suspect crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "suspect crossword", organized by letter count to help you solve your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "suspect crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DEEM: To consider or judge something to be a certain way, often implying a form of estimation or suspicion.
5 Letters
DOUBT: To feel uncertain about something, often implying a lack of trust or suspicion.
GUESS: To form an opinion or conclusion on the basis of incomplete information, similar to surmising or suspecting.
OPINE: To hold and state as one's opinion, sometimes based on limited information or a 'hunch,' aligning with suspecting.
QUERY: To ask a question about, especially in order to express one's doubts about it or to check its validity or accuracy.
7 Letters
SURMISE: To suppose that something is true without having actual evidence to confirm it, which is a direct synonym for suspecting.
More About "suspect crossword"
"Suspect" as a crossword clue is a versatile term that often requires solvers to think beyond its most common association with crime. In puzzles, it typically refers to a verb, implying actions like doubting, guessing, or forming an opinion based on intuition or limited evidence. This clue tests a solver's vocabulary depth, looking for synonyms that capture the essence of a tentative belief or an educated guess rather than a strong conviction.
When you encounter "suspect" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the various shades of its meaning. Does the context suggest a subtle hint of disbelief (DOUBT), a tentative conclusion (GUESS, OPINE), or a deeper inference (SURMISE)? The length of the answer required by the grid is your primary guide, alongside any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Understanding these nuances can unlock the solution to an otherwise tricky clue.
Crossword setters often use such words to encourage lateral thinking and to ensure solvers don't just jump to the most obvious interpretation. Mastering these types of clues involves building a strong mental thesaurus and always being prepared for the unexpected twist a setter might introduce.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Parts of Speech: Pay close attention to whether "suspect" is used as a verb (to doubt, to guess) or a noun (a person under suspicion). The context of the clue and other words in the puzzle often give hints.
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down your potential answers for clues like "suspect" which can have multiple synonyms of varying lengths (e.g., DEEM (4), DOUBT (5), SURMISE (7)).
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The letters from already-solved crossing words are your best friends. They will confirm which of the potential answers for "suspect" is the correct one. Don't force a word that doesn't fit the existing letters.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to mislead with the most common definition. For "suspect," instead of 'criminal,' think 'to guess,' 'to doubt,' or 'to opine.'
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'suspect' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'suspect' often functions as a verb meaning to doubt, to guess, to surmise, or to consider with apprehension. It typically points towards answers related to forming an opinion or having a lack of certainty, rather than referring to a criminal.
How do I choose the correct answer when multiple options fit for 'suspect'?
To determine the exact answer for 'suspect,' you should primarily rely on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other solved clues. For example, if you need a 4-letter word, DEEM might be the answer; if it's 5 letters, DOUBT or GUESS are possibilities. Always cross-reference.
Are there common synonyms for 'suspect' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'suspect' in crossword clues often include terms like DOUBT, GUESS, DEEM, OPINE, SURMISE, and QUERY. The context of the puzzle and the required word length will guide you to the precise synonym the setter intended.