crossword clue for swell – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for the clue "crossword clue for swell", along with explanations and helpful tips to conquer your next puzzle. Get ready to expand your crossword vocabulary!
Solutions for "crossword clue for swell" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GROW: To increase in size or volume.
WAVE: A rising and falling movement of water, often used in the context of ocean swells.
5 Letters
BULGE: To protrude or stick out in a rounded way.
AMASS: To gather or accumulate a large quantity of something, often used for a "swell of support."
6 Letters
EXPAND: To become larger in extent, volume, or quantity.
BILLOW: To fill with air and swell outwards, especially a sail or cloud.
8 Letters
INCREASE: To become greater in size, amount, or intensity.
More About "crossword clue for swell"
The word "swell" is a fantastic example of a polysemous word, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings, making it a favorite for crossword constructors. From its literal sense of increasing in size or volume, as a body part might swell after an injury, to the movement of the ocean, or even an informal term for something excellent, "swell" covers a wide linguistic range.
In crosswords, you might encounter "swell" cluing a verb like GROW, EXPAND, or BLOAT when referring to an increase in size. If the puzzle hints at nautical themes, it could lead to answers like WAVE or RIPPLE. And don't forget its older, informal meaning as an adjective for something admirable or fashionable, which might clue answers like GREAT or FINE. Recognizing these different facets is crucial for decoding the specific intent of the clue within its puzzle context.
Understanding the context provided by surrounding clues, the number of letters in the answer, and the overall theme of the puzzle can help you narrow down which meaning of "swell" the constructor is aiming for. This versatility makes "swell" a rewarding challenge, testing your breadth of vocabulary and contextual interpretation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "swell" used as a verb (to increase), a noun (a wave), or an adjective (excellent)? This often dictates the type of answer you're looking for.
- Consider Associated Concepts: If the clue is "swell," think of related fields. Is it medical (e.g., inflammation), nautical (ocean movements), or informal slang?
- Look at Cross-References: Leverage intersecting words. If a few letters are filled in from other clues, they can significantly narrow down the possibilities for "swell," especially for its more ambiguous meanings.
- Ponder Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm synonyms for each meaning of "swell." Sometimes thinking of its opposite (e.g., shrink for grow) can indirectly lead to the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'swell' have so many different meanings in crosswords?
The word 'swell' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple related but distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters leverage this versatility, using it to clue everything from physical enlargement (e.g., GROW, EXPAND) to a noun referring to a wave (WAVE), or even an archaic adjective for excellent (GREAT, FINE).
How can I distinguish between the different 'swell' answers?
Context is key! Look at the surrounding letters you've already filled in, the length of the required answer, and any thematic hints in the puzzle. For instance, if it's a nautical-themed puzzle, WAVE might be more likely than GROW.
Are there common synonyms for 'swell' that often appear in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms that frequently appear as answers for 'swell' include BLOAT, PUFF, EXPAND, GROW, and RISE. For its informal 'excellent' meaning, words like GREAT, NICE, or FINE are common.