permissive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential answers and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "permissive crossword clue". Whether you need a short solution or a longer phrase, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "permissive crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LAX: Not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful. Often used to describe a lack of control or discipline.
4 Letters
OPEN: Allowing access, passage, or viewing; not restricted or closed. Can imply a willingness to accept or allow.
5 Letters
LOOSE: Not tightly or securely fixed in place; not strict or exact. Implies a relaxed or permissive approach.
7 Letters
LENIENT: More tolerant or merciful than expected; not strict. Directly describes a permissive attitude.
LIBERAL: Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values. Can imply a permissive social stance.
8 Letters
TOLERANT: Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. A key characteristic of being permissive.
12 Letters
UNRESTRICTED: Not limited or restricted; free from constraints. An strong synonym for permissive, especially in terms of rules or access.
More About "permissive crossword clue"
"Permissive" is a popular term in crosswords because it has a range of synonyms that fit various letter counts. The clue often points to a lack of strictness, control, or rigid rules. When you encounter this clue, think about contexts where freedom or leniency is emphasized. This could range from parenting styles to governmental policies, or even the flexibility of a schedule.
Understanding the nuances between answers like "LAX" and "TOLERANT" is crucial. While both suggest a lack of strictness, "LAX" often carries a negative connotation of carelessness, whereas "TOLERANT" is usually positive, indicating acceptance. Crossword setters leverage these subtle differences to guide you to the precise answer needed, sometimes by adding a word like "unduly" or "undisciplined" to the clue.
Always consider the overall tone of the clue and any accompanying words. A clue like "unduly permissive" might point more strongly towards "LAX," while "open-minded and permissive" could lead to "TOLERANT" or "LIBERAL." Pay attention to whether the clue describes a person, a rule, or an environment, as this can often help narrow down the options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Letter Intersections: Before guessing, fill in any letters from intersecting words. This immediately eliminates many incorrect answers and can make the correct one obvious.
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "permissive," think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Does the clue imply a positive or negative characteristic? This can guide you from "LAX" to "TOLERANT."
- Think about Word Lengths: Keep a mental list of common synonyms for different letter counts. For "permissive," remember short words like "LAX" and "OPEN," and longer ones like "UNRESTRICTED."
- Check for Indicators: Some crossword clues include indicators for word type (e.g., "abbr." for abbreviation, "var." for variant spelling) or context. While "permissive" might not have direct indicators, the surrounding words in the clue can provide context.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'permissive' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'permissive' usually refers to something or someone allowing much freedom, not being strict, or demonstrating a lack of control. Clues might lean towards synonyms like 'lenient', 'lax', 'loose', or 'tolerant'.
Are there common alternative spellings or closely related terms for 'permissive' in crosswords?
While 'permissive' itself doesn't have alternative spellings, crossword setters often use its synonyms. Look out for words like 'liberal', 'indulgent', 'easygoing', or even phrases implying a hands-off approach, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I figure out the length of the 'permissive' answer if I'm stuck?
If you're unsure of the answer length, first check the intersecting words – they provide critical letters and can help you deduce the length. Also, consider the crossword puzzle's theme or difficulty. Shorter answers like 'LAX' or 'OPEN' are common for quick puzzles, while longer ones like 'UNRESTRICTED' might appear in more challenging or larger grids.