ease crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "ease crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations and organized by letter count, helping you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "ease crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CALM: To make (someone) tranquil and quiet; soothe. A direct and common synonym for easing tension.
5 Letters
ALLAY: To diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry). Often used when reducing intensity of negative feelings.
6 Letters
RELIEF: A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress. Often applies to a burden being lifted.
SOOTHE: Gently calm (a person or their feelings). Focuses on comforting and reducing discomfort.
7 Letters
ASSUAGE: To make an unpleasant feeling less intense. Similar to relieve or ease, often for pain or hunger.
9 Letters
ALLEVIATE: Make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe. A more formal term for easing a problem or pain.
More About "ease crossword clue"
The clue "ease" is a highly versatile term in crosswords, often pointing to a variety of synonyms related to making something less difficult, painful, or intense. Common contexts for "ease" include reducing a burden, calming a person or situation, or simplifying a process. This breadth means the answer could be a short, common word or a longer, more nuanced term, depending on the puzzle's specific context and the setters' preferred style.
When you encounter "ease" in a crossword, think about the different facets of its meaning. Does it relate to physical comfort, emotional relief, or practical simplification? For instance, "ease a pain" might lead to 'soothe' or 'relieve,' while "ease a task" could suggest 'simplify' or 'lighten.' Paying attention to the number of letters required is crucial, as it will often narrow down the potential solutions significantly.
Understanding the subtle distinctions between words like 'allay' (to calm fears), 'assuage' (to lessen unpleasant feelings like hunger or pain), and 'alleviate' (to make suffering less severe) can be the key to cracking the clue. Crossword setters love to play on these subtleties, making "ease" a consistently engaging and sometimes challenging clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Nuance: "Ease" can mean to relieve, calm, simplify, or reduce. Think about which specific meaning fits the context of your puzzle and the surrounding words.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the number of letters you need. This immediately filters out many possibilities and helps you focus on answers of the correct length.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Many words related to "ease" might share common prefixes (e.g., re-, al-) or suffixes (-ate, -ify). If you have a few letters already filled in, this can be a strong hint.
- Think about Antonyms: Sometimes, considering the opposite of "ease" (e.g., burden, intensify, complicate) can help you brainstorm solutions that are antonyms of those words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ease' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ease' typically refers to making something less severe, difficult, or painful. This could imply reducing tension, soothing discomfort, simplifying a task, or providing comfort. The clue often points to synonyms like 'relieve,' 'calm,' 'soothe,' 'alleviate,' or 'assuage.'
How do I find synonyms for 'ease' in crosswords?
To find the right synonym for 'ease,' consider the specific nuance. Is it about making something less painful (soothe, relieve)? Making a task simpler (simplify, lighten)? Or calming a situation (allay, calm)? Pay attention to surrounding clues or letter patterns you might already have filled in to narrow down possibilities. Think about various contexts where 'ease' might be used.
Are there different types of 'ease' clues?
Yes, 'ease' can appear in different forms. It might be a straightforward synonym ('Ease, as a burden'), a descriptive phrase ('Make less difficult'), or even a hidden wordplay clue. Sometimes, it might refer to 'ease of motion' or 'at ease' (meaning relaxed). Context is key, and understanding the common synonyms helps immensely.