turn crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword clue for "turn", you've landed on the perfect page. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide your puzzle-solving.
Solutions for "turn crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SPIN: To turn or revolve rapidly. Often used for quick, rotational movements.
BEND: To turn or curve, changing direction without full rotation. Commonly seen in clues about roads or rivers.
VEER: To change direction suddenly.
FLIP: To turn over with a sudden quick movement.
5 Letters
SHIFT: To change position, direction, or place. Can imply a minor turn or adjustment.
PIVOT: To turn on or as if on a pivot.
WHEEL: To turn or spin, often used when an object or person turns around quickly.
6 Letters
ROTATE: To turn around a central point; pivot. A more formal term for circular movement.
SWERVE: To turn aside abruptly from a straight line or course.
BECOME: To begin to be; to turn into a particular state or condition.
7 Letters
REVOLVE: To turn or orbit around an axis or center. Implies a continuous circular motion, like a planet.
CONVERT: To cause to change in form, character, or function. Often implies 'turn into'.
DEVOLVE: To pass on or delegate to another; can mean to turn over responsibility.
DIVERGE: To turn aside from a path or course.
9 Letters
TRANSFORM: To make a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. A more drastic 'turn into'.
ABOUTFACE: A complete reversal of direction or attitude. Literally a military command to turn 180 degrees.
More About "turn crossword clue"
The word "turn" is a remarkably versatile verb, and this versatility is fully exploited by crossword setters. It can refer to physical rotation or change of direction (e.g., spinning a top, turning a car), a change in state or condition (e.g., milk turning sour, a leaf turning color), or even a change in circumstance or fortune (e.g., events taking a turn for the better). This wide array of meanings makes "turn" a frequent and often tricky clue in crosswords.
When you encounter "turn" in a crossword, it's essential to consider the nuance implied by the surrounding words in the clue. Is it asking for a synonym for rotation (SPIN, ROTATE, REVOLVE)? Or a change in direction (BEND, SWERVE, VEER)? Perhaps it's hinting at a transformation (CONVERT, TRANSFORM, BECOME)? Sometimes, it's an idiomatic expression that uses "turn" (like "turn the tables" or "turn a blind eye"), requiring a deeper understanding of English phrases.
The beauty of "turn" as a crossword clue lies in its ability to challenge solvers to think broadly about its multiple interpretations. By offering such a diverse range of meanings, setters can craft clues that are both straightforward and deceptively complex, catering to various difficulty levels within a single puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: The length of the answer is your first and most crucial hint. A 4-letter answer for "turn" is likely SPIN or BEND, while a longer answer might be TRANSFORM or ABOUTFACE.
- Consider Surrounding Words: If the clue is "Turn quickly," think SPIN. If it's "Turn sour," think SPOIL. Context from other words in the clue narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is "turn" used as a verb ("to turn") or a noun ("a turn in the road")? While our examples focus on the verb, being aware of this can help, especially with trickier clues.
- Think of Idioms: Crosswords love puns and idioms. Phrases like "turn of phrase," "turn over a new leaf," or "turn the tide" could be implied, leading to unexpected answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'turn' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'turn' in crossword puzzles include words like SPIN, ROTATE, REVOLVE, PIVOT, BEND, SHIFT, VEER, and SWERVE. Depending on the context, it could also imply 'become' or 'change into', leading to answers like CONVERT or TRANSFORM.
How does context affect 'turn' clues in crosswords?
Context is crucial. 'Turn a page' might lead to FLIP, while 'turn bad' might suggest GO SOUR or SPOIL. 'Turn a corner' could be BEND, and 'turn back' might be REVERT or RECOIL. Always look at surrounding words and the clue's tone.
Are there idiomatic expressions for 'turn' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, many! 'Turn a blind eye' (IGNORE), 'turn the tables' (REVERSE), 'turn up' (APPEAR), 'turn out' (PROVE/PRODUCE), 'turn over a new leaf' (REFORM). Crossword setters love these, so consider common idioms when stuck.