undercover crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and are stumped by the clue "undercover," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword.
Solutions for "undercover crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
COVERT: This answer implies something done or kept secret, often with official or governmental involvement, fitting the 'undercover' theme perfectly.
SECRET: A direct synonym for undercover, meaning kept from knowledge or view, often implying a hidden operation or identity.
HIDDEN: Similar to secret, this word directly means kept out of sight or concealed, a core aspect of being 'undercover'.
7 Letters
FURTIVE: Suggests an attempt to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
8 Letters
STEALTHY: Describes actions performed quietly and cautiously to avoid being seen or heard, a key characteristic of undercover work.
11 Letters
CLANDESTINE: Meaning kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit, making it a strong and often longer answer for 'undercover'.
More About "undercover crossword clue"
The term "undercover" in crosswords usually refers to something concealed, secret, or not openly acknowledged. It often evokes images of espionage, police operations, or any activity performed with a hidden identity or purpose. Clues using this term frequently test your vocabulary for synonyms related to secrecy and surreptitiousness.
Understanding the nuances of "undercover" can help you narrow down potential answers. For example, while 'secret' is a broad synonym, words like 'covert' or 'clandestine' carry a more specific implication of planned, often illicit, hidden actions. Pay attention to any additional context in the clue that might point to a particular type of undercover operation or state.
Sometimes, setters might use a cryptic or double-meaning approach. For instance, "undercover" could potentially hint at something literally under a cover, like a book or a blanket, though this is less common for direct synonym clues. Always prioritize the figurative meaning unless the clue strongly suggests otherwise.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The most crucial step. Use the existing letters in the grid to determine the exact number of characters for the solution.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "undercover," think broadly about words meaning secret, hidden, or disguised. Also, consider if the clue is asking for an antonym or a related concept.
- Look for Anagram Indicators: While "undercover" itself isn't an anagram, other parts of the clue might indicate one. Words like "scrambled," "mixed," or "rearranged" are common hints.
- Check for Homophones or Puns: Some clues play on words that sound alike (homophones) or have double meanings (puns). "Undercover" could, in a very clever clue, refer to something 'under a cover' literally, but this is less common for direct definition clues.
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, try solving intersecting clues first. The letters you fill in will provide valuable hints for the "undercover" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'undercover' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'undercover' often points to synonyms related to secrecy, concealment, stealth, or disguise. Common answers include words like SECRET, COVERT, HIDDEN, FURTIVE, or CLANDESTINE, describing actions or identities that are not openly displayed.
How can I find the correct word length for an 'undercover' clue?
If you have some letters already filled in from intersecting words, use those to determine the exact length. If not, consider common synonyms of varying lengths. For instance, 'COVERT' is 6 letters, 'STEALTHY' is 8, and 'CLANDESTINE' is 11. Cross-referencing with other clues in the puzzle is key.
Are there any common crossword setter tricks with 'undercover'?
Sometimes setters might use 'undercover' as a literal surface reading for something physically covered (e.g., 'under a blanket'). However, more often it refers to the secretive or clandestine meaning. Look out for clues that hint at an agent, a hidden operation, or a disguised identity to confirm the intended meaning.