crossword clue press – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "press", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved.
Solutions for "crossword clue press" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PUSH: To apply force against something; a direct synonym for press.
IRON: To smooth clothes with a heated appliance, an action often referred to as "pressing".
URGE: To strongly encourage or persuade someone, implying a form of pressure.
5 Letters
MEDIA: Often referred to as "the press", especially in the context of news organizations.
CRUSH: To deform or destroy by pressure; a strong form of pressing.
LOBBY: To attempt to influence or "press" a legislator on an issue.
More About "crossword clue press"
The word "press" is incredibly versatile, which makes it a frequent but sometimes tricky crossword clue. It can function as a verb, meaning to apply force, to smooth clothes, to urge, or to insist. As a noun, it can refer to the news media (as in "the Fourth Estate"), a machine used for printing or manufacturing, or even a crowd of people. Understanding these various definitions is key to cracking the clue.
In crossword puzzles, clues like "press" often rely on these multiple meanings. For example, a clue might hint at the action of ironing clothes, while another might refer to the newspaper industry. Always consider the context provided by the rest of the clue and the number of letters required in the answer. This clue is a classic example of how crosswords test your vocabulary breadth.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "press" is a 4-letter word, options like PUSH or IRON are strong contenders. For 5 letters, MEDIA or CRUSH might fit.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "press" used as a verb (e.g., "to press a button") or a noun (e.g., "the news press")? This distinction will help you narrow down synonyms to the correct category.
- Look for Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an adjacent clue might provide a subtle hint or context for a tricky word. For instance, if another clue is about current events, "press" might lean towards its media meaning.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword constructors love to use secondary meanings or less common synonyms. If your first thoughts don't fit, consider idioms or more figurative uses of "press."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common interpretations of 'press' in crosswords?
Common interpretations of 'press' include: to push or apply force, to iron clothes, to lobby or urge someone, or referring to the news media. The specific context of the clue and surrounding letters will narrow down the options.
How can I distinguish between 'press' as a verb and 'press' as a noun?
Pay attention to the tense and phrasing of the clue. Clues like 'to press clothes' or 'press for an answer' indicate a verb. Clues like 'the news press' or 'a printing press' suggest a noun. The required answer length also helps, as verbs and nouns often have different common crossword synonyms.
Are there any homographs or homophones related to 'press' that appear in crosswords?
While 'press' itself is quite direct, crosswords often play on its various meanings (e.g., a button press, a printing press, a media press). Be aware of the broader context and how the word might be used figuratively or as part of an idiom.