crossword clue compel – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "compel" in your latest puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue compel" by Letter Count
4 Letters
URGE: To strongly advise or try to persuade someone to do something; a strong desire or impulse.
5 Letters
FORCE: To make someone do something by using power or threats; strength or power as applied to an object or body.
IMPEL: To drive, force, or urge (someone) to do something; to push forward.
6 Letters
OBLIGE: To make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action.
COERCE: To persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.
7 Letters
REQUIRE: To need for a particular purpose; to order or instruct someone to do something.
More About "crossword clue compel"
The word "compel" is a versatile term that frequently appears in crosswords due to its range of synonyms. At its core, 'compel' means to force or drive someone to do something, either physically, morally, or legally. This broad definition allows for various answers depending on the nuance the crossword setter intends.
Understanding the different contexts can be crucial. For instance, 'compel' could refer to an internal drive (like 'impel' or 'urge'), an external pressure (like 'force' or 'coerce'), or a duty/necessity (like 'oblige' or 'require'). Always consider the surrounding letters and the theme of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact meaning.
Crossword constructors love words like 'compel' because they can be clued in many imaginative ways, making the puzzle more challenging and rewarding. Recognizing these common clue types and their typical answers can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of blank spaces in your puzzle with the length of potential answers for the clue 'compel'. This immediately narrows down your options.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often play on synonyms. Think about words that mean 'compel' or even its opposite, as some clues might be indirect.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm a 'compel' answer is by checking if the letters you're considering fit with the answers to intersecting clues. If a letter doesn't make sense for another word, your 'compel' answer might be incorrect.
- Review Homophones and Puns: Sometimes clues for words like 'compel' might be puns or use homophones. Be alert for clever wordplay that sounds like one thing but means another.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'compel' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'compel' often refers to synonyms like 'force,' 'urge,' 'impel,' 'oblige,' or 'coerce.' It implies making someone do something, sometimes against their will, or driving an action forward.
How can I find the right length answer for 'compel'?
Match the given clue 'compel' with the number of empty squares you have. For example, if you have 5 squares, words like 'FORCE' or 'IMPEL' would be good fits. Always cross-reference with intersecting letters.
Are there common tricky clues related to 'compel'?
Tricky clues for 'compel' might use more obscure synonyms or focus on its nuances, such as 'drive forward' for 'IMPEL' or 'bind legally' for 'OBLIGE.' Contextual clues are key to distinguishing between similar answers.