defraud crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your go-to source for solving challenging crossword clues! If you're stuck on "defraud crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "defraud crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CON: To trick or deceive (someone).
4 Letters
BILK: Obtain or withhold money from (someone) by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud.
5 Letters
CHEAT: Act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage.
DUPES: To deceive or trick (someone).
TRICK: Deceive or outwit (someone) by a clever or cunning action.
6 Letters
FLEECE: To swindle or cheat (someone) out of money.
7 Letters
SWINDLE: Use deception to deprive (someone) of money or possessions.
More About "defraud crossword clue"
"Defraud" is a word deeply rooted in the concept of deception and illicit gain. In crosswords, it frequently appears as a clue leading to a wide array of synonyms, each carrying a slightly different nuance but all pointing to the act of cheating someone. Understanding these subtle differences can be key to selecting the correct answer when multiple options fit the letter count.
The term 'defraud' implies an intentional act of misrepresentation or trickery, usually for financial benefit, but sometimes for other advantages. Common associated words in crosswords often relate to the methods used, such as 'con' for confidence tricks, 'bilk' for avoiding payment, or 'fleece' for extorting money. By considering the context implied by other words in the clue, or by the overall theme of the puzzle, solvers can often pinpoint the precise term the setter intended.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- **Always Verify Letter Count:** Before anything else, ensure your potential answer's letter count exactly matches the number specified by the puzzle grid.
- **Brainstorm Synonyms:** For clues like "defraud," think broadly about all related terms for cheating, deception, and illicit gain. Create a mental list of short and long synonyms.
- **Utilize Intersecting Clues:** Don't hesitate to fill in letters from solved intersecting clues. These can drastically reduce the number of possible answers for the "defraud" clue.
- **Consider the Clue's Tone:** Some crossword clues are playful, others more formal. This can sometimes hint at whether the answer should be 'con' (informal) or 'defraud' (formal).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "defraud" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "defraud" typically refers to verbs meaning to cheat, deceive, or swindle someone out of money or possessions. Synonyms like "cheat," "con," "bilk," or "swindle" are common answers, varying by letter count.
How can I find the right "defraud" answer for my puzzle?
First, consider the number of letters required for the answer. Then, look for any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Finally, think about synonyms for 'defraud' that fit the specific context or tone of the crossword puzzle.
Are there common word patterns associated with "defraud" answers?
Words like CON, BILK, CHEAT, SWINDLE, and FLEECE are very common for this clue. Pay attention to any partial answers you might have as they can quickly narrow down the possibilities. Sometimes the clue might hint at a specific type of fraud, like a "shell game" for CON.