make smaller crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "make smaller crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide answers by letter count, along with clear explanations to enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "make smaller crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TAPER: To diminish or narrow gradually towards one end.
6 Letters
REDUCE: To decrease the size, amount, or extent of something.
SHRINK: To become smaller in size, especially as a result of exposure to heat, cold, or moisture.
NARROW: To make or become less wide.
8 Letters
MINIMIZE: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
CONDENSE: To make something more dense or compact; to reduce to a shorter form.
DOWNSIZE: To make smaller, especially in the context of a company or organization.
More About "make smaller crossword clue"
The phrase "make smaller" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring solvers to consider various synonyms depending on the specific context implied by the puzzle. It can refer to physical reduction, a decrease in quantity, or even a lessening of intensity or significance.
Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'reduce', 'shrink', 'minimize', and 'condense' is key. While 'shrink' often implies a physical change, 'reduce' is broader and can apply to numbers, costs, or effort. 'Minimize' suggests reducing to the lowest possible level, and 'condense' implies making something more compact or concise.
Cryptic crosswords might use more indirect phrasing or puns to hint at "making smaller," such as "cut down" or "lessen the impact." Standard crosswords usually stick to more direct synonyms. Always consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have to pinpoint the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the number of blank spaces for the answer. This is the most crucial first step in narrowing down possibilities for clues like "make smaller."
- Consider Nuance: Think about the specific way something is made smaller. Is it by natural processes (shrink), by human action (reduce), by making it more efficient (condense), or by gradual tapering (taper)?
- Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: If you have a few letters already filled in, try to think of common prefixes (like 'de-' for decrease) or suffixes that fit words related to reduction.
- Context is King: Is the clue part of a themed puzzle? Does it hint at a specific field like finance (downsize) or clothing (shrink)? The surrounding clues can sometimes offer hints.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common words for "make smaller" in crosswords?
Common answers for 'make smaller' include REDUCE, SHRINK, MINIMIZE, and CONTRACT, often depending on the specific nuance or letter count required by the puzzle.
How can I narrow down crossword answers for "make smaller"?
To narrow down answers, consider the context of the clue, any given letters, and the required length. Words like 'TAPER' suggest a gradual reduction, while 'COMPRESS' implies squeezing. Also, check if the clue implies physical size, quantity, or intensity.
Are there different types of 'making smaller' in crossword clues?
Yes, clues can refer to various ways of 'making smaller'. This could be reducing physical size (SHRINK), decreasing quantity (REDUCE), lessening intensity (ABATE), shortening duration (CURTAIL), or even abbreviating a word (SHORTEN).