depend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "depend crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the most common answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently. Let's find your solution!
Solutions for "depend crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RELY: To count on or have confidence in someone or something.
5 Letters
TRUST: To believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
6 Letters
LEANON: To rely on for support or help, often emotionally or practically.
BANKON: To be confident that you can rely on something or someone.
7 Letters
COUNTON: To rely on; to be confident of or expect something to happen.
SUBSIST: To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimum level.
8 Letters
BEHOLDEN: Owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service.
More About "depend crossword clue"
"Depend" is a highly versatile word that often appears in crossword puzzles, and its ambiguity can sometimes be a challenge. Crossword setters love this clue because it can refer to a multitude of synonyms, from direct equivalents like "RELY" or "TRUST" to more nuanced phrasal verbs such as "LEAN ON" or "COUNT ON." The specific context of the clue, as well as the number of letters required, will guide you to the correct answer.
Beyond simple synonyms, "depend" can also hint at broader concepts of reliance, support, or conditionality. For instance, a clue might imply a financial dependency, an emotional reliance, or even that an outcome "depends" on a certain factor, leading to answers like "HINGE" (as in 'hinge upon'). Paying attention to these subtle distinctions is key to cracking more complex "depend" clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- **Consider Phrasal Verbs:** When faced with a clue like "depend," always consider common phrasal verbs that convey similar meanings, such as "lean on," "count on," or "bank on." The length of the answer is often your best guide here.
- **Analyze the Nuance:** Does the clue suggest a financial, emotional, or practical dependence? Sometimes, the subtle shading of the clue's language can lead you to a specific synonym that fits the context perfectly.
- **Use Intersecting Letters:** If you've already filled in some letters from crossing words, use them to eliminate unlikely answers. This is one of the most effective strategies for narrowing down possibilities for versatile clues like "depend."
- **Think of Conditional Synonyms:** In some cases, "depend" can imply that something is conditional or contingent. Consider words like "HINGE" (as in "hinge on") if other synonyms don't fit the letter count or context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "depend" have so many different answers in crosswords?
"Depend" is a highly versatile word with many synonyms and related phrasal verbs (like "rely," "trust," "lean on," "count on," "bank on"). Crossword constructors leverage this versatility to create clues that test your vocabulary breadth, offering answers of varying lengths and nuances.
How can I tell which synonym for "depend" the puzzle is looking for?
Pay close attention to the word count, any specific qualifying words in the clue (e.g., "financially depend" or "depend upon for support"), and any intersecting letters you've already filled in. These elements are crucial context clues.
Are there common tricks related to "depend" clues?
Often, "depend" clues might refer to the idea of something being conditional, leading to answers like "HINGE" (as in "hinge upon"). Also, watch for clues that imply emotional reliance versus practical reliance.