enlarge crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! If you're stuck on the clue "enlarge," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, categorised by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "enlarge crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GROW: To increase in size or develop. This is a very common and direct synonym for enlarge.
5 Letters
SWELL: To expand or become larger, often due to internal pressure or accumulation. Often used in contexts like 'a swelling crowd'.
WIDEN: To make or become broader. This applies when the enlargement is specifically about width, like 'widen the road'.
6 Letters
EXPAND: To increase in size, number, or importance. A versatile answer, fitting many contexts from physical expansion to business growth.
7 Letters
MAGNIFY: To make something appear larger than it is, especially with a lens, or to exaggerate. Commonly used in scientific or descriptive contexts.
AMPLIFY: To increase the volume or intensity of sound, or to expand on details. Often relates to sound or the elaboration of ideas.
AUGMENT: To make something greater by adding to it; increase. Suggests improvement or addition to an existing quantity.
8 Letters
INCREASE: To become or make greater in size, amount, or intensity. A broad synonym, applicable to almost any form of enlargement.
MAXIMIZE: To make as large or great as possible; to make the best use of. Implies reaching the highest potential or capacity.
More About "enlarge crossword clue"
"Enlarge" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring solvers to think about various ways something can become bigger. This could be a physical expansion, an increase in quantity, an enhancement of importance, or even an optical illusion. Crossword setters love such clues because they offer a wide range of synonyms across different letter lengths, testing the solver's vocabulary breadth.
The context provided by other intersecting words is crucial when solving "enlarge" clues. For instance, if an answer is linked to sound, AMPLIFY is a strong candidate. If it relates to vision, MAGNIFY is likely. Without context, it often defaults to the most generic synonyms like GROW or EXPAND. Always cross-reference with surrounding clues to confirm your choice and ensure it fits seamlessly into the puzzle.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms is key to mastering these types of clues. While all the words listed above mean 'to make bigger' in some sense, their specific applications vary. Recognizing these nuances will not only help you solve the current puzzle but also improve your overall crossword solving skills for future challenges.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always start by verifying the number of letters specified for the answer in the grid. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue offer any subtle hints? Words like "audibly," "optically," or "by adding" will point to more specific synonyms like AMPLIFY, MAGNIFY, or AUGMENT respectively.
- Check Intersecting Words: Use solved letters from intersecting clues to confirm your answer. If a word like "EXPAND" fits, but its 'X' conflicts with an already known 'P' from a down clue, you know it's not the right answer.
- Think of Homographs/Homophones: Sometimes a clue can be a trick, playing on words that sound alike but have different meanings. While less common for "enlarge," always keep an open mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the correct 'enlarge' answer for my crossword?
The key is to check the number of letters required for the answer. Crossword puzzles always specify the length. Once you know the length, you can narrow down the possibilities from synonyms like GROW (4 letters), EXPAND (6 letters), MAGNIFY (7 letters), or INCREASE (8 letters). Also consider the context of other intersecting words.
Are there multiple common answers for 'enlarge' in crosswords?
Yes, 'enlarge' is a very common clue with several frequently used synonyms, including GROW, SWELL, WIDEN, EXPAND, MAGNIFY, AMPLIFY, AUGMENT, INCREASE, and MAXIMIZE. The specific answer depends on the required letter count and the overall theme or context of the puzzle.
What if the 'enlarge' clue has a specific nuance, like 'enlarge by adding to'?
If the clue specifies a nuance, look for a synonym that fits exactly. For 'enlarge by adding to', AUGMENT (7 letters) or INCREASE (8 letters) would be strong candidates. Similarly, 'enlarge (sound)' would point to AMPLIFY (7 letters), and 'enlarge by lens' would suggest MAGNIFY (7 letters). Pay close attention to subtle hints in the clue.