strengthen or reinforce crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue 'strengthen or reinforce' in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. This page offers a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their length, along with helpful insights to ensure you find the perfect fit. Let's solve it together!
Solutions for "strengthen or reinforce crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BRACE: To support or hold steady, often by tying or propping.
7 Letters
BOLSTER: To support or strengthen, or to make something stronger.
FORTIFY: To strengthen a place defensively, or to enhance something physically or mentally.
8 Letters
BUTTRESS: To provide a building or structure with projecting supports built against its walls; figuratively, to strengthen an argument or cause.
9 Letters
REINFORCE: To strengthen or support with additional material, personnel, or evidence.
More About "strengthen or reinforce crossword clue"
The phrase "strengthen or reinforce" is a classic crossword clue that can prompt a variety of answers, reflecting both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to making something physically more robust, like adding steel to concrete or props to a shaky structure. This might involve building fortifications, shoring up a wall, or bracing a weak point.
Figuratively, the clue can point to enhancing something non-physical. This could mean bolstering an argument with evidence, reinforcing a belief through experience, or strengthening one's resolve in the face of adversity. The breadth of its application is what makes it a versatile clue in crosswords, requiring solvers to consider context carefully.
Understanding the nuances between synonyms like "bolster," "fortify," "buttress," and "brace" is key to selecting the correct word for your puzzle. Each term carries a slightly different connotation, whether it's about defensive measures, emotional support, or structural stability. Always check how the word fits with intersecting clues to confirm your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the surrounding clues. Is the answer a noun or a verb? Is it referring to a physical object, an emotion, or an abstract concept? This will narrow down your options significantly.
- Check Definitions: If you have multiple possible answers that fit the letter count, quickly look up their precise definitions. Sometimes, a subtle difference in meaning will make one word a perfect fit and another completely wrong.
- Look for Common Patterns: Words related to strengthening often have specific prefixes (like 're-') or suffixes. Familiarize yourself with common crossword patterns and word families.
- Utilize Cross-Reference: Don't try to solve the clue in isolation. Use letters from intersecting words to eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm your chosen answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a 'strengthen or reinforce' crossword clue?
When encountering this type of clue, first consider the context of the puzzle. Is it asking for a physical action, a mental state, or a strategic improvement? Look for synonyms that match the available letter count and cross with other solved words. Common answers often relate to supporting, making firmer, or enhancing.
Are there common word lengths for 'strengthen or reinforce' answers?
Answers for 'strengthen or reinforce' clues can vary widely in length, but frequently fall into the 5-9 letter range. Words like BRACE (5), BOLSTER (7), FORTIFY (7), BUTTRESS (8), and REINFORCE (9) are common. However, always be prepared for shorter words like PROP (4) or longer, more specific terms.
How can I expand my vocabulary for similar crossword clues?
To improve your vocabulary for synonyms of 'strengthen or reinforce,' regularly use a thesaurus, read diverse texts, and pay attention to how these words are used in various contexts. Solving crosswords frequently is also an excellent way to organically build your mental lexicon for such concepts.