crossword clue sharpen – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "sharpen" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue sharpen" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HONE: To make something, such as a skill or a tool, sharper or more effective.
WHET: To sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon); to stimulate or excite (someone's desire, interest, or appetite).
5 Letters
GRIND: To sharpen, smooth, or polish by rubbing with an abrasive.
POINT: To make the end of something sharp or pointed.
6 Letters
REFINE: To improve something by making small changes, especially to make it more precise or effective.
7 Letters
ENHANCE: To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of something.
More About "crossword clue sharpen"
"Sharpen" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often requiring you to consider both its literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to making an edge or point keener, as with a knife or pencil. Figuratively, it can mean to make a skill, mind, or sense more acute, precise, or effective. This duality is what makes it a common and sometimes tricky crossword clue.
When encountering "sharpen," consider the number of letters you need. Shorter answers like HONE or WHET are usually for the literal sense of making an edge sharper. Longer answers like REFINE or ENHANCE might lean towards the figurative improvement of a skill or quality. Always check if there are other words in the clue that narrow down the meaning, such as "sharpen a blade" versus "sharpen one's wits."
The context within the puzzle also matters. If the puzzle has a theme related to tools or cooking, the answer might be physical. If it's about intelligence or learning, it might be more abstract. Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "sharpen," determine if the meaning is literal (e.g., a tool) or figurative (e.g., a skill). This often dictates the specific synonym.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always confirm the exact number of letters needed for the answer. This is the most crucial step in narrowing down possibilities, especially when multiple words fit the meaning.
- Consider Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters from crossing words, use them to test potential answers. Even one confirmed letter can eliminate many incorrect options.
- Think of Homophones or Puns: While "sharpen" is direct, other clues might play on words. Always be alert for clever wordplay in clues that seem straightforward.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sharpen' typically mean in crosswords?
'Sharpen' often refers to making something keener, more precise, or more effective. This can apply to physical objects like knives (hone, whet, grind), or abstract concepts like skills or wits (refine, enhance, hone).
Are there common synonyms for 'sharpen' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include HONE, WHET, GRIND, POINT, REFINE, and ENHANCE. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and the context of the clue, if any additional descriptors are provided.
How can I tell if 'sharpen' refers to a skill or a tool?
Look for accompanying words in the clue. For instance, 'sharpen a knife' points to HONE or WHET. 'Sharpen wits' or 'sharpen skills' might suggest REFINE or HONE. Crossword constructors often provide subtle hints through word choice.