strengthen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue is "strengthen", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "strengthen crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ARM: To provide with weapons or equipment, thereby making more capable or powerful; to make ready for defense.
5 Letters
BRACE: To give support to; to make stronger or firmer; often implies preparing for impact or difficulty.
SHORE: To support or strengthen by propping from below or against; often used with 'up', as in 'shore up a wall'.
7 Letters
FORTIFY: To make stronger, especially physically, defensively, or mentally; to add nutrients to food.
BOLSTER: To support or strengthen; to prop up; often used for morale or arguments.
TOUGHEN: To make or become more resilient, hardy, or strong; to endure difficult conditions.
9 Letters
REINFORCE: To strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel, material, or evidence.
More About "strengthen crossword clue"
The clue "strengthen" is a staple in crosswords due to its wide range of synonyms and contexts. It can refer to making something physically more robust, such as a building or a muscle. However, it can also describe an increase in non-physical attributes, like an argument being strengthened with evidence, or one's resolve being strengthened by experience.
Understanding this versatility is key to solving the puzzle. Sometimes the answer will be a direct synonym for making physically stronger, like 'fortify' or 'reinforce'. Other times, it might point to a more abstract form of strengthening, such as 'bolster' (to boost morale) or 'brace' (to prepare oneself). Always consider the nuance of the clue and how it might fit with surrounding letters.
Crossword setters often use such broad terms to test your vocabulary and your ability to think synonymously across different domains. By providing a variety of answers, we aim to cover most possibilities you'll encounter for this common and engaging clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by checking the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options significantly.
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: For a clue like "strengthen," think beyond just physical strength. Consider emotional, structural, legal, or strategic strengthening.
- Use Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool in crossword solving is using letters from already solved clues that intersect with your current word. These can quickly reveal the correct answer.
- Look for Context: Sometimes, the clue might have a subtle hint. Is it part of a phrase? Does it imply a specific field (e.g., military, construction, psychology)?
- Check for Homographs/Homophones: While less common for "strengthen," some clues play on words that sound alike or are spelled the same but have different meanings. Always keep an open mind for these tricks.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'strengthen' in crosswords?
The clue 'strengthen' is versatile, referring to physical, emotional, structural, or strategic reinforcement. This breadth allows for many synonyms to be valid answers depending on the context and the number of letters required for the puzzle.
How can I choose the correct 'strengthen' answer when multiple options fit?
To pinpoint the correct answer, always check the crossing letters from other solved clues. Also, consider the specific nuance of the clue – sometimes it implies physical strengthening, other times emotional or strategic. The puzzle's theme or other clues might also provide hints.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes associated with 'strengthen' answers?
Yes, common prefixes like 'RE-' (e.g., reinforce) or 'EN-' (e.g., embolden - though not used in this specific set of answers, it's a common pattern) can appear. Suffixes like '-EN' (e.g., toughen) are also frequent indicators that a word means 'to make' something, thereby strengthening it.