false crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "false crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "false crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAKE: An imitation intended to deceive; not genuine.
SHAM: A thing that is not what it is purported to be; a hoax or pretense.
5 Letters
BOGUS: Not genuine or true; fake or counterfeit.
PHONY: Not real or genuine; fraudulent or a pretense.
6 Letters
UNTRUE: Not in accordance with fact or reality; false.
8 Letters
SPURIOUS: Not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
9 Letters
ERRONEOUS: Incorrect; containing mistakes or based on wrong information.
More About "false crossword clue"
The term "false" in a crossword clue is a classic way for setters to hint at answers related to untruths, deceptions, or imitations. It can refer to anything from a physical counterfeit object (like a FAKE painting) to an inaccurate statement (something UNTRUE or ERRONEOUS). Understanding the nuances of "false" is crucial, as the specific context of the clue will guide you to the correct answer among many possibilities.
Clues using "false" often play on synonyms or related concepts. For instance, a clue might refer to a 'false alarm', a 'false start', or even a 'false positive'. Each of these phrases requires a slightly different interpretation of 'false' to arrive at the correct solution. Always consider the word length and any intersecting letters you already have, as these are your best friends in narrowing down the options. Additionally, setters might use 'false' to imply a charade or a hidden word, so be vigilant!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: If a clue seems too straightforward, it might be a trick. "False" can often indicate an anagram, a homophone, or a double meaning. Consider if the word "false" itself is part of a larger phrase or idiom.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's length to the specified number of boxes. This immediately filters out many incorrect possibilities and helps you focus on relevant synonyms like the ones provided above.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues as confirmation or elimination for your "false" answer. If a word like "BOGUS" fits the length but clashes with an existing letter, it's likely incorrect.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes "false" can lead to words describing the *effect* of something false, like a DECEPTION or a HOAX, even if those aren't direct synonyms. Broaden your thinking beyond single-word equivalents.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'false' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'false' often suggests an answer related to deception, imitation, incorrectness, or lack of authenticity. Common synonyms like FAKE, SHAM, PHONY, UNTRUE, or ERRONEOUS are frequently used.
How can I distinguish between similar 'false' answers?
Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any additional context in the clue. For instance, 'false front' might point to SHAM, while 'false premise' might lean towards ERRONEOUS or UNTRUE. Checking intersecting letters is always key.
Are there common tricks with 'false' clues?
Yes, 'false' can be used literally or figuratively. It might refer to a 'false note' (an off-key sound, like an ERROR) or a 'false start' (a premature beginning). Sometimes it's a homophone clue, implying a word that *sounds* like 'false' but has a different meaning. Always consider all angles!