Ever stared at a daily crossword puzzle, confident in your parsing skills, only to be utterly stumped by a seemingly straightforward definition? You’re not alone. Today, we’re tackling a classic head-scratcher that frequently appears: the “Postpone (6)” crossword clue. It’s one of those tantalizing little clues that feels like it
should
be simple, yet often leaves solvers scratching their heads, searching for that elusive six-letter word.
Solving a crossword clue like “Postpone (6)” isn’t just about knowing a synonym; it’s about understanding the nuances of language, the typical tricks of constructors, and how to leverage your existing knowledge. When you encounter this particular crossword clue, your first instinct is likely to brainstorm words that mean “to put off” or “to delay.” And that’s an excellent starting point! But as seasoned solvers know, the path to the solution for any given crossword clue can sometimes be indirect.
Let’s dissect what makes this “Postpone (6)” crossword clue so intriguing. The number in parentheses, of course, tells us the length of the word we’re looking for – exactly six letters. This constraint is incredibly powerful. Many words can mean “postpone”: defer, delay, table, reschedule, adjourn, suspend, hold off, put back… but how many of them are precisely six letters long? This immediate narrowing of options is your first strategic move in solving this kind of crossword clue.
When you’re trying to crack a difficult crossword clue such, think about synonyms that might have slightly different connotations. “Postpone” suggests moving something to a later time. Are there words that imply a temporary delay versus a permanent one? Or perhaps a formal deferment versus an informal one? Sometimes, exploring these subtle shades of meaning can unlock the correct word. A good thesaurus can be your best friend here, not necessarily to give you the answer directly, but to present a wider array of options to test against the letter count.
Consider the parts of speech. “Postpone” is a verb. So, we’re likely looking for another verb. This might seem obvious for a straight definition crossword clue, but it’s a fundamental principle of effective crossword solving. If the clue was “Postponement (6),” we’d be hunting for a noun, which opens up an entirely different set of possibilities. Always match the part of speech!
Another common strategy when faced with a stubborn crossword clue, especially one of a specific length, is to think about common prefixes or suffixes for words of that length. While “Postpone (6)” is quite direct, sometimes a common word ending or beginning can help you piece together the letters, particularly when you have a few crossing letters already filled in from other clues. Perhaps the word starts with a common two-letter prefix, or ends with a familiar suffix that makes up part of its six letters.
Don’t forget the power of context in solving any crossword clue. Are you working on a themed puzzle? Is there a particular constructor known for certain types of wordplay? While “Postpone (6)” usually suggests a straightforward synonym, occasionally constructors might hide a slightly more playful interpretation, even in non-cryptic grids. Is there a chance it could be a homophone? Or part of a larger phrase broken down into a six-letter component? For this specific “Postpone (6)” crossword clue, it’s generally a direct definition, but it’s always worth keeping an open mind for creative twists in other puzzles.
Ultimately, the satisfaction of solving a particularly tricky crossword clue like “Postpone (6)” comes from the process of elimination, the clever use of vocabulary, and sometimes, simply stepping away and coming back with fresh eyes. Keep exploring those synonyms, lean on those letter counts, and never underestimate the power of a good brain-storming session. You’ll find that perfect six-letter word to complete your grid!
Available Answers:
SHELVE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 8 November 2025