withstands crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "withstands crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by length, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "withstands crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BEARS: To endure or carry a burden.
6 Letters
BRAVES: Faces or endures with courage.
DEFIES: Openly resists or challenges.
7 Letters
ENDURES: To suffer patiently or last a long time.
RESISTS: To oppose or withstand an action or effect.
8 Letters
SUSTAINS: To undergo, suffer, or uphold.
OUTLASTS: To last longer than.
More About "withstands crossword puzzle clue"
"Withstands" is a versatile verb that often appears in crossword puzzles, prompting solvers to think about synonyms related to endurance, resistance, and resilience. The clue itself suggests a challenge, an opposition, or a test of durability. Common answers can range from active defiance to passive persistence, making it a rich target for setters looking to test a solver's vocabulary depth.
When encountering "withstands," consider the context of the puzzle. Is it looking for a physical ability to bear weight or pressure? Or perhaps a metaphorical capacity to endure hardship or temptation? The nuance can lead to answers like BEARS, ENDURES, or RESISTS, each carrying slightly different connotations while broadly fitting the core meaning of holding strong against external forces.
The beauty of this clue lies in its ability to lead to multiple valid answers depending on the setter's intent and the number of letters required. Always cross-reference with other clues in the grid to confirm the perfect fit. Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms for "withstands" is a key skill for any successful crossword enthusiast.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Tense and Plurality: Always check if the clue "withstands" (present tense, singular) implies a present tense, singular answer like ENDURES, or if a slight variation (e.g., "withstood") would require a past tense answer.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "withstands," think broadly about words meaning 'to resist,' 'to endure,' 'to bear,' 'to brave,' or even 'to outlast.' Sometimes, thinking of opposites can also spark an idea.
- Use Crossing Letters Wisely: The most critical strategy. Even if you have a few possible answers for "withstands," the letters that intersect with other clues will quickly narrow down the options to the single correct word.
- Look for Homographs and Double Meanings: Some setters might use "withstands" in a less common, perhaps punny, sense. While less likely for straightforward clues, always keep an open mind for clever wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find crossword answers for challenging clues like "withstands"?
Start by considering synonyms and antonyms. Break down the clue for any hints about tense, plurality, or part of speech. Use known letters in the grid to narrow down possibilities, and consult online crossword solvers or dictionaries if stuck. Contextual understanding of the clue's nuance is key.
What's the difference between 'endures' and 'resists' when solving crosswords?
'Endures' typically means to suffer through something patiently or to last a long time. 'Resists' implies active opposition or fighting against something. While both can fit 'withstands' in different contexts, 'endures' focuses on the ability to bear, while 'resists' focuses on the active pushback. The specific puzzle's theme or other crossing letters will often clarify which is correct.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple possible answers?
Crossword clues can be ambiguous or have multiple valid interpretations due to the richness of the English language and the setter's creativity. Many words have several synonyms, or a clue might be a pun or a double entendre. The surrounding letters in the grid are crucial for determining the correct answer among the possibilities, as only one word will fit all crossing clues.