crossword clue confound – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "confound," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's conquer that challenging clue!
Solutions for "crossword clue confound" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BEFOG: To make obscure or muddled, fitting the idea of confusing someone.
6 Letters
PUZZLE: To make someone feel confused because they cannot understand or explain something, a direct synonym for confound.
7 Letters
MYSTIFY: To utterly bewilder or perplex, strongly related to the meaning of confound.
NONPLUS: To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to act.
8 Letters
BEWILDER: To cause someone to become perplexed and confused, a common and fitting answer for confound.
10 Letters
DISCONCERT: To disturb the composure of; unsettle, which aligns with causing confusion or disarray.
More About "crossword clue confound"
"Confound" is a versatile word that often appears in crossword puzzles, typically hinting at answers related to confusion, perplexity, or even defeat. Its primary meaning involves causing surprise or confusion in someone, often by acting against their expectations. For instance, a magician might "confound" an audience with an illusion, or a complex problem might "confound" a student.
When you encounter "confound" as a clue, consider synonyms that express a similar sense of bewilderment or making something unclear. The difficulty level can vary, as some puzzles might lean towards direct synonyms like PUZZLE or BEWILDER, while others might use more nuanced terms like BEFOG or DISCONCERT, focusing on specific aspects of confusion or disarray. Always keep the number of letters in mind, as this is your best guide to narrowing down the possibilities.
Beyond simply confusing, "confound" can also mean to refute a theory or expectation, or even to mix things up in a way that makes them indistinguishable. While less common in standard cryptic clues, these broader meanings can sometimes be relevant in more advanced or themed crosswords. Understanding the full semantic range of "confound" will give you an edge in solving even the trickiest puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "confound," think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Is it about pure confusion (MYSTIFY), making something unclear (BEFOG), or disrupting composure (DISCONCERT)? The specific context of the puzzle might hint at the exact nuance.
- Check Cross-References: Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues. This is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out potential answers for "confound" when you have multiple options of the same length.
- Consider Word Length: The length of the answer box is your biggest hint. If you have several synonyms for "confound," eliminate those that don't match the required letter count immediately. This is why our answers are categorized by length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'confound' typically mean in a crossword puzzle context?
In crosswords, 'confound' usually points to answers related to confusing, perplexing, or bewildering someone. Common synonyms include puzzle, bewilder, mystify, or even less direct terms like befog or disconcert, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I find synonyms for 'confound' if I'm stuck?
When a clue like 'confound' appears, think broadly about its meanings: to confuse, to amaze, to defeat, or even to mix up. Consider looking for words that fit these different nuances. Online thesauruses and crossword dictionaries are excellent resources for finding synonyms based on the number of letters.
Why are there multiple answers for a single crossword clue like 'confound'?
Multiple answers for a single clue are common in crosswords because many words have similar meanings or synonyms. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle's grid and the intersecting letters from other clues. Our page provides various options to help you find the correct fit for your puzzle.