swear nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "swear nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "swear nyt crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VOW: To solemnly promise or declare, often in a sacred context.
4 Letters
CUSS: To utter profanities; use bad language.
5 Letters
CURSE: To use offensive words, or to invoke divine wrath upon someone.
SWEAR: This is a direct answer, often used when the clue implies the action itself, or part of a phrase.
6 Letters
ATTEST: To declare to be true or genuine, especially officially and under oath.
8 Letters
FORSWEAR: To formally reject or disavow, often under oath; or to agree to give up something.
More About "swear nyt crossword"
"Swear" is a surprisingly versatile word in crossword puzzles, as its meaning can pivot from profanity to solemn promises, making it a common source of confusion. The New York Times crossword, known for its clever and sometimes tricky cluing, often plays on these dual meanings. Solvers need to pay close attention to subtle linguistic cues or the lengths of the answer boxes to determine if the intended meaning is a vulgar outburst or a binding commitment.
Understanding the different facets of "swear" can significantly boost your solving efficiency. For instance, if the clue implies taking an oath, answers like VOW or ATTEST are strong contenders. If the context suggests impolite language, CURSE or CUSS would be more appropriate. The beauty of these clues lies in forcing the solver to consider the broader semantic field of a seemingly simple word, a hallmark of well-crafted crossword design.
Beyond its literal meanings, "swear" can also appear in idiomatic expressions, further complicating the solve. Phrases like "swear by" (to trust implicitly) or "swear off" (to promise to abstain from) introduce another layer of interpretation. This makes "swear" a prime example of a word that requires a flexible approach and a good grasp of English nuances to solve effectively in a crossword puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: For words like "swear," always brainstorm every possible definition, from literal to figurative, and consider common idioms.
- Use crossing letters: If you're stuck, fill in any crossing letters first. They often reveal enough information to confirm one of the "swear" synonyms.
- Think about the puzzle's theme: Sometimes, the overall theme of the puzzle (e.g., a pun theme, a historical theme) might hint at which meaning of "swear" is intended.
- Check the tense and part of speech: Is "swear" a verb, a noun, or part of an adjective phrase? This can often guide you to the correct form of the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'swear' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'swear' can have multiple meanings. It can refer to using profanity (e.g., curse, cuss), making a solemn promise (e.g., vow, affirm, attest), or taking an oath (e.g., swear in, depose). The specific context and letter count will help narrow it down.
How can I tell if 'swear' means profanity or an oath?
Look at the number of letters in the answer and any crossing letters you might already have. Common answers for profanity include CURSE (5 letters) or CUSS (4 letters). For an oath or promise, answers like VOW (3 letters), OATH (4 letters), or ATTEST (6 letters) are frequent.
Are there common tricky clues related to 'swear'?
Yes, sometimes 'swear' might be clued as part of a phrase like 'swear off' (ABJURE, FORSWEAR) or 'swear by' (TRUST). It's essential to consider the full context of the clue and how it's phrased to avoid common traps.