spies crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "spies crossword clue", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "spies crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
AGENTS: Individuals employed to gather secret or confidential information, often fitting the description of spies.
7 Letters
SLEUTHS: Though typically detectives, this term can sometimes refer to those who covertly investigate, aligning with the nature of spies.
10 Letters
OPERATIVES: People carrying out a secret or undercover operation, a direct synonym for spies in many contexts.
More About "spies crossword clue"
The term "spies" is a popular and intriguing theme in crosswords, often evoking images of clandestine operations, secret agents, and international intrigue. Clues related to spies can range from straightforward synonyms to more cryptic hints about their methods, tools, or famous historical figures in the world of espionage.
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms for spies, such as "agents," "operatives," "informers," or even more general terms like "detectives" or "shadows" if the context allows. Sometimes, clues might refer to specific types of spies, like double agents, or even the agencies they work for, like the CIA, KGB, or MI6.
When encountering a "spies" clue, consider the broader network of words associated with intelligence gathering, national security, and covert missions. The answer might be a general term, an acronym, or even a proper noun, depending on the puzzle's theme and the setter's style.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For "spies," think broadly of terms like agents, operatives, informers, or even more descriptive words like undercover.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. A shorter answer might be a common synonym like "AGENTS," while a longer one could be "OPERATIVES" or even a phrase.
- Look for Agency Acronyms: Sometimes the clue hints at a specific intelligence agency, such as CIA, FBI, KGB, or MI5/MI6, which are common crossword answers.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to other words in the clue. Do they suggest a particular historical period, country, or type of espionage? This can narrow down the possibilities significantly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common words are related to 'spies' in crosswords?
Common answers for 'spies' often include AGENTS, OPERATIVES, SLEUTHS, and sometimes more specific terms like CIA, KGB, or even historical figures depending on the context of the clue.
How do I identify 'spies' clues in a crossword?
To identify 'spies' clues, look for synonyms or related concepts such as 'agents,' 'informers,' 'secret operatives,' 'covert agents,' 'intelligence gatherers,' or phrases related to secret missions, espionage, and clandestine activities.
Are there different types of 'spies' referred to in crosswords?
Yes, crossword clues for 'spies' can refer to general espionage agents (e.g., AGENTS), specific intelligence agencies (e.g., FBI, CIA, MI6, KGB), or even historical figures and groups known for espionage (e.g., MATA HARI, GESTAPO).