artful or shrewd crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your definitive source for solving tricky crossword clues. If you're stumped by "artful or shrewd crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "artful or shrewd crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Exhibiting cunning or craftiness, often in a playful or deceptive manner.
4 Letters
WILY: Skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully or by trickery.
5 Letters
SHARP: Having or showing a quick practical intelligence or shrewdness; mentally acute.
6 Letters
CRAFTY: Clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods; cunning.
ASTUTE: Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; shrewd.
7 Letters
CUNNING: Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; sly.
More About "artful or shrewd crossword clue"
"Artful" and "shrewd" are adjectives that describe intelligence and cleverness, but with distinct nuances that crossword setters love to play with. An "artful" person might be skilled in diplomacy, deception, or artistic expression, suggesting a cleverness that is often subtle and indirect. Think of a cunning plan or a masterfully crafted lie.
On the other hand, "shrewd" typically refers to practical, keen-witted intelligence, especially in business or daily affairs. A shrewd person makes astute judgments and is quick to grasp situations, often for their own benefit, but without necessarily implying deceit. Both terms point to a high degree of mental agility, making them versatile clues for a range of synonyms like SLY, WILY, CRAFTY, CUNNING, SHARP, or ASTUTE.
When encountering such a clue, consider the broader context of the puzzle. Is the crossword playful, or more serious? The intended tone can sometimes hint at whether the answer leans towards the cunning 'artful' side or the sagacious 'shrewd' side.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "artful or shrewd," pay attention to subtle differences in meaning. Is the clue hinting at cleverness for good, or for mischievous/deceptive purposes? This can help you choose between words like 'ASTUTE' (shrewd, good judgment) and 'CUNNING' (artful, deceitful).
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the exact number of letters required by the grid. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on fitting words.
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm an answer is to see if its letters correctly fit into the crossing words. A letter that works for both clues usually means you've found the right solution.
- Think of Common Synonyms: Crossword puzzles often recycle popular synonyms for common concepts. For "clever" or "intelligent" type clues, keep a mental list of words like SLY, WILY, CRAFTY, ASTUTE, and SHARP.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between 'artful' and 'shrewd' in crossword clues?
While both imply intelligence and cleverness, 'artful' often carries a connotation of cunning, trickery, or skill in deception, whereas 'shrewd' typically refers to keen practical intelligence, good judgment, and astuteness, especially in business or negotiation, without necessarily implying deceit.
How can clue length help solve 'artful or shrewd' type puzzles?
The number of letters is a crucial hint. For instance, 'SLY' (3 letters) and 'WILY' (4 letters) are shorter answers, while 'CRAFTY' (6 letters), 'CUNNING' (7 letters), or 'ASTUTE' (6 letters) fit longer slots. Always match the word length with the grid to narrow down possibilities.
Are there common alternative words for 'artful or shrewd' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include SLY, WILY, CRAFTY, CUNNING, ASTUTE, SHARP, CLEVER, and ACUTE. The precise word often depends on the nuance intended by the setter and the available letter count, as well as intersecting letters from other clues.