crossword harden – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "harden" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, neatly organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword harden" by Letter Count
6 Letters
TEMPER: To improve the hardness, elasticity, and other properties of (metal or glass) by heating it to a high temperature and then cooling it, typically in oil or water.
7 Letters
TOUGHEN: To make or become tough or tougher; to make more resilient or resistant to adverse conditions.
STIFFEN: To make or become stiff or rigid; to become less flexible or more resistant to bending.
CONGEAL: To solidify or coagulate, especially by cooling; to form into a solid or semi-solid mass.
8 Letters
SOLIDIFY: To make or become solid, firm, or strong; to change from a liquid or gaseous state to a solid state.
More About "crossword harden"
"Harden" is a common crossword clue that can refer to various processes, both literal and metaphorical. Literally, it involves making something physically firm, rigid, or resistant, like steel or concrete. Metaphorically, it can refer to a person's resolve becoming stronger, or a situation becoming more difficult or unyielding. Due to these diverse meanings, 'harden' frequently offers multiple solutions in crosswords, depending on the specific nuance the puzzle constructor intends.
When encountering "harden" in a crossword, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a science-themed puzzle? Then a word like 'solidify' or 'temper' might be appropriate. Is it a clue about human emotion or resolve? Then 'toughen' or 'steel' (if that were an option for a different length) could fit. The versatility of "harden" makes it a fascinating, albeit sometimes challenging, clue to solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from crossing clues. This is the most reliable way to narrow down multiple possibilities for a single clue like "harden."
- Consider Word Length: Our page organizes answers by letter count for a reason! If you know the length of the required word, it immediately eliminates many options, making your task easier.
- Think Synonyms and Context: For clues with multiple meanings, like "harden," brainstorm synonyms related to different contexts (e.g., physical hardening, emotional hardening, legal hardening). This broadens your mental dictionary for potential answers.
- Use a Crossword Dictionary: Don't be afraid to use external resources. A good crossword dictionary or online solver can provide lists of potential words for a clue, which you can then match with your existing letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue like 'harden'?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have several synonyms, different contexts, or varying letter counts to fit different puzzle grids. 'Harden' can mean to make something firm, tough, or more resilient, leading to various fitting solutions depending on the specific puzzle.
How do I choose the right answer from multiple options for 'harden'?
To pick the correct answer, always look at the intersecting letters from other clues in your crossword puzzle. The letters that cross with the 'harden' clue will narrow down the possibilities until only one word fits the pattern perfectly.
What does 'harden' typically imply in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'harden' usually implies a process of making something firmer, stronger, more resistant, or less yielding. This can refer to physical objects (like metal or concrete), or more abstract concepts like attitudes or positions. Common synonyms include stiffen, toughen, solidify, or indurate, often requiring context from other clues.