prevarication crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "prevarication crossword clue", ensuring you can complete your puzzle with ease. We provide a range of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "prevarication crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LIE: A simple untruth, often used to avoid giving a direct answer.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
7 Letters
EVASION: The act of avoiding something, especially a direct answer or accusation.
9 Letters
FALSEHOOD: The state of being untrue; a lie.
MENDACITY: Untruthfulness; a tendency to lie.
10 Letters
DISHONESTY: Deceitfulness or fraudulence; lack of honesty.
More About "prevarication crossword clue"
Prevarication, at its core, refers to the act of deviating from the truth, often in a way that is evasive or misleading rather than a direct lie. It's a subtle form of deception that frequently appears in crossword puzzles because it allows for a variety of nuanced answers depending on the specific context and letter count required. Understanding the various synonyms and shades of meaning can be key to unlocking related crossword clues.
Crossword setters love words like "prevarication" because they can lead to answers that are not immediately obvious. While "LIE" might be the simplest and most direct, clues involving prevarication often hint at a more elaborate or indirect avoidance of truth, prompting answers such as "EVASION" or "DECEIT." Being familiar with this spectrum of related terms significantly boosts your chances of solving these types of puzzles.
Recognizing the different forms of untruthfulness is a common skill tested in crosswords. Prevarication is distinct from outright lying, as it often involves ambiguity, half-truths, or dodging questions rather than fabricating a complete falsehood. This distinction can be crucial when determining if the answer is a straightforward 'LIE' or a more complex term like 'MENDACITY'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of boxes in the grid. This is the most crucial step, as it immediately narrows down possible answers for a clue like "prevarication crossword clue".
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues often use synonyms or antonyms. For "prevarication," think about words related to truth, honesty, and deception, both direct and indirect.
- Consider Wordplay and Puns: Some clues use wordplay. "Prevarication" could be a straightforward definition, or it could be part of a pun or cryptic clue. Be ready to think outside the box!
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them as hints. Even one letter can often confirm or rule out a potential answer for "prevarication".
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is prevarication in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'prevarication' refers to the act of speaking or acting in an evasive way, or avoiding the truth. Clues using 'prevarication' or synonyms often lead to answers like LIE, DECEIT, EVASION, or FALSEHOOD. It implies an intention to mislead or be vague rather than direct.
How do I solve crosswords related to truth and deception?
When encountering clues about truth, lies, or deception, consider words that describe both the act and the state of being untruthful. Common answers include 'LIE', 'DECEIT', 'MENDACITY', 'DISHONESTY', 'EVASION', and 'FALSEHOOD'. Also, think about phrases or synonyms that imply avoidance or misdirection.
Are there common synonyms for prevarication?
Yes, common synonyms that often appear as crossword answers include 'DECEIT', 'EVASION', 'FALSEHOOD', 'MENDACITY', and 'DISHONESTY'. The best fit depends on the letter count and surrounding letters in the puzzle.