crossword clue encourage – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find the most comprehensive list of solutions for the crossword clue "crossword clue encourage", organized by letter count for quick and easy reference. Whether you need a short synonym or a longer phrase, we have the answer you're looking for.
Solutions for "crossword clue encourage" by Letter Count
4 Letters
URGE: To strongly advise or persuade someone to do something, often with insistence.
5 Letters
BOOST: To help improve, increase, or promote the growth or success of something.
6 Letters
FOSTER: To encourage the development of something good or desirable, often over a period of time.
7 Letters
PROMOTE: To support or actively encourage a cause, venture, or person; to further the progress of something.
8 Letters
EMBOLDEN: To give someone the courage or confidence to do something or to behave in a certain way, often by instilling bravery.
CHAMPION: To support the cause of; to defend or advocate for.
More About "crossword clue encourage"
"Encourage" is a versatile verb that appears frequently in crosswords, often requiring you to consider its various nuances and synonyms. Depending on the context of the puzzle, the answer could range from a direct synonym like "urge" or "spur" to more nuanced terms like "foster" (implying nurturing growth) or "embolden" (suggesting instilling courage).
The beauty of this clue lies in its ability to test your vocabulary breadth. A four-letter answer might be straightforward, but longer answers often demand a deeper understanding of semantic distinctions. Crossword setters love to play with these subtle differences, using adjacent clues or the puzzle's theme to hint at the precise meaning they're looking for.
Always consider the other letters you've filled in. Even a single letter can drastically narrow down the possibilities. If you have "E_B_LDEN," it immediately points towards "EMBOLDEN," whereas "P_O_OT_" might lead you to "PROMOTE." This strategic use of known letters is paramount when tackling clues like "encourage."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The first step is always to count the boxes. This immediately filters out many possibilities and guides your thought process towards words of the correct length.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "encourage," think of direct synonyms, but also consider antonyms (e.g., "discourage") if the clue implies the opposite. Crossword clues sometimes use indirect wording.
- Look for Part-of-Speech Clues: Is the clue a verb, noun, or adjective? "Encourage" is a verb, so its answer will likely be a verb (e.g., "foster," "promote"). This helps eliminate incorrect word types.
- Utilize Cross-References: Never solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. They provide critical constraints that often reveal the correct answer, especially for tricky clues.
- Think of Figurative Meanings: Sometimes "encourage" might be used in a less literal sense. For instance, "to fan the flames" could be a figurative way to encourage something. Be open to idiomatic expressions if the number of letters fits.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'encourage' in crosswords?
Common crossword answers for 'encourage' often include words like URGE, SPUR, BOOST, FOSTER, PROMOTE, and INSPIRE, depending on the number of letters required. These words all convey the sense of providing support, motivation, or development.
How can I find the right 'encourage' answer when given a specific letter count?
If you have a specific letter count, filter by the known length. For example, if it's 4 letters, consider URGE or SPUR. If it's 7 letters, PROMOTE or INSPIRE might be suitable. Context from other solved clues is also vital, looking at surrounding letters.
Are there subtle differences between 'encourage' answers like 'foster' and 'bolster'?
Yes, 'foster' typically implies nurturing growth or development over time (e.g., foster creativity), while 'bolster' means to prop up or strengthen something that might be weakening (e.g., bolster morale). These nuances can be key in trickier puzzles, so consider the context of the puzzle's theme.