portly crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "portly crossword," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you pick the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "portly crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FAT: A very common and direct synonym for someone of large bodily size, often implying a lack of physical fitness.
5 Letters
STOUT: Often used to describe someone with a sturdy, somewhat thickset, or bulky build, sometimes carrying a connotation of strength.
PLUMP: Suggests a softly rounded, full figure, often used in a more gentle or endearing way.
OBESE: A medical term for being excessively overweight, often more clinical than "portly."
6 Letters
CHUBBY: Typically used for someone, often a child, who is pleasantly plump and round, usually implying a youthful or endearing quality.
ROTUND: Describes someone or something that is round or spherical, often implying a grand or dignified roundness, especially of the body.
7 Letters
PAUNCHY: Specifically describes someone with a prominent or protruding stomach or belly.
9 Letters
CORPULENT: A more formal or literary term for very fat; having a large, bulky body.
More About "portly crossword"
"Portly" is a classic crossword clue that often sends solvers down a path of synonyms related to body size. Unlike simply "fat" or "large," "portly" often carries a slightly more nuanced meaning, suggesting a dignified or substantial plumpness rather than just excessive weight. It evokes an image of someone who is round but perhaps well-dressed or of a certain age, often with a hint of good living.
Crossword setters love words like "portly" because they have a rich array of synonyms across various lengths. This allows them to fit the clue into different grid patterns, challenging solvers to think beyond the most obvious answers. Recognizing the subtle differences between words like "stout," "plump," "rotund," and "paunchy" is key to mastering these types of clues.
When you encounter "portly" in a puzzle, consider the tone and any other intersecting letters. Does the puzzle lean towards more formal language? Or is it a more colloquial clue? These hints, combined with the number of letters, will guide you to the precise solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "portly," think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Is it "chubby" (often for children) or "corpulent" (more formal)? The clue's context can often provide hints.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the single most effective way to confirm or eliminate potential answers, especially when multiple synonyms fit the given length.
- Think About Word Length: If you're stuck, count the blanks. This immediately narrows down the possibilities. For "portly," answers could range from three letters (FAT) to nine (CORPULENT), so knowing the length is crucial.
- Brainstorm Associations: When you see a word like "portly," quickly list all related terms that come to mind. Then, match those terms against the available letter count and any known letters.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "portly" mean in a crossword?
"Portly" in a crossword clue typically refers to someone of a somewhat fat or heavy build, often implying a dignified or substantial appearance rather than just being overweight. Common synonyms include plump, stout, obese, or corpulent.
How do I find the correct length for a "portly" answer?
The correct length for a "portly" answer depends on the specific crossword puzzle. Look at the number of blank squares provided for the answer. For example, if there are three blanks, the answer might be FAT; if five, it could be STOUT or PLUMP; if six, CHUBBY or ROTUND. Always match the word to the available spaces.
Are there common synonyms for "portly" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for "portly" frequently appearing in crosswords include FAT, STOUT, PLUMP, CHUBBY, OBESE, ROTUND, PAUNCHY, HEFTY, and CORPULENT. The specific context of the puzzle or intersecting letters will help narrow down the exact word.