blocking crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "blocking crossword clue" in your puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the potential solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword with ease. Discover answers tailored to various letter counts below.
Solutions for "blocking crossword clue" by Letter Count
11 Letters
OBSTRUCTING: This answer implies a direct action of creating an obstacle or hindering progress, fitting perfectly with the idea of blocking.
9 Letters
HINDERING: To hinder means to create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction, which is a form of blocking.
8 Letters
IMPEDING: This word means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; a very common synonym for blocking in many contexts.
STOPPING: A general term for causing something to cease movement or operation, directly related to blocking a path or process.
7 Letters
BARRING: To bar something is to prevent it or someone from doing something or going somewhere, often with a physical barrier.
JAMMING: This term refers to causing something to become stuck or inoperable, often by blocking its mechanism or path.
More About "blocking crossword clue"
The clue "blocking" is a common one in crosswords, often requiring a verb or an adjective that describes the act of obstruction, hindering, or prevention. Its versatility means it can refer to a physical barrier, as in "blocking a road," or a more abstract concept, like "blocking progress" or "blocking a memory." Understanding the nuances of context is key to finding the precise answer.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the tense and part of speech required. Is it "blocking" as an ongoing action, or "blocked" as a past event? The surrounding letters and the number of spaces available are your primary guides, but thinking about synonyms like "obstructing," "impeding," "barring," or even "choking" can open up new possibilities.
This clue often tests your vocabulary related to obstacles, delays, and prevention. Crossword constructors love to use words that have multiple meanings, so keep an open mind about whether "blocking" refers to a sports term, a computer function, or a general act of restraint.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For clues like "blocking," consider if it's literal (e.g., a physical barrier) or figurative (e.g., emotional blocking, tactical blocking in sports). This can drastically change the possible answers.
- Check Word Length & Intersections: Always use the number of letters provided and any already filled-in intersecting letters as your most reliable constraints. This helps eliminate many incorrect synonyms quickly.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm a wide range of words that mean "blocking" or its opposite. Sometimes thinking about what it *isn't* can lead you to what it *is*. Common synonyms include obstructing, impeding, hindering, barring, stopping, jamming, sealing, preventing.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: "Blocking" could be part of a phrasal verb, especially if the clue or grid suggests it. Always be aware of such possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my crossword solving skills for "blocking" type clues?
To improve on clues like "blocking", focus on synonyms and antonyms. Consider different contexts (e.g., physical blocking, emotional blocking, strategic blocking). Also, pay attention to the part of speech and tense implied by the clue. Practicing regularly with a thesaurus can be very beneficial.
Why are there multiple answers for a single crossword clue?
Crossword puzzles are created by many different constructors and published in various places. A single clue can often have several valid answers depending on the specific puzzle, the constructor's style, and the letter count required. Our site provides all possible common answers to give you the best chance of finding the correct one for your puzzle.
What's the best strategy for "blocking" clues when stuck?
If you're stuck on a "blocking" clue, try to think of common prefixes or suffixes for words related to obstruction (e.g., 'un-', '-ed', '-ing'). Also, look at the intersecting letters you already have, as they often provide strong hints about the possible answer length and specific letters, helping you narrow down choices like OBSTRUCTING or IMPEDING.