make or become relaxed crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with "make or become relaxed"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers to this common crossword clue, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving journey.
Solutions for "make or become relaxed crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EASE: To make less tense, difficult, or severe. This implies bringing something or someone into a more relaxed state.
5 Letters
RELAX: To make or become less tense or anxious. This is a direct and common synonym for the clue.
CHILL: (Informal) To relax or calm down. Often used to describe making oneself or someone else relaxed.
6 Letters
UNWIND: To relax after a period of work or tension. It implies becoming free from stress and returning to a relaxed state.
LOOSEN: To make or become less tight, firm, or compact. Figuratively, it can refer to making someone less rigid or tense, thus relaxed.
7 Letters
SLACKEN: To make or become less active, intense, or energetic. This often results in a more relaxed pace or state.
8 Letters
UNSTRESS: To relieve oneself or another of stress or tension. This action directly leads to a state of being relaxed.
10 Letters
DECOMPRESS: To relieve oneself of mental or emotional pressure or tension. This process directly results in becoming relaxed.
More About "make or become relaxed crossword clue"
The clue "make or become relaxed" is a classic example of how crosswords test your vocabulary for synonyms and related actions. The inclusion of "make or become" is crucial, as it broadens the potential answers from transitive verbs (e.g., to ease someone's mind) to intransitive verbs (e.g., to relax oneself). This requires solvers to think broadly about words that imply a reduction in tension, stress, or rigidity, leading to a state of calm or ease.
Understanding the nuance between 'make' and 'become' is key. Words like 'EASE' can be used transitively ("ease the pain") or intransitively ("the pain eased"). Similarly, 'RELAX' can be used in both forms ("relax your shoulders" or "I need to relax"). Crossword constructors cleverly use such phrasing to allow for a wider range of fitting answers, making the puzzle both challenging and rewarding.
When encountering such clues, consider various contexts where a state of relaxation is achieved or induced. This could range from physical relaxation (loosening muscles) to mental tranquility (unwinding from work) or even informal expressions (chilling out). The diversity of answers provided for this clue showcases the rich tapestry of the English language and its synonyms for a fundamental human experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Word Forms: For clues like "make or become X," always think about both transitive and intransitive verbs. Does the word describe an action you perform on something, or a state you enter yourself?
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: If the direct word doesn't fit, think of synonyms for "relaxed" (calm, at ease, tranquil) and then consider actions that lead to those states. Sometimes thinking of the opposite (tense, stressed) can also help you find a word that undoes that state.
- Use Known Letters as Guides: Always use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most powerful tool to narrow down possibilities, especially when a clue has many potential answers of different lengths.
- Check Informal Language: Many modern crosswords incorporate informal or colloquial terms. Don't shy away from considering words like 'CHILL' if they fit the letter count and the overall tone of the puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I quickly find answers for tricky crossword clues like 'make or become relaxed'?
The fastest way is to use a dedicated crossword solver site like Crosswordanswer.co.uk. Enter the clue and any known letters, and it will provide potential answers by length. For clues like 'make or become relaxed', consider synonyms or actions related to the clue's meaning.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of different lengths?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because of the richness of language, with many synonyms and related phrases. Different puzzles might require different word lengths for the same concept, allowing for flexibility in grid design.
What's the difference between 'make relaxed' and 'become relaxed' in a crossword clue?
The phrase 'make or become' indicates that the answer could be either a transitive verb (something that makes another thing relaxed, e.g., EASE, UNWIND) or an intransitive verb (something that describes a state of becoming relaxed, e.g., RELAX, CHILL). This broadens the range of possible solutions you need to consider.