sanction or advocate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the definitive page for the crossword clue "sanction or advocate". Whether you're stuck or just verifying a solution, we provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and helpful tips to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "sanction or advocate crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ENDORSE: To declare one's public approval or support of something. This fits both 'sanction' (as approval) and 'advocate' (as support).
SUPPORT: To provide assistance, encouragement, or approval to someone or something. A direct fit for both 'sanction' (in the sense of upholding) and 'advocate' (as in backing a cause).
PROMOTE: To actively support or encourage the cause, development, or progress of something. Perfectly encompasses advocating for an idea or sanctioning its progression.
8 Letters
CHAMPION: To support the cause of; defend or advocate for. This word is a strong synonym for advocating and can imply sanctioning something by taking up its cause.
More About "sanction or advocate crossword clue"
The clue "sanction or advocate" often trips up solvers because the word "sanction" has two distinct meanings: to officially approve or permit, and to impose a penalty or punishment. However, when paired with "advocate," the intended meaning invariably leans towards the former – approval, backing, or support. An advocate is someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy, aligning perfectly with the 'approve' sense of sanction.
Understanding this nuance is crucial for solving such clues. Crossword setters frequently use words with dual meanings to test a solver's deeper vocabulary and contextual reasoning. In this instance, you're looking for a word that expresses both approval (the 'sanction' part) and active support or speaking on behalf of (the 'advocate' part). Common answers will revolve around themes of endorsement, promotion, and backing.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: As seen with "sanction," many words have multiple definitions. Always consider which meaning best fits the accompanying words in the clue or the context of the overall puzzle.
- Leverage Crossing Letters: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them! They are your most powerful tool to narrow down possible answers and confirm your suspicions for clues like "sanction or advocate."
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Most crossword clues are synonym-based. If a word seems too straightforward, try to think of its less common synonyms or even its antonyms if the clue suggests opposition.
- Check Word Length: Always pay attention to the requested word length. This is the ultimate constraint and often the key to distinguishing between multiple valid synonyms for a single clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary meaning of "sanction or advocate" in crosswords?
In the context of crosswords, especially when paired with 'advocate,' 'sanction' almost always refers to approval, permission, or support, rather than a penalty. The clue asks for a word that means both to approve (sanction) and to speak in favor of (advocate).
Why are there often multiple answers for one crossword clue?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms or can fit different interpretations of a clue. Crossword setters often create clues that allow for several valid answers, depending on the number of letters and the surrounding crossing letters in the puzzle. Our goal is to provide all common possibilities.
How can I improve my vocabulary for synonym-based clues?
Regular reading, using a thesaurus, and consistently solving crosswords are excellent ways to expand your vocabulary. Pay attention to nuances in meaning and how words are used in different contexts. Over time, you'll start recognizing common crossword patterns and synonym relationships.