crossword clue swell – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue swell", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by length, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue swell" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WAVE: Refers to a moving swell of water, or to move in an undulating motion.
RISE: To increase in amount, extent, or intensity; to become larger or higher.
5 Letters
GREAT: Excellent; very good (as in "you're doing a great job," similar to "swell").
BLOAT: To swell or expand, especially from internal pressure.
6 Letters
BILLOW: To swell out, especially with air, like a sail or smoke; to rise and roll in waves.
7 Letters
AUGMENT: To make something greater by adding to it; increase.
ENHANCE: To improve the quality, value, or extent of something; intensify.
8 Letters
INCREASE: To become or make greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree.
9 Letters
EXCELLENT: Extremely good; outstanding.
More About "crossword clue swell"
"Swell" is a wonderfully versatile word, which is precisely why it frequently appears in crosswords. Its multiple meanings make it a fascinating challenge for both setters and solvers. On one hand, "swell" can denote a physical increase in size or volume, like a balloon swelling with air or a river swelling after rain. This leads to answers related to expansion, growth, or rising.
On the other hand, "swell" can be an informal adjective meaning excellent or fantastic, as in "that's a swell idea!" This particular usage often points to answers describing quality or positivity. Furthermore, "swell" can refer to a long, unbroken wave in the ocean, or even, in an older usage, a person of high social standing or fashionable appearance. Understanding these different contexts is crucial for deciphering the correct answer in any given puzzle.
The key to tackling "swell" as a crossword clue is to consider the number of letters provided and how the answer interacts with intersecting words. The surrounding clues or the overall theme of the crossword can also offer invaluable hints, guiding you towards the intended meaning of this multifaceted word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the context: The word "swell" is a classic example of a homograph – a word with multiple meanings. Does the puzzle hint at growth, quality, or a physical phenomenon? Let the surrounding clues guide your interpretation.
- Check intersecting words: Even if you're unsure about "swell," solving perpendicular clues can reveal key letters, drastically narrowing down the possibilities for your answer.
- Think of synonyms across meanings: Brainstorm synonyms for each interpretation of "swell" – 'enlarge', 'expand', 'great', 'excellent', 'wave', 'billow'. One of these families of words will likely contain your answer.
- Utilize letter counts: Knowing the exact number of letters needed for "swell" can eliminate many possibilities and focus your synonym search to words of that specific length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'swell' have so many different crossword answers?
'Swell' is a versatile word with multiple distinct meanings (to grow, to be excellent, a wave, a rich person), making it a rich source for crossword setters to use in various contexts.
How can I distinguish between the meanings of 'swell' in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters required, and analyze the intersecting words. The surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle often provide hints towards the intended meaning.
Are there common word patterns associated with 'swell' clues?
While there aren't fixed patterns, you'll often see answers related to growth (e.g., INCREASE, EXPAND), quality (e.g., GREAT, EXCELLENT), or physical phenomena (e.g., WAVE, BILLOW).