pushes away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "pushes away", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "pushes away crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
REPEL: To drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away; to cause (someone) to feel intense distaste and aversion.
SHOOS: To make (an unwanted person or animal) go away by waving one's hands at them or shouting 'shoo'.
DETER: To discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear.
6 Letters
DISPEL: To make (a doubt, feeling, or belief) disappear.
SHOVES: To push (someone or something) roughly.
7 Letters
REBUFFS: To reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner.
8 Letters
REPULSES: To drive back (an attack or attacker) by force; or to cause (someone) to feel intense distaste and aversion.
More About "pushes away crossword clue"
The clue "pushes away" is a classic example of an action verb in crosswords, requiring solvers to consider various synonyms for expulsion, rejection, or creating distance. The most common answers often revolve around physical acts (like SHOVES or SHOOS) or more abstract concepts (like REPEL or DISPEL), depending on the puzzle's theme and the setter's style. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer from multiple possibilities.
When encountering such a clue, it's beneficial to think about the different contexts in which something might be "pushed away." Is it an enemy (REPEL), a bad thought (DISPEL), or an unwanted animal (SHOOS)? The surrounding letters in your grid will often provide the critical context needed to narrow down the choices and pinpoint the exact word the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: "Pushes away" is a verb phrase. Look for single-word verbs that are synonyms, paying attention to tense if implied (though "pushes away" is present tense, an -S ending is common).
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply physical repulsion (REPEL, SHOOS, SHOVES) or a more abstract pushing away (DISPEL, REBUFFS)? The context of other clues in the puzzle can sometimes hint at this.
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of boxes available in your grid. This is the most crucial filter for potential answers. Our list above provides answers by letter count for quick reference.
- Look for Common Roots: Many words related to "pushing away" have Latin or Greek roots (e.g., 'pulso' for REPULSE, 'pello' for REPEL). While not always necessary for solving, recognizing these can sometimes provide a hint.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pushes away' always a single-word answer?
In most standard crosswords, "pushes away" will clue a single word that acts as a synonym, such as REPEL, DETER, or DISPEL. However, in themed or cryptic crosswords, it could potentially be part of a phrase or a wordplay clue.
What if none of these answers fit my crossword?
If the provided answers don't fit, double-check the letter count you have. Also, consider if there's a subtle variation in the clue (e.g., "pushed away" implies past tense). Sometimes, a crossword will use a less common synonym or a more specific context for the action.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'pushes away'?
One common misinterpretation might be to think of "pushes away" as only physical. However, it can also mean to dispel fears, deter someone from an action, or reject an offer, expanding the range of possible answers beyond just literal pushing.