makes amends crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "makes amends crossword clue," you're in the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your crossword with ease. Find the perfect fit for your grid below!
Solutions for "makes amends crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ATONE: To make reparations or amends for a wrongdoing or fault. Often used in a moral or spiritual context.
REPAY: To give back something, often money or a favor, thus balancing an obligation or debt.
7 Letters
EXPIATE: To make amends or reparation for (guilt or wrongdoing); to atone. A more formal synonym for 'atone'.
10 Letters
COMPENSATE: To give something, usually money, to someone in return for a service or to make up for a loss, injury, or suffering.
More About "makes amends crossword clue"
The phrase "makes amends" refers to the act of compensating for a wrong, injury, or offense. It's a broad concept that encompasses apologies, reparations, restitution, and actions taken to restore a relationship or situation to a better state after harm has occurred. In crosswords, clues asking for variations of "makes amends" are quite common due to the rich lexicon of synonyms available, ranging from short, punchy words to longer, more complex terms.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can greatly assist in solving your puzzle. For example, while 'ATONE' often carries a moral or spiritual weight, 'REPAY' might refer to a more literal debt or favor. 'EXPIATE' leans into the formal act of atoning for guilt or sin, whereas 'COMPENSATE' usually implies financial or material restitution. Recognizing these subtle differences, combined with the number of letters required, is key to cracking the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Clues like "makes amends" often have many synonyms. Brainstorm words like 'atone', 'redeem', 'expiate', 'compensate', 'reconcile', or 'apologize'. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms might also help you arrive at the correct word.
- Check Letter Count First: Once you have a few potential answers in mind, immediately compare their lengths to the available spaces in the grid. This is the quickest way to narrow down your options and avoid wasting time on words that don't fit.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to any subtle hints within the clue or surrounding clues. Does the puzzle theme suggest a specific era, field (e.g., legal, religious), or tone? This can help you choose the most fitting synonym among multiple possibilities.
- Cross-Reference Intersecting Words: Even if you're unsure about a specific answer like "makes amends," partial letters from intersecting words (both across and down) can often confirm or rule out your potential solutions. This iterative process is fundamental to crossword solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "atone" and "expiate"?
Both "atone" and "expiate" mean to make amends for wrongdoing. "Expiate" often carries a stronger sense of ritual or purification, making amends for guilt or sin, while "atone" is broader and can apply to any fault or error.
Why are "making amends" clues so common in crosswords?
Clues related to "making amends" are popular because they have a rich vocabulary of synonyms (atone, repay, redeem, expiate, compensate, apologize) across various letter lengths, providing setters with flexible options for puzzle construction.
How can I improve my vocabulary for abstract clues like this?
Regular reading, consistent use of a thesaurus, and reviewing common crossword answer lists can significantly expand your vocabulary for abstract concepts. Pay particular attention to nuanced synonyms and their specific contexts to understand when one word might be preferred over another in a clue.