so as to surprise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "so as to surprise," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "so as to surprise crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
JOLT: To give someone a sudden shock or surprise, often physically or emotionally.
5 Letters
SHOCK: To cause someone to feel sudden surprise, fear, or disgust; to affect someone with a sudden overwhelming feeling.
AMAZE: To surprise someone very much, often in a positive or wondrous way, filling them with wonder or astonishment.
7 Letters
ASTOUND: To surprise or shock someone so greatly that they are temporarily unable to think or react, often leaving them speechless.
STARTLE: To cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm, often leading to a slight jump or sudden movement.
More About "so as to surprise crossword clue"
The clue "so as to surprise" is a classic example of a crossword clue that asks for a verb or an action that results in a particular state or effect. In this case, the desired effect is 'surprise'. Crossword setters often use phrases like "so as to," "in order to," or "with the aim of" to point towards a verb that describes the manner in which an action is carried out, or the direct consequence of an action.
When encountering such clues, it's crucial to consider the nuance of 'surprise'. Is it a gentle astonishment, a sudden fright, or a profound shock? Each variation might lead to a different synonym. For instance, 'ASTOUND' implies a deeper level of amazement than 'JOLT', while 'SHOCK' can carry a more negative connotation. Thinking about these subtle differences can help narrow down the possibilities and lead you to the correct answer for your puzzle.
This type of clue often tests your vocabulary of action verbs and your ability to identify direct synonyms for the implied outcome. Practicing with these kinds of clues will sharpen your associative thinking and improve your overall crossword-solving speed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify the Part of Speech: Clues like "so as to surprise" strongly suggest a verb. Look for synonyms that are also verbs.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: Think broadly about words related to 'surprise' – both direct synonyms (astonish, startle, shock) and even words with opposite meanings if the clue implies negation.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Does the puzzle's theme or other intersecting words suggest a particular type of surprise (e.g., pleasant vs. jarring)? This can help you choose between multiple answers of the same length.
- Utilize Cross-References: Always use letters from intersecting words. Even one letter can often eliminate many incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct answer.
- Think Outside the Box: Sometimes, "so as to" can lead to less direct synonyms or even archaic words. If common answers don't fit, consider expanding your vocabulary search.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'so as to' imply in a crossword clue?
'So as to' in a crossword clue often indicates that the answer describes the *manner* or *effect* of an action. It prompts you to think of verbs or adverbs that achieve a specific outcome, in this case, surprising someone.
Are there common synonyms for 'surprise' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'surprise' in crosswords include ASTOUND, STARTLE, SHOCK, AMAZE, STUN, JOLT, and sometimes even words like DAZZLE or NONPLUS, depending on the nuance implied by the clue.
How can I approach crossword clues that describe a resulting state or action?
When a clue describes a resulting state or action, like 'so as to surprise', focus on finding verbs or adverbs that directly lead to that outcome. Consider the part of speech required by the answer (often verbs in infinitive or past tense, or adverbs). Think about the various ways something can be 'surprising' and brainstorm synonyms for each.