makes certain crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "makes certain," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you can complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "makes certain crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ENSURE: To make sure that something will occur or be the case; to guarantee.
ASSURE: To tell someone something positively to dispel any doubts; to make something certain to happen.
VERIFY: To make sure or demonstrate that something is true, accurate, or justified.
SECURE: To succeed in obtaining something, or to make something firm or stable, thereby making it certain.
7 Letters
CONFIRM: To establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed or suspected to be true; to make definite.
9 Letters
ESTABLISH: To set up on a firm basis; to show something to be true or certain by establishing facts.
More About "makes certain crossword clue"
The clue "makes certain" is a common one in crosswords, often pointing to synonyms for 'guarantee' or 'confirm'. It requires solvers to think about words that convey the idea of removing doubt or ensuring a particular outcome. The subtlety often lies in whether the certainty applies to an event, a fact, or a person's state of mind. Recognising these nuances can help you pick the correct answer among several possibilities.
Words like ENSURE and ASSURE are frequently interchangeable in daily language, but in a crossword context, the specific number of letters or surrounding letters in the grid will dictate the precise answer. Understanding the slightly different connotations – ENSURE for outcomes, ASSURE for people – can sometimes be the key to cracking more complex puzzles that rely on precise word definitions.
Always consider the context of the puzzle, such as the newspaper (e.g., cryptic vs. standard), as this can influence the setter's preferred style for such clues. British crosswords, for example, might employ more nuanced or archaic synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of blank spaces in the grid. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down potential answers for a clue like "makes certain."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer isn't immediately apparent, think of synonyms for "makes certain" (like guarantee, verify) and sometimes even antonyms if the clue hints at an opposite meaning (e.g., "undoes certainty").
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. These confirmed letters can provide vital clues to the correct word for "makes certain" when multiple options have the same length.
- Check Word Play: For more complex clues, especially in cryptic crosswords, "makes certain" might be part of a pun, anagram, or other wordplay. If a straightforward synonym doesn't fit, think outside the box.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters are typically in answers for 'makes certain'?
Answers for 'makes certain' can vary, but commonly range from 6 to 9 letters. Words like ENSURE, ASSURE, SECURE, and VERIFY are 6 letters, while CONFIRM is 7 letters, and ESTABLISH is 9 letters. Always check the number of blanks in your puzzle.
What's the difference between ENSURE and ASSURE in crossword clues?
While both ENSURE and ASSURE mean 'to make certain', ENSURE typically refers to making an outcome certain (e.g., 'ensure success'), while ASSURE often refers to making a person certain or confident (e.g., 'assure them of safety'). In crosswords, either can be valid depending on the specific nuance and letter count.
Are there other similar clues for 'makes certain'?
Yes, similar clues might include 'guarantee', 'verify', 'confirm the truth of', 'put beyond doubt', or 'secure'. Crossword setters often use synonyms or slightly rephrased versions of clues, so understanding the core meaning is key.