put out crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "put out crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. This versatile clue can have many meanings, and we've gathered all possible answers along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "put out crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To put out or irritate someone; to cause distress or annoyance.
4 Letters
EMIT: To put out or send forth; to discharge or issue, often referring to smells, sounds, or light.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To put out or bother someone; to irritate or disturb a person's peace of mind.
ISSUE: To put out or publish; to officially release or distribute something, such as a statement or magazine.
10 Letters
EXTINGUISH: The most literal meaning of 'put out,' typically referring to stopping a fire or light from burning.
More About "put out crossword clue"
"Put out" is a classic example of a phrasal verb that can be a crossword setter's dream and a solver's challenge. Its versatility stems from its ability to take on multiple meanings depending on the context. From the literal act of dousing a flame to the emotional state of being annoyed, or the professional action of releasing a publication, the phrase covers a wide semantic range. This is why you often see clues like "Put out, as a fire" or "Put out, as a newspaper" to narrow down the possible answers.
Understanding these different contexts is crucial when encountering "put out" in a crossword. Seasoned solvers know to consider the number of letters in the answer first, then cross-reference with any already-filled letters from intersecting words. Finally, thinking about the potential synonyms for each meaning (extinguish, irritate, publish, emit, etc.) helps to lock in the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Always look for additional words in the clue that provide context. For "put out," words like "fire," "magazine," "person," or "smell" will guide you to the specific meaning.
- Letter Count is King: The number of letters in the answer slot is your most reliable guide. If you have "put out" as an 8-letter answer, you can immediately rule out options like VEX or EMIT.
- Synonym Brainstorming: For polysemous clues like "put out," brainstorm as many synonyms as possible for each potential meaning. Write them down and see which fits the letter count and existing letters.
- Practice with Phrasal Verbs: Many crossword clues utilize phrasal verbs with multiple meanings. Familiarize yourself with common ones and their various interpretations to improve your solving speed and accuracy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do crossword setters make "put out" clues so tricky?
Crossword setters leverage the polysemy (multiple meanings) of "put out." They might use a very general clue, forcing you to consider all possible interpretations, or provide a subtle hint that's easily missed. Sometimes, they use a less common meaning of the phrase to truly challenge solvers.
What if none of the common answers for "put out" fit my puzzle?
If common answers like EXTINGUISH or ANNOY don't fit, consider less obvious synonyms for each meaning of "put out." For example, if it means 'to bother,' think of PESTER, DISTURB, or IRK. If it means 'to publish,' consider RELEASE. Also, re-check the intersecting words – a mistake in another clue might be throwing you off.
Is "put out" more common in cryptic or standard crosswords?
"Put out" is common in both! In standard crosswords, it appears as a direct synonym for its various meanings. In cryptic crosswords, it might be used as part of a wordplay element, with one meaning hinting at the surface reading and another at the hidden solution or anagram.