misappropriate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving the 'misappropriate crossword clue'. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions and explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "misappropriate crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
STEAL: To take (another person's property) without permission or legal right, fitting the clue's definition of misappropriate.
6 Letters
PILFER: To steal (things of little value), which is a specific form of misappropriation often used in puzzles.
HIJACK: To illegally seize (an aircraft, ship, or vehicle in transit) or to take over something for one's own use, especially illegally or without permission, relating to misappropriate.
7 Letters
SWINDLE: To use deception to deprive (someone) of money or possessions, a form of misappropriation that involves trickery.
8 Letters
EMBEZZLE: To illegally take money or property that one has been entrusted to manage, a precise fit for misappropriating funds.
PECULATE: Another term meaning to embezzle or misappropriate (funds), particularly in a public or official capacity.
9 Letters
DEFALCATE: To embezzle money, especially public funds, a more formal and specific term for misappropriation often seen in higher-level crosswords.
More About "misappropriate crossword clue"
"Misappropriate" is a word that frequently appears in crosswords due to its rich set of synonyms and its clear, yet nuanced, meaning. At its core, misappropriation involves the wrongful or dishonest taking of something, usually property or funds, that has been entrusted to one's care or belongs to another.
Crossword setters love words like this because they allow for various clue styles – from straightforward definitions to more cryptic hints. Understanding the different facets of 'misappropriate' – whether it implies grand theft (STEAL, EMBEZZLE) or petty thievery (PILFER), or even illegal seizure (HIJACK) – is key to cracking such clues. The context of the puzzle and the number of letters will guide you to the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like 'misappropriate', consider if the clue hints at a specific type of taking (e.g., of funds, small items, or by force) to narrow down potential answers.
- Check Letter Count: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit the grid.
- Look at Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as strong hints. Sometimes, just one or two letters can confirm an answer.
- Consider Different Synonyms: Brainstorm all possible synonyms for the clue. Start with common ones and then think of more obscure or formal alternatives that might appear in crosswords, such as 'defalcate' for 'misappropriate'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'misappropriate' mean in a crossword clue?
In a crossword clue, 'misappropriate' refers to the act of taking something, usually money or property, for one's own use, especially illegally or without authority, when it was entrusted to your care or belonged to someone else. Common synonyms include steal, embezzle, pilfer, or defalcate.
How can I find synonyms for 'misappropriate' quickly?
To find synonyms quickly, consider the context of the crossword clue. If it's about money, think of 'embezzle' or 'defalcate'. If it's about small items, 'pilfer' might fit. Online thesauruses and crossword clue databases are excellent tools for generating related words.
Why do crosswords often use words like 'misappropriate'?
Crosswords frequently use words like 'misappropriate' because they have multiple synonyms of varying lengths and nuances, allowing setters to create diverse and challenging clues. Such words test a solver's vocabulary and understanding of subtle differences in meaning.