deceitful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "deceitful," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and sharpen your crossword skills.
Solutions for "deceitful crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SLY: Cunning and deceitful, often implying shrewdness or cleverness in trickery.
5 Letters
FALSE: Not true or honest; deceptive in nature or appearance.
6 Letters
SNEAKY: Acting in a secretive and underhanded way, often with malicious intent or to gain an unfair advantage.
TRICKY: Inclined to use tricks; deceptive or misleading in a clever way.
7 Letters
CROOKED: Dishonest or illegal; deviating from what is straight or true, morally or physically.
9 Letters
DECEPTIVE: Giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading.
10 Letters
FRAUDULENT: Obtained, done, or marked by deception, especially criminal deception.
More About "deceitful crossword clue"
"Deceitful" is a common and versatile term in crosswords, often appearing in clues that demand a synonym for dishonesty, trickery, or misleading behavior. Crossword setters love to play with its various nuances, leading to answers ranging from simple three-letter words like SLY to more complex ten-letter terms such as FRAUDULENT. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to unlocking the puzzle.
Clues might hint at deceit in various contexts – from a person's character (e.g., "A deceitful person") to an action (e.g., "Deceitful act") or an object's nature (e.g., "Deceitful appearance"). Pay close attention to accompanying words in the clue, as they can provide crucial context. For instance, a clue might specify a 'briefly deceitful' act, hinting at a shorter answer, or 'criminal deceitful', suggesting a word like 'fraudulent'.
Always consider the possibility of wordplay. A setter might use an anagram of letters that spell out a synonym for deceit, or a hidden word within the clue itself. Sometimes, the clue might use a more abstract or poetic way to suggest dishonesty, so thinking laterally about what 'deceitful' truly implies is a valuable strategy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze Word Length: Always check the number of boxes provided for the answer. This is your most powerful tool. If you have several options for "deceitful," the letter count will eliminate many of them instantly.
- Look for Context Clues: Words surrounding "deceitful" in the clue can guide you. Is it describing a person, an action, or a characteristic? This can help you choose the most fitting synonym.
- Consider Common Synonyms: Familiarize yourself with a list of common synonyms for words like "deceitful." Often, setters will reuse popular terms like SLY, FALSE, SNEAKY, and TRICKY.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters already filled in from intersecting words. Even one letter can drastically narrow down the possibilities for a "deceitful" answer.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword clues can be tricky. Don't just think of the most common synonyms; consider more obscure ones or even terms that imply deceit indirectly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deceitful' mean in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'deceitful' typically points to words that describe someone or something that intentionally misleads, cheats, or is not truthful. Clues might use synonyms like 'tricky,' 'false,' 'sly,' or 'misleading.' The setter might also use wordplay to hint at a 'deceitful' nature, such as an anagram or a hidden word.
How does word length help when solving 'deceitful' clues?
Word length is a critical aid in crosswords. If you have intersecting letters from other answers, combining them with the known length for a 'deceitful' clue can drastically narrow down possibilities. For example, if you know it's a 3-letter word, 'SLY' or 'LIE' might be options. For longer words, a 9-letter slot might suggest 'DECEPTIVE' or 'DISHONEST'.
Are there common synonyms for 'deceitful' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, many synonyms for 'deceitful' frequently appear. Common ones include SLY, FALSE, SNEAKY, TRICKY, ARTFUL, CROOKED, GUILTY, SHIFTY, DUPLICITOUS, and DECEPTIVE. Keep an eye out for these, as well as more obscure synonyms depending on the crossword's difficulty.