sham crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "sham crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "sham crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAKE: Something not genuine; a counterfeit or imposture.
HOAX: A humorous or malicious deception.
5 Letters
PHONY: Not genuine; fraudulent.
FRAUD: Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
BOGUS: Not genuine or true; fake.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
TRICKY: Involving skill or cunning; deceptive or artful.
7 Letters
FICTION: Something invented or imagined; a falsehood.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
PRETENSE: An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
9 Letters
DECEPTION: The act of deceiving someone.
IMPOSTURE: An act of deceiving others by assuming a false identity, or by presenting something as genuine which is not.
More About "sham crossword clue"
The term "sham" in a crossword clue typically points towards concepts of falsehood, deception, or artificiality. It can refer to something that is not what it purports to be, whether it's an object, an event, or even a person's identity. This makes "sham" a versatile clue, capable of leading to various answers depending on the context and the number of letters required.
Understanding the nuances of synonyms for "sham" is key to solving such clues. For instance, 'fake' often denotes a counterfeit item, while 'phony' can describe something or someone insincere. 'Deceit' and 'imposture' refer more to the act of fooling someone. Paying close attention to the definition given in the clue, alongside other intersecting words, will help narrow down the possibilities.
Crossword setters love to use words like "sham" because they have a rich semantic field, allowing for multiple correct answers of varying lengths. This challenge is precisely what makes solving crosswords so engaging. By considering all possibilities related to falsity, trickery, and non-authenticity, you increase your chances of cracking the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look at the Letter Count: The number of boxes in the grid for the "sham" clue is your first and most important hint. It immediately narrows down potential answers.
- Check Intersecting Words: Fill in any intersecting letters from clues you've already solved. These fixed letters will greatly reduce the number of possible words for "sham."
- Consider Nuances and Context: While many words mean "sham," some are better fits depending on the specific phrasing of the clue. Does it imply an object (FAKE), an action (DECEIT), or a person (IMPOSTURE)?
- Think about Common Crossword Fillers: Over time, you'll notice certain words like FAKE or HOAX appear frequently. Familiarity with these can speed up your solve.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sham' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'sham' often implies something fake, false, counterfeit, or an act of deception. Common answers might relate to trickery, imitation, or an absence of authenticity.
Are there common synonyms for 'sham' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include fake, phony, hoax, fraud, deceit, pretense, imposture, and humbug. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required by the grid.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'fake' and 'phony'?
Consider the nuances: 'fake' often refers to an object or a copy, while 'phony' can describe a person, object, or concept that is not genuine. The surrounding letters or other clues in the puzzle often provide context to help you choose the correct word.