harbors crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "harbors" crossword clue? You've come to the right place! We've compiled all potential answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "harbors crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PORTS: Places where ships are docked or find refuge. A common literal meaning for 'harbors'.
DOCKS: Structures where boats are moored; often used synonymously with harbors or parts of a harbor.
7 Letters
FOSTERS: To encourage or promote the development of (a feeling, idea, etc.). This is a common figurative interpretation of 'harbors' in crosswords.
8 Letters
SHELTERS: Provides protection or refuge from danger or bad weather. Can be used both literally (a harbor sheltering ships) and figuratively (sheltering a thought).
NURTURES: To care for and encourage the growth or development of. Another figurative meaning, implying holding and cherishing, similar to 'harboring' a feeling.
CONTAINS: To hold or have within. This implies holding something, like harboring a secret or emotion.
More About "harbors crossword clue"
The crossword clue "harbors" is a classic example of a word with both a very literal and several figurative meanings, which makes it a favorite among crossword constructors. Literally, a harbor is a place on the coast where vessels may find shelter, usually a port. This leads to answers like DOCKS or PORTS. Understanding this primary definition is key for many puzzles.
However, crosswords often lean into the less obvious, more metaphorical uses of words. "To harbor" can also mean to keep a thought or feeling, usually negative, in one's mind in a secret or persistent way. For instance, 'harboring resentment.' It can also mean to provide a home or shelter for someone, or to foster and develop something, such as harboring an ambition. These figurative meanings often lead to answers like FOSTERS, NURTURES, SHELTERS, or CONTAINS, requiring solvers to think beyond the maritime context.
When encountering "harbors" in a puzzle, always consider the surrounding clues and the letter count. If other clues point to a feeling or action, the figurative meaning is likely. If it's related to geography or ships, the literal meaning is probable. This dual nature makes "harbors" a versatile and sometimes tricky clue, rewarding solvers who consider all possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always check if the clue has a common figurative meaning in addition to its literal one, especially for verbs like "harbors."
- Use Letter Count Wisely: The number of letters in the answer is your best friend. It quickly narrows down possibilities, helping you decide between a short literal answer (e.g., PORTS) and a longer figurative one (e.g., NURTURES).
- Cross-Reference: Look at intersecting words. If a letter is given by another solved clue, it can often confirm or deny potential answers for "harbors."
- Think Synonyms: For literal clues like 'harbors', think of direct synonyms (ports, marinas). For figurative uses, consider verbs that mean 'to hold', 'to encourage', or 'to shelter' abstract ideas.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'harbors' in crossword clues?
The clue 'harbors' often refers to literal safe places for ships (like PORT or DOCKS). However, it frequently appears with a figurative meaning, implying 'to hold' or 'to cherish' a feeling or idea, leading to answers like NURTURES, FOSTERS, or SHELTERS.
How does letter count help in solving 'harbors' crossword clues?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. For example, a 5-letter answer would suggest PORTS or DOCKS, while an 8-letter answer might point to SHELTERS or NURTURES, guiding you toward the correct literal or figurative interpretation.
Are there synonyms for 'harbors' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'ports,' 'docks,' 'shelters,' and 'refuges' for the literal sense. For the figurative sense, 'fosters,' 'nurtures,' 'cherishes,' 'holds,' or 'contains' are frequent substitutes.