microwave crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "microwave crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you across the finish line.
Solutions for "microwave crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ZAP: To heat or cook rapidly in a microwave oven, often used informally.
4 Letters
OVEN: A common appliance for cooking, which a microwave is a type of.
HEAT: The primary action performed by a microwave to warm food.
COOK: To prepare food by heating, a function a microwave provides.
6 Letters
REHEAT: To heat food again, a very frequent function of a microwave.
More About "microwave crossword clue"
The term "microwave" in a crossword clue can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a variety of answers depending on the setter's intent. It might refer directly to the kitchen appliance itself, or more abstractly to the action it performs (heating, cooking, zapping), or even to a specific type of radiation. Crossword constructors love to play on words and multiple meanings, so always consider whether the clue is looking for a noun, a verb, or even an adjective related to the concept.
When you encounter this clue, think about the most common uses of a microwave in daily life. Do people 'cook' in it? Do they 'reheat' leftovers? Is it a type of 'oven'? These everyday associations often point towards the most straightforward answers. However, if the puzzle is a bit more cryptic, you might need to consider more abstract connections to electromagnetic waves or rapid processes.
Remember that the number of letters provided for the answer is your biggest hint. If it's a short word, you're likely looking for a verb like ZAP or HEAT. If it's longer, it could be a noun like OVEN or APPLIANCE, or a multi-syllable verb like REHEAT. Always use your crossing letters to confirm your best guess.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "microwave" used as a noun (the appliance), a verb (to heat in a microwave), or even an adjective? This significantly narrows down the possibilities.
- Consider Common Usage: Think about what people commonly *do* with a microwave. 'Heat', 'cook', 'zap', 'reheat' are all strong contenders for action-based clues.
- Look for Synonyms & Related Concepts: Sometimes the answer isn't "microwave" itself, but a related item or concept, such as 'oven' (a type of appliance) or 'wave' (the energy).
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are crucial. They can confirm your suspicions or eliminate incorrect answers quickly.
- Think about Word Length: The number of blank spaces for the answer is a vital piece of information. This often dictates whether you're looking for a short, punchy verb or a longer noun.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'microwave' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'microwave' can refer to the appliance itself (e.g., OVEN, APPLIANCE), or the action performed by it (e.g., ZAP, HEAT, COOK, REHEAT), or even the type of energy involved (e.g., WAVE). The specific meaning depends on the clue's wording and context.
Are there common synonyms for 'microwave' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related terms often used include ZAP, HEAT, COOK, REHEAT, OVEN, WARM, and sometimes even a broader term like APPLIANCE. The number of letters in the answer will usually narrow down the options.
How do I determine the correct length for a 'microwave' answer?
To determine the correct length, first check any crossing letters you may already have filled in. Then, consider the specific wording of the clue – if it's a verb (like 'to microwave'), think of action words. If it's a noun, think of objects. Finally, typical crossword puzzle conventions often lead to shorter, common words.