harden crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "harden crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers for various letter counts, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of the clue. Dive in to find the perfect fit for your puzzle!
Solutions for "harden crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CURE: To process or preserve something, often by drying, salting, or smoking, which can make it firmer or tougher.
5 Letters
STEEL: To brace or make oneself resolute and firm, or to reinforce something to make it harder.
BRACE: To strengthen or reinforce, often by adding support, making something firmer or more rigid.
6 Letters
TEMPER: To improve the hardness, elasticity, and strength of a metal or glass by heating it and then cooling it, often gradually.
7 Letters
TOUGHEN: To make or become strong or resilient, less susceptible to breaking or bending.
STIFFEN: To make or become rigid or less pliable, losing flexibility.
8 Letters
SOLIDIFY: To make or become hard or solid, changing from a liquid or gaseous state.
More About "harden crossword"
"Harden" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing with various meanings related to making something more firm, resilient, or durable. Beyond its literal sense of making a material physically harder (like steel or concrete), it can refer to processes that strengthen, toughen, or solidify. Consider how different contexts might apply, such as 'curing' food to harden it, 'tempering' metals for increased strength, or even 'steeling' one's nerves to face a challenge, which implies a hardening of resolve.
The clue might also hint at less common, more specific definitions. For instance, in geology, rocks can 'harden' over time through compaction and cementation. In a metaphorical sense, a person's attitude or heart can 'harden' becoming less empathetic or more resolute. Always keep an eye out for these subtle distinctions, as they often lead to the less obvious, but correct, answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters. This is the most crucial piece of information for narrowing down potential answers, especially for clues like "harden" which have many synonyms.
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: Think broadly about synonyms for "harden" and even its antonyms if the clue uses a negation (e.g., "not soften"). Words like "toughen," "firm," "set," "brace," and "steel" are good starting points.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the puzzle's theme or other completed words suggest a specific domain, like metallurgy (e.g., "temper") or food preparation (e.g., "cure")? Context is key.
- Trial and Error with Known Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, try plugging in the potential answers to see which ones fit the existing grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "harden" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "harden" often refers to making something more rigid, durable, or resilient. This can apply to physical objects (like metal or food through processes like curing or tempering) or abstract concepts (like one's resolve or spirit).
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue like "harden"?
Crossword clues can have multiple valid answers because words have synonyms, different contexts, and various letter lengths. The specific letters you've already filled in the grid, along with the required word length, will help narrow down the possibilities for any given clue.
How can I find less common synonyms for clues like "harden"?
Beyond common synonyms, consider specialized meanings (e.g., curing food, tempering metal, setting concrete). Consulting a comprehensive thesaurus, a dictionary, or utilizing online crossword solvers that offer explanations for each answer can be very helpful in uncovering less obvious solutions.