secure crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "secure crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and finish your puzzle.
Solutions for "secure crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TIE: To fasten or bind something, often with a knot, making it secure.
4 Letters
LOCK: A device or mechanism used to secure a door, gate, or container.
SAFE: Protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; a state of security.
5 Letters
FIXED: Firmly in place; not moving or able to be moved, thus secure.
6 Letters
ENSURE: To make certain that something will occur or be the case; to guarantee a secure outcome.
FASTEN: To close or join securely, often with a buckle, button, or clasp.
OBTAIN: To get, acquire, or secure something through effort or action.
7 Letters
CERTAIN: Fixed, settled, or assured; having no doubt about something; confident and secure in knowledge.
CONFIRM: To establish the truth or correctness of something, thereby making it secure in belief or fact.
9 Letters
CONFIDENT: Feeling or showing confidence in oneself or one's abilities or circumstances, indicating an internal sense of security.
More About "secure crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "secure" is a versatile one in crossword puzzles because the word itself carries several distinct meanings. It can refer to physical safety or attachment, as in making something firm or stable. This leads to answers like LOCK, FASTEN, or TIE. However, "secure" can also mean to obtain or gain something, opening possibilities such as OBTAIN or GAIN. Furthermore, it can relate to a state of being free from doubt or anxiety, leading to answers like CERTAIN or CONFIDENT.
Because of this semantic breadth, solvers often need to pay close attention to the number of letters in the answer and any intersecting letters from other clues. The setter's intent can sometimes be subtle, playing on the less common or more nuanced definitions of "secure." Understanding these different contexts is crucial for tackling such clues effectively.
When you encounter "secure" in a puzzle, consider first the most common interpretations (fastening, protecting) and then broaden your scope to include the more abstract meanings (obtaining, being assured). This systematic approach will significantly improve your chances of finding the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Word Length: Always use the given number of letters as your primary filter. For "secure," a 3-letter answer points to TIE, while a 6-letter answer could be FASTEN, ENSURE, or OBTAIN.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters you've filled in from crossing clues are your best friends. They'll often eliminate incorrect options and confirm the correct one for "secure."
- Consider Multiple Meanings: As discussed, "secure" has several meanings. If your first thought doesn't fit, think about its synonyms for 'obtain', 'make safe', or 'be certain'. This broadens your word pool.
- Think About Common Crosswordese: Some words, while not everyday usage, appear frequently in crosswords. While "secure" isn't classic "crosswordese," related concepts or archaic synonyms might be.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'secure' mean in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'secure' can have multiple meanings, leading to various answers. It might refer to making something firm or stable (like 'FASTEN' or 'LOCK'), obtaining something ('OBTAIN' or 'GAIN'), or feeling safe and confident ('CERTAIN' or 'CONFIDENT'). The context of other crossing words is key.
How can I find the correct 'secure' answer when multiple options exist?
To pinpoint the right answer, always look at the number of letters required and the intersecting words. If a 'secure' clue could be 'LOCK' (4 letters) or 'FASTEN' (6 letters), the length constraint will narrow it down. Also, consider the puzzle's theme or specific type (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) for deeper clues.
Are there common synonyms for 'secure' used in crosswords?
Yes, common crossword synonyms for 'secure' include 'TIE', 'LOCK', 'FIX', 'FASTEN', 'ENSURE', 'OBTAIN', 'GAUNT' (archaic for gain/secure), 'HOLD', 'SAFE', 'CERTAIN', and 'CONFIDENT'. The specific nuance intended by the clue writer will determine the best fit.