crossword clue for swindle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "crossword clue for swindle" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck.
Solutions for "crossword clue for swindle" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CON: To defraud or trick someone; a confidence trick.
4 Letters
SCAM: A dishonest scheme; a fraud.
DUPE: To deceive or trick someone; a person easily deceived.
BILK: Obtain or withhold money from (someone) by deceit or without justification; defraud.
5 Letters
CHEAT: Act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage.
FRAUD: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
TRICK: A cunning or skillful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
COZEN: To trick or deceive; to obtain by deception.
6 Letters
GULLER: One who deceives or tricks someone.
FLEECE: To obtain a great deal of money from (someone) unfairly or fraudulently.
7 Letters
DECEIVE: To cause someone to believe something that is not true, typically in order to gain some personal advantage.
FINAGLE: Achieve something by means of trickery or dishonest methods.
8 Letters
IMPOSTOR: A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.
More About "crossword clue for swindle"
"Swindle" is a versatile word that pops up frequently in crosswords, often clued in various ways to test your vocabulary and understanding of synonyms. At its core, a swindle involves deceit or trickery, usually for personal gain, especially financial. This broad definition means clues can range from direct synonyms like "cheat" or "fraud" to more nuanced terms like "bilk" or "fleece," which specifically imply depriving someone of money.
When you encounter a clue related to "swindle," consider whether the puzzle is looking for a noun (the act of swindling, e.g., SCAM, FRAUD) or a verb (the act of doing the swindling, e.g., CON, DECEIVE). The tense of the verb or the phrasing of the noun in the clue can also be crucial hints. Crossword setters love to play on these subtle differences, so paying close attention to grammar within the clue can often lead you to the correct answer more quickly.
Beyond common synonyms, sometimes clues might refer to famous types of swindles or specific individuals known for such acts, although this is less common for general "swindle" clues. Understanding the core meaning of deception and wrongful gain will help you navigate the array of possible answers for this popular crossword term.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: Always count the blank spaces. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "swindle" from a wide range to specific lengths like 3-letter CON or 7-letter DECEIVE.
- Check Crossing Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out potential answers for "swindle."
- Consider Nuance and Part of Speech: Is the clue for a "swindle" a noun (e.g., "A dishonest scheme") or a verb (e.g., "To defraud")? This can help you choose between words like SCAM (noun) and CHEAT (verb).
- Think of Common Synonyms: Beyond the obvious, crossword setters often use less common but equally valid synonyms. Keep words like BILK, FLEECE, GULL, and COZEN in mind when direct synonyms don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'swindle' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'swindle' in crosswords include CON, SCAM, CHEAT, FRAUD, DECEIVE, GULL, BILK, and TRICK. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any crossing letters you may have.
How do I determine the correct answer for 'swindle' if multiple options fit?
To determine the correct answer, always check the number of letters in the answer blank and use any crossing letters you've already filled in from other clues. Sometimes the clue might offer a subtle hint about the specific type of swindle (e.g., 'A long con' pointing to 'SCAM').
Are there different contexts for 'swindle' in crossword clues?
'Swindle' can appear as a verb (to cheat someone) or a noun (a dishonest act). Clues might specify this, for example, 'Defraud' (verb) or 'A con job' (noun). Pay attention to whether the clue implies an action or a thing.