swell crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "swell crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible solutions, organized by letter count, to help you quickly complete your puzzle. Dive into our comprehensive list below!
Solutions for "swell crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
TOP: Excellent; first-rate.
4 Letters
WAVE: An ocean undulation; to undulate.
PUFF: To inflate or cause to expand.
5 Letters
GREAT: Excellent, remarkable, or admirable.
DANDY: Excellent; first-rate (somewhat dated).
BLOAT: To become distended or filled to excess.
SURGE: To move suddenly and powerfully upward or forward.
More About "swell crossword clue"
"Swell" is a wonderfully versatile word, which is precisely why it makes for an excellent crossword clue. Its meanings can range from describing something of high quality or being fashionable, to indicating an increase in size or volume, or even referring to a movement of the sea. This breadth of meaning means that clue setters have many options when crafting a puzzle, and solvers need to consider the context carefully.
Often, when "swell" appears in a crossword, the setter is playing on its slightly archaic but still recognizable meaning of "excellent" or "very good," leading to answers like GREAT or DANDY. However, if the clue hints at growth or expansion, words like BLOAT or PUFF become relevant. Always keep an eye on the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle to pinpoint the exact interpretation intended.
Understanding these different facets of "swell" is key to mastering puzzles that feature this word. It's a classic example of how a single word can open up multiple avenues of thought in the world of crosswords, making the solve both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: Crossword clues often use wordplay, puns, or double meanings. For a clue like "swell," consider if it's used as an adjective (excellent), a verb (to expand), or a noun (a wave).
- Check Letter Count First: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the spaces provided in the grid. This quickly eliminates many incorrect possibilities.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. Once you've filled in a few letters from intersecting words, revisit the "swell" clue. These new letters can often confirm or deny a potential answer.
- Consider the Source: Different puzzle constructors and publications (e.g., New York Times, LA Times, The Guardian) might have slightly different styles or preferred answer types. Familiarity with these can give you an edge.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'swell' mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'swell' can have several meanings. It often refers to something excellent or fashionable (e.g., GREAT, DANDY, TOP), but it can also mean to increase in size or volume (e.g., BLOAT, PUFF, SURGE), or even describe an ocean wave (e.g., WAVE).
How do I choose the correct answer for 'swell'?
To choose the correct answer, consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues. Also, pay attention to the crossword's theme or the setter's typical clue style. Context from other solved clues is crucial.
Are there common synonyms for 'swell' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that appear as answers include adjectives like GREAT, SUPER, FINE, DANDY, and TOP for the 'excellent' meaning. For the 'increase in size' meaning, you might see BLOAT, PUFF, GROW, or BULGE. And for the 'ocean wave' meaning, WAVE or SURGE are common.