sway crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "sway" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's find that elusive word!
Solutions for "sway crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
VOTE: To influence or control a decision, as in 'to sway a vote'.
BEND: To cause to incline or curve, often related to physical swaying, or to influence someone's will.
ROCK: To move gently to and fro or from side to side.
5 Letters
LURCH: An unsteady or abrupt movement, often indicating a sudden sway.
SWING: To move freely back and forth while suspended or on a pivot.
5 Letters
WAVER: To move unsteadily back and forth; to falter or become indecisive.
8 Letters
UNDULATE: To move with a smooth, wave-like motion, similar to a rhythmic sway.
9 Letters
INFLUENCE: The power to affect or control someone or something; 'to hold sway over'.
OSCILLATE: To move or swing back and forth in a regular rhythm, often describing a precise sway.
11 Letters
PREDOMINATE: To be the strongest or main element; to have controlling influence or sway.
More About "sway crossword clue"
The word "sway" is a fascinating clue in crosswords because it carries a dual meaning, often challenging solvers to think broadly. On one hand, it directly refers to physical motion – a rocking back and forth, a gentle movement, or even an abrupt lurch. Examples include a tree swaying in the wind or a person swaying to music. This physical interpretation usually leads to shorter, more descriptive answers related to movement.
On the other hand, "sway" is commonly used to describe influence, power, or control over something or someone. To "hold sway" means to have dominance or a significant impact. This metaphorical sense of the word often points to longer, more abstract answers that denote authority, persuasion, or prevailing opinion. Understanding which meaning the puzzle setter intends is key to unlocking the solution, and this often comes from the number of letters required and any intersecting words.
Our comprehensive list above aims to cover both interpretations, providing you with a complete toolkit to conquer this versatile crossword clue. Remember to always consider the context of the entire puzzle to determine whether a literal or figurative answer is needed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Context: For clues like "sway," always look at surrounding words and the puzzle's theme. Does it suggest physical motion or influence?
- Count the Letters: The exact number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities, even for multi-faceted clues.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: Brainstorm various synonyms for both the literal and figurative meanings of "sway." Sometimes, the answer might be an indirect synonym or even an antonym if the clue uses a negation.
- Use Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tough clue in isolation. Once you fill in a few letters from intersecting words, even a tricky clue like "sway" becomes much easier to deduce.
- Consider Common Crossword "Traps": Be aware that setters might use homophones or less common definitions. If an obvious answer doesn't fit, consider alternatives.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sway' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'sway' can refer to both physical motion (like 'rock,' 'swing,' 'lurch') and metaphorical influence or control (like 'influence,' 'predominate,' 'vote'). The context of other clues and letters is crucial to determine the correct meaning.
How can word length help with 'sway' clues?
Knowing the number of letters in the answer is a vital hint. For instance, 'VOTE' and 'ROCK' are short answers for 'sway' (4 letters), while 'INFLUENCE' and 'OSCILLATE' are longer (9 letters). This drastically narrows down the possibilities.
Are there common traps or alternative interpretations for 'sway'?
Yes, 'sway' can sometimes be used to imply 'persuade' or 'convince,' leading to answers like 'BEND' (someone's will). Also, ensure you differentiate between the verb 'to sway' and the noun 'a sway' (e.g., 'the sway of power'). Always consider both literal and figurative meanings.