bastion crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the "bastion crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a detailed solution, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "bastion crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FORT: A fortified military post or a permanent army station.
KEEP: The strongest or central tower of a castle, acting as a final refuge.
WALL: A continuous vertical brick or stone structure that forms part of a building or encloses an area of land, often for defense.
7 Letters
CITADEL: A fortress, typically on high ground, protecting or dominating a city.
BULWARK: A defensive wall or an extension of a ship's side above the deck. Can also refer to a person or thing that acts as a defense.
RAMPART: A defensive wall of a castle or walled city, having a broad top with a walkway and typically a stone parapet.
8 Letters
FORTRESS: A military stronghold, especially a strongly fortified town fit for a large garrison.
10 Letters
STRONGHOLD: A place that has been fortified to protect it against attack.
More About "bastion crossword clue"
"Bastion" is a common term encountered in crosswords due to its clear-cut meaning and several well-known synonyms. Originating from military architecture, a bastion is a projecting part of a fortification that allows defensive fire in multiple directions. This core meaning extends metaphorically to anything that serves as a strong defense or a place where something is strongly defended and preserved.
When "bastion" appears as a clue, the setter is usually looking for a word related to fortifications, strongholds, or protective structures. The challenge often lies in identifying which synonym fits the specific number of letters or the context provided by other intersecting clues in the puzzle. Familiarity with architectural terms and common defensive structures can be highly beneficial.
Beyond its literal sense, "bastion" can also imply a figurative stronghold, as in "a bastion of tradition" or "a bastion of democracy." While less common in standard crossword clues directly related to a single word answer, understanding this broader usage can sometimes help in more cryptic or themed puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by noting the exact number of letters required for the answer. This is the single most important filter for potential solutions like those for "bastion".
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters from completed intersecting words. Even one letter can often eliminate many incorrect answers and confirm the correct one, especially for words with multiple synonyms like 'bastion'.
- Consider Nuance: While 'bastion' has many synonyms, some clues might subtly hint at a specific one. For example, a clue mentioning a 'city defense' might lean towards CITADEL, while 'defensive wall' could suggest RAMPART.
- Think Broadly & Narrowly: For clues with multiple meanings (like 'bastion' having literal and figurative senses), consider both. However, for a direct clue like "bastion", focus on the most common, literal synonyms first.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'bastion' mean in a general sense?
In a general sense, a 'bastion' refers to a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions. It can also metaphorically refer to a place or system in which something continues to survive.
Are there common synonyms for 'bastion' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'bastion' frequently appearing in crosswords include FORTRESS, CITADEL, BULWARK, RAMPART, REDOUBT, and STRONGHOLD. Shorter answers might include FORT or KEEP.
How can I identify the correct answer for a 'bastion' clue if multiple options fit?
To identify the correct answer, always check the number of letters required by the puzzle. Also, consider any intersecting letters from other clues, which will narrow down the possibilities significantly. The specific nuance of the clue might also hint at one synonym over another (e.g., 'defensive wall' might favor RAMPART).