The clue "Start of an idea" recently appeared in the Universal Crossword crossword on March 14, 2025. Our comprehensive crossword database contains 177 potential solutions for this clue. After ranking each by frequency and reliability, GERM (4 letters) comes out on top with 99% confidence.
Answer For Start of an idea:
Tap each ? to reveal a letter, or show all at once.
177 Other Potential Answers
Rank
Answer
Length
Source
Date
99%
GERM
Start of an idea
(4)
Universal Crossword
Mar 14, 2025
99%
GERM
Start of an idea
Universal Crossword · Mar 14, 2025
99%
SEED
Start of an idea
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 18, 2020
99%
SEED
Start of an idea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 18, 2020
8%
DONT
"Bad idea"
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 26, 2026
8%
DONT
"Bad idea"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 26, 2026
8%
ESS
Slow start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 25, 2026
8%
ESS
Slow start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 25, 2026
8%
ASOF
Words before a start date
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 11, 2026
8%
ASOF
Words before a start date
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 11, 2026
8%
GEO
Logical start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 5, 2026
8%
GEO
Logical start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 5, 2026
8%
SENSE
General idea
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 17, 2026
8%
SENSE
General idea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 17, 2026
8%
EVEN
Like the score at the start of overtime
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 28, 2026
8%
EVEN
Like the score at the start of overtime
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 28, 2026
8%
ONCE
Fairy tale start
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 3, 2026
8%
ONCE
Fairy tale start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 3, 2026
8%
TEN
Countdown start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 11, 2026
8%
TEN
Countdown start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 11, 2026
8%
TEAANDTOAST
Simple way to start the day
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
8%
TEAANDTOAST
Simple way to start the day
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
8%
BLAHBLAHBLAH
"... and other meaningless drivel," or what can be found at the start of 20-, 34-, and 44-Across
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 1, 2026
8%
BLAHBLAHBLAH
"... and other meaningless drivel," or what can be found at the start of 20-, 34-, and 44-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 1, 2026
8%
WHATACONCEPT
Sarcastic "Great idea!"
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 26, 2026
8%
WHATACONCEPT
Sarcastic "Great idea!"
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 26, 2026
8%
SCARE
Give a start
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 10, 2026
8%
SCARE
Give a start
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 10, 2026
8%
NEO
Fresh start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 23, 2026
8%
NEO
Fresh start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 23, 2026
8%
EXILED
Like Romeo at the start of Act V
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 12, 2026
8%
EXILED
Like Romeo at the start of Act V
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 12, 2026
8%
TOAST
A "ting, ting, ting" may signal its start
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 26, 2026
8%
TOAST
A "ting, ting, ting" may signal its start
Universal Crossword · Mar 26, 2026
8%
FLIRT
Toy (with), as an idea
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 23, 2026
8%
FLIRT
Toy (with), as an idea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 23, 2026
8%
PLAYCATCHUP
Try to overcome a poor start
(11)
Universal Crossword
Mar 22, 2026
8%
PLAYCATCHUP
Try to overcome a poor start
Universal Crossword · Mar 22, 2026
8%
NOOBS
Players who may have to start over many times
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 27, 2026
8%
NOOBS
Players who may have to start over many times
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 27, 2026
8%
ISO
Late start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 25, 2026
8%
ISO
Late start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 25, 2026
8%
LEGENDHASIT
Possible start of a folktale
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 7, 2026
8%
LEGENDHASIT
Possible start of a folktale
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 7, 2026
8%
FIRSTPERSON
Narrated by the protagonist, or a hint to the start of 18-, 24-, 41- or 51-Across
(11)
Universal Crossword
Jan 21, 2026
8%
FIRSTPERSON
Narrated by the protagonist, or a hint to the start of 18-, 24-, 41- or 51-Across
Universal Crossword · Jan 21, 2026
8%
URLS
Addresses that may start with https://
(4)
Universal Crossword
Jan 11, 2026
8%
URLS
Addresses that may start with https://
Universal Crossword · Jan 11, 2026
8%
HERES
"___ an idea ..."
(5)
Universal Crossword
Jan 4, 2026
8%
HERES
"___ an idea ..."
Universal Crossword · Jan 4, 2026
8%
BENE
Good start?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 31, 2025
8%
BENE
Good start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 31, 2025
8%
AMILATE
"Did you start already?"
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 11, 2025
8%
AMILATE
"Did you start already?"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 11, 2025
8%
DEE
Don't start?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Nov 11, 2025
8%
DEE
Don't start?
Universal Crossword · Nov 11, 2025
8%
ALLALONG
From the start
(8)
Universal Crossword
Nov 9, 2025
8%
ALLALONG
From the start
Universal Crossword · Nov 9, 2025
8%
HIAGAIN
Follow-up start
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 1, 2025
8%
HIAGAIN
Follow-up start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 1, 2025
8%
NAH
"Bad idea"
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 18, 2025
8%
NAH
"Bad idea"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 18, 2025
8%
ANEW
Fresh way to start
(4)
Universal Crossword
Oct 17, 2025
8%
ANEW
Fresh way to start
Universal Crossword · Oct 17, 2025
8%
GIST
Main idea
(4)
Universal Crossword
Oct 16, 2025
8%
GIST
Main idea
Universal Crossword · Oct 16, 2025
8%
ALF
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 17-Across
(3)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
8%
ALF
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 17-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
8%
BERT
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 43-Across
(4)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
8%
BERT
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 43-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
8%
ANIMAL
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 58-Across
(6)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
8%
ANIMAL
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 58-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
8%
NON
Starter start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 3, 2025
8%
NON
Starter start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 3, 2025
8%
MESA
Home of Arizona's idea Museum
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 27, 2025
8%
MESA
Home of Arizona's idea Museum
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 27, 2025
8%
WRONGFOOT
Metaphor for a bad start
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
8%
WRONGFOOT
Metaphor for a bad start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
8%
WADE
Get ready to start fly-fishing, say
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 16, 2025
8%
WADE
Get ready to start fly-fishing, say
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 16, 2025
8%
SEOUL
Korean city where BTS got their start
(5)
Universal Crossword
Sep 5, 2025
8%
SEOUL
Korean city where BTS got their start
Universal Crossword · Sep 5, 2025
8%
LEADERBOARD
List of top-scoring players, and what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 18, 2025
8%
LEADERBOARD
List of top-scoring players, and what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 18, 2025
8%
MAKETHECUT
Survive an audition, and what one may do to the start of 18-, 23-, 36-, or 54-Across?
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 11, 2025
8%
MAKETHECUT
Survive an audition, and what one may do to the start of 18-, 23-, 36-, or 54-Across?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 11, 2025
8%
ATBAT
Rockie start?
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 9, 2025
8%
ATBAT
Rockie start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 9, 2025
8%
SEMI
Sweet start?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 8, 2025
8%
SEMI
Sweet start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 8, 2025
8%
CABINETPICK
Presidential appointment ... or the start of 18-, 24-, 39- or 52-Across?
(11)
Universal Crossword
Jul 31, 2025
8%
CABINETPICK
Presidential appointment ... or the start of 18-, 24-, 39- or 52-Across?
Universal Crossword · Jul 31, 2025
8%
AFRESH
From the start
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 14, 2025
8%
AFRESH
From the start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 14, 2025
8%
ITLLNEVERFLY
"That has no chance of success," or a fact about the start of each starred clue's answer
(12)
Universal Crossword
Jul 7, 2025
8%
ITLLNEVERFLY
"That has no chance of success," or a fact about the start of each starred clue's answer
Universal Crossword · Jul 7, 2025
8%
ETC
"... you get the idea": Abbr.
(3)
Universal Crossword
Jun 29, 2025
8%
ETC
"... you get the idea": Abbr.
Universal Crossword · Jun 29, 2025
8%
JOKE
One might start with a knock
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 22, 2025
8%
JOKE
One might start with a knock
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 22, 2025
8%
HITON
Come up with, as an idea
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 16, 2025
8%
HITON
Come up with, as an idea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 16, 2025
8%
PRE
Early start?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Jun 2, 2025
8%
PRE
Early start?
Universal Crossword · Jun 2, 2025
8%
LETSBEGIN
"We should start!"
(9)
Universal Crossword
May 23, 2025
8%
LETSBEGIN
"We should start!"
Universal Crossword · May 23, 2025
8%
SLATE
Clean ___ (fresh start)
(5)
Universal Crossword
May 14, 2025
8%
SLATE
Clean ___ (fresh start)
Universal Crossword · May 14, 2025
8%
FAILURETOLAUNCH
Rocket mishap, or what can be found at the start of the answer to each starred clue
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 23, 2025
8%
FAILURETOLAUNCH
Rocket mishap, or what can be found at the start of the answer to each starred clue
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 23, 2025
8%
OVO
Ab -- (from the start)
(3)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword
Apr 22, 2025
8%
OVO
Ab -- (from the start)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword · Apr 22, 2025
8%
SELMA
City at the start of a march to Montgomery
(5)
Universal Crossword
Apr 10, 2025
8%
SELMA
City at the start of a march to Montgomery
Universal Crossword · Apr 10, 2025
8%
SIDESALAD
Dish that may accompany a main course, and what can be found at the start of 17-, 25-, 38-, or 53-Across?
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 7, 2025
8%
SIDESALAD
Dish that may accompany a main course, and what can be found at the start of 17-, 25-, 38-, or 53-Across?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 7, 2025
8%
HERESANIDEA
Pitcher's start
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 5, 2025
8%
HERESANIDEA
Pitcher's start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 5, 2025
8%
BLANKSLATE
Fresh start
(10)
Universal Crossword
Mar 30, 2025
8%
BLANKSLATE
Fresh start
Universal Crossword · Mar 30, 2025
8%
THOU
Commandment start
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 27, 2025
8%
THOU
Commandment start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 27, 2025
8%
GETOFFTHEGROUND
Successfully start a new project, and a hint to the starts of 18-, 23-, 52-, and 58-Across
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 24, 2025
8%
GETOFFTHEGROUND
Successfully start a new project, and a hint to the starts of 18-, 23-, 52-, and 58-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 24, 2025
8%
BEATSME
“I have no idea”
(7)
Thomas Joseph Crossword
Mar 22, 2025
8%
BEATSME
“I have no idea”
Thomas Joseph Crossword · Mar 22, 2025
8%
INITIALLY
To start with ... or how to parse the first two letters of 17-, 22-, 33- and 47-Across?
(9)
Universal Crossword
Mar 21, 2025
8%
INITIALLY
To start with ... or how to parse the first two letters of 17-, 22-, 33- and 47-Across?
Universal Crossword · Mar 21, 2025
1%
URL
Address that often starts with "www"
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 21, 2026
1%
URL
Address that often starts with "www"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 21, 2026
1%
IPOS
Long-term goals for some startups
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 6, 2026
1%
IPOS
Long-term goals for some startups
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 6, 2026
1%
IST
Real or ideal suffix
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 31, 2026
1%
IST
Real or ideal suffix
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 31, 2026
1%
PANARAB
Supporting Mideast unity
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 31, 2026
1%
PANARAB
Supporting Mideast unity
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 31, 2026
1%
AVON
Cosmetics giant that started as the California Perfume Company
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 28, 2026
1%
AVON
Cosmetics giant that started as the California Perfume Company
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 28, 2026
1%
MEA
Apology starter
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 12, 2026
1%
MEA
Apology starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 12, 2026
1%
EMIR
Mideast leader
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 12, 2026
1%
EMIR
Mideast leader
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 12, 2026
1%
FREEASSOCIATION
Therapy technique that encourages a thoughtful flow of ideas
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 8, 2026
1%
FREEASSOCIATION
Therapy technique that encourages a thoughtful flow of ideas
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 8, 2026
1%
SAABS
Models whose names typically started with 9
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
1%
SAABS
Models whose names typically started with 9
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
1%
COMINGALIVE
Really starting to shine
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
1%
COMINGALIVE
Really starting to shine
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
1%
BUZZWORDS
Trendy jargon, or what can be found at the starts of 17-, 25-, 38-, and 53-Across
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 11, 2026
1%
BUZZWORDS
Trendy jargon, or what can be found at the starts of 17-, 25-, 38-, and 53-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 11, 2026
1%
POKERNIGHT
Evening when one hopes to get a good deal, and when one might hear the starts of 18-, 23-, 37-, and 47-Across
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 6, 2026
1%
POKERNIGHT
Evening when one hopes to get a good deal, and when one might hear the starts of 18-, 23-, 37-, and 47-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 6, 2026
1%
DON
Mattingly who was the Yankees starting first baseman for 12 seasons
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 5, 2026
1%
DON
Mattingly who was the Yankees starting first baseman for 12 seasons
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 5, 2026
1%
ACE
Stack starter in solitaire
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 4, 2026
1%
ACE
Stack starter in solitaire
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 4, 2026
1%
INRE
Memo starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 19, 2026
1%
INRE
Memo starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 19, 2026
1%
EGOT
"Grand slam" awards acronym spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 14, 2026
1%
EGOT
"Grand slam" awards acronym spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 14, 2026
1%
URAL
Range that starts near the Kara Sea
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 12, 2026
1%
URAL
Range that starts near the Kara Sea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 12, 2026
1%
ALUMSIDING
*Metallic house exterior (Read six letters in this answer counterclockwise, starting at letter three)
(10)
Universal Crossword
Apr 10, 2026
1%
ALUMSIDING
*Metallic house exterior (Read six letters in this answer counterclockwise, starting at letter three)
Universal Crossword · Apr 10, 2026
1%
WWW
Internet address starter
(3)
Universal Crossword
Apr 4, 2026
1%
WWW
Internet address starter
Universal Crossword · Apr 4, 2026
1%
SIXSEVEN
2025 meme, or what the starts of 15- and 34-Across and the ends of 20- and 46-Across amount to
(8)
Universal Crossword
Apr 1, 2026
1%
SIXSEVEN
2025 meme, or what the starts of 15- and 34-Across and the ends of 20- and 46-Across amount to
Universal Crossword · Apr 1, 2026
1%
INSCRUTABLE
Impossible to interpret (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter five in this answer)
(11)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
INSCRUTABLE
Impossible to interpret (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter five in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
TURNS
Rotates (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
TURNS
Rotates (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
STARMAP
Astronomer's chart (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter two in this answer)
(7)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
STARMAP
Astronomer's chart (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter two in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
BEEP
Microwave sound (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
(4)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
BEEP
Microwave sound (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
FLINT
Fire-starting aid
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 12, 2026
1%
FLINT
Fire-starting aid
Universal Crossword · Mar 12, 2026
1%
LAIRS
Hideaways
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 2, 2026
1%
LAIRS
Hideaways
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 2, 2026
1%
DOERS
Self-starters
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 1, 2026
1%
DOERS
Self-starters
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 1, 2026
1%
BUCKETLIST
Wishes of a lifetime, or what the starts of the answers to the starred clues form at a chicken restaurant?
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 23, 2026
1%
BUCKETLIST
Wishes of a lifetime, or what the starts of the answers to the starred clues form at a chicken restaurant?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 23, 2026
1%
ONPAPER
Where bad ideas might look better
(7)
Universal Crossword
Jan 30, 2026
1%
ONPAPER
Where bad ideas might look better
Universal Crossword · Jan 30, 2026
1%
OUTLINE
Term paper starting point
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 18, 2026
1%
OUTLINE
Term paper starting point
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 18, 2026
1%
VEGETABLEAISLE
Grocery store section with greens (... letters 6-13 into a name that starts with "I")
(14)
Universal Crossword
Jan 15, 2026
1%
VEGETABLEAISLE
Grocery store section with greens (... letters 6-13 into a name that starts with "I")
Universal Crossword · Jan 15, 2026
1%
STARTTHECLOCK
"I'm gonna begin ... now!" (... letters 3-11 into a name that starts with "C")
(13)
Universal Crossword
Jan 15, 2026
1%
STARTTHECLOCK
"I'm gonna begin ... now!" (... letters 3-11 into a name that starts with "C")
Universal Crossword · Jan 15, 2026
1%
TIMESHARES
Some vacation condo arrangements ... or a hint to what can follow the starts and precede the ends of the starred clues' answers
(10)
Universal Crossword
Jan 14, 2026
1%
TIMESHARES
Some vacation condo arrangements ... or a hint to what can follow the starts and precede the ends of the starred clues' answers
Universal Crossword · Jan 14, 2026
1%
ABC
Alphabet starter
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 8, 2026
1%
ABC
Alphabet starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 8, 2026
1%
ERGO
Conclusion starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 7, 2026
1%
ERGO
Conclusion starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 7, 2026
1%
PROTOSTAR
One just starting to shine
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 27, 2025
1%
PROTOSTAR
One just starting to shine
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 27, 2025
1%
NANO
Tech startup?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 27, 2025
1%
NANO
Tech startup?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 27, 2025
1%
NHLGAME
Contest that starts with a center-ice faceoff
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 18, 2025
1%
NHLGAME
Contest that starts with a center-ice faceoff
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 18, 2025
1%
AUTO
Self starter?
(4)
Universal Crossword
Dec 15, 2025
1%
AUTO
Self starter?
Universal Crossword · Dec 15, 2025
1%
BEERRUN
Trip to buy brewskis, or a sequence found in the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 9, 2025
1%
BEERRUN
Trip to buy brewskis, or a sequence found in the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 9, 2025
1%
INDENT
Paragraph starter
(6)
Universal Crossword
Dec 1, 2025
1%
INDENT
Paragraph starter
Universal Crossword · Dec 1, 2025
1%
GISTS
Main ideas
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 27, 2025
1%
GISTS
Main ideas
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 27, 2025
1%
LAIR
Hideaway
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 21, 2025
1%
LAIR
Hideaway
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 21, 2025
1%
DOCILE
Like animals in a petting zoo, ideally
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 18, 2025
1%
DOCILE
Like animals in a petting zoo, ideally
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 18, 2025
1%
PSST
Discreet conversation starter
(4)
Universal Crossword
Nov 15, 2025
1%
PSST
Discreet conversation starter
Universal Crossword · Nov 15, 2025
1%
EYEOPENING
Unexpectedly enlightening, and what can be found at the starts of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 49-Across
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 10, 2025
1%
EYEOPENING
Unexpectedly enlightening, and what can be found at the starts of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 49-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 10, 2025
1%
XENON
Only element starting with "X"
(5)
Universal Crossword
Nov 9, 2025
1%
XENON
Only element starting with "X"
Universal Crossword · Nov 9, 2025
1%
VON
German surname starter, sometimes
(3)
Universal Crossword
Nov 3, 2025
1%
VON
German surname starter, sometimes
Universal Crossword · Nov 3, 2025
1%
HIGHFASHION
Haute couture, and a hint to the starts of 3-, 9-, 27- and 30-Down
(11)
Universal Crossword
Oct 28, 2025
1%
HIGHFASHION
Haute couture, and a hint to the starts of 3-, 9-, 27- and 30-Down
Universal Crossword · Oct 28, 2025
1%
AMMAN
Mideast capital once named Philadelphia
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 17, 2025
1%
AMMAN
Mideast capital once named Philadelphia
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 17, 2025
1%
SOURDOUGH
*Bread that needs a starter
(9)
Universal Crossword
Oct 13, 2025
1%
SOURDOUGH
*Bread that needs a starter
Universal Crossword · Oct 13, 2025
1%
NONET
Baseball team's starting lineup, e.g.
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 12, 2025
1%
NONET
Baseball team's starting lineup, e.g.
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 12, 2025
1%
TAKEFIVE
Go on a break, or what the starts of 16-, 20-, 32-, 43-, and 57-Across can be called
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 7, 2025
1%
TAKEFIVE
Go on a break, or what the starts of 16-, 20-, 32-, 43-, and 57-Across can be called
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 7, 2025
1%
ATEAMS
Squads of starters
(6)
Universal Crossword
Oct 3, 2025
1%
ATEAMS
Squads of starters
Universal Crossword · Oct 3, 2025
1%
INKY
Like water surrounding a startled cuttlefish, maybe
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 29, 2025
1%
INKY
Like water surrounding a startled cuttlefish, maybe
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 29, 2025
1%
HTTP
URL starter
(4)
Universal Crossword
Sep 25, 2025
1%
HTTP
URL starter
Universal Crossword · Sep 25, 2025
1%
NIUNAMENOS
Feminist movement started in Argentina
(10)
Universal Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
1%
NIUNAMENOS
Feminist movement started in Argentina
Universal Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
1%
YEAST
Sourdough starter component
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
1%
YEAST
Sourdough starter component
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
1%
PLOT
Compelling feature of a novel, ideally
(4)
Universal Crossword
Sep 21, 2025
1%
PLOT
Compelling feature of a novel, ideally
Universal Crossword · Sep 21, 2025
1%
TROTS
Unlikely gaits out of the starting gate
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 21, 2025
1%
TROTS
Unlikely gaits out of the starting gate
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 21, 2025
1%
THEMES
Main ideas
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 21, 2025
1%
THEMES
Main ideas
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 21, 2025
1%
TRACEELEMENTS
The art student who was bored in chemistry class started to ...
(13)
Universal Crossword
Sep 18, 2025
1%
TRACEELEMENTS
The art student who was bored in chemistry class started to ...
Universal Crossword · Sep 18, 2025
1%
EDGE
Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 14, 2025
1%
EDGE
Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 14, 2025
1%
BLINDS
Hunters' hideaways
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 14, 2025
1%
BLINDS
Hunters' hideaways
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 14, 2025
1%
DRY
Like kindling, ideally
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 11, 2025
1%
DRY
Like kindling, ideally
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 11, 2025
1%
ANY
"__ ideas?"
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 9, 2025
1%
ANY
"__ ideas?"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 9, 2025
1%
CHANGINGTASTES
Evolving preferences, and a clue to the starts of 19-, 26-, 33- and 41-Across
(14)
Universal Crossword
Sep 4, 2025
1%
CHANGINGTASTES
Evolving preferences, and a clue to the starts of 19-, 26-, 33- and 41-Across
Universal Crossword · Sep 4, 2025
1%
AHEADOF
Leading, or, when parsed differently, what can lead into the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 3, 2025
1%
AHEADOF
Leading, or, when parsed differently, what can lead into the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 3, 2025
1%
NOTES
App for writing down crossword ideas
(5)
Universal Crossword
Sep 1, 2025
1%
NOTES
App for writing down crossword ideas
Universal Crossword · Sep 1, 2025
1%
REO
Speedwagon starter?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Sep 1, 2025
1%
REO
Speedwagon starter?
Universal Crossword · Sep 1, 2025
1%
ENERO
Calendario starter
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 27, 2025
1%
ENERO
Calendario starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 27, 2025
1%
YAPAT
Try to startle, as a puppy might
(5)
Universal Crossword
Aug 25, 2025
1%
YAPAT
Try to startle, as a puppy might
Universal Crossword · Aug 25, 2025
1%
POLEPOSITION
Best starting spot in auto racing ... or 19-, 28- or 40-Across?
(12)
Universal Crossword
Aug 14, 2025
1%
POLEPOSITION
Best starting spot in auto racing ... or 19-, 28- or 40-Across?
Universal Crossword · Aug 14, 2025
1%
ELAL
Mideast airline
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 3, 2025
1%
ELAL
Mideast airline
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 3, 2025
1%
DAYO
Belafonte song starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 1, 2025
1%
DAYO
Belafonte song starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 1, 2025
1%
IMALLEARS
"Let's hear your ideas"
(9)
Universal Crossword
Jul 22, 2025
1%
IMALLEARS
"Let's hear your ideas"
Universal Crossword · Jul 22, 2025
1%
WEAREFAMILY
Sister Sledge classic whose second line is "I got all my sisters with me," and a hint to the starts of 17-, 24-, 39-, and 49-Across
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 21, 2025
1%
WEAREFAMILY
Sister Sledge classic whose second line is "I got all my sisters with me," and a hint to the starts of 17-, 24-, 39-, and 49-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 21, 2025
1%
PICNICAREAS
Outside eating spots, and where to find the starts of 17-, 27-, and 47-Across
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 15, 2025
1%
PICNICAREAS
Outside eating spots, and where to find the starts of 17-, 27-, and 47-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 15, 2025
1%
WILDYEAST
*Sourdough starter
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 14, 2025
1%
WILDYEAST
*Sourdough starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 14, 2025
1%
ERIE
Canal that starts near Albany, New York
(4)
Universal Crossword
Jul 11, 2025
1%
ERIE
Canal that starts near Albany, New York
Universal Crossword · Jul 11, 2025
1%
TURNTURNTURN
The Byrds No. 1 hit whose lyrics come from Ecclesiastes, and what can be found at the starts of 20-, 27-, and 48-Across
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 23, 2025
1%
TURNTURNTURN
The Byrds No. 1 hit whose lyrics come from Ecclesiastes, and what can be found at the starts of 20-, 27-, and 48-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 23, 2025
1%
ECO
System starter
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 22, 2025
1%
ECO
System starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 22, 2025
1%
ABACK
Taken __: startled
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 22, 2025
1%
ABACK
Taken __: startled
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 22, 2025
1%
COMESFULLCIRCLE
Returns to the beginning, as suggested by the phonetic formula found at the starts of 17-, 37-, and 42-Across
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 19, 2025
1%
COMESFULLCIRCLE
Returns to the beginning, as suggested by the phonetic formula found at the starts of 17-, 37-, and 42-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 19, 2025
1%
NEWHIRES
They're just getting started
(8)
Universal Crossword
Jun 16, 2025
1%
NEWHIRES
They're just getting started
Universal Crossword · Jun 16, 2025
1%
IGOTNOTHIN
"Guess who's outta ideas? Me!"
(10)
Universal Crossword
Jun 14, 2025
1%
IGOTNOTHIN
"Guess who's outta ideas? Me!"
Universal Crossword · Jun 14, 2025
1%
FALSE
Like some starts and returns
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 13, 2025
1%
FALSE
Like some starts and returns
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 13, 2025
1%
FWD
Email subj. line starter
(3)
Universal Crossword
Jun 12, 2025
1%
FWD
Email subj. line starter
Universal Crossword · Jun 12, 2025
1%
LOML
Romantic initialism spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 12, 2025
1%
LOML
Romantic initialism spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 12, 2025
1%
SPRINGTHAW
Sign of winter's end, as depicted at the starts of 17-, 24-, 35- and 50-Across
(10)
Universal Crossword
Jun 12, 2025
1%
SPRINGTHAW
Sign of winter's end, as depicted at the starts of 17-, 24-, 35- and 50-Across
Universal Crossword · Jun 12, 2025
1%
ANTES
Poker hand starters
(5)
Universal Crossword
Jun 11, 2025
1%
ANTES
Poker hand starters
Universal Crossword · Jun 11, 2025
1%
TREEFORT
Backyard hideaway
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 1, 2025
1%
TREEFORT
Backyard hideaway
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 1, 2025
1%
ROLLUP
Act like a startled doodlebug
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 1, 2025
1%
ROLLUP
Act like a startled doodlebug
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 1, 2025
1%
ORNOT
"... unless you have other ideas"
(5)
Universal Crossword
May 22, 2025
1%
ORNOT
"... unless you have other ideas"
Universal Crossword · May 22, 2025
1%
FRIDAY
When the weekend starts
(6)
Universal Crossword
May 22, 2025
1%
FRIDAY
When the weekend starts
Universal Crossword · May 22, 2025
1%
QUICKPEEKS
Brief glances ... or a homophonic hint to the starts of 3-, 5- and 7-Down
(10)
Universal Crossword
May 21, 2025
1%
QUICKPEEKS
Brief glances ... or a homophonic hint to the starts of 3-, 5- and 7-Down
Universal Crossword · May 21, 2025
1%
WHATCHAUPTO
"Anything fun on the agenda today?," or a hint to the starts of 3-, 7-, 21-, and 29-Down
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 20, 2025
1%
WHATCHAUPTO
"Anything fun on the agenda today?," or a hint to the starts of 3-, 7-, 21-, and 29-Down
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 20, 2025
1%
WINDOWDRESSINGS
Storefront merchandise displays, or what the starts of 17-, 24-, 51-, and 63-Across are
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 6, 2025
1%
WINDOWDRESSINGS
Storefront merchandise displays, or what the starts of 17-, 24-, 51-, and 63-Across are
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 6, 2025
1%
SBA
Govt. lender for a start-up
(3)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword
May 2, 2025
1%
SBA
Govt. lender for a start-up
Eugene Sheffer Crossword · May 2, 2025
1%
SIDENOTES
Tangential remarks ... or a hint to the starts and ends of the starred clues' answers
(9)
Universal Crossword
Apr 30, 2025
1%
SIDENOTES
Tangential remarks ... or a hint to the starts and ends of the starred clues' answers
Universal Crossword · Apr 30, 2025
1%
DESILU
Production company started by Ball and Arnaz
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 24, 2025
1%
DESILU
Production company started by Ball and Arnaz
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 24, 2025
1%
CTO
Exec at an AI startup
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 20, 2025
1%
CTO
Exec at an AI startup
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 20, 2025
1%
ONE
Count starter
(3)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword
Apr 15, 2025
1%
ONE
Count starter
Eugene Sheffer Crossword · Apr 15, 2025
1%
TWAS
“Jabberwocky” starter
(4)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword
Apr 14, 2025
1%
TWAS
“Jabberwocky” starter
Eugene Sheffer Crossword · Apr 14, 2025
1%
METOO
Movement that started in 2017
(5)
Universal Crossword
Apr 8, 2025
1%
METOO
Movement that started in 2017
Universal Crossword · Apr 8, 2025
1%
FRONTOFHOUSE
Restaurant or theater staffers who work with patrons, or where the starts of 20-, 28-, 36-, and 48-Across can be found?
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 8, 2025
1%
FRONTOFHOUSE
Restaurant or theater staffers who work with patrons, or where the starts of 20-, 28-, 36-, and 48-Across can be found?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 8, 2025
1%
ALLS
Shakespeare title starter
(4)
Eugene Sheffer Crossword
Apr 2, 2025
1%
ALLS
Shakespeare title starter
Eugene Sheffer Crossword · Apr 2, 2025
1%
JUSTBROWSING
"Only window shopping," and what one might say when using the starts of 20-, 31-, and 46-Across
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 31, 2025
1%
JUSTBROWSING
"Only window shopping," and what one might say when using the starts of 20-, 31-, and 46-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 31, 2025
1%
WENTTOIT
Got started
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 30, 2025
1%
WENTTOIT
Got started
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 30, 2025
1%
IPRAY
Supplication starter
(5)
Premier Sunday Crossword
Mar 23, 2025
1%
IPRAY
Supplication starter
Premier Sunday Crossword · Mar 23, 2025
1%
DEADSEA
Mideast salt lake
(7)
Thomas Joseph Crossword
Mar 20, 2025
1%
DEADSEA
Mideast salt lake
Thomas Joseph Crossword · Mar 20, 2025
1%
TEEING
___ off (starting to golf)
(6)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2025
1%
TEEING
___ off (starting to golf)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2025
1%
GRAYSCALE
Range between white and black, and where the starts of 17-, 23-, 40-, and 53-Across can be found
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 18, 2025
1%
GRAYSCALE
Range between white and black, and where the starts of 17-, 23-, 40-, and 53-Across can be found
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 18, 2025
Clues for Universal Crossword on March 14, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many possible solutions does "Start of an idea" have?
We found 2 exact solutions and 177 total potential answers including similar clues. The most likely answer is GERM (4 letters).
What is the best answer for "Start of an idea"?
The best answer for "Start of an idea" is GERM with 4 letters.
This answer has a 99% confidence rating based on our database of crossword solutions.
Other exact solutions include SEED (4 letters).
Where has "Start of an idea" been used as a crossword clue?
This clue has appeared 11 times in our database.
It has been featured in Universal Crossword, Thomas Joseph Crossword, LA Times Daily Crossword.
It was last seen in the Universal Crossword on March 14, 2025.