increase nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a New York Times crossword and the clue "increase" has you stumped, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers for this common clue, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "increase nyt crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ADD: To combine (numbers or quantities) to obtain a sum; a fundamental way to increase a total.
AMP: Short for 'amplify', often used informally to mean increase in power or intensity.
4 Letters
GROW: To increase in size, amount, or intensity; to develop or mature.
RISE: To move from a lower to a higher position; to increase in amount, extent, or intensity.
GAIN: To obtain or acquire more of something; an increase in amount or advantage.
5 Letters
BOOST: To help improve or increase something; an act that provides encouragement or assistance.
SWELL: To become larger or rounder in size, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid or air; to increase in magnitude or intensity.
SURGE: A sudden powerful forward or upward movement; a sudden increase in quantity or intensity.
6 Letters
EXPAND: To become or make larger or more extensive; to increase in volume, scope, or numbers.
ACCRUE: To be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time; to accumulate or collect.
7 Letters
AUGMENT: To make something greater by adding to it; to increase the size or amount of something.
ENLARGE: To make something larger; to increase in size or extent.
AMPLIFY: To increase the volume of sound, especially using an amplifier; to increase the magnitude or intensity of something.
BURGEON: To begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish.
8 Letters
ESCALATE: To increase rapidly in intensity or magnitude; to make or become more intense or serious.
More About "increase nyt crossword"
The clue "increase" is a staple in crossword puzzles due to its versatile meaning and numerous synonyms across different word lengths. In a New York Times crossword, the setter might use "increase" to hint at a simple mathematical operation like adding, or a more abstract concept like growth, development, or rising intensity. The key to solving it often lies in the surrounding clues and the context provided by the theme of the puzzle.
Understanding the nuance of "increase" is crucial. For instance, an "increase" in volume might point to AMPLIFY, while an "increase" in size could be ENLARGE or EXPAND. An "increase" in value might be GAIN or ACCRUE. The variety ensures that even experienced solvers need to consider all angles and available letters. This adaptability makes "increase" a powerful and frequently used clue that tests a solver's vocabulary depth.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always read the clue in context with any associated theme or longer answers. Sometimes, the clue "increase" might be part of a pun or a larger phrase.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These letters are your most reliable guide to narrowing down the possibilities for "increase".
- Consider Parts of Speech: Is "increase" used as a verb (to make larger) or a noun (an act of becoming larger)? This can help eliminate some answers. For example, "gain" can be both, but "escalation" (if it were an option) would only be a noun.
- Think of Synonyms: Beyond the obvious, brainstorm less common synonyms for "increase" that fit unusual letter counts. Sometimes, a setter will opt for a less common word to challenge solvers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'increase' in crosswords?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have many synonyms or be interpreted in different contexts. 'Increase' can refer to growth in size, quantity, intensity, or value, leading to various possible solutions depending on the puzzle's specific theme and intersecting letters.
How can I figure out the correct length for 'increase'?
The best way to determine the correct length is by checking the intersecting letters from other solved clues in the puzzle. The number of empty boxes provided for the answer also directly indicates the required word length.
Are common prefixes or suffixes related to 'increase' used in puzzles?
Yes, sometimes clues might hint at words with prefixes like 'RE-' (e.g., REMAKE, REBOUND meaning to increase value or strength) or suffixes, though 'increase' itself is usually a direct synonym. Puzzles might also use phrases that imply increase, such as 'build up' or 'add to'.