crossword clue rampart – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "rampart," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue rampart" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WALL: A continuous vertical brick or stone structure that forms part of a building or defines an area, often for defense.
7 Letters
BULWARK: A defensive wall or an extension of a ship's side above the deck, also used metaphorically as a person or thing that acts as a strong defense.
BASTION: A projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, so as to allow defensive fire in several directions. Also used metaphorically for a place or system in which something continues to survive.
PARAPET: A low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony, or a protective wall or earthwork along the top of a trench or other place of concealment for troops.
10 Letters
EMBANKMENT: A wall or bank of earth or stone built to prevent a river flooding an area, or to carry a road or railway over an area of low ground, often serving as a defensive barrier.
13 Letters
FORTIFICATION: A defensive wall or other reinforcement built to strengthen a place against attack.
More About "crossword clue rampart"
A rampart is a core element of historical defensive architecture, typically forming a fortified wall around a castle, town, or military stronghold. It's designed to provide protection against attackers, offering a raised platform from which defenders could observe and engage the enemy. Composed primarily of earthworks, often faced with stone or brick, ramparts were crucial in medieval warfare, providing both a physical barrier and a strategic vantage point.
Beyond their military utility, ramparts also defined the boundaries and sometimes the identity of a settlement, symbolizing its strength and security. Modern usage of "rampart" can extend metaphorically, referring to anything that stands as a defense or protective barrier against harm, criticism, or decay. For example, one might speak of "a rampart against injustice" or "the rampart of free speech." In crosswords, the clue "rampart" often points to terms like "wall," "bulwark," "bastion," or "fortification," requiring solvers to consider both its literal and figurative meanings to find the correct answer based on letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Context: When faced with a clue like "rampart," think about all its synonyms (wall, bulwark, bastion) but also its context. Is it a literal structure or a metaphorical defense? The puzzle's theme or other clues might give hints.
- Check Cross-References: Use intersecting letters from solved clues to narrow down possibilities. If you have "B_L____" and "rampart" is the clue, "BULWARK" becomes a strong candidate.
- Think About Word Length: The most common words for "rampart" might be 4-7 letters (WALL, BULWARK, BASTION, PARAPET). Less common, longer answers like "FORTIFICATION" (13 letters) or "EMBANKMENT" (10 letters) will typically only fit if you have many intersecting letters already.
- Explore Figurative Meanings: Some crossword setters love to use the less obvious, figurative meanings of words. "Rampart" could imply a "defense" or "safeguard" in a non-physical sense.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for "rampart" in crosswords?
While "BULWARK" and "BASTION" are very common, "WALL" is often the most frequently sought and simplest answer when the letter count allows. It depends heavily on the puzzle's specific design and the available letter slots.
How do I distinguish between similar answers like "bulwark" and "bastion"?
Both "bulwark" and "bastion" refer to a strong defensive structure. "Bastion" specifically often implies a projecting part of a fortification, whereas "bulwark" can be a broader defensive wall or anything serving as a strong defense. In crosswords, they are often interchangeable synonyms, so rely on letter count and intersecting letters.
Can "rampart" ever refer to something non-physical in crosswords?
Yes, absolutely! Crossword clues often play on figurative meanings. "Rampart" can metaphorically refer to a strong defense or safeguard, such as "a rampart against disease" or "a rampart of truth." This broader interpretation is crucial for solving trickier clues.