hoax crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "hoax crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "hoax crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAKE: Often used to describe something that is not genuine, a common synonym for a hoax.
SHAM: Similar to fake, a sham is a thing that is not what it purports to be; a spurious imitation.
5 Letters
TRICK: An action or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
FRAUD: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
PHONY: Not genuine; fraudulent.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
7 Letters
GIMMICK: A trick or device intended to attract attention, publicity, or trade.
9 Letters
DECEPTION: The action of deceiving someone.
More About "hoax crossword clue"
The term "hoax" refers to a mischievous or malicious deception. In the world of crosswords, clues related to hoaxes can be surprisingly varied, touching upon synonyms for fakery, elaborate ruses, or even specific historical instances of famous deceptions. Understanding the nuance of the clue is key; sometimes it refers to the act of deceiving, other times to the object of the deception itself.
Crossword setters love to play on words related to hoaxes because of the rich vocabulary available. From simple "tricks" to complex "deceptions" or outright "frauds," the potential answers span a wide range of lengths and complexities. Paying close attention to the number of letters and any contextual hints in the clue will significantly narrow down the possibilities and help you land on the correct answer for your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Tone: Does the clue for "hoax" suggest a playful deception (like a prank or a jest) or a more serious, malicious one (like a fraud or a con)? This can help you choose between answers like TRICK and FRAUD.
- Look for Synonyms: Beyond the obvious, think about less common synonyms for deception, such as GIMMICK, SHAM, or BOGUS. Crossword setters often use these to challenge solvers.
- Check for Specifics: Sometimes a "hoax" clue might allude to a famous historical hoax, or a type of fabricated news. While this specific page doesn't list proper nouns, always be open to that possibility in other puzzles.
- Verify Letter Count: After brainstorming potential answers, always double-check that your chosen word perfectly matches the number of letters required in the grid. This is a common pitfall for solvers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a 'hoax' and a 'prank' in crosswords?
While both involve deception, a 'hoax' typically implies a more serious or elaborate deception intended to fool many people, often for a specific gain or to cause a significant stir. A 'prank,' on the other hand, is usually a mischievous act intended for amusement, often on an individual or small group, and generally less harmful or widespread in its impact. Crossword clues will often hint at the severity or scale of the deception.
Are there common themes related to 'hoax' clues?
Yes, 'hoax' clues often relate to words about fakery, illusion, trickery, fraud, or even specific historical hoaxes. Look for synonyms like FAKE, SHAM, TRICK, FRAUD, DECEIT, or references to April Fools' Day, cons, or elaborate schemes. The surrounding words in the clue can often give a hint to the specific type or nuance of hoax intended.
How can I distinguish 'hoax' from 'lie' in a crossword?
A 'lie' is simply an untruthful statement. A 'hoax' is a more complex deception, often involving a fabricated event, object, or situation, designed to mislead people into believing something false. While a hoax contains lies, a lie isn't necessarily a hoax. Crossword clues for 'lie' are usually direct, while 'hoax' clues might describe a scenario or the effect of the deception.