gains crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the "gains" crossword clue, and you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving prowess.
Solutions for "gains crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WINS: To be victorious in a game, contest, or struggle; often implies gaining something as a result of victory.
5 Letters
EARNS: To obtain money in return for labor or services; to acquire something through effort.
6 Letters
YIELDS: Produces or provides (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product); can also mean to give way to pressure, implying a gain for the other side.
7 Letters
PROFITS: Financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
8 Letters
ACQUIRES: To get possession of something; to obtain by buying or being given. This directly relates to gaining ownership.
9 Letters
INCREASES: Becomes greater in size, amount, or intensity; to make something larger or more numerous. This is a common meaning of 'gains'.
More About "gains crossword clue"
The word "gains" is a wonderfully versatile clue in the world of crosswords, often leading to a range of potential answers depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to financial increments, like PROFIT or EARNS, or physical acquisition, such as ACQUIRES. Beyond tangible items, "gains" can also describe improvements or increases, as seen in INCREASE or progress. Understanding the context of other clues in the puzzle is crucial when this clue appears, as it can significantly narrow down the possibilities from a broad spectrum of synonyms.
Puzzle constructors love words like "gains" because they allow for clever misdirection. Are they talking about gaining weight, gaining speed, gaining knowledge, or gaining victory? Each interpretation opens up a different set of vocabulary. Paying attention to the word's form (plural, singular, verb tense) and any accompanying adverbs or prepositions in the clue will provide essential hints to unlock the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "gains," immediately think of its direct synonyms (earns, acquires, profits, increases) but also consider its antonyms (losses, declines), as clues sometimes work by opposition.
- Check for Pluralization or Verb Tenses: Notice if the clue "gains" implies a plural noun or a third-person singular present tense verb. This is a critical detail that will narrow down possible answers to fit the grid and grammar.
- Look at Surrounding Clues for Context: Always examine the intersecting words. If a 'gains' answer interacts with a clue related to economics, a financial term is likely. If it intersects with a sports clue, a word like WINS or SCORES might be appropriate.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'gains' usually imply in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'gains' often refers to financial profit, acquisitions, or an increase/improvement in something. It can also imply achieving success or victory.
Are there common tricks with 'gains' clues?
Common tricks might involve homophones (e.g., 'gains' vs. 'canes'), double meanings (e.g., 'gains' as in weight vs. 'gains' as in profits), or requiring a verb tense or pluralization that matches the clue's nuance.
How can I improve my crossword vocabulary for words like 'gains'?
To expand your vocabulary for clues like 'gains', try regularly using a thesaurus, reading widely across various topics (news, literature), and actively noting synonyms and antonyms for common words. Practicing with diverse crossword puzzles also helps.