astonish crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "astonish crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "astonish crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AWE: To inspire wonder or reverence.
4 Letters
STUN: To shock or deeply impress someone, often to the point of incapacitation.
5 Letters
AMAZE: To surprise someone greatly; fill with wonder and admiration.
SHOCK: To cause to feel a sudden, violent, and upsetting surprise.
7 Letters
ASTOUND: To surprise or shock profoundly; to bewilder with wonder.
STARTLE: To cause to feel sudden shock or alarm; to briefly surprise.
8 Letters
SURPRISE: To cause to feel mild astonishment or shock; to encounter unexpectedly.
11 Letters
FLABBERGAST: To surprise (someone) greatly; to utterly astound.
More About "astonish crossword clue"
"Astonish" is a popular clue in crosswords because of its rich variety of synonyms, allowing setters to use it for different word lengths and contexts. From short, sharp impacts like "stun" or "awe" to more profound effects like "astound" or "flabbergast," the choice often depends on the surrounding letters and the specific nuance the crossword creator intends. It's a word that evokes strong reactions, making its synonyms equally evocative and useful for puzzles.
When you encounter 'astonish' in a clue, think about the intensity of the surprise or wonder it implies. Is it a sudden, brief moment of shock, or a more prolonged state of amazement? This subtle distinction can help you pick between closely related answers. Always double-check the definition of the word you're considering to ensure it perfectly fits the clue's context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for clues like "astonish" significantly.
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by seeing how it fits with other words that cross its path. Even one confirmed letter can be the key.
- Consider Nuance: While synonyms are abundant, pay attention to subtle differences. "Astonish" might be used for 'shock' in one puzzle, and 'amaze' in another, depending on the full context of the clue or the puzzle's theme.
- Think of Homophones/Puns: Sometimes, crossword clues use wordplay. Though less common for direct synonyms like "astonish," always be open to lateral thinking if a direct answer isn't fitting.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'astonish' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Astonish' in a crossword context usually refers to causing a great surprise, wonder, or shock. Clues often lead to synonyms like 'amaze', 'stun', 'shock', 'astound', or 'surprise', depending on the required letter count.
Why are there multiple answers for 'astonish crossword clue'?
Crossword puzzles use synonyms and variations in meaning to create multiple possible answers for a single concept like 'astonish'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the intersecting letters from other clues in the puzzle grid.
How can I narrow down the correct answer for 'astonish'?
To find the precise answer, first check the number of letters needed. Then, look at any letters already filled in from intersecting clues. Finally, consider the exact nuance of the clue; sometimes 'astonish' might lean more towards 'shock' than 'awe', depending on the setter's intent.