stole crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "stole" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, ranging in length and nuance, to help you complete your grid with ease. Dive in to find the perfect fit and get back to enjoying your puzzle!
Solutions for "stole crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TOOK: A general synonym for 'stole', meaning to acquire without permission.
6 Letters
ROBBED: To take something from a person or place by force or threat.
LIFTED: Often used in the context of shoplifting, to take goods illegally from a store.
NICKED: A colloquial British term meaning to steal something, often of minor value.
SWIPED: To steal, especially quickly or stealthily.
HACKED: In a modern context, to illegally access and take data from a computer system.
7 Letters
PINCHED: To steal something, typically something small or of little value.
FILCHED: To pilfer or steal something, especially something of small value, in a casual way.
8 Letters
ABDUCTED: To take someone away illegally by force or deception; a specific type of 'stole' involving a person.
9 Letters
PURCHASED: (This is an antonym or misdirection, occasionally used in tricky or cryptic clues to mislead solvers. The actual opposite of 'stole'.)
11 Letters
PLAGIARIZED: To take someone else's work or ideas and pass them off as one's own; a specific form of intellectual theft.
More About "stole crossword clue"
The word "stole" is a past tense form of "steal," and it refers to the act of taking something belonging to someone else without permission, often with the intention of keeping it. In the context of crosswords, this common verb offers a rich array of synonyms, making it a versatile clue for constructors. The challenge for the solver lies in identifying the specific synonym that matches the required letter count and fits coherently with intersecting words.
From casual petty theft (like 'nicked' or 'pinched') to more serious crimes (like 'robbed' or 'abducted'), the nuances of "stole" can vary widely. Understanding these subtle differences, as well as common crossword tricks like using an antonym as a misdirection, can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy. Always consider the context, any accompanying words in the clue, and especially the available spaces in your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Before anything else, count the number of boxes the answer requires. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "stole" that have many synonyms.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Does the clue suggest a specific type of 'stole' (e.g., 'shoplifted' for LIFTED, 'digital' for HACKED)? Pay attention to subtle hints the constructor might be providing.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm a 'stole' answer is to see which letters it shares with other words in the puzzle. If one of your potential answers doesn't fit, it's likely incorrect.
- Think of Colloquialisms: Crosswords often use regional or informal terms. For "stole," common British slang like NICKED is a frequent answer.
- Beware of Misdirection: Sometimes, a clue for "stole" might be a clever trick. For instance, a cryptic clue could lead you to an antonym like PURCHASED if it's playing on double meanings or wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'stole' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Stole' in a crossword clue usually refers to the act of taking something illicitly, without permission or payment. Common answers are synonyms like PINCHED, ROBBED, NICKED, or LIFTED. The exact answer often depends on the number of letters required and any cross-referencing letters from other clues.
Why are there so many different answers for a simple clue like 'stole'?
Many common words, like 'stole', have numerous synonyms in the English language. Crossword constructors exploit this rich vocabulary to provide variety and challenge. Different synonyms might be used based on the desired letter count, the specific context implied by the clue (e.g., 'stole a car' vs. 'stole a kiss'), or to fit intersecting words.
How can I distinguish between similar 'stole' answers like 'robbed' vs. 'pinched'?
The distinction often lies in the nuance of the synonym. 'Robbed' implies taking by force or from a place (e.g., a bank was robbed), while 'pinched' suggests a smaller, stealthier, or less significant theft (e.g., pinched a cookie). The specific phrasing of the clue, or other intersecting letters, will usually guide you to the most appropriate answer.