refrains from crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find all possible solutions for the clue "refrains from crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "refrains from crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
AVOIDS: To keep away from or prevent oneself from doing something.
7 Letters
DESISTS: To cease or stop an action, especially from an activity or a specific behavior.
8 Letters
ABSTAINS: To voluntarily hold back from doing something, particularly something pleasurable or a habit.
More About "refrains from crossword clue"
The clue "refrains from" is a common phrase in crosswords that tests a solver's vocabulary related to cessation, avoidance, or self-control. It can appear in various forms, sometimes as a direct verb or as part of a longer phrase, requiring a nuanced understanding of synonyms. Identifying the correct answer often hinges on the specific letter count provided by the puzzle and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues.
Words like 'AVOIDS', 'DESISTS', and 'ABSTAINS' are prime candidates for this clue because they directly convey the meaning of holding back or stopping an action. While 'refrain' itself implies holding back, the 'from' often directs solvers to a word that signifies the act of "keeping away from" or "stopping from engaging in" a particular activity or behavior. This makes it a versatile clue, and recognizing the subtle differences in meaning between its synonyms is key to mastering it.
Puzzle setters often use this type of clue to test a solver's breadth of vocabulary, moving beyond the most obvious synonyms to those that are less common but equally valid. Always consider the precise nuance of each possible answer and how it fits both the letter count and any surrounding completed letters in the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Verb Tense: "Refrains from" is in the present tense, so your answer should also be a present-tense verb. Look out for clues like "refrained from" (past tense) which would require a past-tense answer.
- Consider Nuances: While many words mean "to stop," consider the specific context. Does 'refrain' imply a moral choice (abstains), a simple avoidance (avoids), or a command (desists)?
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use letters from completed intersecting words as vital hints. They will narrow down your options significantly, often leaving only one plausible answer.
- Think of Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, "refrains from" might hint at a multi-word answer or a less common single word that is derived from a phrasal verb. Keep an open mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'refrains from' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Refrains from' in a crossword clue usually implies an action of holding back, avoiding, ceasing, or abstaining from something. Common synonyms include 'desists,' 'avoids,' 'shuns,' or 'abstains,' depending on the letter count and surrounding letters.
How can I identify the correct answer for 'refrains from' if multiple options fit?
To pinpoint the correct answer when multiple words like AVOIDS, DESISTS, or ABSTAINS fit 'refrains from,' look at the letter count and any intersecting letters from other clues. The context of the puzzle's theme or other clues might also provide hints.
Are there any specific crossword conventions related to 'refrains from'?
While not a convention, 'refrains from' often signals an answer that is a verb implying cessation or avoidance. Sometimes, clues might subtly hint at a more specific type of refraining, such as 'refrains from food' leading to FASTS or DIETS, but the common 'refrains from' is more general.