swell crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on "swell crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "swell crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GOOD: Excellent or agreeable.
WAVE: A large body of water, often rolling or breaking, or a hand gesture.
RISE: To move upwards; to increase in height or amount.
5 Letters
GREAT: Impressive in quality, ability, or size; excellent.
BLOAT: To become distended or puffed up, typically with fluid or gas.
6 Letters
EXPAND: To increase in size, volume, or extent.
7 Letters
ENLARGE: To make or become larger in size or extent.
BURGEON: To begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish.
More About "swell crossword clue"
"Swell" is a wonderfully versatile word, making it a favorite for crossword setters due to its multiple meanings across different parts of speech. As a verb, it can mean to expand, bulge, or increase in volume, like a river after rain or a pastry in the oven. As an adjective, it often denotes something excellent, fashionable, or impressive, harking back to its early 20th-century slang use (e.g., "that's a swell idea!").
Beyond these common interpretations, "swell" can also be a noun referring to a long, unbroken wave in the ocean, or even a person who is fashionably dressed or prominent. This rich semantic field means that when you encounter "swell" as a clue, it's crucial to consider the letter count, any intersecting letters, and the overall theme of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact meaning intended by the clue writer.
Its ambiguity is precisely what makes "swell" such a rewarding clue to solve, forcing solvers to think broadly about synonyms and contexts. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering puzzles where such multi-faceted words appear.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For clues like "swell" with several definitions, always brainstorm synonyms for each possible meaning (verb, adjective, noun) before settling on one.
- Check Letter Counts: The number of letters in the answer is your most important guide. If you have partial letters from crossing words, use them to narrow down possibilities.
- Look for Context: Sometimes, other clues in the puzzle or the puzzle's theme can hint at the specific meaning of a multi-purpose word. Pay attention to the surrounding clues.
- Think About Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, verb, or adjective? While "swell" can be all three, the specific wording of the clue might lean towards one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "swell" have so many answers in crosswords?
The word "swell" is a classic crossword clue due to its polysemy – it has multiple distinct meanings as a verb (to increase in size, to bulge), an adjective (excellent, fashionable), and a noun (a rolling wave, a prominent person). This versatility allows setters to use it for various solutions, making it a frequently appearing and often tricky clue.
What's the most common meaning of "swell" in crosswords?
While all meanings are possible, "swell" most commonly appears in crosswords related to its verb forms meaning 'to increase in size' (e.g., BLOAT, EXPAND, RISE) or its adjective form meaning 'excellent' (e.g., GOOD, GREAT). The context provided by other clues and the puzzle's theme usually guides solvers to the intended meaning.
How can I tell which meaning of "swell" is intended?
To determine the correct meaning, consider the letter count of the answer, the letters you already have from crossing words, and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle. If the clue hints at an emotion or physical state, it might be about expansion. If it's more abstract, it could refer to quality. Always check how the potential answer fits with intersecting words.