influence crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the ultimate page for solving the "influence crossword puzzle clue". Discover all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "influence crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SWAY: To affect the opinion, decision, or behavior of someone.
5 Letters
POWER: The ability or capacity to do something or act in a particular way.
6 Letters
IMPACT: The striking of one thing against another; a powerful effect.
7 Letters
CONTROL: The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.
More About "influence crossword puzzle clue"
The term "influence" is a versatile word in the English language, making it a common and sometimes tricky crossword clue. It can refer to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In puzzles, it often serves as a synonym for power, control, or impact, but can also lead to more subtle answers relating to persuasion or subtle manipulation.
When "influence" appears in a crossword, consider both its noun and verb forms. As a noun, it points to the effect or the power (e.g., SWAY, POWER, IMPACT). As a verb, it implies the act of exerting that power (e.g., AFFECT, GUIDE, LEAD). The surrounding letters and the number of blanks are your best friends in narrowing down the possibilities.
Seasoned solvers know that context is key. Is the clue hinting at a political influence, a social influence, or perhaps the influence of a natural phenomenon? Each context might nudge you towards a specific set of synonyms, helping you zero in on the precise word the puzzle constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count to possible answers. This is the most crucial step in quickly eliminating incorrect options.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "influence," think of related words. Sometimes a clue is a direct synonym, other times it might hint at an opposite concept or a related field.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is "influence" used as a noun or a verb in the clue's context? This can greatly narrow down the type of answer you're looking for.
- Utilize Cross-References: Use letters from intersecting words. Even one confirmed letter can open up several new possibilities for your "influence" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'influence' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'influence' often refers to the power to affect someone or something, leading to answers like SWAY, EFFECT, or POWER. It can also hint at a verb, meaning to exert that power.
How do I identify the correct 'influence' answer?
Look at the letter count, surrounding letters if you have any, and any connecting clues. Synonyms like 'affect', 'control', 'impact', or 'sway' are common related terms that might appear.
Are there common word patterns for 'influence' clues?
Answers often end in common noun or verb suffixes. For example, a verb form might end in -ED or -ING, while a noun might be a direct synonym. Always consider the part of speech indicated by the clue or grid.