pilfered crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the 'pilfered' crossword clue and need a hand, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "pilfered crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TAKEN: Removed from possession, often illicitly. A widely applicable term for something that has been pilfered.
6 Letters
STOLEN: Carried away secretly or without permission. The most direct and common synonym for pilfered.
RIFLED: Searched through something, especially a container, in order to steal items from it. Describes an action related to pilfering.
SWIPED: To steal, especially something of little value; to pilfer. An informal but common synonym.
7 Letters
FILCHED: Pilfered, especially something of small value, often stealthily. A very precise synonym for the clue.
PINCHED: Slang for stolen or pilfered. Often used for small, petty thefts.
More About "pilfered crossword clue"
'Pilfered' is a common and versatile word in crosswords, often used to describe small-scale theft. Unlike 'robbed' or 'burgled,' which imply more forceful or breaking-in methods, 'pilfered' suggests a sneakier, perhaps less serious form of taking. This nuance can be important when differentiating between possible answers that might seem similar at first glance.
When you encounter 'pilfered' in a crossword, think about synonyms that imply petty theft or taking without permission. The length of the answer will be your primary guide, but also consider any surrounding letters from intersecting clues. Words like STOLEN, TAKEN, FILCHED, and SWIPED are frequent solutions, reflecting various aspects of illicit acquisition.
Understanding the context – whether the puzzle is general knowledge, themed, or relates to a specific type of language (e.g., informal slang) – can also help. Sometimes, a clue might be a pun or a play on words, so always keep an open mind to indirect meanings of 'pilfered' as well.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters in your potential answer against the spaces provided. This is the simplest and most effective filter for 'pilfered' clues.
- Consider All Synonyms: Don't just stick to the first synonym that comes to mind. Brainstorm a range of words related to 'stealing' or 'taking' and then filter by letter count.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters you've already filled in from other clues are your best friends. Use them to confirm or rule out potential answers for 'pilfered'.
- Look for Nuance: 'Pilfered' implies small, stealthy theft. This might rule out more forceful words like 'robbed' unless the clue specifically points to a broader meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pilfered' mean in a crossword context?
In a crossword, 'pilfered' typically refers to something that has been stolen, especially in small quantities or of little value. Clues might hint at synonyms like 'taken', 'lifted', 'filched', or 'swiped'.
How can I find synonyms for 'pilfered' for my crossword?
To find synonyms for 'pilfered', consider words that mean 'stolen', 'taken surreptitiously', or 'acquired dishonestly'. Think about different word lengths and the nuances of stealing, from petty theft to more organized crime. Common answers include STOLEN, TAKEN, FILCHED, PINCHED, or LIFTED.
Are there different types of 'pilfering' in crosswords?
While 'pilfering' generally means small-scale theft, crosswords might use it to broadly refer to any act of taking something without permission. The specific answer usually depends on the number of letters and any intersecting clues that narrow down the options.