Solving the “Put Up With” Crossword Clue

Crossword puzzles are a beloved pastime for many, combining the joy of wordplay with the thrill of solving a challenging puzzle. One common clue that often perplexes solvers is “put up with.” Let’s delve into the strategies and considerations that can help you crack this particular clue.

Understanding Crossword Clues

Before diving into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand the general nature of crossword clues. Clues can be:

• Straightforward definitions: These directly describe the answer.
• Wordplay: These involve puns, anagrams, or other forms of linguistic trickery.
• Abbreviations and acronyms: Clues that hint at shortened forms of words.
• Multiple meanings: Words with more than one meaning can lead to a play on words.

With “put up with,” we’re likely dealing with a definition or a phrase synonymous with tolerating or enduring something.

Common Answers for “Put Up With”

Several words and phrases are frequently used as answers to the “put up with” clue. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. BEAR (4 letters)
   • To bear something means to endure or tolerate it. This is a straightforward synonym and is frequently used in crosswords due to its brevity.
2. ABIDE (5 letters)
   • To abide by something also means to tolerate or accept it, especially in a patient manner. This term is slightly more formal but equally valid.
3. STAND (5 letters)
   • To stand something implies that you can endure or tolerate it. This word is another common crossword entry.
4. ENDURE (6 letters)
   • A bit longer, endure is a strong synonym for tolerating or putting up with something.
5. TOLERATE (8 letters)
   • The direct synonym for “put up with,” though less commonly used in crosswords due to its length.
6. SUFFER (6 letters)
   • To suffer something means to endure pain or discomfort, often used in a more dramatic context.

Strategies for Solving

1. Check the Length of the Answer:
   • Crosswords provide the length of the answer, which can significantly narrow down the possibilities. Match the length with the common answers listed above.
2. Look at the Cross Letters:
   • If you’ve already solved some intersecting clues, the letters you have can guide you toward the correct answer. For example, if you have _E_R for a four-letter answer, “BEAR” becomes a strong candidate.
3. Consider the Context:
   • Some crossword clues might have a theme or a specific context that can give additional hints. If the puzzle has a theme related to, say, emotions or endurance, it might guide you towards a specific synonym.
4. Synonym Lists and Thesauruses:
   • When in doubt, a quick look at a thesaurus can provide a list of synonyms for “put up with,” which you can then match with the length and cross letters.
5. Think Laterally:
   • Sometimes, crossword clues can be more abstract or require lateral thinking. Don’t just focus on direct synonyms; consider phrases and idiomatic expressions that might fit.

Example in Practice

Let’s put these strategies into practice with an example clue:

Clue: “Put up with” (5 letters)

Cross Letters: _ T _ N _

From our list of common answers, “STAND” fits perfectly with the given letters. Therefore, the answer is likely “STAND.”

Conclusion

“Put up with” is a versatile crossword clue that can be answered with several common synonyms, such as BEAR, ABIDE, STAND, ENDURE, TOLERATE, and SUFFER. By considering the length of the answer, checking cross letters, understanding the context, using synonyms, and thinking laterally, you can efficiently solve this clue. Happy puzzling.