competes for crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "competes for" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "competes for crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VIE: To compete eagerly or intensely for something, often a position or prize.
5 Letters
RIVAL: To be in competition with someone or something, often trying to surpass them in quality or achievement.
6 Letters
STRIVE: To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, often in the face of difficulty.
7 Letters
CONTEND: To struggle to surmount (a difficulty or danger), or to compete in a contest or battle.
More About "competes for crossword clue"
Clues involving "competes for" are a common feature in crosswords, often requiring solvers to think about synonyms for words like 'contest', 'strive', 'vie', or 'challenge'. These clues typically lead to verbs that describe the act of engaging in a contest or aspiring to achieve a particular goal, object, or recognition.
Understanding the nuance of "competes for" is key. It implies an active pursuit or a direct opposition towards a specific target. For instance, one might "vie for a prize" or "contend for the championship." The context of the surrounding words in the puzzle can often provide hints about the exact type of competition or the desired outcome, helping you narrow down the correct answer.
Always consider the number of letters required and how the answer might fit with intersecting words. This strategic approach will significantly improve your chances of solving even the trickiest competition-related clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Verb: For clues like "competes for," focus on the action. Is it about physical competition, mental rivalry, or striving for an abstract goal? This can help narrow down synonyms.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm words related to "compete" and their opposites. Sometimes a clue might indirectly hint at the lack of competition or a result of it.
- Check Tense and Plurality: Always ensure your answer matches the tense and plurality implied by the clue. "Competes" suggests a present tense, singular verb in most cases.
- Use Cross-References: Look at intersecting words you've already filled in. These letters are crucial for confirming or rejecting potential answers, acting as vital checkpoints.
- Think of Common Crossword Patterns: Some words appear more often than others in specific lengths for "compete" type clues. Familiarity with common crossword lexicon can give you an edge.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'competes for' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'competes for' typically points to verbs or synonyms that describe engaging in a contest, striving against others, or vying for a goal. The answer often reflects the act of challenging or trying to win something.
How can I find answers when a clue like 'competes for' appears?
Start by considering synonyms for 'compete' such as vie, contend, battle, challenge, or strive. Also, think about the specific object being competed for, as this can narrow down the potential answers. Check the letter count for potential matches.
Are there common pitfalls when solving clues about competition?
Yes, sometimes clues can be tricky by using abstract competition (e.g., 'competes for attention') versus physical competition. Also, be aware of different tenses (e.g., 'competed' vs. 'competing') as this affects the answer's form. Always consider the word length and surrounding letters.