hardened crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and need a solution for the clue "hardened," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by length, along with explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "hardened crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TOUGH: Made strong and resilient, often physically or mentally resistant.
JADED: Made weary, cynical, or indifferent by experience.
6 Letters
IMMUNE: Resistant to something, often an adverse effect, implying a form of hardening.
7 Letters
STEELED: Prepared oneself mentally or emotionally for a difficult task or experience; made firm or resolute.
8 Letters
SEASONED: Accustomed to something by long experience; made fit for use by time or exposure.
9 Letters
CALLOUSED: Having an area of hardened skin, often from friction; metaphorically, made emotionally insensitive or uncaring.
More About "hardened crossword clue"
The term "hardened" in a crossword clue is rich with meaning, often referring to a state of being made firm, tough, or resilient. This can apply physically, such as concrete or metal that has become "hardened" through a process, or it can describe a person who has become emotionally "hardened" due to life experiences. The nuance of the clue will often direct you to the specific type of hardening intended.
For instance, a "hardened criminal" refers to someone who is tough and unrepentant, not physically hard. Similarly, a "hardened veteran" is someone seasoned and experienced. Crossword setters love to play on these multiple meanings, requiring solvers to consider the context of the clue, and sometimes, the surrounding letters already filled in the grid.
When you encounter this clue, think about both its literal and metaphorical senses. Is it about something becoming more solid, or someone becoming less sensitive? The length of the answer can also be a significant hint, guiding you towards words like TOUGH, STEELED, or CALLOUSED, each carrying a distinct shade of meaning related to resilience or resistance.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many crossword clues, including "hardened," have multiple interpretations. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings to widen your pool of possible answers.
- Check Letter Counts: Before guessing, always confirm the letter count of your potential answer. This is a crucial first filter and can immediately eliminate incorrect words, even if they seem to fit the definition.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: Use the letters from solved intersecting clues to narrow down the possibilities. If you have a few letters in place, it becomes much easier to deduce the full word, especially for longer answers.
- Think About Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, thinking of the opposite of the clue, or close synonyms, can spark an idea for the answer, particularly if the clue is a bit obscure.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hardened' mean in a crossword context?
'Hardened' in a crossword clue often refers to something that has become physically tough, emotionally resilient, or resistant to change due to experience or a process. It can imply a lack of feeling or a strong, unyielding nature.
How can I find synonyms for 'hardened' for crossword puzzles?
To find synonyms, consider the various contexts of 'hardened': physically (e.g., 'tough', 'solidified'), emotionally (e.g., 'jaded', 'calloused', 'steeled'), or by experience (e.g., 'seasoned', 'inured'). Look for words that fit the specific nuance implied by the rest of the clue.
Are there common tricks for clues like 'hardened'?
Often, clues like 'hardened' rely on figurative meanings. For example, 'hardened criminal' implies a 'tough' or 'jaded' person, not necessarily physically hard. Always consider if the clue points to a literal or metaphorical sense, and check for hidden wordplay or homophones if you're stuck.