crossword clue maintain – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "maintain," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by length, along with helpful explanations to keep your puzzling experience smooth and enjoyable.
Solutions for "crossword clue maintain" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEP: To continue in a specified state or condition; cause to continue.
6 Letters
UPHOLD: To confirm or support (something which has been questioned or challenged).
RETAIN: To continue to have (something); keep possession of.
ASSERT: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully, as in 'maintain one's innocence'.
7 Letters
SUSTAIN: To strengthen or support physically or mentally; keep in existence.
SUPPORT: To bear all or part of the weight of; hold up, or to provide with a livelihood.
NURTURE: To care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing or developing, often implying ongoing care.
8 Letters
PRESERVE: To keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, or destruction.
CONSERVE: To protect (something, especially an environmentally or culturally important place or thing) from harm or destruction.
More About "crossword clue maintain"
"Maintain" is a versatile word that appears frequently in crosswords due to its diverse range of synonyms. Depending on the context, it can refer to keeping something in good condition (like 'maintain a car'), upholding a belief or law (like 'maintain a position'), providing for someone (like 'maintain a family'), or simply continuing an action or state (like 'maintain speed'). This semantic flexibility allows constructors to craft clues that can lead to various answers, making it a challenging but rewarding word to solve.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like "keep," "uphold," "sustain," and "preserve" is key. While "keep" is often the most general, "uphold" implies support against opposition, "sustain" suggests continuous provision or endurance, and "preserve" focuses on protecting from decay or change. Always consider the precise nuance of the clue to pinpoint the best fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, as demonstrated by the sections above for "maintain."
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are the most powerful clues, as they will eliminate incorrect answers and often reveal the correct one instantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: If a clue has multiple potential answers, think about the specific context or subtle meaning implied. Is "maintain" about physical support, a legal stance, or continuous effort?
- Check for Common Phrases: Sometimes "maintain" is part of a common phrase or idiom. If the clue hints at such, the answer might be a less obvious synonym but part of a known expression.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'maintain' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'maintain' often refers to keeping something in a certain state, supporting, upholding a position, or continuing an action. Common synonyms like KEEP, SUSTAIN, UPHOLD, or PRESERVE are frequent answers.
Why might there be multiple answers for 'maintain'?
The English language is rich with synonyms, and 'maintain' has several words that convey similar meanings but with different nuances and, crucially for crosswords, different letter counts. The specific context of the full clue or intersecting letters will help narrow down the correct answer.
How can I find the correct 'maintain' answer if I'm stuck?
Check the number of letters required for the answer. Also, look at any intersecting letters you already have filled in, as these will severely limit the possibilities. Consider the specific tense or form of 'maintain' implied by the clue, and whether it implies physical support, financial support, or argumentative support.