approve crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "approve," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions for all word lengths, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances and improve your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "approve crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OKAY: To give informal approval or consent. Often used in puzzles for simple agreement.
5 Letters
AGREE: To concur with an opinion or decision, signifying acceptance or approval.
ALLOW: To permit or sanction, often used in the context of granting permission.
6 Letters
ASSENT: Official or formal expression of approval or agreement.
RATIFY: To sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid.
7 Letters
APPROVE: To officially sanction or accept something; to think well of. This is the direct answer to the clue.
ENDORSE: To declare one's public approval or support of (someone or something).
8 Letters
SANCTION: To give official permission or approval for an action. Can also mean a penalty, making it a tricky but common crossword word.
VALIDATE: To check or prove the validity or accuracy of (something); to approve as true or legitimate.
More About "approve crossword clue"
The clue "approve" is a common staple in crosswords, often requiring solvers to consider various synonyms for acceptance, agreement, or formal permission. Puzzles frequently play on the nuances of "approve," ranging from informal consent (like "OKAY" or "AGREE") to more official endorsements ("SANCTION," "RATIFY," "ENDORSE"). The simplicity of the word belies the breadth of possible answers, making context from intersecting words crucial.
When "approve" appears, think about the formality of the action, the subject of approval (a plan, a person, a document), and whether the answer needs to fit a specific tone (e.g., a simple nod vs. a legislative act). Common patterns often involve shorter words like "OK" or longer, more formal terms. Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering this type of clue.
Our goal at Answercrossword.com is to not just give you the answer, but to help you build your vocabulary and strategic thinking for future puzzles. By reviewing the explanations for each suggested answer, you'll gain a deeper insight into how crossword setters craft their clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider formality: Is the "approval" informal (e.g., OKAY, AGREE) or formal (e.g., SANCTION, RATIFY)? This distinction can significantly narrow down your answer choices.
- Check adjacent clues: Crossword answers often have related meanings or themes within a puzzle. If another clue in the grid relates to law, official acts, or general consensus, a specific synonym for "approve" might be a strong contender.
- Think about parts of speech: While "approve" is a verb, its noun forms (e.g., "approval," "assent") can sometimes be hinted at in the clue, or a verb answer might have a noun synonym in the grid. Always consider all grammatical forms that might fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the shortest possible answer for "approve" in crosswords?
The shortest common answer for "approve" is typically "OK" (2 letters) or "GO" (2 letters), both implying permission or acceptance. "OKAY" (4 letters) is also frequently seen.
Why are there so many answers for "approve"?
"Approve" is a versatile word with many synonyms, each carrying slightly different connotations (e.g., informal agreement, formal endorsement, legal ratification). Crossword setters leverage this rich vocabulary to create diverse puzzles, making context from other clues vital for finding the specific answer.
Does "approve" always refer to official actions in crosswords?
No, "approve" can refer to both informal and formal actions. While it often hints at words like SANCTION, RATIFY, or PERMIT, it can also lead to more casual terms like AGREE, OKAY, or even simply "YES." Always consider the specific context of the puzzle.