press crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the trickiest crossword clues! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions for "press crossword clue," organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "press crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
IRON: To smooth clothes using a heated implement, often referred to as 'ironing' or 'to iron'.
PUSH: To apply continuous force against something in order to move it away from oneself, a common meaning of 'press'.
URGE: To try to persuade someone to do something; to strongly recommend or advise.
NEWS: Information about current events, often produced and disseminated by 'the press' (media).
5 Letters
FORCE: To make something happen or be done by using strength or power.
PRINT: To produce text or pictures on paper using a machine, relating to the 'printing press'.
MEDIA: The means of communication, such as broadcasting and publishing, that reach or influence people widely, often referred to as 'the press'.
CRUSH: To deform, pulverize, or force in by pressure or squeezing.
6 Letters
COMPEL: To force or oblige someone to do something.
HASTEN: To move or act quickly, or to cause something to happen more quickly; often used in the context of 'pressing on'.
7 Letters
SQUEEZE: To firmly press something soft or yielding, typically to extract liquid or change its shape.
DEPRESS: To push or pull something down to a lower position or level.
More About "press crossword clue"
The clue "press" is a classic example of a crossword clue that relies heavily on the word's polysemy—its ability to have multiple meanings. This makes it a formidable opponent for solvers, as the correct answer can vary widely depending on the specific nuance the crossword setter intends. From the physical act of pressing or pushing to the realm of journalism and media, "press" covers a broad semantic field.
Understanding these different facets is crucial. For instance, "press" might refer to the literal action of an "iron" on clothing, the metaphorical act of "urging" someone, or the collective term for "news" organizations. Experienced crossword constructors often use such words to test a solver's vocabulary depth and their ability to consider multiple interpretations based on intersecting letters.
When encountering "press" in a puzzle, always consider the length of the required answer and any given letters you already have. This will help narrow down the possibilities, guiding you towards the correct meaning whether it's a verb like "compel" or a noun like "media."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "press," always brainstorm all possible definitions, from literal actions to abstract concepts or related entities (like the media).
- Check word length: The number of letters is your most powerful filter. If you're stuck, list potential answers by length and see which fit the existing grid.
- Look for context clues: While "press" itself is broad, other clues in the puzzle or the theme of the puzzle might offer subtle hints about the intended meaning.
- Use intersecting letters: Don't try to solve the "press" clue in isolation. Filling in crossing words will provide critical letters that dramatically reduce the number of possible solutions.
- Think synonyms and antonyms: Sometimes the clue hints at a synonym for one of "press's" meanings, or even an antonym if the clue implies the opposite action.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'press' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'press' is highly polysemous, meaning it has multiple distinct meanings. In crosswords, setters exploit this by using 'press' to refer to applying physical force (push, squeeze), publishing media (news, print, media), urging or compelling (urge, compel), or even a state of urgency (haste, hasten).
How can I distinguish between 'press' as a verb and 'press' as a noun in a clue?
Context is key. If the clue implies an action (e.g., 'To smooth clothes', 'To urge on'), it's likely a verb. If it refers to an entity (e.g., 'The Fourth Estate', 'Newspaper industry'), it's probably a noun. Look for surrounding words in the clue that hint at the grammatical form.
What's a common trap with the 'press' clue?
A common trap is focusing too narrowly on one meaning. For example, if you only think of 'press' as in 'newspaper', you might miss answers related to physical pressure. Always consider its full range of meanings: physical action, urging, media, and even a device or machine.