infer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "infer crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by their length, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "infer crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
IMPLY: To suggest or express indirectly, which can then be inferred by the solver.
6 Letters
DEDUCE: To arrive at a conclusion by reasoning from evidence.
GATHER: To infer or understand, often subtly or informally.
7 Letters
SURMISE: To suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it; to infer with less certainty.
8 Letters
CONCLUDE: To arrive at a judgment or decision by reasoning.
More About "infer crossword clue"
The verb "infer" means to deduce or conclude information from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. In the context of crosswords, clues like "infer" often point to answers that describe the process of logical deduction, understanding something implicitly, or drawing conclusions. This type of clue requires the solver to think about how information is processed and understood, whether it's through careful analysis or subtle interpretation.
Solving a clue like "infer" goes beyond mere synonym matching. It sometimes delves into the nuance of how one arrives at an understanding. For instance, "GATHER" implies a more intuitive or cumulative process of understanding, while "DEDUCE" suggests a stricter, more logical progression. Recognizing these subtle differences can be key to selecting the correct answer when multiple options fit the general meaning.
The complexity of "infer" as a clue can vary greatly depending on the crossword's difficulty. In simpler puzzles, it might directly lead to common synonyms. In more challenging or cryptic crosswords, "infer" might be part of a wordplay clue, where you need to deduce the answer from a hidden message, an anagram, or a clever pun. Always consider the surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme to pinpoint the best fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "infer," consider the subtle differences between potential synonyms (e.g., DEDUCE vs. GATHER). The exact shade of meaning might be critical.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in your potential answer against the spaces provided in the grid. This is the most crucial step for accuracy.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to quickly narrow down the possibilities for the "infer" clue. This can confirm or rule out answers instantly.
- Consider Cryptic Context: If it's a cryptic crossword, remember that "infer" might be a literal definition, but the wordplay leading to the answer could be hidden within the rest of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is "infer" as a crossword clue?
'Infer' is a moderately common crossword clue, particularly in cryptic crosswords where it might lead to answers involving logical deduction or reading between the lines. It's often used for synonyms like DEDUCE, GATHER, or CONCLUDE.
What's the difference between "infer" and "imply" in crosswords?
In general language, 'imply' means to suggest indirectly (the speaker implies), while 'infer' means to deduce or conclude (the listener infers). In crosswords, 'infer' is the action the solver takes based on the clue, making it a direct call for a synonym of deduction. 'Imply' might be a clue itself leading to words that mean 'suggest' or 'hint at'.
Are there common tricks for "infer" clues?
For 'infer' clues, look for answers that denote logical thinking, drawing conclusions, or subtle understanding. Sometimes the clue might be phrased metaphorically, requiring you to infer the meaning from a less direct statement. Always consider the letter count and intersecting letters to narrow down possibilities.