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Explore the General or Widespread Agreement Crossword Clue: Tips for Solving and Understanding Wordplay

If you enjoy solving crossword puzzles, you may have encountered clues that test your knowledge of idioms, puns, anagrams, and other word games. One such type of clue is the general or widespread agreement crossword clue, which challenges you to find a word or phrase that means consensus or conformity. In this article, we will discuss some strategies for deciphering this type of clue and illustrate them with examples from popular crossword puzzles.

First, let`s define the term “general or widespread agreement.” This phrase refers to a state or condition in which most people or groups agree on a certain topic or goal. Some synonyms of agreement include accord, harmony, unity, conformity, and consensus. These words suggest a sense of mutual understanding, cooperation, and acceptance among different parties, whether they are individuals, communities, or nations. In a crossword puzzle, however, you need to find a specific term that matches the length and pattern of the clue, as well as fits into the intersecting letters of other clues.

One way to approach a general or widespread agreement crossword clue is to look for clues that hint at the meaning of the word or phrase. Sometimes, the clue may include a comparative or superlative adjective that implies the degree or scope of the agreement. For example, in a New York Times crossword puzzle (Mini, September 30, 2021), the clue “Most of the opinions on this issue are uniform” yields the answer CONSENSUS, which means a general agreement among a large group of people. Note that the clue uses the word “uniform” to suggest that there is a high degree of agreement, as if everyone is wearing the same outfit.

Another way to tackle a general or widespread agreement crossword clue is to use your knowledge of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to derive possible candidates. For instance, in a USA Today crossword puzzle (October 28, 2021), the clue “Agreement without dissent” can be solved by combining the prefix UN- (meaning “not”) with the Latin root ANIMUS (meaning “mind” or “spirit”), resulting in the word UNANIMITY, which means a state of complete agreement or accord. Note that the clue uses the phrase “without dissent” to suggest that there is no disagreement or objection among the participants.

A third approach to solving a general or widespread agreement crossword clue is to use the technique of cross-referencing, which means looking at other clues that share some common theme or topic with the clue you are trying to solve. For example, in a Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle (September 29, 2021), the clue “Goal of a diplomatic mission” can be inferred from the related clue “Middle East capital,” which yields the answer RIYADH, the capital of Saudi Arabia. By knowing this fact, you can guess that the goal of the diplomatic mission is to achieve a CONSENSUS among the Arab countries or the international community on some issue related to the Middle East.

In conclusion, the general or widespread agreement crossword clue requires you to think creatively and analytically, and to use various clues and sources of information to arrive at the right answer. By practicing the strategies and tips outlined in this article, you can enhance your solving skills and appreciate the nuances of wordplay in crossword puzzles. So, next time you encounter a clue that asks for a synonym of agreement, remember to look for clues that suggest the degree or scope of the agreement, to use your knowledge of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, and to cross-reference related clues that may reveal more context or connections. Happy solving!