swollen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "swollen," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "swollen crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PUFFY: Describes something that is lightly swollen, soft, and somewhat inflated in appearance, often due to fluid retention or general puffiness.
TUMID: A more formal or medical term for swollen, particularly referring to a part of the body that is protuberant or distended.
7 Letters
BLOATED: Frequently used to describe a swollen state, often related to gas or fluid retention in the abdomen, giving a full or distended look.
9 Letters
DISTENDED: Indicates a state of being stretched or enlarged, often due to internal pressure, a strong synonym for swollen.
More About "swollen crossword clue"
The word "swollen" is a remarkably versatile term in the English language, making it a frequent and sometimes challenging clue in crossword puzzles. Its common usage relates to an increase in size or volume, often due to internal pressure or accumulation of fluid. Medically, it points to conditions like edema or inflammation, but in everyday language, it can simply describe something that has expanded.
In crosswords, the challenge with "swollen" often lies in selecting the most fitting synonym based on the letter count and intersecting letters. Puzzle setters might use it to evoke a sense of physical expansion (e.g., a "swollen" ankle), or a more metaphorical increase (e.g., a heart "swollen" with pride, or "swollen" ranks in an army). This breadth of meaning means that a single clue can have several valid answers, each with a slightly different nuance.
Understanding these subtle differences and the various contexts in which "swollen" can appear is key to solving the puzzle. Always consider if the clue is looking for a literal description or a more figurative expression, and how that might narrow down your choices from the many available synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Consider if the clue for 'swollen' implies a specific type of swelling (e.g., soft vs. firm, internal vs. external). This can help you choose between words like 'PUFFY', 'BLOATED', or 'TUMID'.
- Check Surrounding Clues: The letters revealed by intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly eliminate incorrect options and confirm the right one. Always prioritize fitting the letters over guessing.
- Think Beyond the Literal: While 'swollen' often means physically larger, remember that crosswords love figurative language. Could it mean 'swollen with pride' or 'swollen with emotion'? This might lead you to less obvious synonyms.
- Consider Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes, the answer might be a derivative like 'DISTENDED' (from 'distend'). Keep an eye out for how verb forms can become adjectives that fit the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'swollen' in crosswords?
Crossword clues like 'swollen' often have multiple answers because English is rich in synonyms. Different answers like 'PUFFY,' 'BLOATED,' or 'TUMID' can fit depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends or the letter count required by the grid.
How can I determine the correct 'swollen' answer if I have several options?
To find the right answer, first check the number of letters needed. Then, look at the intersecting letters from other solved clues. Finally, consider if the clue has a specific context (e.g., 'swollen with pride' vs. 'swollen ankle') that might point to a particular synonym.
Does 'swollen' always refer to physical enlargement in crosswords?
While 'swollen' most commonly refers to physical enlargement, it can also be used figuratively in crosswords. For example, a clue might refer to 'swollen with pride' or 'swollen ranks,' indicating an increase in size or number in a non-literal sense. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings.