shorten crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "shorten crossword", designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear descriptions.
Solutions for "shorten crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: To reduce in length, often by severing or editing down.
4 Letters
CLIP: To trim or cut short, similar to cutting a piece from something.
ABBR: A common abbreviation for 'abbreviate', meaning to shorten a word or phrase.
TRIM: To reduce the size or extent of something by cutting away superfluous parts.
5 Letters
ELIDE: To omit (a vowel, consonant, or syllable) when speaking, or to cut out or shorten a part of a text.
6 Letters
REDUCE: To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, directly implying to shorten.
LESSEN: To diminish in size, amount, or intensity; to make or become less.
7 Letters
CURTAIL: To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on, often implying to make shorter.
8 Letters
CONDENSE: To express in fewer words; make dense or more compact, effectively shortening the text.
CONTRACT: To decrease in size, number, or range; to shorten or become shorter.
8 Letters
TRUNCATE: To shorten something by cutting off the top or end, often used in a mathematical or computational context for numbers.
10 Letters
ABBREVIATE: To shorten a word, phrase, or text, representing the most direct meaning of the clue.
More About "shorten crossword"
The clue "shorten crossword" is a classic example of a direct synonym clue, but its simplicity belies the variety of answers it can yield. Crossword setters love clues like this because they allow for multiple valid solutions, depending on the letter pattern and the specific nuance intended. Solutions can range from literal actions like 'CUT' or 'CLIP' to more abstract concepts like 'REDUCE' or 'CONDENSE', and even abbreviations themselves, like 'ABBR'.
Understanding the context is key when encountering such a clue. Is it a general knowledge crossword, a cryptic puzzle, or a quick crossword? The style of the puzzle can often hint at the type of word being sought. For instance, in a quick crossword, you're more likely to find common, straightforward synonyms, whereas a cryptic clue might play on the multiple meanings of "shorten" or lead to an abbreviation through wordplay.
Furthermore, consider the common use of the word "shorten" in relation to different objects. One might shorten a dress (trim), a speech (condense), or a name (abbreviate). Each of these contexts can lead to a different correct answer, making "shorten crossword" a versatile and common clue for testing a solver's vocabulary depth.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Cross-References: Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down the possibilities for "shorten." A single confirmed letter can eliminate many incorrect options.
- Consider Letter Count: The number of blank squares for the answer is your most powerful hint. If you have 4 letters, 'CUT' and 'ABBR' become top contenders. If it's 10, 'ABBREVIATE' is likely.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: For "shorten," list out as many synonyms as you can, then consider their antonyms (lengthen, extend) to help your brain pivot if stuck. Also, think of words that *cause* something to be shorter.
- Look for Hidden Instructions: Sometimes clues have hidden instructions, like "briefly" or "for short," indicating an abbreviation. Pay close attention to these subtle cues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "shorten" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "shorten" often indicates an answer that is an abbreviation, a synonym for making something brief, or a process of reduction like cutting or trimming. It prompts solvers to think of words related to decreasing length or duration.
Why are there multiple answers for "shorten crossword"?
Crossword clues can have multiple valid solutions depending on the puzzle's theme, the available letters, and the specific nuance intended by the setter. "Shorten" has many synonyms, each fitting different letter counts or contexts within various puzzles.
How do I identify if the clue implies an abbreviation?
Look for indicators in the clue itself such as "for short," "briefly," "abbr.," "initially," or an explicit hint towards a shortened form. Sometimes, the required letter count (e.g., 3-4 letters) also suggests an abbreviation.