crossword clue compact – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "compact," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "crossword clue compact" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PACK: To press together tightly; also, a small, self-contained unit.
NEAT: Tidy, orderly, not sprawling; also implying concise or succinct.
5 Letters
TIGHT: Closely packed, allowing little space; concise.
DENSE: Closely packed together; concentrated.
SMALL: Of a size that is less than normal or usual.
TERSE: Sparsely using words; concise.
BRIEF: Of short duration; concise.
SQUAT: Short and thick or broad in build.
CRUSH: To press or squeeze forcefully so as to break, damage, or deform.
PRESS: To apply force to (something) in order to move it into a different position or to make it flatter.
8 Letters
CONDENSE: To make (something) more dense or concise.
COMPRESS: To flatten or press together.
More About "crossword clue compact"
The word "compact" is a versatile term that frequently appears in crossword puzzles, often challenging solvers due to its multiple meanings. It can refer to something small and efficiently designed, like a "compact car," or something tightly packed, such as "compact soil." Understanding these nuances is crucial for identifying the correct answer in your puzzle.
Beyond its physical descriptions, "compact" can also imply conciseness or brevity, as in a "compact statement" or "compact writing." This duality means solutions can range from words like DENSE or SMALL to TERSE or BRIEF. Additionally, "compact" can function as a verb, meaning to press or pack together, leading to answers like PRESS or CONDENSE.
Crossword setters love words like "compact" because they allow for clever wordplay and misdirection. Always consider the number of letters required and any existing letters you have filled in, as these are your best guides to pinpointing the specific meaning intended by the clue writer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "compact" used as an adjective (describing something) or a verb (an action)? This will narrow down your possible answers significantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the same or the opposite of "compact" in various contexts. Sometimes, the answer is a less obvious synonym.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are often the most reliable way to confirm or rule out potential solutions.
- Think About Different Contexts: "Compact" can refer to physical size, density, conciseness, or even a formal agreement (though less common in daily puzzles). Broaden your thinking beyond the most obvious definition.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I determine which meaning of "compact" a crossword clue refers to?
Context is key in crosswords! Look at the length of the answer box and any intersecting letters you already have. Clues like 'make compact' point to a verb (e.g., PRESS, CONDENSE), while 'small and neat' points to an adjective (e.g., TIGHT, SMALL). The surrounding theme of the puzzle or other clues can also provide hints.
Are there common synonyms for "compact" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'compact' that appear in crosswords often include TIGHT, DENSE, SMALL, TERSE (for concise), BRIEF (for concise), and sometimes verbs like PRESS or CONDENSE when the clue implies making something compact. Adjectives related to neatness or tidiness, such as NEAT, can also be solutions.
What's the difference between "compact" as an adjective and a verb in crossword clues?
When 'compact' is used as an adjective, the clue usually describes something that is small, dense, or neatly arranged (e.g., 'Compact car' -> SMALL, 'Compact soil' -> DENSE). When used as a verb, the clue implies an action of making something smaller, denser, or more efficient (e.g., 'Compact trash' -> PRESS, CRUSH, CONDENSE). Pay attention to the part of speech implied by the clue for the correct answer.