tender crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "tender" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "tender crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BID: An offer to buy or do something.
4 Letters
SOFT: Gentle and easily cut or chewed.
SORE: Sensitive to pain or easily hurt.
5 Letters
OFFER: To propose or present for acceptance.
NURSE: To care for or look after carefully.
6 Letters
LOVING: Showing great care or affection.
8 Letters
DELICATE: Fragile and easily damaged.
More About "tender crossword clue"
"Tender" is a classic crossword clue that often puzzles solvers due to its diverse meanings. As an adjective, it can refer to something soft, gentle, or sensitive to pain. As a verb, it means to offer or present something formally, like a resignation. It can also be a noun, referring to an offer or even a small boat.
The beauty and challenge of this clue lie in its context-dependency. A setter might use "tender" to imply a culinary term (tender meat), a psychological state (a tender heart), or a formal action (to tender a bid). Recognizing which meaning the setter intends is crucial for cracking the puzzle.
Our solutions aim to cover the most common interpretations, offering you a range of possibilities to fit the letter count and intersecting clues in your puzzle. Remember to always consider the surrounding words and the overall theme of the crossword to pinpoint the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "tender" used as a noun, verb, or adjective in the implied clue? This helps narrow down potential meanings significantly.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. These are your most powerful hints for confirming the correct answer for "tender."
- Consider Common Synonyms: For short clues like "tender," setters often use common, straightforward synonyms. Think of basic words for soft, gentle, or an offer first.
- Think of Homonyms/Homographs: While "tender" itself isn't a homonym (words that sound the same but have different meanings/spellings), its multiple meanings make it act like one in a crossword. Be aware of all possible interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "tender" a challenging crossword clue?
Its multiple meanings (adjective, verb, noun) mean solvers need to consider the context of surrounding words or other clues to deduce the correct sense. It can refer to being soft, gentle, sore, an offer, or to care for someone.
How do I identify the correct meaning of "tender" in a crossword?
Pay attention to the letter count, intersecting letters from other clues, and whether the clue implies a noun (e.g., 'a tender'), a verb (e.g., 'to tender a resignation'), or an adjective (e.g., 'tender meat'). Context is absolutely key.
Are there common word patterns associated with "tender" answers?
Common answers like SOFT, SORE, OFFER, BID, and NURSE often appear. For longer words, think about synonyms like LOVING or DELICATE. Always consider the most common synonyms first based on the available letters.