advance crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "advance crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, along with their explanations and letter counts, designed to help you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "advance crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GAIN: To make progress or improve, often financially or in position.
LOAN: An amount of money given temporarily, often as an advance payment.
LEAP: A sudden or significant forward movement or progression.
5 Letters
BOOST: To help improve or push something forward, giving it an advance.
MARCH: To move steadily forward, similar to an advance, often in a determined way.
7 Letters
FURTHER: To help the progress or development of something; to advance it.
8 Letters
PROGRESS: Forward or onward movement towards a destination or goal, signifying an advance.
More About "advance crossword clue"
The word 'advance' is a versatile term frequently encountered in crossword puzzles, offering a range of meanings from physical movement to financial transactions and personal development. As a verb, it can mean to move forward, to make progress, or to promote a cause. As a noun, it can refer to a payment made before it is due, or a forward movement of troops. This multifaceted nature makes 'advance' a rich source of potential answers in crosswords, challenging solvers to consider its various contexts.
When 'advance' appears in a clue, it's crucial to consider the context provided by other words in the clue, the number of letters required for the answer, and any intersecting letters from solved clues. Common interpretations include synonyms for 'progress' (like GAIN, MARCH), synonyms for a 'prepayment' or 'loan' (like LOAN), or words implying promotion or development (like FURTHER, BOOST). Its flexibility means it can fit various grid patterns, making it a common but sometimes tricky clue.
Mastering clues related to 'advance' requires a broad vocabulary and an understanding of its nuanced meanings. Pay attention to whether the clue implies a verb (to advance) or a noun (an advance). For instance, 'Move forward' would suggest a verb, while 'Prepayment' would indicate a noun. This distinction is often key to pinpointing the correct solution among several possibilities that seem to fit the general definition.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Word Length First: Always start by matching the number of letters. This immediately narrows down possibilities for a clue like 'advance' to a manageable set, such as GAIN (4 letters) or PROGRESS (8 letters), helping you focus your search.
- Consider All Synonyms and Contexts: Crossword setters often use synonyms or specific contexts. Think of all possible meanings of 'advance' – moving forward, lending money, promoting a cause – and brainstorm words for each. The surrounding words in the clue are vital hints.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Once you've filled in some answers in the grid, use the known letters that cross your target clue. These intersecting letters are often the most reliable method for confirming or eliminating potential solutions for 'advance', especially when multiple words fit the definition.
- Look for Specific Indicators: Clues might contain subtle indicators. For example, "funds advance" would strongly suggest a financial term like LOAN, while "military advance" might point towards MARCH. Paying close attention to these nuances can guide you to the precise answer.
For more advice on improving your crossword-solving skills, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'advance' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'advance' can refer to moving forward (like progress or gain), making a payment early (a loan or grant), or promoting something. The specific meaning depends on the clue's context and the number of letters, making it a versatile term that requires careful consideration of its various applications.
How do I choose the correct answer for 'advance' when multiple options exist?
The best approach is to carefully consider the number of letters required for the answer, and then cross-reference with any intersecting letters from other solved clues. The specific phrasing of the clue itself or other words in the puzzle can also provide vital hints about the intended synonym, helping you narrow down to the precise fit for the grid.
Are there common synonyms for 'advance' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'advance' frequently appearing in crosswords include 'GAIN', 'LOAN', 'LEAP', 'BOOST', 'MARCH', 'FURTHER', and 'PROGRESS'. These words capture various facets of 'advance', from financial prepayments to physical or conceptual movement forward, making it a common and sometimes tricky clue for solvers.