artful or shrewd crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "artful or shrewd", organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "artful or shrewd crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Possessing a cunning and deceitful nature. Often used in crosswords for short, quick answers related to cleverness.
6 Letters
ARTFUL: Skillful, clever, or cunning, especially in a crafty or subtle way. A direct match to the clue.
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. Synonym for shrewd.
7 Letters
CUNNING: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion. A strong synonym for both artful and shrewd.
More About "artful or shrewd crossword"
The clue "artful or shrewd" is a classic example of a crossword entry seeking a word that describes cleverness, often with a hint of craftiness or sharp intellect. The best answers are adjectives that convey a sense of being smart, resourceful, or cunning in a way that allows one to achieve their goals, sometimes through less than straightforward means.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'artful', 'shrewd', 'cunning', and 'sly' is key. While all imply intelligence, 'artful' often suggests skill and ingenuity, 'shrewd' points to practical, keen judgement, 'cunning' leans towards deceitful cleverness, and 'sly' implies a secretive, tricky nature. Crossword setters love to play on these nuances, making context and letter count crucial.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the tone and any other intersecting letters. Is the puzzle generally light-hearted or more serious? This can sometimes give a clue as to whether the answer leans towards playful cleverness or something more manipulative. Always be prepared for multiple plausible answers until more letters are revealed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "artful or shrewd," think about the subtle differences between similar words. 'Shrewd' often implies good judgment, while 'artful' can suggest skill in manipulation.
- Check Word Lengths: Always verify the number of letters required. A short answer might be SLY, while a longer one could be CUNNING or ASTUTE.
- Look for Common Roots: Many words share Latin or Greek roots. Understanding these can help you deduce the meaning of unfamiliar synonyms for 'artful' or 'shrewd'.
- Cross-Reference with Other Clues: Don't try to solve a challenging clue in isolation. The letters revealed by solving adjacent clues can often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a crossword clue 'artful' or 'shrewd'?
Clues described as 'artful' or 'shrewd' often imply a need for a synonym that suggests cleverness, craftiness, or sharp wit. They might hint at someone who is good at manipulating situations to their advantage, or who has a keen intellect. These clues sometimes use wordplay, double meanings, or misdirection to lead solvers astray if they don't think precisely about the nuanced meaning.
How can I improve my vocabulary for 'artful' or 'shrewd' synonyms?
To broaden your vocabulary for words like 'artful' or 'shrewd,' regularly use a thesaurus or an online synonym tool when you encounter such words. Reading widely across different genres can expose you to a diverse range of vocabulary. Pay attention to context in which these words are used. Familiarizing yourself with common prefixes and suffixes (e.g., 'un-' for negation, '-ful' for full of) can also help deduce meanings and identify related words.
Are there common patterns for this type of clue in crosswords?
Yes, 'artful' or 'shrewd' type clues often lead to adjectives. Common patterns include short, direct synonyms (like SLY or KEEN), or longer, more descriptive words (like CUNNING or ASTUTE). Sometimes, they might be part of a cryptic clue that requires parsing for a hidden word or anagram. It's always wise to consider both the literal meaning and any potential wordplay or double definitions the clue might be hinting at.