prolongs crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "prolongs" in your current crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, to help you complete your grid with ease. Dive in and find your solution!
Solutions for "prolongs crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
EXTENDS: To make something longer in space or time, fitting the meaning of 'prolongs'.
LINGERS: To stay in a place longer than is necessary, expected, or customary, or to continue to exist for a longer period.
8 Letters
DRAGSOUT: To make an event or process continue for longer than is necessary or desirable, often implying a tedious extension.
9 Letters
LENGTHENS: Directly means to make longer, a perfect synonym for 'prolongs'.
STRETCHES: To lengthen or extend over time or distance, often implying elasticity or flexibility.
More About "prolongs crossword clue"
"Prolongs" is a common verb in crossword puzzles, often appearing in its third-person singular or plural form. It refers to the act of making something last for a longer duration or increasing its physical length. Clues involving "prolongs" can sometimes be tricky because there are many synonyms that fit the basic definition, but the specific context of the puzzle or the number of letters required will narrow down the options.
When you encounter "prolongs" in a crossword, consider the underlying meaning: is it about extending a meeting, making a piece of fabric longer, or causing an illness to last longer? Each scenario might subtly favour a different synonym. For instance, 'DRAGSOUT' often implies an undesirable extension, while 'EXTENDS' or 'LENGTHENS' are more neutral.
Always cross-reference with intersecting words. The letters you've already filled in will be your best guide. If a seven-letter word is needed, and you have an 'X' in the second position, 'EXTENDS' becomes a very strong candidate. This iterative process of using known letters to deduce unknown ones is fundamental to solving clues like "prolongs".
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Prolongs" is a verb, specifically third-person singular present or plural. This means your answer will likely be a verb ending in 'S' (e.g., EXTENDS, LENGTHENS), or a phrasal verb that fits the tense.
- Consider the Connotation: Does the clue imply a positive, negative, or neutral extension? "DRAGSOUT" suggests a negative connotation, while "EXTENDS" is neutral. This can help you choose between otherwise similar synonyms.
- Look for Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, "prolongs" might lead to a phrasal verb. For example, if the clue was "Prolongs, with 'out'", the answer could be "DRAGS". Always keep an eye out for these subtle hints.
- Check Letter Count and Intersecting Words: The most crucial tip for any crossword clue. The number of boxes and the letters from intersecting words will often reveal the exact answer, especially when multiple synonyms exist.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "prolongs" typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "prolongs" usually refers to making something last longer, extending its duration, or increasing its length. Common answers relate to stretching, lengthening, or drawing out a process or object. Context from surrounding clues is key to identifying the precise nuance.
Are there common word patterns or lengths for answers to "prolongs"?
Answers to "prolongs" can vary widely in length, from shorter words like 'LASTS' (5 letters) or 'SPINS' (5 letters, as in 'spins out') to longer ones such as 'LENGTHENS' (9 letters) or 'ELONGATES' (9 letters). Look out for verbs ending in 'S' (as 'prolongs' is plural or third-person singular) and words that naturally imply an increase in duration or dimension.
How can I distinguish between similar 'prolongs' answers like 'EXTENDS' and 'LENGTHENS'?
While 'EXTENDS' and 'LENGTHENS' are often interchangeable for 'prolongs', specific nuances or accompanying words in the clue can guide you. 'EXTENDS' can imply both length and time, or even reaching outwards. 'LENGTHENS' focuses more strictly on making something physically longer. If the clue has a subtle hint about physical dimension, 'LENGTHENS' might be a better fit, whereas a clue about time or reach could lean towards 'EXTENDS'. The number of letters available is often the deciding factor in crossword puzzles.