maintains crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "maintains crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "maintains crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
KEEPS: To hold or retain in one's possession or control; to continue to have or cause to continue in a specified condition.
TENDS: To look after; to care for or keep in a particular state or condition, often implying regular attention.
7 Letters
UPHOLDS: To confirm or support something that has been questioned or attacked; to maintain a standard or principle.
8 Letters
SUSTAINS: To maintain or keep in existence; to cause to continue for an extended period or without interruption.
9 Letters
PRESERVES: To keep safe from injury, harm, or decay; to maintain the condition of something over time, often preventing deterioration.
More About "maintains crossword clue"
"Maintains" is a versatile word in English, and its various meanings make it a popular choice for crossword clues. It can refer to keeping something in good condition (like a garden), holding a belief or standard (maintains innocence), supporting a position (maintains an argument), or simply continuing an action or state (maintains speed). The context provided by the rest of the clue or the puzzle's theme is crucial in narrowing down the exact answer.
When you encounter 'maintains' in a crossword, think about the nuance. Is it about physical upkeep, intellectual stance, or continuous action? This mental flexibility, combined with the number of letters and intersecting words, will guide you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "maintains," consider all possible meanings of the word. Is it maintaining a building, a claim, or a relationship? Each sense points to different synonyms.
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of letters in the grid for the target word. This is the single most important constraint and will eliminate many incorrect possibilities.
- Use Crossing Clues: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Filling in easier crossing words will give you valuable letters that can reveal or confirm the answer to the tricky "maintains" clue.
- Think of Homophones and Anagrams: While less common for direct synonym clues, some setters use wordplay. Be open to less literal interpretations once you've exhausted direct synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for 'maintains' in a crossword?
To find the best answer, always consider the exact number of letters required by the puzzle. Additionally, look at the surrounding clues and any crossing letters you've already filled in. The context of the clue might also hint at a specific meaning of 'maintains', such as 'maintains a garden' versus 'maintains a belief'.
What other words are similar to 'maintains' in crosswords?
Beyond the common answers like KEEPS or TENDS, other synonyms that often appear as solutions or clues related to 'maintains' include: DEFENDS, CONTINUES, CARES FOR, LOOKS AFTER, or even NURTURES, depending on the specific nuance the crossword setter is aiming for.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers?
Many words in the English language have multiple meanings or synonyms, leading to various possible answers for a single clue like 'maintains'. Crossword setters often leverage this ambiguity. The correct answer is always determined by the number of letters and the intersecting letters from other clues in the puzzle.