pretended crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and detailed explanations for the clue "pretended crossword clue", covering all possible word lengths to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pretended crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ACTED: To behave in a way that suggests something is true when it is not, often for a role or deception.
FAKED: To counterfeit or feign, often for deception or to avoid responsibility.
7 Letters
FEIGNED: Past tense of feign; to put on an appearance of (a feeling, state, or injury) to deceive.
ASSUMED: Took on a false appearance or identity; to feign or pretend to have a quality or condition.
9 Letters
SIMULATED: Created a likeness or imitation of something; to feign or pretend to be in a certain state, often for testing or training purposes.
More About "pretended crossword clue"
The word "pretended" is a versatile verb that indicates a deceptive or insincere action. In crosswords, clues related to "pretended" often point towards synonyms that describe actions of feigning, acting, or creating a false impression. The key to solving such clues lies in identifying the exact nuance and tense required by the puzzle. Since "pretended" is in the past tense, its solutions will also typically be past-tense verbs.
Common answers like "ACTED" or "FAKED" are straightforward, referring to the act of putting on a show or creating something not genuine. More nuanced terms like "FEIGNED" or "ASSUMED" might be used for clues suggesting a more subtle or less overt form of pretense, perhaps relating to emotions or conditions. Understanding these subtle differences can greatly improve your success in solving crosswords.
Considering the context of the entire crossword puzzle, including any intersecting letters, is crucial. A "pretended" action might be part of a larger theme of deception, theatrics, or even childhood games, which could provide additional hints for less common synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tense: Always pay attention to whether the clue is in the past, present, or future tense, and whether it's singular or plural. "Pretended" clearly indicates a past-tense verb.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For action verbs like "pretended," think of all possible synonyms (feigned, acted, faked) and sometimes even antonyms if the clue hints at an opposite meaning or a play on words.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: Use the given letter count and any intersecting letters from other clues as powerful constraints. These are often the most reliable guides to narrowing down potential answers.
- Consider Cryptic Meanings: If it's a cryptic crossword, look for double meanings, anagrams, or hidden words within the clue itself. "Pretended" might be part of a larger wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to approach a crossword clue like 'pretended'?
When encountering a clue like 'pretended', consider synonyms for feigning, acting, or creating a false impression. Think about the tense (past tense in this case) and the number of letters required. Common answers often revolve around words like ACTED, FAKED, or FEIGNED, which accurately reflect the past tense and meaning of the clue.
Are there common pitfalls when solving clues about pretending or deception?
A common pitfall is overlooking the tense or part of speech. 'Pretended' is a past-tense verb, so answers like 'acting' or 'feign' wouldn't fit directly without modification. Also, consider subtle differences between synonyms; 'mimicked' might be close but implies imitation rather than just feigning a state or emotion.
How can I quickly find answers for tricky crossword clues?
Start by identifying the core meaning and part of speech of the clue. If it's a cryptic clue, look for wordplay or puns. If stuck, use a reliable crossword solver by inputting known letters or the clue itself. Our website, Crosswordanswer.co.uk, offers quick solutions and clear explanations for thousands of clues, helping you complete your puzzle efficiently.