countenanced crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "countenanced crossword clue," categorized by letter count for quick and easy assistance.
Solutions for "countenanced crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ALLOWED: To give permission for something; sanctioned.
8 Letters
APPROVED: Formally agreed to or accepted; countenanced.
ENDORSED: Declared one's public approval or support of; countenanced.
9 Letters
PERMITTED: To allow something to happen or exist; countenanced.
TOLERATED: Allowed the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference; countenanced.
10 Letters
SANCTIONED: Given official permission or approval for (an action); countenanced.
More About "countenanced crossword clue"
The word 'countenanced' is a past participle of the verb 'countenance,' which means to admit as acceptable or possible, or to give material or moral support to. In the context of a crossword clue, 'countenanced' typically points to synonyms related to approval, permission, or tolerance. Common answers often include words like ALLOWED, PERMITTED, APPROVED, or SANCTIONED.
Understanding the nuanced meaning of 'countenance'—which can also refer to a person's face or facial expression—is key to distinguishing it from other clues that might seem similar. When 'countenanced' appears in a clue, it almost invariably refers to the aspect of giving permission or approval, making it a valuable hint for solvers. The tense (past participle) is also a strong indicator that the answer will likely be in a similar past tense or past participle form.
This clue is a great example of how crosswords test your vocabulary breadth and your understanding of word forms and shades of meaning. Always consider the precise meaning of the verb when tackling such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tense: "Countenanced" is a past participle. Look for answers that are also past participles or past tense verbs (e.g., allowed, approved, permitted).
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Think about all possible synonyms for 'allow', 'permit', 'approve', and also 'tolerate'. The specific context of the puzzle might lean towards one nuance over another, so having a range of options is helpful.
- Check Cross-References: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use those to narrow down the possible answers for "countenanced." This is often the quickest way to confirm a suspicion or eliminate incorrect answers.
- Utilize a Thesaurus: If you're stuck and no obvious answer comes to mind, a quick search for synonyms of 'countenance' in its verb form can open up many new possibilities and help you find the word that fits the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "countenanced" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "countenanced" almost always refers to the act of giving permission, approval, or support to something. It means to allow or tolerate.
Why might "countenanced" have multiple answers in a crossword?
Like many English words, "countenanced" has several close synonyms that fit its meaning. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle, or the subtle nuance intended by the crossword setter.
Are there other common words like "countenanced" that often appear as clues for permission?
Yes, clues like "sanctioned," "permitted," "allowed," "approved," and "endorsed" are frequently used to imply permission or approval, similar to "countenanced."