crossword clue sway – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers for the crossword clue "sway", organized by letter count to help you quickly find the perfect fit for your puzzle. Explore our explanations and boost your crossword skills!
Solutions for "crossword clue sway" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ROCK: To move back and forth or from side to side, often rhythmically.
WAVE: To move or cause to move back and forth, like an arm or a flag.
BEND: To incline or cause to incline from the vertical or horizontal position.
5 Letters
SWING: To move or cause to move back and forth while suspended or on a pivot.
REIGN: To be the dominant power or influence; to rule, often metaphorically over a situation.
WAVER: To become unsteady or unreliable; to show indecision or fluctuate.
7 Letters
CONTROL: The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
8 Letters
DOMINATE: To have a commanding influence on; exercise control over.
9 Letters
INFLUENCE: The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
VACILLATE: To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.
More About "crossword clue sway"
The clue "sway" is a classic example of a word with multiple meanings that crossword setters love to use. It can refer to physical movement, such as a tree swaying in the wind, or a person swaying unsteadily. In this context, answers often include words like ROCK, WAVE, or SWING, emphasizing the back-and-forth or side-to-side motion.
However, "sway" also frequently appears in crosswords in its metaphorical sense: to influence or control. This can refer to having power over someone's opinion or decision, or dominating a situation. When this meaning is intended, answers like INFLUENCE, DOMINATE, or CONTROL become relevant. The trick to solving "sway" lies in carefully analyzing the rest of the clue and any intersecting letters to determine which interpretation the setter intends.
Understanding these dual meanings is key to cracking puzzles involving "sway". Always consider both the literal and figurative applications of the word, as well as the length of the required answer, to pinpoint the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues like "sway" with multiple meanings, always look at the surrounding words in the clue. Do they suggest movement (e.g., "tree in wind") or influence (e.g., "power over others")?
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues. These will often confirm which meaning of "sway" is correct and rule out answers that don't fit the letter pattern.
- Consider Word Length: If you're stuck between two possible answers, one for each meaning, the required word length will often be the deciding factor.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sway' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'sway' often include words related to movement like ROCK, WAVE, or SWING. It can also refer to influence or control, such as INFLUENCE, DOMINATE, or CONTROL, depending on the context of the clue.
How can I distinguish between 'sway' as movement and 'sway' as influence?
Pay close attention to the rest of the crossword clue. If the clue mentions physical motion (e.g., 'tree's motion', 'rocking movement'), it likely refers to physical sway. If it talks about power, opinion, or decisions (e.g., 'exert influence', 'change opinion'), it points to the 'influence' meaning of 'sway'.
Are there any less common answers for 'sway'?
Yes, beyond the most common ones, answers like WAVER (to show indecision or fluctuate), BEND (to incline), or VACILLATE (to alternate between opinions) can also be valid solutions for 'sway', particularly in more challenging puzzles.