It is so annoying when you are just a few squares away from finishing a crossword and a single word stops you. You might feel a bit stuck or even a little mad that one simple clue is ruining your morning. If you are looking at the extremely crossword clue, you are likely facing a very common puzzle trick. This word is a favorite for puzzle makers because it has so many different answers that can fit almost any space on the grid.
Whether you have three empty boxes or twelve, finding the right match is the only way to get that feeling of relief and victory. Many people feel like they are guessing in the dark when they see a clue that could mean so many things. This guide will help you find the exact word you need so you can move on and enjoy the rest of your day.
Best Solutions for the Extremely Crossword Clue
If you need a quick fix, these are the words that appear most often in puzzles like the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. You should check the number of letters you need and look at the letters you already have on your board.
- VERY (4 letters): This is the most common answer. If you have four spots, try this first.
- TOO (3 letters): Usually used when something is “too much” or “too far.”
- ULTRA (5 letters): A popular choice for more modern or science-themed puzzles.
- EVERSO (6 letters): This one shows up a lot in British-style crosswords.
- OHSO (4 letters): Often used in a more casual or chatty clue.
- QUITE (5 letters): A classic synonym that fits many grids.
- SUPER (5 letters): Very common in newer puzzles.

Find the Extremely Crossword Clue Answer by Length
To help you solve your specific struggle, here is a list of answers sorted by how many squares they take up. This is the fastest way to narrow down your choices and stop the guessing game.
| Letters | Potential Answers |
| 3 | TOO, FAR |
| 4 | VERY, OHSO, MEGA, MOST, REAL, UBER, EVER, HARD |
| 5 | ULTRA, SUPER, QUITE, JOLLY, AWFUL, MONDO, EXTRA, BADLY |
| 6 | EVERSO, HIGHLY, DEEPLY, SORELY, DAMNED, VASTLY, UNDULY |
| 7 | ACUTELY, AWFULLY, LARGELY, ONLYTOO, TOTALLY, VITALLY |
| 8 | INSPADES, BITTERLY, ALLFIRED, ALMIGHTY, BRUTALLY, FIERCELY |
| 11 | EXCEEDINGLY, DRASTICALLY, OFFENSIVELY |
| 12 | CONSIDERABLY, INCOMPARABLY |

If your specific letter pattern isn’t listed above, don’t worry. You can use our free crossword solver to enter your known letters and find the perfect match in seconds
How to Pick the Right Word
When you have a few options that are the same length, it can feel like a coin flip. To avoid the stress of erasing and starting over, look at the words that cross your clue. If you have a “V” as the first letter of a four-letter word, VERY is almost certainly your answer. If you have an “U” at the start of a five-letter word, try ULTRA.
Sometimes the puzzle maker is being a bit tricky. If the clue is “Extremely!” with an exclamation point, they might be looking for a more exciting word like MEGA or SUPER. If the puzzle is older or more formal, look for words like EXCEEDINGLY.
Dealing with Cryptic Clues
In some harder puzzles, the word “extremely” is not just a definition. It might be a hint to look at the very ends of another word. For example, the “extremes” of the word “Vocal” are the letters “V” and “L. If you see a clue that mentions “extremely” alongside another word, try taking the first and last letters of that word to see if they fit your grid.
This type of wordplay can be very confusing at first. Just remember that in a cryptic puzzle, “extremely” often means “the outer edges.” Once you know this trick, these hard clues become much easier to solve.
Common Phrases That Mean Extremely
Sometimes the answer is not a single word but a short phrase. These are very common in the Sunday puzzles or larger grids where there is more space to fill. If you see a longer gap, one of these might be the key to finishing your column.
- ALL OUT (6 letters): Used when someone is trying their best or going to the limit.
- IN A WAY (7 letters): A softer version of the word that fits specific contexts.
- TO A FAULT (9 letters): Often used when someone is “extremely” kind or honest.
- IN THE EXTREME (11 letters): A literal way to rephrase the clue.
Why Some Answers Are Used More Often
You might wonder why VERY or TOO appear so often in your morning paper. Puzzle creators love words with lots of vowels like E, O, and I. These letters make it much easier for them to connect other words across the grid. If you are stuck between two choices, usually the one with more common vowels is the safer bet. This simple trick can save you the frustration of having to use an eraser later on.
Expert Advice for Stuck Solvers
If you have tried every word on the list and nothing seems to fit, take a short break. It is very common for our brains to get “locked” on one idea. When you walk away for five minutes and come back, you might notice a crossing letter you missed.
Maybe that “S” at the end of a word is actually the start of SUPER. Or perhaps that “Y” you were sure about belongs to AWFULLY. Looking at the grid with fresh eyes is often the best way to clear your head and find the solution.
Solving the Trend of Modern Puzzles
In recent years, crosswords have started using more modern slang. This can be very hard if you are used to older style puzzles. If the clues around you are talking about technology or social media, the answer to extremely might be UBER or even MAD.
Many solvers feel a lot of stress when the puzzle uses words they do not say every day. Just remember that these words are meant to keep the game fresh and fun. If you see a word that looks like a brand name or a slang term, do not be afraid to try it out.
Using Punctuation as a Hint
Pay close attention to the small marks in the clue. A question mark at the end usually means there is a pun or a joke hidden in the answer. If the clue is “Extremely cold?” for 5 letters, the answer might be STARK (as in “stark raving mad” or “stark cold”).
This extra layer of thinking is what makes crosswords a great workout for your mind. It might feel like a hurdle at first, but once you learn to “read between the lines,” you will solve puzzles much faster. This will turn your morning frustration into a moment of pure joy.
Reaching the Finish Line
There is no better feeling than filling in that final square and seeing a completed puzzle. By understanding that “extremely” is just a flexible tool for the puzzle maker, you take away its power to confuse you. You now have a full list of tools and tricks to handle this clue whenever it pops up.
Whether it is a short three-letter word or a long twelve-letter phrase, you have the knowledge to solve it. You can now put down your pen with a sense of pride, knowing you conquered the grid today. This is the surest way to master the extremely crossword clue once and for all. Filling in that last box will bring you the relief and peace of mind you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Extremely Crossword Clue
What is the most common 4-letter answer for “extremely” in crosswords?
The most frequent 4-letter answer is VERY. If that does not fit, solvers often find success with OHSO, MOST, or REAL. Always check your crossing letters to be sure.
How do I know which “extremely” synonym to use when many fit the length?
Check the vowels in the crossing words. Most puzzle creators use VERY or TOO because they have common letters like E and O. If the clue has an exclamation point (Extremely!), try a more “active” word like SUPER or ULTRA.
What does it mean when “extremely” appears in a cryptic crossword?
In a cryptic puzzle, “extremely” is often a hint to look at the outer edges of a word. For example, the “extremes” of the word LARGE would be L and E. This trick helps you find hidden letters instead of a synonym.
Why is “EVERSO” such a common answer in difficult puzzles?
EVERSO is a favorite for creators of harder puzzles, like the New York Times, because it uses many vowels. It is a 6-letter phrase that helps bridge difficult sections of the grid. If you are stuck on a 6-letter word, this is a very likely candidate.
Are there slang words that can mean “extremely” in newer crosswords?
Yes, modern puzzles often use slang to stay current. You might find UBER, MEGA, or MAD as answers. These usually appear in puzzles that also feature clues about social media or pop culture.
Master the Grid with Confidence
It is normal to feel a bit of a headache when a simple word like extremely crossword clue stands in your way. However, you now have every tool you need to solve this puzzle and clear your mind. By matching the word length, checking your crossing letters, and staying open to modern slang, you can fill in those blank squares with ease.
You no longer have to feel stuck or frustrated during your morning routine. Whether the answer is a quick three-letter word or a longer phrase, you are now the expert. You can finish your game today with a sense of calm and victory, knowing that no clue is too tough for you to handle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date solutions for various crossword puzzles, please note that puzzle creators may use different synonyms or wordplay depending on the specific publication. We are not officially affiliated with the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or any other puzzle provider. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
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I’m Emma Rose, the founder of tryhardguides.co.uk, and a content creator with a passion for writing across multiple niches—including health, lifestyle, tech, career, and personal development. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, easy-to-digest content that helps people learn, grow, and stay inspired. Whether I’m sharing practical tips or diving into thought-provoking topics, my goal is always to add real value and connect with readers on a deeper level.