shorten crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! On this page, you'll find all the possible answers for the clue "shorten crossword clue", complete with explanations and categorized by letter count to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "shorten crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: To reduce in length, often sharply.
4 Letters
TRIM: To make neater or smaller by cutting away excess.
7 Letters
CURTAIL: To reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.
8 Letters
CONDENSE: To make something more dense or compact, especially by reducing its volume or length.
10 Letters
ABBREVIATE: To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
More About "shorten crossword clue"
The clue "shorten" is a classic example of a common crossword theme, focusing on synonyms related to reduction, contraction, or abridgment. While straightforward, its versatility allows for a wide range of answers depending on the specific context and letter count demanded by the puzzle grid.
When you encounter "shorten," think about various ways something can be made shorter: physically (like cutting or trimming), textually (like abbreviating or condensing), or in terms of duration (like curtailing). This broad semantic field ensures that there are numerous valid solutions, making it essential to cross-reference with other clues.
Understanding the nuances of each synonym, as provided above, can significantly speed up your solving process. For instance, 'CUT' is a general term, whereas 'ABBREVIATE' is very specific to text. Recognizing these distinctions helps in selecting the precise word that fits your crossword puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the answer you're considering with the spaces available in your puzzle. This is the quickest way to narrow down options for clues like "shorten."
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already-solved intersecting words to confirm or rule out potential answers. For 'shorten', if you have a 'U' in the second position, 'CURTAIL' might be a strong candidate.
- Consider the Clue's Tone: Sometimes, the clue's wording (e.g., "briefly," "cut back," "clip") can hint at a specific type of shortening action. Pay attention to subtle nuances.
- Think of Homonyms/Homophones: While less common for "shorten," always be aware that some clues might play on words that sound alike but have different spellings or meanings.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for the 'shorten' crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have various synonyms, or the clue itself might be designed to fit different word lengths and contexts within a puzzle. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and other intersecting words in your crossword.
How can I find the correct 'shorten' answer for my puzzle?
To find the correct answer, first check the number of letters your puzzle requires. Then, look at any intersecting words you've already filled in to see which 'shorten' synonym fits the pattern. Our page lists answers by letter count to help you narrow down the options quickly.
What other clues are similar to 'shorten'?
Clues similar to 'shorten' might include 'cut down', 'abridge', 'lessen', 'trim', 'reduce', or 'curtail'. These all imply making something smaller or briefer. Looking at synonyms and antonyms can often help with related clues.