break down nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "break down nyt crossword clue" in your New York Times puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with concise explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "break down nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ANALYZE: To examine something in detail, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.
EXPLAIN: To make (an idea or situation) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.
8 Letters
COLLAPSE: To fall down or in suddenly; to give way, often referring to a structure or a person's physical or mental state.
DEMOLISH: To pull or knock down (a building or other structure); to utterly defeat or ruin.
9 Letters
DECOMPOSE: To separate or resolve something into its constituent parts or elements; to rot or decay.
More About "break down nyt crossword clue"
The clue "break down" is a classic example of how crosswords use versatile phrases to hint at multiple possible answers. Depending on the context, it could refer to a literal physical process, an intellectual one, or even an emotional state. For instance, 'break down a problem' leads to ANALYZE or EXPLAIN, while 'a building breaks down' might suggest COLLAPSE or DEMOLISH, and 'matter breaks down' points to DECOMPOSE.
When encountering such a multi-faceted clue in the NYT crossword, it's crucial to consider the number of letters required for the answer and any intersecting letters you might already have filled in. The New York Times crosswords are known for their clever and sometimes tricky clues, so understanding the various interpretations of "break down" is key to unlocking the solution.
Always think about synonyms for each interpretation. For analysis, think of dissect or elucidate. For physical collapse, consider crumble or deteriorate. For emotional, think of sob or cry. This broader vocabulary will greatly assist you in pinpointing the exact word the constructor had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: The length of the answer is your most powerful tool. If "break down" is a 7-letter word, you can immediately rule out longer or shorter possibilities.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many common phrases like "break down" have literal, figurative, and even idiomatic meanings. Always run through all possible interpretations in your head.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you've solved other clues that cross with "break down," use those established letters to narrow down your options significantly. This is often the quickest way to confirm an answer.
- Check for Consistency: Once you have a potential answer, ensure it makes sense within the context of the entire puzzle. Does it fit the theme? Do its crossing words make sense?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "break down" mean in a crossword clue?
The phrase "break down" can have several meanings in crosswords, leading to diverse answers. It could refer to analyzing or explaining something, decomposing a substance, experiencing an emotional or physical collapse, or even demolishing a structure. The specific meaning depends heavily on the letter count and surrounding clues.
How can I find the correct answer for "break down" if I have other letters?
If you have some letters already filled in from crossing words, use those as a guide. For example, if you know it's a 7-letter word starting with 'A' and ending with 'E', it's likely 'ANALYZE' or 'EXPLAIN' depending on the specific nuance. Cross-referencing with known letters is crucial for narrowing down possibilities.
Are there common synonyms for "break down" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related concepts for "break down" often include: analyze, dissect, explain, interpret, collapse, crumble, deteriorate, decompose, fail, or even words like 'sob' or 'cry' if it refers to an emotional breakdown. Always consider both literal and figurative interpretations, as well as the context of the puzzle.