What are common synonyms for 'hides or disguises' in crosswords?

Common synonyms for 'hides or disguises' include MASKS, VEILS, CLOAKS, CONCEALS, and OBSCURES. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle.

How can I figure out the correct answer when multiple words fit the clue 'hides or disguises'?

To determine the correct answer, check the letter count provided in the crossword grid. Then, look at intersecting words to see which letters match up. Context from other clues in the puzzle can also offer hints.

Are there specific types of crosswords that use 'hides or disguises' more often?

'Hides or disguises' is a fairly common clue in many standard cryptic and general knowledge crosswords due to the versatility of its synonyms. It appears across various difficulty levels.

hides or disguises crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "hides or disguises", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by their length, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "hides or disguises crossword clue" by Letter Count

5 Letters

MASKS: To conceal or cover, often to prevent recognition.

VEILS: To cover or conceal, often with a thin material, or metaphorically to obscure.

6 Letters

CLOAKS: To cover or surround, often with something that conceals; to disguise or obscure.

8 Letters

CONCEALS: To prevent from being seen or discovered; to hide.

OBSCURES: To make unclear and difficult to understand or see.

More About "hides or disguises crossword clue"

The clue "hides or disguises" is a classic example of how crossword setters use synonyms to guide solvers towards the correct answer. The key words here, "hides" and "disguises," both point towards actions of concealment, covering up, or making something difficult to perceive. This type of clue often has multiple possible answers, making the letter count and intersecting words crucial for pinpointing the exact solution.

Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'mask,' 'veil,' 'cloak,' 'conceal,' and 'obscure' can be very beneficial. While all imply hiding, a 'veil' might imply a partial or decorative cover, whereas 'conceal' suggests a complete hiding. 'Disguise' leans more towards altering appearance to prevent recognition, which aligns well with 'mask' or 'cloak'. Paying attention to these nuances can help in trickier puzzles where a more precise synonym is needed.

This clue also highlights the importance of verbs in crossword puzzles. As action words, verbs provide a wide range of synonyms, making them fertile ground for crossword setters. Recognising that the clue implies an ongoing action (as indicated by 'hides' and 'disguises' in their present tense forms) can sometimes narrow down the possible answers, especially in more cryptic crosswords.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters in the grid space before committing to an answer. This is the most crucial step when multiple synonyms exist for a clue like "hides or disguises."
Check Intersecting Words: The letters from horizontal and vertical clues must fit perfectly. If you have a few options for "hides or disguises," test each one against the intersecting words to see which makes sense.
Consider the Context: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the source of the crossword (e.g., a specific newspaper or type of puzzle) can hint at common answer patterns or vocabulary.
Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use synonyms that aren't the first to come to mind. While 'conceal' is direct, 'veil' or 'cloak' might be used to add a bit more challenge.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "hides or disguises" mean in a crossword context?

In a crossword context, "hides or disguises" typically means to cover, conceal, obscure, or make something unrecognizable. The answer will be a synonym that fits the given letter count in the puzzle grid.

Why are there so many answers for a single crossword clue?

Many common words and phrases have multiple synonyms, and crossword setters leverage this to create puzzles with varying difficulty. The specific answer you need depends on the number of letters in the answer slot and any intersecting letters from other clues.

How can I improve my ability to solve clues like "hides or disguises"?

Practice is key! The more crosswords you solve, the more familiar you'll become with common clue types and their corresponding synonyms. Building your vocabulary and paying attention to subtle differences between words will also help immensely.