make certain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "make certain" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "make certain crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ENSURE: To make sure or guarantee that something will occur or be the case.
ASSURE: To tell someone something positively to remove any doubts, or to make something certain to happen.
VERIFY: To make sure or demonstrate that something is true, accurate, or justified.
SECURE: To obtain, fix, or guarantee something firmly and safely, making it certain.
7 Letters
CONFIRM: To establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed, suspected, or reported.
9 Letters
ESTABLISH: To achieve permanent acceptance or recognition for something, or to prove a fact or belief to be true.
ASCERTAIN: To find something out for certain; to make sure of something.
More About "make certain crossword clue"
"Make certain" is a common and versatile crossword clue that often points to words implying verification, guarantee, or confirmation. It's a clue that tests your vocabulary for synonyms related to ensuring accuracy, securing an outcome, or removing doubt. Understanding the subtle differences between words like ENSURE, ASSURE, and CONFIRM can be key to selecting the correct answer in your puzzle.
The context of the crossword puzzle can also play a role. Is it a general knowledge puzzle, or does it have a specific theme (e.g., legal, financial, or everyday actions)? For instance, in a legal context, 'ESTABLISH' might be more appropriate, while in a personal interaction, 'ASSURE' could be the better fit. Always consider the nuance of the clue and how it might align with the puzzle's overall tone and the number of available letters.
Crossword setters often use such clues to encourage solvers to think broadly about synonyms. While the core meaning remains "to ensure accuracy or outcome," the specific word chosen will depend heavily on the exact letter count and any intersecting letters in the grid that you might already have. Paying attention to these details will greatly increase your success rate and help you become a more proficient crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For "make certain," consider if it implies guaranteeing a future event (ENSURE, ASSURE), confirming a past fact (VERIFY, CONFIRM), or proving something (ESTABLISH, ASCERTAIN). This can narrow down your options significantly.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always check the number of letters in the grid space provided. This is the single most important constraint. Our answer sections are organized by letter count to make this process easier for you.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to your advantage. They can quickly eliminate many potential answers and help confirm the correct one, especially when multiple words share the same letter count.
- Consider Common Prefixes and Suffixes: Many words meaning "to make certain" share common linguistic patterns. Words ending in '-fy' (VERIFY) or starting with 'en-' (ENSURE) are good examples. Thinking about these patterns can often spark the right answer.
- Don't Be Afraid to Use Resources: If you're stuck, using a reliable resource like Crosswordanswer.co.uk is a smart and efficient way to get unstuck and learn new words and clue patterns for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the correct answer for 'make certain' when there are multiple options?
The best way to choose the correct answer is by considering the number of letters required in the puzzle. Cross-reference this with other letters you might already have filled in from intersecting clues. Also, the overall theme or specific phrasing of the puzzle might subtly hint towards a particular synonym, or the tense of the clue (e.g., 'made certain').
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'make certain' type of answers?
Yes, answers for 'make certain' often include prefixes like 'en-' (as in ENSURE, ENTAIL) or suffixes like '-fy' (as in VERIFY, CLARIFY), which denote an action of making something happen or become true. Recognizing these patterns can sometimes help you deduce the answer even with partial letters.
What if 'make certain' is used in a tricky or metaphorical sense in a crossword?
While 'make certain' typically leads to direct synonyms, some crosswords, especially cryptic ones, might use it in a more metaphorical or indirect sense. If direct synonyms don't fit the letter count or intersecting letters, consider if the clue implies an outcome or an action that *results* in certainty, or if there's an element of wordplay. Always check the puzzle's source and typical style for clues to its difficulty and type of wordplay.