conniving crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions for the crossword clue "conniving", along with explanations to help you understand the context and solve your puzzle with ease. Whether you're looking for a short answer or a more elaborate one, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "conniving crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Meaning cunning or deceitful, this answer fits 'conniving' perfectly in shorter puzzles.
6 Letters
ARTFUL: Describes someone clever and cunning, often implying trickery or skill in deception.
CRAFTY: Refers to being clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods.
SHREWD: While often positive, 'shrewd' can imply a cunning and calculating intelligence, aligning with 'conniving' in certain contexts.
8 Letters
SCHEMING: Directly relates to devising secret and often underhanded plans, a strong synonym for 'conniving'.
More About "conniving crossword clue"
The term "conniving" in a crossword clue often points towards words that describe a person or action involving secret planning, deception, or a crafty nature. It suggests an underhanded approach to achieving a goal, usually one that benefits the conniver at someone else's expense. Crossword setters love to use such words because they have a rich array of synonyms that vary in length and nuance, allowing for diverse puzzle constructions.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'sly,' 'crafty,' and 'scheming' is key. While 'sly' might denote a quick, subtle deception, 'scheming' implies a more elaborate and sustained plot. 'Crafty' often highlights the skill in deceit. Always consider the context of other clues in your puzzle, as they can sometimes offer hints towards the exact shade of meaning required for "conniving."
These answers are frequently seen in both daily and cryptic crosswords, making 'conniving' a popular concept for clue-makers. Memorizing a few common synonyms for "conniving" across different lengths can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer boxes is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like 'conniving'.
- Consider Nuances of Synonyms: Words like 'conniving' have many synonyms, each with slightly different connotations. Think if the clue implies quick cunning (sly), skillful deception (artful, crafty), or long-term plotting (scheming).
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to eliminate unlikely answers and confirm potential solutions.
- Think of Common Crossword Traps: Sometimes, a clue might lead you to a common word, but the setter is looking for a less obvious synonym that fits the letter count. Always be prepared for a twist!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'conniving' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'conniving' typically refers to someone who is secretly planning or plotting to do something harmful or illegal. Clues for 'conniving' often point to words meaning sly, cunning, artful, or manipulative, focusing on the deceptive or underhanded aspects of the word.
How can I find synonyms for 'conniving' if I'm stuck?
When stuck, think about the core meaning of 'conniving': secret planning, deception, manipulation. Look for words that fit these themes. Consider words like 'sly', 'crafty', 'scheming', 'deceitful', 'underhanded', 'tricky', or 'wily'. Using a thesaurus or an online crossword dictionary can also provide a wide range of options.
Are there common word lengths for answers to 'conniving' clues?
Answers to 'conniving' clues can vary widely in length, from short words like SLY (3 letters) to longer ones like SCHEMING (8 letters) or MANIPULATIVE (12 letters). The length often depends on the specific nuance the crossword setter is looking for. Always check the number of boxes provided in your puzzle.