up to now crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "up to now" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct fit. Let's solve that puzzle!
Solutions for "up to now crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
YET: Often used to indicate something has not happened up to the present time, or conversely, has happened already.
5 Letters
ASYET: A slightly more formal or emphatic way of saying 'yet', specifically meaning 'until now'.
7 Letters
THUSFAR: Indicates the extent or progress achieved up to the current point in time.
8 Letters
UNTILNOW: A straightforward and literal interpretation of the clue, directly meaning 'up to the present moment'.
8 Letters
HITHERTO: Meaning 'until this time' or 'up to this point', frequently used in more formal or historical contexts.
10 Letters
HERETOFORE: Similar to 'hitherto', this is a more archaic or very formal term meaning 'before this time' or 'up to this point'.
More About "up to now crossword clue"
"Up to now" is a common temporal phrase that signifies the period from some unspecified past point extending to the present moment. In crosswords, clues like this often test your vocabulary for adverbs or phrases that convey duration, completion, or a state of being at the current time. The beauty and challenge of such clues lie in the multitude of synonyms available, ranging from concise, everyday words to more formal or even archaic expressions.
Understanding the nuances of these words is key to selecting the correct answer. For instance, 'YET' might imply an expectation of change, while 'THUSFAR' suggests a progress report. 'HITHERTO' and 'HERETOFORE' lean towards a more historical or legalistic tone. Puzzle setters love these variations because they allow for diverse answers depending on the required letter count and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle.
When tackling such clues, always consider the context provided by other intersecting words. This cross-referencing is invaluable in narrowing down the possibilities and ensuring you've chosen the most fitting word from the array of options that mean "up to now."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities for 'up to now' and similar clues.
- Think of Synonyms & Phrases: Brainstorm all possible words or phrases that mean the same thing. Don't just stick to single words; sometimes the answer is a two-word phrase without a space.
- Check Cross-References: The most crucial tip! Use the letters you've confidently placed from intersecting words to confirm or rule out your 'up to now' guesses. If a letter doesn't fit, your current answer is likely incorrect.
- Look for Tone Clues: Some crossword clues might hint at formality or informality. For example, 'Formally, up to now' might point towards 'HITHERTO' or 'HERETOFORE'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do clues like 'up to now' have multiple answers in crosswords?
Clues related to time, state, or general adverbs often have multiple synonyms or phrases that convey a similar meaning. 'Up to now' can be interpreted in various contexts, leading to several valid answers of different lengths, from short adverbs like 'YET' to longer phrases like 'HERETOFORE', depending on the puzzle's specific needs and letter count.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'hitherto' and 'heretofore'?
While 'hitherto' and 'heretofore' are largely synonymous, both meaning 'up to this time', 'heretofore' is often considered slightly more archaic or formal than 'hitherto'. In crosswords, the choice usually comes down to the number of letters required for the specific slot. Paying attention to other crossing words will often be the key differentiator.
What's the best strategy for solving time-related crossword clues?
For time-related clues, consider synonyms and phrases that indicate past, present, or duration. Start by thinking of the most common short answers (like 'YET' or 'NOW'). Then, if they don't fit, expand to longer, more formal, or less common synonyms. Always cross-reference with intersecting words to confirm your choice. Context within the clue (e.g., 'formally,' 'colloquially') can also offer hints.