sharpens crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "sharpens" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution. Let's get your puzzle solved!
Solutions for "sharpens crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
HONES: To make something sharper or more effective, often referring to a skill or a blade. Example: He hones his woodworking tools regularly.
WHETS: To sharpen the edge of a tool or weapon; can also mean to stimulate or make keen (e.g., appetite). Example: The delicious aroma whets our appetite.
FILES: To smooth or shape something with a file, which often results in a sharper edge or point. Example: She files her nails to a fine point.
EDGES: To put an edge on something, making it sharp. Example: He edges the blade carefully.
6 Letters
GRINDS: To sharpen by friction, often with a grinding wheel, like an axe or a tool. Example: He grinds the rusty knife until it's sharp again.
STROPS: To sharpen a razor or knife on a leather strop, used for fine-tuning an edge. Example: The barber expertly strops his straight razor before shaving.
More About "sharpens crossword clue"
The clue "sharpens" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often leading to a range of answers depending on the context of the puzzle and the number of letters available. While literally referring to making something more acute or pointed, it can also extend to improving skills or making something more intense. This nuance is what makes it a popular clue for setters.
Words like HONES, WHETS, and STROPS specifically refer to the act of sharpening blades, each with a slightly different method or tool implied. GRINDS suggests a more abrasive process, while FILES focuses on shaping by removing material. Understanding these subtle differences can be key to selecting the correct answer when multiple options fit the letter count.
Always consider the surrounding clues and any existing letters you've filled in. These intersecting words are your best friends in narrowing down the possibilities and ensuring you pick the perfect fit for "sharpens" in your specific crossword grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer before considering possibilities. This immediately narrows down your options significantly.
- Look for Context: Does the puzzle have a theme? Do other clues suggest a specific field (e.g., cooking, tools, abstract concepts)? This can hint at which 'sharpens' synonym is appropriate.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The letters from solved intersecting clues are crucial. They often eliminate many potential answers, leaving you with the one correct word.
- Consider Figurative Meanings: Some clues can have metaphorical interpretations. While "sharpens" is often literal, sometimes a clue could refer to "sharpening" a mind or a skill.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'sharpens' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'sharpens' in crossword puzzles include HONES, WHETS, FILES, GRINDS, STROPS, and EDGES. These words often refer to making something more acute, whether it's a physical blade or an abstract concept like a skill.
How does 'whet' relate to 'sharpens'?
'Whet' specifically means to sharpen a tool or weapon, but it's also frequently used metaphorically to mean 'to stimulate' or 'make keen,' such as to 'whet one's appetite' or 'whet one's interest.' In crosswords, it can appear in both literal and figurative senses.
Why are there multiple answers for a single crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have several synonyms, or the clue might be broad enough to encompass different actions or objects that fit the description. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required and the intersecting letters from other clues in the puzzle.