breaks crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "breaks" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "breaks crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RIPS: Tears or sudden splits in something.
5 Letters
SNAPS: Breaks suddenly with a sharp sound; sudden breaks.
HALTS: Stops or pauses; common meaning for taking breaks.
RUINS: Damages severely or destroys; to break down completely.
RESTS: Periods of inactivity or relaxation; synonymous with 'breaks' in the sense of taking a break.
6 Letters
PAUSES: Periods of temporary cessation or rest.
CRACKS: Narrow openings or fissures, often resulting from a break.
SPLITS: Divides or separates, often forcefully; can mean breaks in relationships or objects.
7 Letters
FISSURE: A long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting.
8 Letters
RUPTURES: Sudden breaks or bursts; a forceful break.
SHATTERS: Breaks into many pieces suddenly and violently.
11 Letters
INFRACTIONS: Violations or infringements of a law, agreement, or set of rules; breaking rules.
More About "breaks crossword clue"
The clue "breaks" is a classic example of a versatile word in crosswords that can mean many things depending on the context. It challenges solvers to think beyond the most obvious definitions. It could refer to physical damage, such as a crack in a wall or a rip in fabric. Alternatively, it might imply a pause or a period of rest, as in "taking a break." Furthermore, "breaks" can also signify a violation, like breaking a rule or a promise, or even a sudden development, like "breaking news."
Crossword setters love using words like "breaks" because they allow for clever wordplay and misdirection. The key to solving such clues often lies in considering the number of letters in the answer, the surrounding clues, and the overall theme of the puzzle. Is the puzzle about sports? Then "breaks" might refer to breaking a record. Is it about geology? Then fissures or cracks might be the answer. Always keep an open mind and explore all semantic possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For a word like "breaks," brainstorm all possible interpretations – physical breakage, pauses, violations, records, etc.
- Check the letter count: This is your strongest hint. An answer like RIPS (4 letters) is very different from INFRACTIONS (12 letters), even though both relate to "breaks."
- Look at surrounding clues: Sometimes, an intersecting word will give you the crucial letter or two that narrows down the options for "breaks."
- Think about parts of speech: Is "breaks" functioning as a noun (e.g., "gaps") or a verb (e.g., "shatters")? This can significantly alter the potential answers.
- Don't be afraid to guess and check: If you have a strong contender, pencil it in and see if it makes sense with the intersecting words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'breaks' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Breaks' is a versatile crossword clue that can refer to various meanings: physical fractures (e.g., CRACKS, RIPS), periods of rest or cessation (e.g., PAUSES, LULLS), or violations of rules or laws (e.g., OFFENCES, INFRACTIONS). The specific context or accompanying words in the clue often help narrow down the intended meaning.
How can the word length help when solving 'breaks' clues?
Word length is a crucial hint. For example, a 4-letter answer for 'breaks' might lead you to RIPS or SNAPS, while a 6-letter answer could be PAUSES or CRACKS. Longer answers like SHATTERS (9 letters) or INFRACTIONS (12 letters) indicate a more complex or specific meaning of 'breaks'. Always match the proposed answer to the given length.
Are there common crossword themes related to 'breaks'?
Yes, 'breaks' often appears in themes related to 'stopping' (as in breaks in continuity), 'destroying' (as in breaking something apart), 'violating' (as in breaking a promise or law), or even 'starting' (as in breaking new ground). Pay attention to any thematic elements in the puzzle, as they can provide additional clues for 'breaks'.