crossword clue purloin – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "purloin", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue purloin" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LIFT: To steal, especially something of relatively small value, or to take without permission.
NICK: An informal term for stealing, often something minor.
5 Letters
STEAL: To take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.
SWIPE: To steal something, typically quickly and sneakily.
FILCH: To pilfer or steal (something, especially something of small value) in a casual way.
6 Letters
PILFER: To steal (typically things of relatively little value) in a casual way.
More About "crossword clue purloin"
"Purloin" is a classic crossword clue that often appears in various puzzles, from daily cryptics to more complex Sunday editions. Its primary meaning relates to stealing or taking something dishonestly. Understanding this core definition is key to unlocking the correct answer, as most solutions will be direct synonyms for theft.
The nuance in "purloin" often suggests a more subtle or clandestine act of stealing, rather than a forceful one. This can guide you towards words like 'pilfer' or 'filch' which imply taking smaller items, or 'lift' and 'nick' which are more informal terms. Always consider the context of the puzzle, and if the clue hints at a particular style of theft, it can lead you to the precise word.
While the meaning is straightforward, crossword setters love to play with synonyms. Therefore, having a broad vocabulary related to 'purloin' is a significant advantage. This page aims to provide you with the most common and useful answers to make your puzzle-solving experience smoother.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check the Letter Count: Always start by counting the available boxes. This immediately narrows down the possible solutions for "purloin" to words of that specific length, as demonstrated in our answer groups above.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them! This is the most powerful way to confirm a 'purloin' answer. For example, if you have an 'L' and the length is 4, 'LIFT' becomes a strong candidate.
- Consider the Source: Different crossword publications or setters might have preferences for certain types of words. Familiarity with a particular puzzle's style can sometimes give you an edge in predicting common answers for clues like "purloin".
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While common synonyms are frequent, sometimes crosswords use slightly less common ones for "purloin" to increase difficulty. Always be prepared to think of a wider range of theft-related words if the obvious ones don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'purloin' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'purloin' commonly refers to synonyms for stealing or taking something unlawfully, like 'steal', 'pilfer', 'lift', or 'nick'. It often implies a clandestine or surreptitious act.
How can I find answers to 'purloin' clues quickly?
To solve 'purloin' clues efficiently, first consider the letter count required. Then, brainstorm common synonyms for 'steal' or 'take'. If you have any letters already filled in from intersecting words, use those as hints to narrow down the possibilities. Our site provides all common answers by length to speed up your search.
Are there any less common synonyms for 'purloin' used in crosswords?
While 'steal', 'pilfer', 'lift', and 'nick' are most common, more challenging crosswords might use less frequent synonyms such as 'embezzle', 'abscond (with)', 'appropriate' (in the sense of taking for oneself), or 'peculate'. Always consider the puzzle's difficulty and the available letter spaces.