squash crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "squash crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
QUASH: To decisively put an end to or reject, often used in a legal or official context. This fits the 'suppress' or 'put down' meaning of squash.
PRESS: To exert force upon something, causing it to become flat or compact. Relates to the action of squashing.
CRUSH: To deform, pulverize, or destroy something by impact or extreme pressure. A strong synonym for squash.
GOURD: A general term for the hard-shelled fruit of certain plants, including many types of squash (e.g., zucchini, pumpkin). This refers to the vegetable meaning.
SMASH: To break into pieces or destroy by violent impact, or to hit hard in sports. Another action-oriented synonym.
7 Letters
FLATTEN: To make or become flat or flatter. Directly related to the physical action of squashing something.
PUMPKIN: A large, rounded orange-yellow fruit with a thick rind and many seeds, typically a type of winter squash. A specific common vegetable type.
8 Letters
ZUCCHINI: A popular variety of summer squash, often green and elongated. A specific type of squash plant/fruit, commonly found in gardens and shops.
More About "squash crossword clue"
The term "squash" is a versatile one, which makes it a frequent visitor in crossword puzzles. It can refer to the action of forcefully compressing something, as in to crush or press. This meaning often leads to answers like QUASH, CRUSH, or PRESS, depending on the nuance implied by the clue and the number of letters available.
Beyond the action, "squash" also identifies a broad category of plants in the gourd family, yielding fruits like pumpkins, zucchini, and butternut squash. When the clue points to this botanical meaning, answers will typically be specific types of squash or the more general term GOURD.
Understanding these dual interpretations is key to successfully solving "squash" clues. Always consider both the verb and the noun meanings, and pay close attention to any additional context provided in the clue, such as a reference to food, a legal term, or a physical action.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "squash" used as a verb (to squash something) or a noun (the squash vegetable)? This will drastically narrow down potential answers.
- Consider Synonyms: For the verb "squash," think of synonyms like 'press,' 'crush,' 'quash,' 'smash,' 'flatten.' For the noun "squash," think of types like 'pumpkin,' 'zucchini,' 'gourd.'
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to eliminate unlikely answers and confirm the correct one. This is especially helpful for words with multiple meanings.
- Think About Context: Does the rest of the puzzle or the theme suggest a particular area, like gardening, cooking, or legal terms? This can hint at which meaning of "squash" is intended.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "squash" typically mean in crossword clues?
In crosswords, "squash" can refer to several things: the act of compressing or crushing something (e.g., PRESS, CRUSH, QUASH), or it can refer to the vegetable type (e.g., GOURD, ZUCCHINI, PUMPKIN). Context from other clues is crucial.
Are there different types of "squash" clues?
Yes, clues involving "squash" often fall into two main categories: synonyms for the verb (to crush, suppress, flatten) or names of specific types of squash vegetables. Sometimes it can even refer to the sport.
How can I improve my crossword-solving skills for "squash" type clues?
To improve, try considering all possible meanings of 'squash' (verb, vegetable, sport). Think about synonyms for each meaning and different letter lengths. If it's a verb, is it violent (CRUSH) or more administrative (QUASH)? If it's a vegetable, is it generic (GOURD) or specific (ZUCCHINI)? Looking at surrounding letters and known words helps immensely.