to force crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "to force" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find all the possible answers for this clue, along with explanations and tips to help you complete your puzzle quickly.
Solutions for "to force crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
WREST: To forcibly pull something from someone's grasp, or to take power or control with difficulty.
EXACT: To demand and obtain something, especially money or information, from someone.
6 Letters
COMPEL: To make someone do something by using force or threats.
COERCE: To persuade an unwilling person to do something by using force or threats.
IMPOSE: To force an unwelcome decision, policy, or burden on someone.
EXTORT: To obtain something, especially money, by force, threats, or other unfair means.
7 Letters
ENFORCE: To compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation).
More About "to force crossword"
The clue "to force" is a classic example of a crossword setter's trick. It seems straightforward, but the word "force" has a surprisingly broad range of meanings, leading to numerous potential answers. From physically compelling someone to do something (like COMPEL or COERCE) to imposing a will or rule (like IMPOSE or ENFORCE), or even extracting something unwillingly (like EXTORT or WREST), the nuances are key.
This semantic versatility is precisely what makes such clues challenging yet rewarding. When you encounter "to force," you're not just looking for a direct synonym, but often a word that describes a specific *type* of forcing. The context provided by intersecting words becomes incredibly important here, as it helps narrow down the possibilities among words that otherwise seem equally valid.
Mastering these types of clues involves expanding your vocabulary beyond basic synonyms to include words that describe the action of 'forcing' in various scenarios. Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'compel' (to drive or urge strongly) and 'coerce' (to achieve by force or threats) can be the difference between a correct answer and a blank square.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check for synonyms: The word "to force" has many. Always consider alternatives like COMPEL, COERCE, IMPOSE, ENFORCE, EXTORT, OBLIGE, WREST, and EXACT.
- Look at intersecting letters: This is often the most crucial tip for disambiguating multiple answers for the same clue. The letters you've already filled in from crossing words will guide you to the correct length and specific word.
- Consider the puzzle's theme or difficulty: Some puzzles might lean towards more obscure synonyms or specific contexts. A themed puzzle might feature 'force' in a particular field, like law (ENFORCE) or military (COMPEL).
- Think about parts of speech: "To force" implies a verb. This narrows down options significantly, helping you avoid noun or adjective forms that might otherwise seem related.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do "to force" clues often have so many possible answers?
The word "force" has a rich semantic field, encompassing various forms of compulsion, imposition, and extraction. Crossword setters exploit this versatility, using subtle synonyms that match different letter counts and contexts. This wide range of meanings leads to multiple valid solutions.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like COMPEL and COERCE?
While similar, COMPEL often refers to a stronger, more direct form of pressure, whereas COERCE implies achieving compliance through intimidation or threats. In crosswords, the surrounding letters (from intersecting words) are usually your best guide, but understanding these subtle differences can sometimes provide helpful context.
Are there common prefixes/suffixes for "force" words in crosswords?
While not a direct prefix/suffix, many "force" words are verbs, indicating an an action. Therefore, look for word patterns that suggest action or causation. Sometimes, clues might involve derivatives like "forced" or "forcing," so be mindful of verb tenses or participles which might alter the word's form.