deserve crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "deserve" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "deserve crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EARN: To obtain something, especially money, in return for labor or services. This often implies a sense of having deserved it through effort.
5 Letters
MERIT: To be worthy of or entitled to something, whether it be praise, reward, or even punishment. This word directly conveys the essence of deserving.
10 Letters
BEWORTHYOF: A phrase (often treated as one word in crosswords) meaning to possess qualities that entitle one to something. It is a direct synonym for 'deserve'.
More About "deserve crossword clue"
The word "deserve" carries significant weight, implying a rightful claim to something based on one's actions, qualities, or circumstances. In crosswords, clues related to "deserve" often test your understanding of synonyms that convey this sense of meriting or earning. Common answers like EARN or MERIT are frequently seen, pointing to the idea of gaining something through effort or inherent value.
When encountering "deserve" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the context of the puzzle. Is it looking for a verb, a noun, or even an adjective? The clue might be straightforward, asking for a direct synonym, or it could be more nuanced, hinting at the outcome of deserving something, such as a reward or recognition. Always check the number of letters required to narrow down the possibilities.
Understanding the subtle differences between "deserve" and its various synonyms can give you an edge. For instance, while "earn" suggests active effort leading to a deserved outcome, "merit" can imply an inherent quality or worthiness. Paying attention to these distinctions, along with the given letter count and any intersecting letters, will greatly assist in solving "deserve" clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: For a clue like "deserve," consider if the puzzle is leaning towards a financial earning, moral worthiness, or legal entitlement. The surrounding words in the clue can often give hints.
- Letter Count First: Always prioritize the number of letters. If "deserve" is 4 letters, 'EARN' is a strong candidate; if it's 5, 'MERIT' fits. This immediately eliminates many possibilities.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most powerful tool for confirming a solution or ruling out incorrect ones.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes, clues for "deserve" might lead to words describing the *result* of deserving, like "RIGHTS" (as in, what one deserves to have) or "WARRANT" (to justify or merit).
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Longer answers might be phrasal verbs or idiomatic expressions that collectively mean "deserve," such as 'BE WORTHY OF'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deserve' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Deserve' in a crossword clue often implies earning, being worthy of, or being entitled to something. Answers often relate to outcomes of actions, such as rewards, recognition, or consequences.
How can I find synonyms for 'deserve' quickly for crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'deserve' quickly, think about verbs that convey earning, meriting, or being entitled. Common synonyms include EARN, MERIT, RATE, WARRANT, and BE WORTHY OF. Consider the number of letters required by the puzzle.
Are there common tricks with 'deserve' clues?
Yes, 'deserve' clues can sometimes be tricky. Look out for indirect meanings or related concepts. For example, a clue might lead to a word about receiving a just reward or punishment. Pay attention to the tense (past/present) or singular/plural forms indicated in the clue.