fended off crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "fended off", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "fended off crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
WARDED: Successfully kept something or someone away or deflected.
7 Letters
BLOCKED: Obstructed the passage or progress of something or someone.
PARRIED: Warded off (a weapon or blow) with a countermove.
8 Letters
RESISTED: Opposed or withstood something, often successfully.
8 Letters
REPELLED: Drove back or away (an attack or assailant), often by force.
THWARTED: Prevented someone from accomplishing something.
More About "fended off crossword clue"
"Fended off" is a classic crossword clue that often points to actions of defense, prevention, or resistance. It implies a successful act of keeping something undesirable away or stopping an advance. The past tense of the verb is key here, meaning your answer will almost always be in the past tense (e.g., -ED ending).
When you encounter this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a historical puzzle, perhaps referring to fending off an invasion? Or a more mundane scenario, like fending off an unwanted suitor or a cold? The nuance can sometimes guide you to the specific synonym required by the grid.
Common answers like WARDED and REPELLED are staples, but don't overlook less obvious but equally valid options such as BLOCKED or PARRIED, especially when dealing with specific types of attacks or movements. Always cross-reference with existing letters in your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Tense and Part of Speech: As with "fended off" (past tense verb), always pay close attention to the grammatical form of the clue. If it's a noun, adjective, or verb, your answer must match.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For action-oriented clues like this, brainstorming synonyms (and sometimes antonyms) is highly effective. What's another way to say 'fended off'? What's the opposite?
- Check Cross-Referencing Letters: The most crucial tip! Use the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words to eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the correct answer. Even one letter can make a huge difference.
- Look for Common Crossword Patterns: Some answers appear more frequently than others for certain clue types. Building a mental library of common crossword vocabulary will speed up your solving time.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fended off' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'fended off' usually refers to successfully defending against, repelling, or keeping something undesirable at bay. Common answers often revolve around actions of resistance or defense.
Are there common synonyms for 'fended off' that appear in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms include WARDED, REPELLED, RESISTED, BLOCKED, THWARTED, and PARRIED. The specific answer depends on the letter count and intersecting letters.
How can I approach clues like 'fended off' if I'm stuck?
First, consider the tense – 'fended off' is past tense, so your answer should be too (e.g., WARDED, not WARD). Second, look at the number of letters required. Third, check any intersecting letters you already have filled in to narrow down possibilities. Think of scenarios where something is kept away or defended.