unlawful crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "unlawful crossword clue", designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "unlawful crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
ILLEGAL: Prohibited by law; against the law. This is one of the most direct and common synonyms for unlawful.
ILLICIT: Forbidden by law, rules, or custom. Often implies something done secretly or disapproved of, not necessarily a crime.
8 Letters
CRIMINAL: Relating to crime or illegal acts. This answer refers to actions that constitute a crime.
More About "unlawful crossword clue"
"Unlawful" is a common and versatile term in crosswords, referring to anything not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rule. While often interchangeable with "illegal," it can sometimes carry a broader meaning, encompassing acts that are against established norms, ethics, or moral codes, even if not strictly codified by law. The context of the clue and the number of letters available are crucial in determining the precise answer.
When you encounter "unlawful" in a crossword, consider the specific nuances that might be implied. Is the puzzle leaning towards a formal legal term (like a felony), or a more general sense of impropriety? Words like ILLEGAL and CRIMINAL relate directly to formal laws, while ILLICIT might suggest something frowned upon or conducted surreptitiously. Crossword setters often play on these subtle differences to make clues more challenging.
Understanding these distinctions helps not only in solving the current puzzle but also in anticipating similar clues in future crosswords. Always cross-reference with other completed words in your grid to confirm your choice, as multiple synonyms may fit a given length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "unlawful," consider if the setter is implying a strict legal term (e.g., ILLEGAL) or something merely improper or forbidden (e.g., ILLICIT).
- Check Word Length: The number of letters in the answer grid is your most powerful hint. If you have 7 blanks, focus on 7-letter synonyms first.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to narrow down possible answers for "unlawful." This is often the quickest way to confirm a solution.
- Consider Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words starting with "un-" or ending in "-ful" or "-ous" might be relevant, as might other prefixes indicating negation or wrongdoing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'illegal' and 'illicit' in crosswords?
'Illegal' specifically means against the law, while 'illicit' has a broader meaning, referring to something forbidden by law, rules, or even custom/morality, often implying something done secretly or disapproved of. Both can be valid answers for 'unlawful' depending on the specific puzzle's context.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers of the same length?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid synonyms or related terms. Puzzlemakers might allow for various answers of the same length, or the context provided by intersecting words will narrow down the correct solution for that specific puzzle.
How can I quickly find answers for 'unlawful' in crosswords?
Start by considering common synonyms like ILLEGAL, ILLICIT, and CRIMINAL. Then, use the number of letters provided in the grid as a key filter. Finally, check any intersecting letters you already have to confirm your answer. Broader synonyms like 'forbidden' or 'prohibited' might also fit depending on the length.