obscure crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've found the perfect place for help with the crossword clue "obscure crossword clue". Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's solve it together!
Solutions for "obscure crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
VAGUE: Not clearly expressed or understood, often used in crosswords to imply a lack of precision.
6 Letters
ARCANE: Understood by few; mysterious or secret, fitting for a clue that is hard to decipher.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure, a common synonym in puzzles for challenging clues.
8 Letters
ESOTERIC: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge, mirroring the difficulty of an 'obscure' clue.
ABSTRUSE: Difficult to understand; obscure, a direct synonym often used for complex or recondite concepts.
More About "obscure crossword clue"
The term "obscure" in a crossword clue often serves as a signal to the solver that the answer might not be a common everyday word. Instead, it could refer to something recondite, specialized, or even archaic. Crossword setters use such clues to challenge your vocabulary and knowledge, pushing you beyond your immediate lexicon. These clues can sometimes lead to fascinating discoveries about niche subjects or less-used words that enrich your understanding of language.
Successfully tackling an "obscure" clue is incredibly rewarding. It means you've not only solved a puzzle but also expanded your mental dictionary. The difficulty level associated with "obscure" clues varies greatly between puzzles, from those that hint at slightly less common synonyms to those that require a deep dive into specific fields of knowledge or historical terms.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the possibility of proper nouns, foreign words, or technical jargon. The crossing letters from other answers are usually your best friend here, providing the necessary context to pinpoint the precise "obscure" word the setter had in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Leverage Crossings: For obscure clues, focus heavily on the letters you get from intersecting words. Even a few correct letters can drastically narrow down the possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, an obscure clue hints at an equally obscure synonym or antonym of a more common word. Think broadly about the word's meaning.
- Think Beyond Common Knowledge: Be open to answers that might relate to specific fields (e.g., botany, mythology, classical music) or historical figures that aren't widely discussed daily.
- Check for Wordplay: While "obscure" often implies definition, always be mindful of potential wordplay, anagrams, or cryptic elements that might hide the true answer in plain sight.
- Use a Thesaurus/Dictionary: If you're stuck, a quick reference can sometimes spark an idea or confirm a suspicion about an uncommon word.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'obscure' mean in a crossword clue context?
In crosswords, 'obscure' typically points to an answer that is not common knowledge, uses archaic language, or refers to a very specific, niche topic. It often requires solvers to think beyond everyday vocabulary and sometimes delve into less common words or specific domains.
How do I approach a crossword clue that seems 'obscure'?
When facing an 'obscure' clue, start by looking for synonyms or antonyms, consider alternative meanings of words in the clue, and check for common crossword 'tricks' like abbreviations, foreign words, or parts of phrases. Don't be afraid to use a thesaurus or dictionary. Often, getting a few crossing letters can unlock the answer.
Are 'obscure' clues designed to be impossible?
No, 'obscure' clues are designed to be challenging but solvable. They test your vocabulary depth, lateral thinking, and knowledge of various subjects, making the solve more rewarding. While they might refer to less common terms or concepts, they are part of the puzzle's challenge, not an impossible hurdle. Persistence and context are key.