secretive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "secretive," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "secretive crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
COVERT: Meaning hidden or not openly acknowledged, fitting for a secretive action.
ARCANE: Understood by few; mysterious or secret.
7 Letters
FURTIVE: Suggests attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
PRIVATE: Relating to or belonging to a particular person rather than to the general public, often implying something kept from others.
CRYPTIC: Having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure, thus implying something secretive.
8 Letters
STEALTHY: Characterized by caution and surreptitiousness, implying secretive movement or action.
RETICENT: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved.
10 Letters
MYSTERIOUS: Difficult or impossible to understand, explain, or identify, often due to being kept secret.
11 Letters
CLANDESTINE: Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.
13 Letters
SURREPTITIOUS: Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
More About "secretive crossword clue"
"Secretive" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often leading solvers to think about words related to hidden actions, covert operations, or reserved personalities. The key to cracking this clue lies in understanding the nuance and context provided by the specific puzzle, such as accompanying words or the number of letters required. A truly "secretive" person might be described as furtive or reticent, while a "secretive" plan could be clandestine or covert.
Crossword setters love using synonyms and various shades of meaning for clues like "secretive." This means you might encounter answers ranging from direct synonyms like "hidden" or "private" to more evocative terms such as "surreptitious" or "mysterious." Always consider the word's connotation – is it positive, negative, or neutral? This can sometimes guide you to the correct answer, especially when multiple options fit the letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "secretive," consider if the puzzle implies a person's trait (e.g., RETICENT) or an action/event (e.g., COVERT). This distinction can guide your answer choice.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from other clues. These intersections are your most powerful tool, narrowing down possibilities dramatically.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words appear frequently for common concepts. For "secretive," terms like COVERT, FURTIVE, and STEALTHY are popular choices.
- Think About Word Lengths: As demonstrated on this page, the number of letters is your primary filter. Always ensure your potential answer matches the specified length.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "secretive" imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "secretive" often points to words related to hiding, concealing, or acting in a private or surreptitious manner. It can refer to actions, personalities, or even objects that are kept from public knowledge.
How do I find the letter count for a crossword answer?
The letter count is typically provided with the clue, often in parentheses, e.g., "Secretive (6)". This number is crucial as it narrows down the possible answers significantly. Always count the letters of your potential answer to ensure it matches.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for "secretive" answers?
While not universal, words related to "secretive" might use prefixes like 'un-' (as in undiscovered) or suffixes like '-ly' (stealthily, secretly). However, the most common pattern involves finding synonyms that directly mean hidden or clandestine.