helped crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "helped" clue in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with brief explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "helped crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AIDED: To give support or assistance to; help.
CARED: Felt concern or interest; looked after.
6 Letters
NURSED: To care for (a sick or infirm person or animal).
SERVED: Performed duties or services for (another person or an organization).
7 Letters
BOOSTED: Helped to improve or increase.
ABETTED: To encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime.
8 Letters
SUCCORED: To give assistance or aid to; help in a time of difficulty or distress.
ASSISTED: To give help or support to someone or something.
RELIEVED: Caused (pain, distress, or anxiety) to become less severe or serious.
9 Letters
SUPPORTED: To bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
11 Letters
FACILITATED: Made (an action or process) easy or easier.
More About "helped crossword clue"
The clue "helped" often appears in crosswords, requiring solvers to think about various synonyms and contexts of assistance. It's a versatile verb, and its past tense nature means answers will also be in the past tense. Depending on the puzzle's theme or specific dictionary, "helped" can suggest direct physical aid, moral encouragement, or even indirect contribution to a result.
Crossword setters love to play with the nuances of common words like "help." For instance, "helped a criminal" might point specifically to "ABETTED," while "helped an elderly person" could suggest "NURSED" or "ASSISTED." Always consider the surrounding words in the clue for extra hints on the specific type of help implied.
Remember that some synonyms for "helped" can be less common in everyday speech but perfectly valid in crosswordese. Words like "SUCCORED" often make appearances, so keeping an open mind about vocabulary is key to mastering these clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Tense and Part of Speech: Since "helped" is a past tense verb, your answer must also be a past tense verb. Pay attention to how the clue's grammar dictates the answer's form.
- Brainstorm Synonyms Broadly: Think beyond the most obvious synonyms. Consider words that mean 'assisted,' 'supported,' 'cared for,' 'eased,' or even 'contributed to.'
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is often the most critical strategy for narrowing down possibilities when multiple synonyms fit the given length.
- Context is King: If the clue provides additional context (e.g., "helped with the burden," "helped in a tight spot"), use it to guide your choice among similar synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'helped' imply in a crossword clue?
'Helped' in a crossword clue typically refers to past tense actions of providing aid, assistance, support, or succor. It can range from direct physical help to moral support or even contributing to an outcome. Contextual clues often differentiate between synonyms.
Are there common word lengths for answers to 'helped' clues?
Answers for 'helped' can vary greatly in length, from shorter words like 'AIDED' (5 letters) to longer ones such as 'ASSISTED' (8 letters), 'SUPPORTED' (9 letters), or even 'FACILITATED' (11 letters). The length constraint given by the puzzle is crucial.
How can I narrow down the options for a 'helped' clue?
To narrow down options, consider the exact phrasing of the clue (e.g., 'helped out', 'helped along'), the number of letters, and any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Also, think about the specific nuance of 'help' the setter might be implying – e.g., 'helped in crime' for ABETTED.