crossword clue for support – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the crossword clue "crossword clue for support," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue for support" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AID: To provide help or assistance.
4 Letters
BACK: To give material or moral support to.
PROP: A device or structure that holds something up.
5 Letters
BRACE: A device that holds things firmly together or in position.
6 Letters
ASSIST: To give help or support to.
7 Letters
BOLSTER: To support or strengthen, often emotionally or structurally.
8 Letters
MAINTAIN: To keep in existence or continuance; provide for.
More About "crossword clue for support"
The clue "support" is a classic in crosswords due to its incredible versatility. It can refer to physical underpinning, emotional encouragement, financial assistance, or even legal endorsement. This broad range of meanings means that finding the correct answer often hinges on the precise context provided by other words in the clue or by the intersecting letters you've already filled in.
Crossword setters love words like "support" because they allow for clever misdirection and require solvers to think about synonyms and antonyms in various contexts. From a simple "AID" to a more complex "UNDERPIN," the answers can span many letter counts and semantic fields. Always consider if the clue implies an action (like "ASSIST"), an object (like "PROP"), or a state of being (like "MAINTAIN").
Understanding the nuances of such common yet multifaceted words is key to mastering crosswords. Our aim is to provide not just the answers, but also the insights that will help you decipher future clues more efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For clues like "support," always consider the surrounding words. Is it "moral support" (leading to BACK), "financial support" (often AID or FUND), or "structural support" (think PROP or BRACE)? The context narrows down possibilities significantly.
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming, look at the number of boxes. This immediately eliminates many potential words. For "support," knowing if it's a 3-letter or 8-letter answer drastically changes your approach.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Your most powerful tool. As you fill in answers for other clues, use the intersecting letters to confirm or eliminate possibilities for "support." If the third letter is 'D', then 'AID' becomes a strong candidate.
- Think Beyond Synonyms: Sometimes "support" might hint at a part of something that supports, like "LEG" for a table's support, or even a specific action like "PROP UP." Don't limit yourself to direct synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'support' have so many different answers in crosswords?
The word 'support' is highly versatile in English, encompassing meanings from physical upholding (like a 'prop' or 'brace') to emotional encouragement ('back') or general assistance ('aid', 'help'). This broad semantic range allows crossword constructors to use it for many different synonyms, depending on the nuance implied by the rest of the clue.
How do I choose the correct 'support' answer for my crossword?
The best way is to consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. Also, pay close attention to the context of the clue. Is it asking for a physical object that supports, an action of supporting, or a more abstract form of support? For example, 'emotional support' might lead to 'BACK', while 'structural support' might suggest 'PROP' or 'BRACE'.
Are there common themes for 'support' clues beyond basic synonyms?
Yes, 'support' clues often appear in themes related to construction, economics (e.g., 'financial support'), sports (e.g., 'team support'), or even law (e.g., 'legal support'). Some clues might be puns, like 'desk support' leading to 'LEG', or 'plant support' leading to 'STAKE'. Always be aware of potential wordplay!