illegal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a clue like "illegal crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate solutions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to ensure you complete your puzzle with ease. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you solve it.
Solutions for "illegal crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ILLICIT: This term refers to something forbidden by law, rules, or custom, often carrying a connotation of moral disapproval, fitting the 'illegal' definition perfectly.
8 Letters
UNLAWFUL: Directly meaning not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law, this is a straightforward synonym for 'illegal' and a common crossword solution.
9 Letters
FORBIDDEN: Implying something prohibited, especially by authority or a rule, 'forbidden' accurately captures the essence of something being illegal or not allowed.
FELONIOUS: Pertaining to or constituting a felony (a serious crime), this word strongly implies an illegal act, often of a grave nature.
10 Letters
PROHIBITED: Similar to forbidden, this word means to formally forbid (something) by law, rule, or other authority, making it an excellent fit for 'illegal'.
More About "illegal crossword clue"
The term "illegal" is a fundamental concept in law and society, referring to anything that is contrary to or forbidden by law. In crosswords, clues related to 'illegal' acts or states are very common because of the rich tapestry of synonyms and related concepts they offer. These can range from direct synonyms like "unlawful" to more nuanced terms like "illicit" or "prohibited," which might carry specific legal or moral connotations.
Understanding the context of the 'illegal' clue is crucial. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific type of illegal activity (e.g., "illegal entry" might lead to TRESPASS), or it might be a general descriptor. Cryptic clues, in particular, can play on the double meanings of words or use wordplay to lead you to a less obvious synonym of "illegal." The letter count is always your best friend in narrowing down the possibilities.
From breaking minor ordinances to committing serious felonies, the spectrum of what can be described as "illegal" is vast. Crossword setters often leverage this breadth to create challenging yet fair clues. By considering synonyms across various lengths and thinking about the precise nuance implied by the clue, you can often unlock the answer even for the trickiest 'illegal' related puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does "illegal" imply a formal legal term (e.g., UNLAWFUL, FELONIOUS) or something more generally disapproved (e.g., ILLICIT, FORBIDDEN)? This can guide your word choice.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them as anchors. This is especially helpful for longer answers like PROHIBITED.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle common synonyms for frequently used concepts. For 'illegal,' think of words you've seen before like ILLICIT, BANNED, or UNLAWFUL.
- Think Opposites: Sometimes thinking of the opposite of 'illegal' (e.g., legal, lawful) can jog your memory for synonyms by association.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are words like 'illegal' common in crosswords?
Words like 'illegal' are common because they have numerous synonyms and antonyms, providing rich fodder for cryptic and direct clues. They also touch upon universally understood concepts of law and morality, making them accessible yet challenging for solvers.
What's the subtle difference between 'illegal' and 'illicit' that crosswords might exploit?
'Illegal' strictly means against the law. 'Illicit' often implies something is forbidden by custom or morality, not necessarily by statute, though it can also mean illegal. Crosswords might use 'illicit' for a more nuanced or morally tinged clue, while 'illegal' is more direct and law-focused.
How can I quickly find synonyms for 'illegal' when I'm stuck on a crossword?
When stuck, think about different contexts: things that are 'forbidden,' 'unlawful,' 'prohibited,' or even 'contraband.' Consider the tone of the clue – is it formal or informal? Using an online thesaurus or a crossword helper tool like Crosswordanswer.co.uk can also provide a list of possibilities.