pretence or disguise crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles. Below you'll find all the potential answers for the clue "pretence or disguise," carefully categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you pick the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "pretence or disguise crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHAM: A thing that is not what it purports to be; a counterfeit.
5 Letters
GUISE: An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something.
6 Letters
FACADE: An outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality.
7 Letters
CHARADE: An absurd pretence intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance.
8 Letters
PRETENCE: An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
DISGUISE: The act of concealing the identity of something by altering its appearance.
9 Letters
DECEPTION: The action of deceiving someone.
10 Letters
MASQUERADE: A false show or pretense.
More About "pretence or disguise crossword clue"
The concepts of "pretence" and "disguise" are fascinating in how they reflect human behaviour and interaction. In crosswords, clues like "pretence or disguise" often test a solver's vocabulary around deception, concealment, and false appearances. These words can range from literal physical alteration (disguise) to a more abstract show or act (pretence).
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'guise', 'facade', 'charade', 'sham', and 'masquerade' is key to correctly identifying the intended answer. While all relate to a form of deception or misleading appearance, their contexts can vary. For instance, a 'facade' often refers to an outward display, while a 'charade' implies an elaborate and often absurd pretense.
Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for a variety of answers of different lengths and complexities, making them versatile for puzzle grids. Always consider the nuance of the clue in relation to the number of letters you need and any existing crossing words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the required number of letters for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options for clues like "pretence or disguise" that have multiple possible solutions.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Once you fill in other answers, use the crossing letters as invaluable hints. If you have an 'A' as the third letter, 'CHARADE' becomes more likely than 'DISGUISE' for a 7-letter answer.
- Consider Nuance & Context: Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue. "Outward appearance" might lean towards FACADE, while "false show" could point to MASQUERADE or CHARADE, even if multiple answers fit the letter count.
- Think UK vs. US English: Be aware that some puzzles might prefer UK spellings (e.g., 'pretence') over US spellings ('pretense'), which can be a deciding factor for answers with varying letter counts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "pretence" and "disguise"?
'Pretence' typically refers to an act or an appearance that is fake or intended to deceive, often about one's feelings or intentions. 'Disguise' more literally means changing one's appearance to conceal identity or to blend in. Both involve deception but through different means.
Why are "pretence" and "disguise" common crossword answers?
These words and their synonyms (like 'guise,' 'facade,' 'sham,' 'charade,' 'masquerade') are popular in crosswords because they have multiple synonyms and subtly different meanings, allowing for varied clues. They also have a good range of letter counts, fitting into different puzzle grids.
How can I identify the correct answer for 'pretence or disguise' if multiple fit?
Always check the letter count first. Then, consider any crossing letters you've already filled in. The specific nuance of the clue might also hint at one synonym over another (e.g., 'outward appearance' suggests FACADE, 'false show' suggests CHARADE or MASQUERADE).