! Enter that tricky crossword puzzle clue into our tool and you’ll find yourself in crossword heaven!

Table of Contents:

Solving common crossword clues.

Using our word-finder, crossword fans can easily enter the clues that are stumping them and let our word-grabber find several different options. There are two main strategies for getting crossword puzzle help: enter in the clue and have our crossword-tracker grab answers, or try out our word solver to find the specific word by the letters you have and size of the space you need to fill in.

Search Crossword Clues and Find Answers

Get specific crossword clue help by learning answers you’re likely to need. Here are a few common examples:

• Starbucks Sizes : tall, grande, venti, and trenta
• Capital of Norway : Oslo
• “Thank You” in French : merci
• “Hello” in Chinese : nĭ hăo
• Unctuous : oily, sleek, greasy, soapy, slimy, smarmy, flattering, lying
• Greek God of War : Ares
• April Zodiac Sign : Aries
• 8 in Roman Numerals : VIII
• Half-Man, Half Horse : centaur

The 30 Most Common Crossword Answers Every Word Puzzle Fan Should Know [Infographic]

Crossword-writers are known for their wit, subtlety, and wordplay. Crossword-solvers are frequently known for scratching their heads in confusion at out-of-date or uncommon terms that are used because they so often make a great fit on the board. These crossword quiz answers might not be used in everyday speech, but they’re used often in crossword puzzles. In fact, there’s a word to describe this: “crosswordese.” These are the top 30 most commonly used crossword clue answers.

Where to Play Crossword Games Online

Here’s a quick overview of the best free crossword puzzles that you can find online, either on mobile devices or your desktop. We recommend playing on a tablet; that way, it’s easier to read most crossword puzzle games. Free puzzles can be found with difficulties ranging from easy to hard. For instance, one can find pretty easy online crossword puzzles from  USA Today , but if you really want a hard puzzle, pick the  New York Times  crossword on Saturday.

Remember that if you get stuck on your daily crossword, answers can be found easily with our clue-finder!

Newspapers With Free Online Crossword Puzzles

• New York Times  Crossword : Answers for this world-famous puzzle get more difficult to figure out throughout the week, with the easiest on Monday, the hardest on Saturday, and a larger, more iconic puzzle with a moderate difficulty level on Sunday. They’re frequently themed. You can download an app for the  NYT mini-crossword  that’s a lot of fun as well.
• LA Times  Crossword : Solution-finding is just as hard with this paper, originally founded in 1881. People frequently ask, “What are the answers to today’s  LA Times  crossword?”
• USA Today  Crossword : Besides free crosswords,  USA Today  also offers other games, like sudoku and mahjong.
• Washington Post  Crossword : Their daily crosswords are free and fun to play. They also have a “Monthly Meta Crossword” that’s themed.
• WSJ Crossword :  The Wall Street Journal ’s puzzles are, in their words, “America’s most elegant, adventurous, and addictive crosswords.” They’re frequently themed and can be quite difficult to figure out crossword solutions for.
• AARP Crossword : AARP members can compete for top scores.
• Boston Globe  Crossword : This New England newspaper has its own fun crossword puzzle game.
• Newsday  Crossword : One man,  Stan Newman , has been editing these puzzles for more than 30 years.

The Best Crossword Apps

• Word Crossy : Cheats for Word Crossy can be found with our crossword-solver tool. Imagine crosswords but with coin collection and competition.
• Crosswords With Friends : It’s like  Words With Friends  but with a crossword puzzle instead!
• One Clue Crossword : Answers can be difficult to figure out when you only get one clue, which is typically a picture.
• CodyCross : A fun app that’s not quite Scrabble or a crossword, CodyCross is an updated version of the classic word puzzle. See our  special cheats for winning at CodyCross  for help.
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary Crossword : The dictionary has a ton of word games, and this is just one of them.
• World’s Biggest Crossword : Help yourself to the most popular crossword app in the App Store.
• Wordscapes : Another app that’s not completely simple crosswords but more of a mix, Wordscapes is a lot of fun and great for people who aren’t great spellers.
• Shortyz : Chose from all the big-name newspaper crosswords online in one app.

How Do You Solve Crossword Puzzles?

Let’s split up how to do a crossword puzzle into in the basic steps as well as some pro tips.

• Make a first pass in one direction, usually starting with 1 Across, and solve the most obvious clues first.  For instance, solve for fill-in-the-blank questions first, as they tend to be more obvious than others.
• Make a first pass in the other direction, usually starting with 1 Down, solving for the most obvious clues first and making sure there aren’t discrepancies.  Find some obvious clues, and make sure they fit together when written out.
• Do your second pass, now with more letters to help you figure out new crossword answers.  It’s a good idea to start from the top left and fill in words with some letters already filled in. This in-crossword help will give you more clues. If you’re still struggling, consider trying our anagram solver to help you find words with the letters you have.
• Repeat these steps, taking breaks occasionally to look at the crossword quiz answers in a new way. Do this until you’re done.  Keep considering the theme, look out for anagrams, and consider consulting a synonym and antonym finder to find new words that are similar to the clues. Remember to think outside of the box when trying to fill in those boxes!
• Once you’ve completed the whole crossword game ,  check your answers . It’s possible, though rare, that your crossword clues and answers fit but don’t match the newspaper’s answers.

Tips for Understanding Crossword Clues

It can be hard to understand a crossword clue because crossword-writers are absolutely notorious for being cryptic. A good crossword player is typically a master riddle-solver, as one has to really think outside of the box to figure out some of these more difficult hints. Here are a few crossword-solving tips:

• Question marks often imply wordplay or puns.  Usually, crossword clues are written with no punctuation at all, so if you see a question mark, it implies that the answer won’t be as straightforward as you’d think. Think of puns, wordplay, homonyms, and less-obvious answers.
• Tenses in clues are written to match the answers.  If you’re searching for crossword synonyms, stick to the same past, future, or present tense that the clue is in. For instance, the clue “jumped” would not result in “hops” or “hopping” but “hopped.”
• Consider abbreviations carefully.  If a clue is abbreviated, the answer will likely be, too. Memorize popular abbreviations, including names of events like WWI, military abbreviations like NCO, and titles like Mr. and Ms. Also memorize  common suffixes , as they’re quite popular among crossword writers.
• Master “crosswordese.”  Learn some of  the most commonly used crossword answers . See if you can fit any of  the “crosswordiest” words , or words not found in everyday speech but often used in crosswords, in your puzzle.
• 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.
• Pop some pop culture references into your head.  Past and present hot topics are fair game in crosswords, so keep in mind all of those  hit movies ,  TV shows , and  books , including actors, directors, characters, and writers. If there’s a big awards show like the  Emmys ,  Tonys , or  Oscars , a newspaper crossword is likely to reference it. If a creator or politician is doing their big media circuit, you’ll sometimes see them appear in crosswords. But not everything is recent! Consider  learning more trivia  to have more answers in the back of your brain.
• 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.”
• Consult a crossword dictionary . Some people keep crossword puzzle dictionaries in their pockets while filling out physical copies. You can use our online crossword synonyms dictionary to find some great ideas. (It’s not a crossword cheat when you’re desperate for one hint!)
• For the love of your sanity, use a pencil.  If you’re using physical paper instead of an online crossword app, use a pencil and eraser. Mistakes, misinterpretations, and confusion are likely to arise, even if you’re a seasoned pro.
• Start with an easier puzzle, then work your way up.  If you’re looking up Monday and Tuesday NYT crosswords’ cheats, don’t discourage yourself by trying a Thursday grid. Easy puzzles are a great place to start, with crosswords later in the week getting progressively harder. Don’t expect to be a wiz at a difficult crossword right off the bat!

Tips for Solving Hard Puzzles and Cryptic Crosswords

The most important tip is to practice.  Max Deutsch took a month to master the Saturday New York Times crossword , and it required consistent practice, about 46 hours in total. He used a lot of memorization with letter training, memorizing crossword answers and clue pairings and completing a sizable number of puzzles. Practice is a huge piece of the puzzle but  not the only piece , as harder puzzles like cryptic crosswords require divergent and flexible thinking.

What Are Cryptic Crosswords?

Cryptics are different types of crosswords  with even more tricky wordplay, and the clues are often deliberately misleading. They tend to be more popular in Britain and the greater commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. They can also be found in a few publications in America, like  The New Yorker .

Note : Not all British crosswords are cryptic.  British-style crosswords  tend to have more black squares in a particular pattern than American-style crosswords; cryptic crosswords are a separate thing!

How Do You Solve Cryptic Crosswords?

Cryptic crosswords are like normal crosswords, but the clues tend to involve wordplay and also have very convoluted, intentionally confusing hints. If you’re doing a cryptic crossword, know that  the definition is typically hiding in plain sight , and don’t lose heart!

Depending on the difficulty and  the specific newspaper editor , you might find cryptic crossword clues with weird traits like these:

• Look for  anagrams , where you simply need to rearrange letters to find the answer. For instance, “cash trims” would be “Christmas.”
• Many editors like  homophones , which are words that sound like other words but are spelled differently. “Their,” “they’re,” and “there” are homophones.
• Reversals  involve reversing the letters of the clue to get the answer. The reverse of “era” is “are,” for example.
• Deletions  involve deleting one or two letters to get a different answer. For instance, “mend” minus a letter could be “end” or “men.”
• Containers  imply that you’ll need to insert a word inside of another word, usually indicated in the clue by words like “within” or “surrounding.”

Of course, it can even get harder, like  metapuzzles , crosswords that unlock even more word puzzles, or  Schrodinger puzzles , in which clues have more than one correct answer. Once you start getting the hang of being a crosswords-solver, you can start to seek out some of these more difficult puzzles!

A Short Timeline of Crossword Puzzle History

• 1913 : 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.
• 1916:  The  World’s  Sunday crossword begins to spread to other newspapers. The  Pittsburgh Press  publishes their first crosswords this year.
• 1917:   The Boston Globe  begins publishing their crossword puzzles.
• 1920s : The crossword craze absolutely takes off in New York in this decade.
• 1922 : The Brits join in;  Pearson’s Magazine  publishes the first British crossword in February.
• 1924:  The first full book of crossword puzzles is published by Simon & Schuster.
• 1924:  Somewhat ironically,  The New York Times  complains that crosswords are a “sinful waste” in which solvers “get nothing out of it except a primitive form of mental exercise, and success or failure in any given attempt is equally irrelevant to mental development.” ( The New York Times  will later become famous for its top-notch crosswords.)
• 1925 :   The New Yorker’s  first-ever issue contains the observation that crossword-solvers have swarmed into the subway and L trains.
• 1925:  Many newspapers claim that the crossword puzzle fad has passed.
• 1933:  The word “crossword” appears in the Oxford English Dictionary.
• 1942:   The New York Times  finally begins their crossword puzzle legacy. The Farrar era, with Margaret Farrar as the crossword puzzle editor, lasts from 1942 to 1968.
• 1944:  Clues, code names, and military operations  concerning D-Day  are hidden in  The Daily Telegraph ’s crosswords.

• 1968:  Famed lyricist Stephen Sondheim (of  Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods,  and  A Little Night Music ) introduces Americans to the British-style cryptic crossword in  New York  magazine.
• 1969 : The prolific Margaret Farrar is succeeded at  The New York Times  by Will Weng, who is later succeeded by Eugene T. Maleska.
• 1978:  The first-ever   American Crossword Puzzle Tournament  takes place.
• 1993 : Will Shortz, the famed crossword puzzle editor of  The New York Times , begins his career. The next few decades are sometimes referred to by crossword fans as “the Shortz era.”
• 1996:  A puzzle by Jeremiah Farrell published in  The New York Times  on the day of the U.S. presidential election is a Shrodinger puzzle; 39 Across, “Lead story in tomorrow’s newspaper (!),” can be either BILL CLINTON ELECTED or BOB DOLE ELECTED, and the rest of the puzzle works either way.
• 2006 :   A documentary film about crossword editor Will Shortz is released, called  Wordplay.
• 2007:  Roger Squires of the UK is officially recognized by  Guinness World Records  for being the most prolific crossword compiler as he publishes his 66,666th crossword.
• 2015 : The book  Two Across  by Jeff Bartsch tells the story of a romance in which two brainy people  communicate their love via clever crosswords .
• 2016:  The  world’s largest published crossword , according to  Guinness World Records , is published in Japan. It has 66,666 clues and measures 12 square miles.
• 2018 :   Despite the fact that female editors have been important to crossword construction for many years, there has been a distinct drop in female crossword editors and constructors in the Shortz era. To combat this, two different projects —  Women of Letters   and  The Inkubator  — seek to  highlight female crossword creators .
• 2018:  Crossword fans now have access to popular apps like Word Crossy. Cheats and answers can be found quickly but often call for real-life purchases.
• 2019:  What was once a romance for a novel becomes a novel romance in real life when Will Shortz  helps a crossword fan propose .

DIY: How to Create a Crossword Puzzle for Students

If you’re a teacher or a parent trying to learn how to create a crossword puzzle as an educational tool, it’s quite easy!

You’ll need a crossword-maker.  Here are a few places where you can make your own free printable crossword puzzles for kids:

• Discovery Education’s Puzzlemaker
• The Teacher’s Corner Crossword-Maker
• Armored Penguin’s Crossword Puzzle-Maker
• Crossword-Maker by Tools for Educators
• ABCYA.com’s Easy Crossword Puzzle-Maker for Kids 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.

Once you have the program installed, follow these steps:

• First, choose your theme.  Even the pros tend to start this way.
• Pick out some words.  If you’re a teacher, gather a list of vocabulary words on your topic. If you’re doing this for fun, you might want to start by finding words and phrases around your crossword’s theme. Pick out the longest and most complicated words you want to include first.
• Map out your grid.  If you’re using a simple or free crossword-maker, you can move on to creating your list of clues. If you want to create an in-depth, professional-looking crossword, you’ll want to map out your grid first before moving onto the next step. Professional grids are typically in symmetrical squares;  The New York Times  crosswords are typically 15 squares by 15 squares.
• Create your clues.  The standard is that clues are typically not full sentences, do not feature punctuation (unless you want to indicate a trickier clue with a question mark or include “_” for a fill-in-the-blank clue), and are as short as possible. Also, consider not simply using crossword definitions but instead including relevant pop culture references, obscure or alternative synonyms, and different ways to think about simple words. For instance, the answer “Oreo” could be “cream-filled cookie,” “Nabisco treat,” or “popular ice cream flavor.” Thinking outside of the box will make your crossword puzzle more difficult. More complicated clues may use tricks like homonyms or reversals. (See our notes on cryptic crosswords.)
• Fact-check your answers/clues.  Make sure your clues and answers are fact-based, rather than opinion-based, and that they’re accurate. If your goal is to make your crossword easier for kids, take the time to try to think of alternative answers to your questions to make sure they’re not misleading.

Tips From the Pros

It sounds very simple, but the process of creating your own crossword can get more complicated.

• Matt Gaffney  likes to start with the theme and then use a divide-and-conquer approach to create his crosswords.
• Dan Caprera  uses the 15x15 standard grid to his advantage and prefers short clues.
• Ben Tausig and Finn Vigeland  are very passionate about themes.

Did you know that you can actually submit your crosswords to be published? If you’re feeling confident, you can submit your finished, formatted puzzle to places like  The New York Times ,  The Wall Street Journal , or  Simon & Schuster .

26 Expert-Backed Problem Solving Examples – Interview Answers

Published: February 13, 2023

Interview Questions and Answers

Actionable advice from real experts:

Biron Clark

Former Recruiter

Contributor

Dr. Kyle Elliott

Career Coach

Hayley Jukes

Editor-in-Chief

Biron Clark , Former Recruiter

Kyle Elliott , Career Coach

Hayley Jukes , Editor

As a recruiter , I know employers like to hire people who can solve problems and work well under pressure.

 A job rarely goes 100% according to plan, so hiring managers are more likely to hire you if you seem like you can handle unexpected challenges while staying calm and logical.

But how do they measure this?

Hiring managers will ask you interview questions about your problem-solving skills, and they might also look for examples of problem-solving on your resume and cover letter. 

In this article, I’m going to share a list of problem-solving examples and sample interview answers to questions like, “Give an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem?” and “Describe a time when you had to solve a problem without managerial input. How did you handle it, and what was the result?”

• Problem-solving involves identifying, prioritizing, analyzing, and solving problems using a variety of skills like critical thinking, creativity, decision making, and communication.
• Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result ( STAR method ) when discussing your problem-solving experiences.
• Tailor your interview answer with the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description.
• Provide numerical data or metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your problem-solving efforts.

What are Problem Solving Skills? 

Problem-solving is the ability to identify a problem, prioritize based on gravity and urgency, analyze the root cause, gather relevant information, develop and evaluate viable solutions, decide on the most effective and logical solution, and plan and execute implementation. 

Problem-solving encompasses other skills that can be showcased in an interview response and your resume. Problem-solving skills examples include:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Decision making
• Research skills
• Technical skills
• Communication skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

Why is Problem Solving Important in the Workplace?

Problem-solving is essential in the workplace because it directly impacts productivity and efficiency. Whenever you encounter a problem, tackling it head-on prevents minor issues from escalating into bigger ones that could disrupt the entire workflow. 

Beyond maintaining smooth operations, your ability to solve problems fosters innovation. It encourages you to think creatively, finding better ways to achieve goals, which keeps the business competitive and pushes the boundaries of what you can achieve. 

Effective problem-solving also contributes to a healthier work environment; it reduces stress by providing clear strategies for overcoming obstacles and builds confidence within teams. 

Examples of Problem-Solving in the Workplace

• Correcting a mistake at work, whether it was made by you or someone else
• Overcoming a delay at work through problem solving and communication
• Resolving an issue with a difficult or upset customer
• Overcoming issues related to a limited budget, and still delivering good work through the use of creative problem solving
• Overcoming a scheduling/staffing shortage in the department to still deliver excellent work
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues
• Handling and resolving a conflict with a coworker
• Solving any problems related to money, customer billing, accounting and bookkeeping, etc.
• Taking initiative when another team member overlooked or missed something important
• Taking initiative to meet with your superior to discuss a problem before it became potentially worse
• Solving a safety issue at work or reporting the issue to those who could solve it
• Using problem solving abilities to reduce/eliminate a company expense
• Finding a way to make the company more profitable through new service or product offerings, new pricing ideas, promotion and sale ideas, etc.
• Changing how a process, team, or task is organized to make it more efficient
• Using creative thinking to come up with a solution that the company hasn’t used before
• Performing research to collect data and information to find a new solution to a problem
• Boosting a company or team’s performance by improving some aspect of communication among employees
• Finding a new piece of data that can guide a company’s decisions or strategy better in a certain area

Problem-Solving Examples for Recent Grads/Entry-Level Job Seekers

• Coordinating work between team members in a class project
• Reassigning a missing team member’s work to other group members in a class project
• Adjusting your workflow on a project to accommodate a tight deadline
• Speaking to your professor to get help when you were struggling or unsure about a project
• Asking classmates, peers, or professors for help in an area of struggle
• Talking to your academic advisor to brainstorm solutions to a problem you were facing
• Researching solutions to an academic problem online, via Google or other methods
• Using problem solving and creative thinking to obtain an internship or other work opportunity during school after struggling at first

How To Answer “Tell Us About a Problem You Solved”

When you answer interview questions about problem-solving scenarios, or if you decide to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in a cover letter (which is a good idea any time the job description mentions problem-solving as a necessary skill), I recommend using the STAR method.

STAR stands for:

It’s a simple way of walking the listener or reader through the story in a way that will make sense to them. 

Start by briefly describing the general situation and the task at hand. After this, describe the course of action you chose and why. Ideally, show that you evaluated all the information you could given the time you had, and made a decision based on logic and fact. Finally, describe the positive result you achieved.

Note: Our sample answers below are structured following the STAR formula. Be sure to check them out!

EXPERT ADVICE

Dr. Kyle Elliott , MPA, CHES Tech & Interview Career Coach caffeinatedkyle.com

How can I communicate complex problem-solving experiences clearly and succinctly?

Before answering any interview question, it’s important to understand why the interviewer is asking the question in the first place.

When it comes to questions about your complex problem-solving experiences, for example, the interviewer likely wants to know about your leadership acumen, collaboration abilities, and communication skills, not the problem itself.

Therefore, your answer should be focused on highlighting how you excelled in each of these areas, not diving into the weeds of the problem itself, which is a common mistake less-experienced interviewees often make.

Tailoring Your Answer Based on the Skills Mentioned in the Job Description

As a recruiter, one of the top tips I can give you when responding to the prompt “Tell us about a problem you solved,” is to tailor your answer to the specific skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. 

Once you’ve pinpointed the skills and key competencies the employer is seeking, craft your response to highlight experiences where you successfully utilized or developed those particular abilities. 

For instance, if the job requires strong leadership skills, focus on a problem-solving scenario where you took charge and effectively guided a team toward resolution. 

By aligning your answer with the desired skills outlined in the job description, you demonstrate your suitability for the role and show the employer that you understand their needs.

Amanda Augustine expands on this by saying:

“Showcase the specific skills you used to solve the problem. Did it require critical thinking, analytical abilities, or strong collaboration? Highlight the relevant skills the employer is seeking.”  

Interview Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Solved a Problem”

Now, let’s look at some sample interview answers to, “Give me an example of a time you used logic to solve a problem,” or “Tell me about a time you solved a problem,” since you’re likely to hear different versions of this interview question in all sorts of industries.

The example interview responses are structured using the STAR method and are categorized into the top 5 key problem-solving skills recruiters look for in a candidate.

1. Analytical Thinking

Situation: In my previous role as a data analyst , our team encountered a significant drop in website traffic.

Task: I was tasked with identifying the root cause of the decrease.

Action: I conducted a thorough analysis of website metrics, including traffic sources, user demographics, and page performance. Through my analysis, I discovered a technical issue with our website’s loading speed, causing users to bounce. 

Result: By optimizing server response time, compressing images, and minimizing redirects, we saw a 20% increase in traffic within two weeks.

2. Critical Thinking

Situation: During a project deadline crunch, our team encountered a major technical issue that threatened to derail our progress.

Task: My task was to assess the situation and devise a solution quickly.

Action: I immediately convened a meeting with the team to brainstorm potential solutions. Instead of panicking, I encouraged everyone to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches. We analyzed the problem from different angles and weighed the pros and cons of each solution.

Result: By devising a workaround solution, we were able to meet the project deadline, avoiding potential delays that could have cost the company $100,000 in penalties for missing contractual obligations.

3. Decision Making

Situation: As a project manager , I was faced with a dilemma when two key team members had conflicting opinions on the project direction.

Task: My task was to make a decisive choice that would align with the project goals and maintain team cohesion.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with both team members to understand their perspectives in detail. I listened actively, asked probing questions, and encouraged open dialogue. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each approach, I made a decision that incorporated elements from both viewpoints.

Result: The decision I made not only resolved the immediate conflict but also led to a stronger sense of collaboration within the team. By valuing input from all team members and making a well-informed decision, we were able to achieve our project objectives efficiently.

4. Communication (Teamwork)

Situation: During a cross-functional project, miscommunication between departments was causing delays and misunderstandings.

Task: My task was to improve communication channels and foster better teamwork among team members.

Action: I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings to ensure that everyone was on the same page regarding project goals and timelines. I also implemented a centralized communication platform where team members could share updates, ask questions, and collaborate more effectively.

Result: Streamlining workflows and improving communication channels led to a 30% reduction in project completion time, saving the company $25,000 in operational costs.

5. Persistence 

Situation: During a challenging sales quarter, I encountered numerous rejections and setbacks while trying to close a major client deal.

Task: My task was to persistently pursue the client and overcome obstacles to secure the deal.

Action: I maintained regular communication with the client, addressing their concerns and demonstrating the value proposition of our product. Despite facing multiple rejections, I remained persistent and resilient, adjusting my approach based on feedback and market dynamics.

Result: After months of perseverance, I successfully closed the deal with the client. By closing the major client deal, I exceeded quarterly sales targets by 25%, resulting in a revenue increase of $250,000 for the company.

Tips to Improve Your Problem-Solving Skills

Throughout your career, being able to showcase and effectively communicate your problem-solving skills gives you more leverage in achieving better jobs and earning more money .

So to improve your problem-solving skills, I recommend always analyzing a problem and situation before acting.

 When discussing problem-solving with employers, you never want to sound like you rush or make impulsive decisions. They want to see fact-based or data-based decisions when you solve problems.

Don’t just say you’re good at solving problems. Show it with specifics. How much did you boost efficiency? Did you save the company money? Adding numbers can really make your achievements stand out.

To get better at solving problems, analyze the outcomes of past solutions you came up with. You can recognize what works and what doesn’t.

Think about how you can improve researching and analyzing a situation, how you can get better at communicating, and deciding on the right people in the organization to talk to and “pull in” to help you if needed, etc.

Finally, practice staying calm even in stressful situations. Take a few minutes to walk outside if needed. Step away from your phone and computer to clear your head. A work problem is rarely so urgent that you cannot take five minutes to think (with the possible exception of safety problems), and you’ll get better outcomes if you solve problems by acting logically instead of rushing to react in a panic.

You can use all of the ideas above to describe your problem-solving skills when asked interview questions about the topic. If you say that you do the things above, employers will be impressed when they assess your problem-solving ability.

More Interview Resources

• 3 Answers to “How Do You Handle Stress?”
• How to Answer “How Do You Handle Conflict?” (Interview Question)
• Sample Answers to “Tell Me About a Time You Failed”

About the Author

Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Follow on Twitter and LinkedIn .

Read more articles by Biron Clark

About the Contributor

Kyle Elliott , career coach and mental health advocate, transforms his side hustle into a notable practice, aiding Silicon Valley professionals in maximizing potential. Follow Kyle on LinkedIn .

About the Editor

Hayley Jukes is the Editor-in-Chief at CareerSidekick with five years of experience creating engaging articles, books, and transcripts for diverse platforms and audiences.

Continue Reading

12 Expert-Approved Responses to ‘What Makes You Unique?’ in Job Interviews

15 most common pharmacist interview questions and answers, 15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers.