crossword clue accomplice – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! On this page, you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue 'accomplice'. Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just looking to verify your answer, we've got you covered with options for all common word lengths.
Solutions for "crossword clue accomplice" by Letter Count
4 Letters
AIDE: One who assists, often in a subordinate role, implying involvement.
6 Letters
HELPER: Someone who provides assistance or aid, which can extend to illicit activities.
7 Letters
ABETTOR: A person who encourages or assists another in wrongdoing, often in a criminal context.
PARTNER: A person who takes part in an undertaking with another, sometimes implying involvement in a joint venture, including a crime.
9 Letters
ACCESSORY: A person who, though not directly involved in a crime, contributes to or facilitates its commission before or after the fact.
11 Letters
CONFEDERATE: A person with whom one is allied in a secret or illicit enterprise; a close associate in wrongdoing.
12 Letters
COLLABORATOR: One who works jointly on an activity or project; can also refer to someone assisting an enemy, especially in a negative sense.
More About "crossword clue accomplice"
The term "accomplice" refers to an individual who helps another commit a crime or wrongdoing. Unlike the principal offender, an accomplice's role is often one of assistance, planning, or facilitation, rather than directly carrying out the main act. This distinction is crucial in legal contexts, but in the world of crosswords, "accomplice" can refer to anyone involved, from a minor helper to a key co-conspirator.
Crossword setters often use "accomplice" as a versatile clue, allowing for a range of synonyms depending on the required letter count. Common answers span from short, general terms like 'AIDE' or 'HELPER' to more specific legal or conspiratorial terms such as 'ACCESSORY' or 'CONFEDERATE'. The challenge lies in discerning the exact nuance and length demanded by the puzzle's design.
Understanding the various facets of "accomplice" can significantly aid in solving related clues. Consider if the clue implies a friendly assistant or a criminal associate. The surrounding words in the clue itself, or intersecting letters in the grid, will often provide the necessary hints to narrow down the possibilities and pinpoint the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Pay attention to any adjectives or verbs in the clue that might suggest a specific type of accomplice (e.g., 'silent accomplice' might imply a less active role).
- Consider Legal vs. General: Some clues might lean towards legal terminology (like 'accessory'), while others might seek a more general synonym for a helper or partner.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the possible answers to the required letter count. This is your most reliable filter for "accomplice" clues, as many potential synonyms exist.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to quickly identify which potential answer fits the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an accomplice and an accessory in legal terms?
In legal contexts, an 'accomplice' is typically someone who helps commit a crime before or during its commission. An 'accessory' might assist before (accessory before the fact) or after (accessory after the fact) the crime, but is not necessarily present during its commission. Crossword clues often use them interchangeably, but it's good to know the nuances.
Are there common shorter or longer answers for 'accomplice' in crosswords?
Yes, common shorter answers can include 'AIDE' or 'ABETTOR', while longer answers might be 'ACCESSORY', 'CONFEDERATE', or 'COLLABORATOR'. The exact answer depends heavily on the number of letters required and the specific context provided by the crossword grid and other clues.
How can context help when solving 'accomplice' clues?
Context is crucial. Look for surrounding words in the clue like 'partner in crime', 'helper', 'assistant', 'conspirator', or 'facilitator'. These can guide you towards synonyms of varying lengths and formality, helping you pinpoint the exact word fitting your puzzle.