toughen crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "toughen" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your grid and enhance your crossword skills.
Solutions for "toughen crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
STEEL: To make oneself or something strong, resolute, or firm, often in preparation for a challenge.
INURE: To accustom someone to something, especially something unpleasant or difficult, thereby making them more resilient.
6 Letters
HARDEN: To make or become hard, firm, or rigid; to make more robust or resilient.
SEASON: To make experienced or less sensitive, often through prolonged exposure to a particular environment or challenge.
7 Letters
FORTIFY: To strengthen or make more secure, often against attack or decay; to add strength to.
More About "toughen crossword clue"
The clue "toughen" is a common one in crosswords, often pointing towards verbs that imply increasing strength, resilience, or resistance. Depending on the context and the number of letters required, the answers can range from literal physical hardening to more figurative psychological or emotional strengthening. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct word.
Crossword setters love to play with synonyms and their subtle differences. For "toughen," you might think of making something more durable, or making a person more robust against hardship. This versatility allows for a variety of answers, making it a good test of vocabulary. Always consider if the clue implies physical, mental, or structural toughening when choosing your answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters you need with the provided solution length. This is your primary filter for "toughen crossword clue" and any other clue.
- Consider Synonyms: Think broadly about synonyms for "toughen." Does it mean to make stronger, more resilient, or less sensitive? Each nuance might lead to a different correct answer.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is by seeing if its letters fit with the intersecting words. If a word like "HARDEN" doesn't work with perpendicular clues, it's likely not the answer, even if it fits the primary clue.
- Explore Context: Is "toughen" used in a phrase or with specific imagery in the clue? Sometimes the context can hint at a less common but perfectly valid synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'toughen' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'toughen' found in crosswords often include words like HARDEN, STEEL, FORTIFY, BRACE, INURE, and FIRM. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and other intersecting clues.
How does the context of 'toughen' affect the crossword answer?
The context is crucial. 'Toughen' can refer to physical hardening (like steel or wood), emotional resilience (inure, brace), or strengthening a position (fortify). Always consider the surrounding clues to narrow down the best fit.
Are there different ways 'toughen' might be clued in a crossword?
Yes, 'toughen' can be clued directly as a verb ('Make strong') or more figuratively ('Harden, as a heart'). It might also appear as part of a phrase or a more obscure synonym, requiring broader vocabulary knowledge.