encourages crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "encourages crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately, along with explanations and helpful tips.
Solutions for "encourages crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AIDS: Provides support or assistance.
5 Letters
URGES: Strongly advises or persuades someone to do something.
SPURS: Drives, impels, or incites action.
BACKS: Supports or endorses something.
6 Letters
BOOSTS: Helps improve, increase, or promote.
7 Letters
FOSTERS: Encourages or promotes the development of something good.
8 Letters
PROMOTES: Supports or actively encourages the cause, development, or progress of something.
More About "encourages crossword clue"
"Encourages" is a versatile verb that can imply various forms of support, motivation, or instigation in a crossword clue. Depending on the context and the number of letters, its synonyms can range from direct assistance to subtle prompting or active promotion. Crossword setters often use such clues to test your vocabulary breadth and your ability to identify nuances in meaning.
When you encounter "encourages" in a puzzle, consider the specific scenario. Is it encouraging growth, an action, or a belief? The answer might be a simple verb like AIDS or URGES, suggesting direct action, or a more abstract term like FOSTERS or PROMOTES, implying cultivation or advancement. Always pay attention to the tense and plurality implied by the clue, as "encourages" suggests a present tense, singular action.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "encourages," brainstorm a wide range of synonyms. Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can also spark ideas for the opposite, leading you back to the correct answer.
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters provided for the answer. This is the most crucial piece of information, immediately eliminating many possibilities.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. Look at intersecting words you've already filled in. These letters are invaluable guides to narrowing down the possibilities for "encourages."
- Think About Context: While "encourages" is a direct verb, the specific context of the puzzle (e.g., a theme, a particular publication) can sometimes hint at the intended meaning or a specific type of answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'encourages' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'encourages' often points to synonyms that mean to support, prompt, help, or stimulate. Common answers can range from simple verbs like AIDS or URGES to more complex terms like PROMOTES or INCITES, depending on the specific nuance and letter count required.
How can I find synonyms for 'encourages' in crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'encourages,' consider its various shades of meaning: to assist, to motivate, to develop, or to advocate for. Think about different tenses (e.g., encouraged, encouraging) or forms (e.g., encouragement as a noun). Contextual clues within the puzzle can also guide you to the precise synonym needed.
Are there common word patterns for 'encourages' answers?
Answers for 'encourages' often follow verb patterns. Look for words ending in -S (e.g., URGES, SPURS, BOOSTS) or past tense verbs ending in -ED if the clue is 'encouraged'. The letter count is always your primary guide, narrowing down possibilities significantly. Short answers like AIDS are also frequent.