crossword clue thwart – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "thwart", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue thwart" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FOIL: To prevent someone from accomplishing something, often by frustrating their efforts.
BALK: To stop short and refuse to go on, or to prevent or hinder (an action or plan).
5 Letters
BLOCK: To impede or prevent the progress or success of.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
IMPEDE: To delay or obstruct (someone or something).
BAFFLE: To totally bewilder or perplex, or to frustrate or check (a person) as by confusing them.
7 Letters
PREVENT: To stop (something) from happening or existing.
8 Letters
OBSTRUCT: To block (an opening, path, road, etc.); make difficult to travel along or through.
9 Letters
FRUSTRATE: To prevent (a plan or effort) from succeeding.
More About "crossword clue thwart"
The clue "thwart" is a common one in crosswords, and understanding its various meanings and synonyms is key to solving it. At its core, "thwart" means to prevent or stop something from happening or succeeding. This can apply to plans, actions, or even physical movement. Crossword setters often use it to elicit answers that mean 'to block', 'to hinder', 'to frustrate', or 'to impede'.
Because "thwart" has several synonyms of varying lengths, you'll need to pay close attention to the number of letters required for the answer and any intersecting letters from other clues. For instance, a four-letter answer is often FOIL or BALK, while longer answers might include HINDER, PREVENT, or OBSTRUCT. Considering the nuance of the clue's context can sometimes help differentiate between similar-length options.
Being familiar with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles) related to 'thwart' can also give you an edge. Words like FOIL and BALK appear so often that they become almost automatic responses for this type of clue, especially when the letter count matches. Expanding your vocabulary of synonyms for 'prevent' and 'obstruct' will make future puzzles much easier to tackle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always verify the exact number of letters needed for the answer. For "thwart", answers can range from 4 letters (FOIL) to 9 letters (FRUSTRATE).
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Use letters you've confidently placed from other clues to narrow down the possibilities for "thwart". Even one letter can often eliminate many potential answers.
- Consider Nuance: While "thwart" broadly means to stop, think if the clue hints at a specific type of stopping. Is it physical blocking, or more about frustrating a plan? This might point to "BLOCK" vs. "FRUSTRATE."
- Think of Common Crossword Synonyms: Certain words like FOIL and BALK are classic crossword answers for 'thwart'. Keep a mental list of these high-frequency solutions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'thwart' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'thwart' typically means to prevent, obstruct, or frustrate an action or plan. Common synonyms used as answers include FOIL, HINDER, BLOCK, and PREVENT. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters and any intersecting clues.
How can I find the right answer for 'thwart' if I only have a few letters?
If you have some letters, try thinking of common synonyms that fit the length and existing letters. For 'thwart', short answers often include FOIL (4 letters) or BALK (4 letters), while longer ones could be PREVENT (7 letters) or OBSTRUCT (8 letters). Using an online crossword solver with your known letters can also quickly narrow down options.
Are there different contexts for 'thwart' in crossword puzzles?
Yes, 'thwart' can refer to physically blocking something (e.g., 'obstruct') or conceptually preventing an outcome or plan (e.g., 'frustrate'). Always consider the wordplay, any puns, and the surrounding clues for context. Sometimes less common synonyms might be used, or the clue might hint at a specific type of 'thwarting' action.