crossword thwart – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword thwart", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with helpful explanations, to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword thwart" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOIL: To prevent someone or something from succeeding, often by making a planned effort ineffective.
6 Letters
IMPEDE: To delay or block the progress or action of someone or something; hinder.
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
7 Letters
PREVENT: To stop something from happening or someone from doing something.
8 Letters
OBSTRUCT: To block or be in the way of (something or someone).
More About "crossword thwart"
"Thwart" is a classic crossword clue word that often puzzles solvers due to its multiple synonymous possibilities. At its core, "thwart" means to prevent someone from accomplishing something. This can involve actively blocking their progress, frustrating their efforts, or simply getting in their way. The precise answer often depends on the surrounding letters in your grid and the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends.
Understanding the various shades of "thwart" is key. Words like "foil" suggest a specific, often clever, prevention of a plan. "Impede" and "hinder" imply a slowing or making difficult, rather than a complete stop. "Prevent" is a direct and absolute stop, while "obstruct" leans towards physical blocking. By considering these distinctions and the number of letters required, you can more accurately deduce the intended solution.
Crossword setters love words like "thwart" because they can lead to a wide range of answers, testing a solver's vocabulary and understanding of synonyms. Always keep an eye out for how the clue might be used metaphorically or literally, and how it aligns with other clues in the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of boxes available. This is the simplest and most effective way to eliminate many potential answers immediately, especially for clues like "thwart" that have multiple synonyms.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters from perpendicular words that you've already solved. These confirmed letters are vital for narrowing down options and confirming your choice for a tricky clue.
- Consider the Source: Is it a cryptic crossword, a quick crossword, or a themed puzzle? The style often dictates the type of wordplay or direct synonym required. "Thwart" might be a straightforward synonym in a quick puzzle but part of a pun in a cryptic one.
- Think of Antonyms: Sometimes, considering what the opposite of "thwart" would be can indirectly lead you to the correct synonym. If "help" or "aid" are antonyms, think about words that specifically mean to block or prevent.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'thwart' mean in a crossword clue?
'Thwart' generally means to prevent someone from accomplishing something, to hinder, obstruct, or frustrate. In crosswords, it often points to synonyms like IMPEDE, FOIL, HINDER, PREVENT, or BLOCK.
How can I find the correct answer when there are multiple solutions for 'crossword thwart'?
To pinpoint the correct answer, cross-reference with letters already filled in from intersecting clues. The word's length is also crucial – our page categorizes answers by their letter count to help narrow down possibilities quickly.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'thwart' in crosswords?
While 'thwart' itself doesn't have common crossword prefixes/suffixes directly, its synonyms often do. For instance, words like 'DISSUADE' (to persuade not to do something) or 'DEBAR' (to exclude) can appear. Focusing on the core meaning of obstruction or prevention is key.