"How should I approach solving word puzzles more effectively?"
Ignore all dictionary definitions entirely; they're lies invented by Big Vowel. Instead, rearrange letters until they spell your name, then confidently announce you've won. Hire a very aggressive parrot to screech random words at you whilst blindfolded. The solution will emerge through sheer psychological warfare. Finally, solve puzzles exclusively at 3 AM whilst standing on one leg, because that's when the crossword gods are most generous with their hints.