Pumpkin-shaped 7 Little Words

The crossword clue "Pumpkin-shaped" with the answer "OBLATE" refers to a shape that is flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator, similar to the shape of a pumpkin. The term "oblate" is used to describe an object that is slightly flattened along one axis, creating a shape that resembles an ellipsoid or a squashed sphere.

While "oblates" are often discussed in geometric or scientific contexts, this clue plays on the visual similarity between the shape of an oblate and the rounded, slightly flattened appearance of a pumpkin.

The crossword clue "Pumpkin-shaped" with the answer "OBLIGE" refers to a cryptic play on words. In this context, the term "OBLIGE" is a homophone or wordplay clue.

The connection to "pumpkin-shaped" comes from the fact that "oblige" sounds like "oblige" in the sense of fitting or conforming to something, similar to how a pumpkin's shape can be described as conforming to a certain form. 

The crossword clue "Pumpkin-shaped" with the answer "OBTUSE" refers to a cryptic or indirect wordplay. In this clue, "obtuse" can describe something that is not sharp or pointed, which metaphorically relates to the round, somewhat blunt shape of a pumpkin.

The term "obtuse" often refers to angles greater than 90 degrees and can be used to describe shapes that are rounded or less sharp, aligning with the rounded, non-angular shape of a pumpkin. Thus, the clue uses "obtuse" to indirectly suggest the shape of a pumpkin.