crossword clue select – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "select" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "crossword clue select" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OPT: To make a choice from a range of possibilities, often used with "for" or "to".
4 Letters
PICK: To select from a group or collection.
CULL: To select from a large quantity, often implying picking the best or removing the inferior.
NAME: To choose or appoint (someone) for a particular job or role.
5 Letters
ELECT: To choose someone to hold public office or some other position by voting, or to choose to do something.
6 Letters
CHOOSE: To pick out or decide on a course of action from a number of alternatives.
More About "crossword clue select"
"Select" is a remarkably versatile verb in the English language, which is precisely why it appears so frequently in crossword puzzles. Its core meaning revolves around the act of choosing or picking from alternatives. However, the nuance of "select" can vary widely, from the informal "pick" to the more formal "elect," and even to specialized terms like "cull," which implies a more discriminative choice, often to remove undesirable elements.
Crossword setters leverage this semantic breadth to create challenging yet solvable clues. Depending on the context of the puzzle, "select" might require you to consider synonyms related to making a simple choice, appointing someone to a role, or even carefully choosing the best items from a group. Paying attention to the letter count and any surrounding clues or themes can often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Beyond being a verb, "select" can also function as an adjective (e.g., "a select group" meaning exclusive or chosen for special quality) or even as a noun in certain contexts. However, in most standard crossword clues, it refers to the action, prompting a synonym that acts as a verb.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "select" being used as a verb, noun, or adjective in the specific clue? This can drastically change the type of answer required.
- Consider Word Length First: If you have an empty slot, think about common synonyms for "select" that fit the available number of letters. This quickly eliminates many options.
- Think Nuance & Context: Does the clue imply a formal choice (e.g., voting), an informal one (e.g., picking a fruit), or a careful, discriminative one? The specific context will guide you to the most accurate synonym.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a challenging clue in isolation. Use the letters provided by crossing words to confirm or eliminate potential answers.
- Expand Your Vocabulary of Synonyms: Regularly reading and using a thesaurus can significantly improve your ability to recall synonyms for common crossword clues like "select."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "select" a common crossword clue?
Its broad range of synonyms (choose, pick, elect, opt, etc.) allows setters to use it in many contexts, varying by nuance and letter count, making it a versatile and common clue.
How do I choose the right synonym for "select"?
Pay attention to the clue's specific phrasing, the answer's letter count, and any intersecting letters you already have. Context is paramount in determining the precise synonym needed.
Are there other forms of "select" used in crosswords?
Yes, "selected" (past tense), "selection" (noun), or even "selective" (adjective) can appear as clues, requiring different types of answers and a keen eye for grammatical context.