Make less tight - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Make less tight," is a perfect example of a straightforward, definitional clue often found in early-week puzzles like a Monday or Tuesday NYT Crossword. These clues are the bedrock of a puzzle, providing solid anchor points from which to solve more complex entries. There's no trickery or wordplay here, just a direct request for a synonym.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple verb phrase: "Make less tight." The crossword is asking for a single verb that encapsulates this entire action. The key components are:

• Make: This indicates we are looking for a verb of action, something that causes a change.
• Less tight: This describes the result of the action. The state of an object is changing from more tight to less tight.

Therefore, the answer must be a verb that means "to cause something to become less tight."

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, several thought processes can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Synonym Association: Your brain's built-in thesaurus is the first tool to use. What words mean "make less tight"? You might think of slacken, relax, unfasten, or the correct answer.

2. The Opposites Game: What's the opposite of the clue? The opposite would be "Make more tight," which simplifies to the verb tighten. Often, the antonym of a word can help you find its counterpart. What is the opposite of tighten?

3. Contextualization: Imagine real-world scenarios. What do you do to a knot you want to untie? You make it less tight. What do you do to a belt after a big dinner? You make it less tight. What verb describes that action in both cases?

4. Word Formation Patterns: A common pattern in English is to add the suffix -en to an adjective to create a verb meaning "to make more [adjective]." For example:

   • wide -> widen (to make wider)
   • tight -> tighten (to make tighter)
   • loose -> ? (to make looser) This pattern points directly to the answer.

Background Context

This type of clue tests vocabulary in its purest form. Crossword constructors use these foundational clues to ensure a puzzle is solvable and to provide fair crossings for trickier entries. Recognizing these simple definitional clues is a key skill for improving your solving speed and confidence. The -en suffix, as mentioned above, is a great pattern to keep in mind. It's an example of a "causative verb," where the action causes a change in state.

Conclusion

"Make less tight" is a classic, no-frills clue that rewards a solid vocabulary and direct thinking. By using techniques like synonym association, considering opposites, and recognizing common word formation patterns, solvers can quickly and confidently fill in the answer, building momentum to tackle the rest of the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This action might be done to a belt after a large meal.
2. Hint 2: It's the opposite of 'tighten.'
3. Hint 3: Think about what you do to a jar lid that's stuck.
4. Hint 4: The word often ends with '-en' when it's a verb meaning 'to make something more [adjective].'

The answer is LOOSEN.