predetermines the outcome of crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "predetermines the outcome of crossword", helping you solve your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "predetermines the outcome of crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DOOMS: To seal the fate or outcome of something, often with a negative connotation. In a crossword context, a wrong choice can 'doom' your puzzle by setting you on an incorrect path from which recovery is difficult, thereby predetermining a specific outcome.
7 Letters
DECIDES: To make a choice or come to a resolution that settles or determines the final result of something. A critical word in a puzzle can 'decide' the path to completion by making other answers apparent, thus predetermining the successful unraveling of the grid.
8 Letters
CONTROLS: To have power over or to direct the course of something. In a crossword, one key answer might 'control' how other intersecting words can be filled in, influencing the overall outcome and effectively predetermining possibilities.
More About "predetermines the outcome of crossword"
The phrase "predetermines the outcome" when applied to crosswords, speaks to the critical nature of certain answers or initial choices within the grid. In many puzzles, especially those with intricate themes or complex interconnections, a single, correctly placed answer can unlock a cascade of other solutions, making the rest of the puzzle fall into place almost automatically. This suggests a positive predetermination toward completion.
Conversely, an incorrect or ambiguous entry can lead to a dead end, making it impossible to complete intersecting words and thus 'predetermining' an unresolved puzzle or a frustrating experience. This highlights the strategic element of crossword solving: it's not just about knowing words, but about understanding how they fit together and how one decision can influence the entire grid's final state.
Experienced solvers often prioritize filling in answers they are absolutely certain about first, using those foundational words to build upon and deduce less obvious entries. This careful approach helps them set a positive 'predetermined' path for their puzzle, minimizing errors and maximizing their chances of a successful solve. Sometimes, the very structure of a crossword, like a long theme answer, will inherently predetermine the letter counts and general categories for many surrounding clues, guiding the solver's approach from the outset.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Cross-Reference Reliably: Never commit to an answer for clues like "predetermines the outcome of crossword" unless it fits perfectly with at least one intersecting word. This is crucial to avoid 'dooming' your puzzle early on.
- Start with Confident Clues: Begin by filling in the answers you are 100% sure about. These foundational words will provide valuable letters that help 'pre-determine' the possibilities for trickier, adjacent clues.
- Look for Themes and Patterns: Many crosswords have a central theme or recurring pattern. Identifying this early can 'pre-determine' the nature of several answers, making the puzzle significantly easier to solve.
- Be Prepared to Erase: Don't be afraid to change an answer if new information contradicts your initial guess. Flexibility prevents one 'predetermined' wrong answer from ruining the entire puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do initial answers 'predetermine' the outcome of a crossword?
The first few answers you confidently fill in can heavily influence the rest of your puzzle. If an initial answer is incorrect, it can make intersecting clues impossible to solve, effectively 'predetermining' a wrong path or even an incomplete puzzle. Conversely, correct initial answers can provide crucial letter patterns, making the rest of the puzzle fall into place more easily.
What strategies help in avoiding 'dooming' a crossword with wrong answers?
To avoid 'dooming' a crossword, always cross-reference. Don't commit to an answer unless it makes sense with at least one intersecting clue. Start with clues you're most confident about, but be prepared to erase if new information contradicts your initial guesses. Sometimes, leaving a tricky square blank until you have more intersecting letters is the best approach.
Are some crossword clues intentionally designed to 'predetermine' a specific answer length?
Yes, crossword constructors often design clues with specific answer lengths in mind, especially for theme answers or pivotal words. While the clue itself doesn't 'predetermine' the outcome of your solving, it certainly predetermines the length and nature of the required answer, guiding you towards solutions that fit the available squares.