Crossword puzzles are known for their clever use of language and ability to turn even the simplest phrases into brain-teasing challenges. One clue that often appears across multiple puzzle formats is Make possible. At first glance, it seems straightforward, but its simplicity can be misleading. Depending on the length of the word needed and the difficulty level of the puzzle, the clue Make possible can point to several different answers. Understanding this clue requires not just vocabulary knowledge, but also an awareness of how crossword creators use synonyms, verb tenses, and concise phrasing to keep solvers on their toes. Let’s take a deeper look at how to solve this type of clue and the common answers associated with it.
Understanding the Clue Make Possible
The clue Make possible is almost always asking for a verb. Since it’s written in the present tense, you’ll want to focus on present-tense verbs or verb forms that match the clue’s grammatical structure. The phrase implies causing something to happen or allowing something to become reality. In crossword puzzles, this clue is typically meant to be interpreted synonymously with enable, allow, or facilitate. But choosing the correct answer depends on how many letters the puzzle demands and how it connects with other clues in the grid.
This clue can appear in themed crosswords, general puzzles, and even cryptic-style crosswords. Its versatility makes it a favorite among constructors looking to challenge a solver’s thinking without making the clue overly complex. In many cases, its very simplicity is what creates the difficulty.
Common Answers to Make Possible
There are several words that can answer the clue Make possible, and their appropriateness will depend on the number of letters and the crossword’s context. Here are some of the most frequent solutions:
- Enable A common and direct synonym, typically used in technical, instructional, or general contexts.
- Allow Slightly broader in use, this word also fits many crossword formats due to its five-letter structure.
- Permit Another six-letter option that fits grammatically and thematically.
- Facilitate A more advanced or formal word, usually seen in longer puzzles with space for nine letters.
- Empower Implies making something or someone capable of achieving or acting, aligning closely with make possible.
Each of these answers has subtle differences in tone and usage, but all essentially communicate the act of enabling something to occur.
Choosing the Right Answer
When solving for Make possible, don’t rush to the most obvious answer. Instead, observe a few essential elements before you decide:
- Letter count: If the puzzle asks for six letters, enable or permit would be suitable. If five, allow may be the answer.
- Crossing letters: Use the letters you already know from intersecting clues to guide your selection. This can eliminate incorrect guesses quickly.
- Tone of the puzzle: Some puzzles lean toward formal or technical language, making facilitate or empower more likely. Simpler puzzles might prefer allow or enable.
- Verb form: Make sure your answer is in the correct grammatical form. Enables or allowed wouldn’t work here unless the clue were written differently.
This type of clue rewards clear thinking and careful reading. A single letter can often make the difference between a correct and incorrect answer.
Exploring the Meaning Behind Possible Answers
To better understand the clue, it’s useful to know what each of the common answers really means and how they differ:
- Enable: To make something possible or easy. Common in technology, as in enable a setting.
- Allow: To give permission for something to happen. Very versatile and widely used in everyday language.
- Permit: Similar to allow but slightly more formal or official.
- Facilitate: To assist in the progress of something, especially a process or action.
- Empower: To give power or authority, or to make someone feel capable. Often used in motivational or organizational contexts.
Recognizing the nuanced meanings can help you determine which one fits best in the context of the puzzle you’re working on.
Tips for Solving Synonym-Based Clues
Clues like Make possible are classic examples of synonym-based puzzles. To approach these effectively, you can rely on a few solving techniques:
- Think of the simplest version first: Words like allow or let are often the first go-to options. Try fitting those into the grid.
- Work from the letters you know: The more crossings you have, the fewer options remain.
- Rephrase the clue in your mind: If make possible doesn’t trigger any answers, try asking yourself what word means to allow or to help make something happen?
- Don’t overlook formal or technical terms: Higher-difficulty puzzles might lean on words like facilitate or empower.
Crossword puzzles are just as much about lateral thinking as they are about vocabulary. The more you expose yourself to different ways of expressing ideas, the better your skills will become.
Clue Variations and Related Phrases
The clue Make possible might also appear in slightly modified forms across different puzzles. Here are a few examples:
- Make easier Often leads to facilitate or aid.
- Allow to happen Could be enable or permit.
- Grant permission Usually answered with allow or authorize.
- Give capability to Likely pointing to empower.
Being aware of these alternative forms will help you stay flexible when encountering variations of the clue.
What Makes This Clue Tricky
Although Make possible appears easy, it’s deceptively vague. There’s no hint of the length, tone, or specific use of the word required. Solvers may find themselves stuck because multiple words fit the clue depending on interpretation. Add to that the number of possible synonyms, and it’s clear why some get stumped.
Moreover, in themed puzzles, clues may have double meanings or work with puns. In those cases, Make possible could be part of a broader concept or even relate to a play on words. But in standard puzzles, it typically stays within the synonym-based category.
The crossword clue Make possible is a versatile and commonly used prompt that challenges solvers to think through a variety of verbs and meanings. With potential answers like enable, allow, permit, facilitate, and empower, the clue offers a rich field of options. Success in solving it comes down to understanding context, checking letter counts, and using intersecting words wisely.
Whether you’re new to puzzles or an experienced solver, clues like Make possible are a great way to sharpen your language skills and expand your vocabulary. Each successful solution brings not just satisfaction but also a better grasp of how language works and how fun solving crosswords can be when you start to see the connections clearly.