bent crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "bent crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and finish your puzzle.
Solutions for "bent crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
BOWED: Curved downwards, often under pressure or weight.
6 Letters
CURVED: Having a graceful or continuous bend; not straight.
KINKED: Having a sharp twist or bend in something flexible.
WARPED: Twisted or bent out of shape, often from heat or moisture.
7 Letters
CROOKED: Not straight or level, or dishonest.
STOOPED: Having the head and shoulders habitually bent forward.
8 Letters
INCLINED: Having a tendency or disposition; also, sloping or leaning.
DEFORMED: Distorted or misshapen, typically from damage or a congenital abnormality.
More About "bent crossword clue"
"Bent" is a fascinating word in the English language due to its polysemous nature—it possesses multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, this versatility is frequently leveraged by setters to create challenging yet fair clues. Beyond its most common interpretation of being physically curved or not straight, "bent" can also imply a strong inclination or talent for something (e.g., "he has a bent for mechanics"), a state of emotional disturbance ("bent out of shape"), or, in British slang, something illegal or corrupt. Understanding these different nuances is key to cracking such clues.
When you encounter "bent" in a crossword, always consider the context. Is the puzzle about physical objects, human emotions, or even a play on words? The letter count is your first guide, narrowing down possibilities. Then, think about synonyms for each of its meanings. For instance, if the answer is 6 letters, it could be CURVED, KINKED, or WARPED. If it's a longer answer like 8 letters, INCLINED or DEFORMED might fit, suggesting a different interpretation of the word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For words like "bent," always brainstorm all possible definitions. Many common crossword clues rely on a word's lesser-known or figurative meanings.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the nature of adjacent answers can provide a hint about which meaning of "bent" the setter is aiming for.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is "bent" used as an adjective (e.g., "a bent wire"), a verb (e.g., "he bent the rule"), or part of an idiom? This can guide your answer choice.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If truly stuck, a solver like ours can give you options. However, try to understand why an answer fits afterward to improve your future solving skills.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'bent' have so many different crossword answers?
'Bent' is a versatile word with multiple meanings: physically curved, emotionally twisted (like 'bent out of shape'), legally corrupt, or having a strong inclination towards something. Crossword setters exploit these nuances, leading to a variety of possible solutions depending on the puzzle's context.
How can I determine the correct 'bent' answer in a crossword?
To find the right answer, first check the letter count. Then, look at surrounding letters if you have any, and consider the other clues in the puzzle. The overall theme or the type of puzzle (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) can also give hints. For 'bent', consider if it implies physical curvature (curved, crooked), damage (warped, deformed), or a disposition (inclined).
Are there common alternative forms or phrases of 'bent' used in crosswords?
Yes, 'bent' can appear in phrases like 'bent on' (meaning determined to), 'bent out of shape' (meaning upset), or even refer to illegal activities in British slang. Crossword clues might also use synonyms such as 'crooked', 'curved', 'arched', 'stooped', 'kinked', or 'warped' depending on the specific nuance intended.