cleave crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential solutions for the crossword clue "cleave crossword clue", complete with explanations to help you understand the nuances of this tricky word. Let's get that puzzle solved!
Solutions for "cleave crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CHOP: To cut (something) into small pieces with repeated sharp blows (meaning to divide).
REND: To tear (something) into two or more pieces (meaning to separate forcefully).
5 Letters
SPLIT: To divide or cause to divide into two or more parts (meaning to separate).
CLING: To hold on tightly to something, or to adhere firmly (meaning to stick).
6 Letters
ADHERE: To stick firmly to a surface or substance (meaning to stick).
DIVIDE: To separate into parts (meaning to separate).
More About "cleave crossword clue"
The word "cleave" is famously a contranym or auto-antonym, meaning it's a word that can have two opposite meanings depending on context. This makes it a particularly cunning and frequent clue in crosswords! One meaning of "cleave" is to split or divide, often with force, like an axe cleaving wood. The other meaning is to stick firmly or adhere closely, as in "to cleave to a belief" or "the barnacles cleave to the hull."
Because of this duality, when you encounter "cleave" in a crossword, it's crucial to look at the intersecting letters and the overall theme of the puzzle. If the surrounding clues suggest separation or division, answers like SPLIT or CHOP are likely. If the context implies attachment or devotion, then ADHERE or CLING might be the solution. Understanding this dual nature is key to mastering such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Contranyms: Always be aware of words like "cleave" that have opposite meanings. When you see such a word, immediately consider both interpretations.
- Use Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to solve ambiguous clues is to fill in the letters from intersecting words. This will quickly reveal which meaning of "cleave" is intended.
- Consider Synonyms for Both Meanings: Even if you know "cleave" has two meanings, brainstorm synonyms for both "split" and "stick" to widen your pool of potential answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "cleave" a tricky crossword clue?
The word "cleave" is a contranym (or auto-antonym), meaning it has two opposite meanings: to split apart and to stick together. This makes it challenging as a crossword clue because solvers need context from other clues or the puzzle's theme to determine which meaning is intended.
What are common answers for "cleave" meaning to separate?
When "cleave" means to separate, common crossword answers often include SPLIT, CHOP, CUT, DIVIDE, or REND. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters and other intersecting words in your puzzle.
What are common answers for "cleave" meaning to adhere?
When "cleave" means to adhere or stick, common crossword answers are typically ADHERE, STICK, or CLING. Pay attention to the letter count required and any surrounding letters you've already filled in to narrow down the possibilities.