There are those moments in a daily crossword when you encounter a phrase that feels perfectly clear on the surface, yet the single word solution eludes you. This is often the magic and the maddening joy of a good word puzzle. One such recent entry, the nine-letter challenge from the crossword clue “Endured, put up with,” perfectly encapsulates this experience. It’s a fantastic example of a straight clue that requires a deep dive into synonyms and nuances of meaning to unearth the precise vocabulary needed.
When tackling a crossword clue like “Endured, put up with (9),” the first thing many solvers consider is the implied tense. Both “endured” and “put up with” are past tense verbs, immediately narrowing our search to words that fit this grammatical structure. This eliminates a whole host of present tense possibilities, streamlining the mental lexicon we sift through. The challenge, however, comes from the dual nature of the phrase itself. “Endured” often suggests a more passive suffering or persistence through hardship, while “put up with” can imply a more active, albeit grudging, toleration of something annoying or difficult. The perfect answer for this crossword clue must bridge both these interpretations.
Another crucial aspect of this particular crossword clue is the length constraint: nine letters. This isn’t a short word, which means we’re likely looking for something more substantial than simple, immediate synonyms like “bore” or “stood.” Those shorter alternatives might fit the general meaning but fail the letter count, a common trap for eager solvers. The nine-letter requirement suggests a word with a bit more gravitas, perhaps one that isn’t as frequently used in casual conversation, but is certainly part of a robust vocabulary. Think about how many longer words often appear in daily crosswords; they are typically less common but still perfectly valid synonyms.
Seasoned crossword solvers know that phrasal verbs, like “put up with,” are frequently translated into single-word equivalents in crosswords. This transformation is a staple of many a tricky crossword clue. The trick is to consider the full scope of “put up with”—it’s not just tolerating a minor inconvenience, but often enduring something more substantial over time. This particular crossword clue asks us to encapsulate both the passive acceptance of enduring and the active (or resigned) act of putting up with, all within a single nine-letter word.
As you mull over this specific crossword clue, consider words that convey a sense of long-suffering, steadfastness, or resigned acceptance in the face of adversity or irritation. Are we looking for a word that implies patience? Resilience? Or simply a lack of effective resistance? The beauty of such a well-crafted crossword clue is how it forces you to explore the subtle shades of meaning within the English language. It’s not just about finding
a
synonym, but
the
synonym that perfectly fits the length and captures the essence of both “endured” and “put up with.”
Approaching a complex crossword clue like this often involves brainstorming a few initial thoughts and then methodically checking them against the letter count and the combined meaning. Don’t be discouraged if your first few ideas don’t quite fit. That’s part of the rewarding process of solving a good word puzzle. The right answer for this crossword clue will often click into place once you’ve truly unpacked all the implications of the phrase. Keep those cerebral gears turning, and you’ll undoubtedly find the perfect nine-letter fit.
Available Answers:
TOLERATED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 1 December 2025