deception crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling a crossword and the clue 'deception' has you stumped, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "deception crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TRICK: A clever or cunning act designed to deceive.
FRAUD: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
GUILE: Sly or cunning intelligence.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
9 Letters
DUPLICITY: Deceitfulness; double-dealing.
IMPOSTURE: An instance of pretending to be someone else in order to deceive others.
10 Letters
SUBTERFUGE: Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.
12 Letters
MISDIRECTION: The action or process of directing someone to the wrong place or in the wrong direction; a cunning device or stratagem.
More About "deception crossword clue"
The term 'deception' is a staple in crossword puzzles due to its rich array of synonyms and the numerous ways it can be clued. From simple synonyms like 'trick' to more complex concepts like 'subterfuge' or 'imposture', crossword setters love to challenge solvers with the nuances of deceit. Understanding the various facets of deception, both as an action and a state, can significantly aid in solving related clues.
Clues involving deception often require you to think beyond the obvious. They might refer to a specific type of fraud, a subtle misleading act, or even a psychological tactic. Pay close attention to the word count, surrounding letters, and any additional words in the clue that might hint at the exact synonym required. This clue can be a gateway to uncovering more complex vocabulary related to human interaction and cunning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: 'Deception' can range from a harmless prank ('TRICK') to serious wrongdoing ('FRAUD'). The specific phrasing of the clue often guides you to the right intensity.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even with multiple possibilities, the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They'll quickly narrow down the options to the correct answer.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the clue might describe an act of deception rather than directly asking for a synonym. For instance, a clue might describe someone 'leading astray' pointing to 'MISDIRECTION'.
- Look for Homophones and Anagrams: While 'deception' itself is quite direct, some clues using similar themes might rely on wordplay. Always keep an eye out for indicators like 'heard', 'mixed up', or 'rearranged'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deception in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'deception' often refers to clues that mislead solvers through wordplay, double meanings, or cryptic phrasing. It's about finding the underlying meaning, not just the literal one. The answers themselves, like 'TRICK' or 'GUILE', also embody the concept of deception.
Why are there so many answers for 'deception crossword clue'?
Words like 'deception' are broad concepts with many synonyms and related terms. Depending on the specific nuance, the surrounding letters, and the crossword setter's intent, multiple words can fit the definition. This is common for abstract clues or those with a rich semantic field.
How can I spot tricky clues like 'deception'?
Look for indicator words that hint at wordplay (e.g., 'perhaps', 'might be', 'confused'). Pay attention to punctuation, capitalization, and the overall tone of the clue. Consider synonyms, homophones, and anagrams. Sometimes, a clue might be a 'deception' in itself, meaning the answer is a type of deception.