confuses crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for the clue "confuses," categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "confuses crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DAZES: Makes someone feel stunned or bewildered.
6 Letters
ADDLES: Causes confusion or impairs the ability to think clearly.
BEFOGS: Obscures or makes unclear, leading to confusion.
7 Letters
MUDDLES: Brings into a disordered or confusing state.
BAFFLES: Totally bewilders or perplexes.
8 Letters
FLUSTERS: Makes someone agitated or confused.
9 Letters
PERPLEXES: Causes someone to feel completely baffled and unable to understand.
MYSTIFIES: Utterly bewilders or perplexes someone.
More About "confuses crossword clue"
The verb "confuses" is a staple in crossword puzzles due to its rich array of synonyms, each offering a slightly different nuance of meaning or emotional impact. From mild bewilderment to complete mental disarray, these words provide setters with ample opportunity to create clues that are both challenging and fair. Understanding the subtle differences between terms like 'addles' (implying mental fog) and 'baffles' (suggesting an inability to comprehend) is key to accurately solving such clues.
Crossword clues involving "confuses" often test a solver's vocabulary depth and ability to discern precise meanings. Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific type of confusion, such as emotional distress (e.g., 'flusters') versus intellectual puzzlement (e.g., 'perplexes'). Paying attention to these subtle distinctions can be the difference between a blank square and a solved one, especially when multiple answers of the same length appear to fit.
Furthermore, the context in which 'confuses' appears can be vital. Is it a cryptic clue implying wordplay, or a straightforward definition? Is it part of a larger theme? By analyzing the clue's structure and the existing letters in the grid, you can often deduce which synonym is the intended answer, even if several seem plausible at first glance.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms' Intensity: For clues like "confuses," think about the degree of confusion implied. Does it suggest a minor mix-up or total bewilderment? This can help differentiate between close synonyms.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Always use the letters from intersecting words to eliminate incorrect answers. Even if a word fits the clue perfectly, it must also fit the grid.
- Look for Wordplay or Puns: In cryptic crosswords, "confuses" might be part of a wordplay clue. For example, it could indicate an anagram or a hidden word. Be open to non-literal interpretations.
- Think About Context and Usage: Some synonyms are more common in specific contexts. For example, 'addles' often relates to minds or eggs, while 'muddles' can refer to both thoughts and physical disarray.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for 'confuses' in crosswords?
The clue 'confuses' is broad and can have many synonyms, each with slightly different nuances or lengths. Crossword setters use these variations to fit different grid patterns and letter counts. For instance, 'addles' implies mental confusion, while 'baffles' suggests complete bewilderment.
How do I choose the correct 'confuses' answer if multiple options fit?
To pick the right answer, first, check the number of letters required by the grid. Next, look at any intersecting words; the letters from other solved clues will help narrow down the possibilities. Finally, consider the specific context of the puzzle or the commonness of the word in crosswords.
Are there common word patterns or suffixes for words meaning 'confuses'?
Many verbs for 'confuses' end in '-es' (e.g., perplexes, baffles, mystifies, muddles) or involve common prefixes like 'be-' (befogs). Recognizing these patterns can sometimes give you a hint, especially when you have a few letters already filled in. Always be on the lookout for common verb endings.