confess crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all the possible answers and detailed explanations for the popular clue "confess crossword clue," organized by letter count to help you quickly find the solution you need.
Solutions for "confess crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OWN: To admit or acknowledge something, especially a fault or crime, as one's own.
4 Letters
AVOW: To declare frankly or openly; to acknowledge and swear to.
FESS: An informal shortening of "confess," often used in the phrase "fess up."
5 Letters
ADMIT: To acknowledge, often reluctantly, as true, valid, or a fact.
6 Letters
REVEAL: To make known something previously secret or unknown; to disclose.
7 Letters
DECLARE: To state formally, explicitly, or publicly; to announce.
11 Letters
ACKNOWLEDGE: To accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
More About "confess crossword clue"
"Confess" is a versatile word in the English language, making it a popular and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Its synonyms range from simple admissions to formal declarations, each carrying a slightly different nuance. For instance, while "OWN" might suggest taking responsibility for a minor oversight, "ACKNOWLEDGE" implies a more formal acceptance of a fact or truth, and "AVOW" points to an open, often passionate declaration.
Crossword setters often use this clue to test a solver's vocabulary depth and understanding of these subtle distinctions. The context of the puzzle, such as a clue hinting at secrecy, guilt, or public statement, can help narrow down the appropriate synonym. Familiarity with common crossword conventions for synonyms like "confess" will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the provided letter count with your potential answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate incorrect words.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "confess," think broadly about all its synonyms. Sometimes, an antonym with a negative prefix might also be a less direct solution.
- Look for Indicators of Wordplay: Be alert for words in the clue such as "briefly," "informally," "initially," or "finally" which can indicate abbreviations, informal terms, or require you to use only parts of a longer word.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words. These crucial letters can often provide the breakthrough needed for a difficult "confess" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy for solving "confess" clues in crosswords?
When encountering a 'confess' clue, first consider the letter count. Then, think about the context—is it a formal confession (e.g., ADMIT, DECLARE) or more informal (e.g., FESS, OWN)? Also, look at surrounding letters if you have any, as they can quickly narrow down the possibilities.
Why do some "confess" answers have such different lengths?
The variation in answer lengths for 'confess' stems from the diverse range of synonyms available. Some, like OWN or FESS, are short and often informal, while others, such as ACKNOWLEDGE, are longer and more formal or descriptive, reflecting different nuances of the act of confessing.
Are there common informal answers for "confess" in crosswords?
Yes, common informal answers for 'confess' in crosswords include FESS (often seen as 'fess up') and OWN (as in 'own up to something'). These are frequently used to provide shorter letter count options for setters.