Are there common word lengths for 'make up for' answers?

Yes, answers for 'make up for' can vary widely in length, from shorter words like ATONE (5 letters) or AMEND (5 letters) to medium-length words like REDEEM (6 letters) or RECTIFY (7 letters), and longer solutions such as COMPENSATE (10 letters). Always consider the number of spaces available in your puzzle.

How can I differentiate between similar answers for this clue?

The subtle nuances in meaning are key. 'ATONE' often implies moral or spiritual reparation. 'AMEND' is about correcting something flawed. 'REDEEM' can mean saving from fault or making good on a promise. 'OFFSET' is about counteracting. Consider the surrounding words in the clue and any implied context to pick the most precise fit for your puzzle.

make up for crossword – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'make up for' typically mean in crossword clues?

In crosswords, 'make up for' generally refers to acts of atonement, compensation, or correction. It implies restoring balance, rectifying a mistake, or providing an equivalent to offset a deficit. Common answers include words like ATONE, REDEEM, or COMPENSATE.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "make up for crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a deeper understanding, we've got you covered.

Solutions for "make up for crossword" by Letter Count

5 Letters

ATONE: To make amends or reparation for a wrong, often to reconcile or compensate for a past action or sin.

AMEND: To correct a mistake, fault, or deficiency, effectively making up for something that was incorrect or insufficient.

6 Letters

REDEEM: To compensate for the faults or bad aspects of something, or to make amends for a past wrong or failure.

OFFSET: To counteract something by having an opposing effect; to compensate for something negative by providing something positive.

7 Letters

RECTIFY: To put something right; to correct a mistake or wrong situation, thus making up for it.

10 Letters

COMPENSATE: To make up for something unwelcome or unpleasant by exerting an opposite force or effect, or by giving something in return.

More About "make up for crossword"

The phrase "make up for" in crosswords is a versatile clue that can lead to a variety of answers, all circling the core idea of balance, correction, or reparation. It’s often used when an action is needed to counterbalance a previous negative effect, whether it's a mistake, a loss, or a deficiency. This clue tests your vocabulary related to accountability, restoration, and equivalence.

Understanding the context is crucial. Is the clue implying a moral reparation, as with "ATONE"? Or is it about a practical correction, like "AMEND" or "RECTIFY"? Sometimes, it refers to offsetting one thing with another, such as with "OFFSET" or "COMPENSATE." Pay attention to the number of letters and any other intersecting clues, as these will often narrow down the possibilities significantly.

Crossword setters love to use synonyms that have slightly different connotations. For instance, while both "ATONE" and "REDEEM" involve making things right, "ATONE" often carries a stronger sense of spiritual or moral reconciliation, whereas "REDEEM" can apply more broadly to making good on a promise or saving something from failure. Being aware of these subtle differences will greatly enhance your solving ability.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Word Count: Always start by noting the number of letters required. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit the grid.
Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: For clues like "make up for," think broadly about words related to compensation, correction, and balance. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms (e.g., words for 'damage' or 'deficit') can lead you to their opposites, which might be the answer.
Look for Contextual Clues: Check if the clue is part of a larger theme or if there are any surrounding words that hint at a specific domain (e.g., finance, morality, legal). This can help you choose between multiple answers that have similar meanings.
Practice with Varied Puzzles: The more crosswords you solve, the more familiar you’ll become with common crossword tropes and the specific vocabulary setters prefer for certain types of clues.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'make up for' typically mean in crossword clues?

'Make up for' in crosswords usually points to synonyms involving compensation, atonement, or correction. Common answers often include words like ATONE, REDEEM, or COMPENSATE, all implying an act of balancing out or correcting a past deficit or wrong.

Are there common themes or prefixes for 'make up for' clues?

While there isn't a strict prefix rule, clues related to 'make up for' often lean into concepts of 're-' (e.g., rectify, repair, redeem) or 'com-' (e.g., compensate). Pay attention to the exact phrasing and the number of letters required to narrow down options that fit the semantic range of compensation or atonement.

How can I distinguish between similar answers like ATONE and AMEND?

Both ATONE and AMEND involve correcting a wrong. ATONE typically implies making reparations for a moral wrong or sin, often with a sense of reconciliation. AMEND is broader, meaning to make minor changes to improve something or to correct a mistake, not necessarily involving moral wrongdoing. The surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme might provide hints for which is a better fit.