Wield, As Influence Crossword Clue
By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: Apr 30, 2025
Looking for the answer to the Wield, as influence crossword clue from the Apr 30, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've found the precise 5-letter solution you need. For puzzle enthusiasts seeking an interactive experience, we've created several engaging tools to assist you. You can discover the answer gradually using our letter-by-letter reveal feature, or explore our thoughtfully prepared hints—including word patterns, alternative clues with the same answer, or comprehensive explanations to guide your thinking process. We've also simplified navigation between related clues from the same puzzle, enabling you to solve multiple clues efficiently. Ready to improve your crossword solving skills? Let's explore this power-themed clue together!
Crossword Answer:
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About This Clue
The April 30, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Wield, as influence" with the answer EXERT. This clue asks for a verb that describes how one might use or apply influence. To "wield influence" is to use one's power or authority to affect situations or decisions, which is precisely what it means to "exert influence."
Exert Context
The word "exert" comes from the Latin "exserere," meaning "to put forth" or "to thrust out." In modern usage, it primarily means to put forth physical or mental effort, or to bring a force, influence, or capability into action. The term is commonly used in phrases like "exert influence," "exert pressure," "exert control," or "exert effort." When someone exerts influence, they're actively using their power, authority, or persuasive abilities to affect outcomes or decisions. In a physical context, "exert" often describes applying force or strain, as in "exerting pressure" or "exerting yourself during exercise." In leadership and political contexts, the ability to exert influence effectively is often seen as a key skill. The verb "wield" in the clue—meaning to handle or use something with skill or authority—pairs naturally with "exert," as both describe the active application of power or capability.
NYT Mini Crossword Tips
When solving clues like "Wield, as influence" in the NYT Mini Crossword, look for synonyms or related actions. In this case, to "wield influence" means to use or apply it, which is what "exert" means in this context. Pay attention to the parts of speech indicated in the clue—here, "Wield" is a verb, so the answer must also be a verb. The phrase structure "X, as Y" often indicates that the answer is a word that can be paired with Y in a common phrase (here, "exert influence" is a common collocation). Five-letter verb answers are common in the NYT Mini, and the editors often use familiar phrases but clue them in slightly indirect ways. When a clue includes a comma followed by "as," it's typically asking for a word that can fit into a specific phrase or context. Abstract concepts like influence, authority, and power are frequent crossword themes, and knowing common verbs associated with them (exert, wield, assert, etc.) can be helpful.
Related Crossword Answers
EXERT
Clue: "Apply force or effort"
WIELD
Clue: "Handle with skill or authority"
APPLY
Clue: "Put to practical use"
USAGE
Clue: "Application or employment"
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