con crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "con crossword clue," you've come to the right place. This page offers a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. The word "con" is a popular one in crosswords due to its multiple meanings, often leading to tricky clues. Dive in to find your answer!
Solutions for "con crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SCAM: A deceptive trick or scheme, often involving money.
5 Letters
TRICK: A cunning act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
6 Letters
INMATE: A person confined to an institution, especially a prison (short for convict).
7 Letters
SWINDLE: To use deception to deprive someone of money or possessions.
8 Letters
IMPOSTOR: A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others.
More About "con crossword clue"
The clue "con crossword clue" is a prime example of a crossword setter's favorite due to its rich linguistic versatility. The word "con" can stem from several roots, each offering a distinct meaning that can be cleverly woven into a puzzle. It often refers to a deception or fraud, short for "confidence trick," leading to answers like SCAM or SWINDLE. However, it can also signify "against" or "negative," as in "pros and cons," requiring answers like OPPOSED or NEGATIVE.
Beyond trickery and opposition, "con" frequently appears as an abbreviation for "convict," pointing to answers like INMATE or FELON. Less commonly, "con" can also mean to study something thoroughly, as in "to con a book," which might lead to answers like PERUSE or STUDY. Understanding these various facets of "con" is key to tackling such clues effectively. Always consider the context, the number of letters required, and any intersecting words you've already placed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For clues like "con," consider if it's a direct synonym, an abbreviation, or part of a common phrase. Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings.
- Count the Letters: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable hint. If you have "con" and need a 4-letter word, SCAM is a strong candidate, while a 7-letter word might be SWINDLE.
- Check Crossing Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These will confirm or deny your potential answers for "con" and narrow down the possibilities significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does "con" have so many different meanings in crosswords?
The word "con" is a classic crossword setter's favorite due to its rich polysemy. It can mean a deception (short for 'confidence trick'), an argument against something (from 'contra'), a prisoner (short for 'convict'), or even to study or commit to memory (from 'con perusing'). This versatility allows setters to create clever and challenging clues, requiring solvers to consider the context carefully.
How do I know which "con" meaning to use for a specific crossword clue?
Determining the correct meaning of "con" depends heavily on the clue's surrounding words, the required letter count, and any crossing letters you've already filled in. Look for synonyms in the clue like 'scam,' 'against,' 'prisoner,' or 'study.' The length of the answer is also a huge hint; for example, 'scam' is 4 letters, while 'swindle' is 7, and 'impostor' is 8.
Are there common synonyms or related terms for "con" that often appear in puzzles?
Yes, for 'con' meaning deception, common synonyms include TRICK, HOAX, SCAM, FRAUD, DECEIVE, or SWINDLE. For 'con' as in 'against,' you might see OPPOSED or NEGATIVE. For 'con' as a prisoner, terms like INMATE or FELON are common. If it refers to studying, PERUSE or STUDY could be answers. Always consider the context provided by the clue.