distend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the 'distend crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions across various letter counts, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "distend crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PUFF: To swell or expand, often lightly and quickly.
5 Letters
SWELL: To expand in size, often due to internal pressure or accumulation of fluid.
BLOAT: To become puffed up or swollen, typically from an accumulation of gas or fluid.
BULGE: To swell or stick out from a surface, often in a rounded shape.
6 Letters
EXPAND: To increase in size, extent, or volume, making something larger.
7 Letters
INFLATE: To fill with air or gas and expand, like a balloon.
8 Letters
PROTRUDE: To extend beyond or above a surface, often implying a noticeable projection.
More About "distend crossword clue"
"Distend" means to swell or expand, usually due to internal pressure. In crosswords, clues related to 'distend' often point to words describing an increase in size or volume, like 'swell', 'inflate', 'expand', or 'bloat'. These words can refer to physical objects, body parts, or even abstract concepts like emotions. The specific context provided by other words in the clue or by crossing letters in the grid can help narrow down the possibilities.
When you encounter a clue hinting at something becoming larger, consider the context. Is it about a balloon, a stomach, or a metaphorical expansion? The length of the answer will also be a key factor in narrowing down possibilities. Common synonyms are frequently used in different lengths to fit the puzzle grid. Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'swell' (general increase), 'bloat' (often negative, due to gas/fluid), and 'inflate' (filling with air/gas) can help you pinpoint the precise answer the setter is looking for.
Many crossword setters enjoy playing with the nuances of words. While 'distend' broadly means to expand, the choice of synonym for the answer often depends on the specific nuance desired, such as a painful expansion (bloat) versus a controlled one (inflate).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always verify the given number of letters for the answer. This is your most critical filter and can immediately eliminate many possibilities.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: If "distend" itself doesn't spark an immediate answer, brainstorm its synonyms. Sometimes, even thinking of an antonym might lead you to a related concept or a word that's part of a phrase that fits.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Never underestimate the power of surrounding letters. Even one confirmed letter from a crossing word can drastically reduce the number of potential answers for 'distend'.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Some words have more than one meaning (e.g., "swell" can also mean excellent). Always consider the most direct and common meaning in the context of expansion first, but be open to less common interpretations if stuck.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do crossword setters clue "distend"?
Setters often use synonyms like "swell," "enlarge," "inflate," "puff up," or "become full." They might also use phrases describing the action, such as "expand from within" or "belly out."
Are there common short answers for "distend"?
Yes, short answers like "BLOAT" (5 letters), "SWELL" (5 letters), and "PUFF" (4 letters) are quite common, depending on the puzzle's theme and difficulty.
What if none of these answers fit my grid?
Crossword clues can be tricky! Double-check your crossing letters. The setter might be using a less common synonym or a more metaphorical interpretation of "distend." Consider answers like "BULGE" or "PROTRUDE" if length permits.