Like 48 us states (10) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CONTIGUOUS
Understanding the Clue Structure
The clue "48 us states" immediately points solvers toward geographical terminology related to the United States.
The number in parentheses (10) indicates the answer contains exactly 10 letters, making CONTIGUOUS the perfect fit.
Related Crossword Clues and Variations
- "Lower 48 states"
- "Connected US states"
- "Mainland America states"
- "Non-island US states"
Expert Solving Tips
- Recognition Patterns: When you see "48 states" in a crossword clue, immediately consider geographical terms. The exclusion of Alaska and Hawaii is the key insight that leads to CONTIGUOUS.
- Letter Pattern Analysis: With 10 letters, CONTIGUOUS fits common crossword grid patterns. The double "U" in the middle and the "UOUS" ending are distinctive letter combinations that experienced solvers recognize.
- Cross-Reference Strategy: Look for intersecting answers that might provide helpful letters, particularly the "C" at the beginning or the "S" at the end, which are common crossword letters.
Like 48 us states (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are Alaska and Hawaii never considered part of the contiguous United States?
A: Correct. Alaska is separated by Canada, while Hawaii is an island chain in the Pacific Ocean, making neither geographically contiguous with the other 48 states.
Q: What's the difference between "contiguous" and "continental" United States?
A: While often used interchangeably, "continental" technically includes Alaska since it's on the North American continent, whereas "contiguous" specifically means the 48 connected states.
Q: How often does this clue appear in crosswords?
A: Geography clues about US states are crossword staples, appearing regularly in major publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today puzzles.
