bear crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "bear crossword clue," you've come to the right place. This page provides a comprehensive list of solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the context and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "bear crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUB: A young bear, commonly used when the clue refers to the animal.
5 Letters
POLAR: Often used in clues hinting at a "polar bear," an animal native to Arctic regions.
CARRY: To support a weight or burden, as in "to bear a load."
STAND: To tolerate or endure something, similar to "bear with me."
6 Letters
ENDURE: To suffer something difficult or unpleasant patiently, or to continue to exist.
8 Letters
TOLERATE: To allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of something without interference, often used when "bear" implies putting up with something.
More About "bear crossword clue"
The word "bear" is a fascinating entry in the crossword world because of its multiple meanings. It can refer to the large mammal (like a grizzly or polar bear), or it can function as a verb meaning to carry (as in "bear a gift"), to endure (as in "bear the pain"), or to produce (as in "bear fruit"). This versatility makes it a frequent, yet sometimes tricky, crossword clue.
Crossword setters love words like "bear" because they allow for clever and misleading clues. The key to solving such clues lies in understanding the context. Is the clue hinting at an action, an animal, or a state of being? Pay close attention to accompanying words or phrases in the clue itself. For instance, "bear witness" clearly points to a different meaning than "bear market" or "bear down."
Having a broad vocabulary of synonyms for each meaning of "bear" is essential. For the animal, think of terms like CUB, URSID, or specific types. For carrying, consider LIFT, HOLD, SUPPORT. For enduring, think of SUFFER, TOLERATE, STAND. By practicing with these variations, you'll improve your ability to quickly identify the intended meaning and arrive at the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your first crucial hint. For "bear," a short answer like 3 letters often points to "CUB," while longer answers might refer to synonyms like "TOLERATE" or specific types of bears.
- Consider All Meanings: Before committing to an answer, quickly cycle through all possible meanings of "bear" (animal, carry, endure, produce, etc.) and see which fits the clue and the given letter count best.
- Look for Context Clues: Crossword clues rarely stand alone. Words like "bear a burden," "bear fruit," or "polar bear" are explicit hints that narrow down the meaning significantly. Use these context clues to your advantage.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "bear" have so many different crossword answers?
"Bear" is a polysemous word, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings (e.g., the animal, to carry, to endure, to produce). In crosswords, setters exploit these different senses, leading to a wide range of possible answers depending on the context implied by the rest of the clue or the number of letters.
What are common synonyms for "bear" used in crosswords?
Common synonyms for "bear" include CARRY, SUPPORT, ENDURE, SUFFER, TOLERATE, YIELD (as in produce), and STAND. For the animal sense, answers like CUB, URSID, or specific types like POLAR or GRIZZLY are common.
How can I determine which meaning of "bear" a crossword clue refers to?
To determine the correct meaning, first consider the letter count. Then, look for additional words in the clue that hint at a specific context (e.g., 'bear a load' suggests CARRY; 'polar ___' suggests POLAR). Sometimes, the surrounding letters in the grid will also provide critical clues to narrow down the possibilities.