vice crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What are the common interpretations of 'vice' in crossword clues?

The word 'vice' in crosswords typically has two primary meanings: it can refer to a moral failing, sin, or bad habit (e.g., 'gambling is a vice'). Alternatively, it can mean a mechanical tool used for gripping or holding objects firmly, such as a 'bench vice' or 'caliper'. Context from surrounding clues or the length of the answer usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "vice crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's solve it together!

Solutions for "vice crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

SIN: A moral transgression or an immoral act, a common short synonym for vice.

4 Letters

GRIP: Refers to a clamping device, a common meaning of "vice" as a tool.

EVIL: Profoundly immoral and wicked, often used to describe a severe vice.

5 Letters

FAULT: A defect or imperfection, often referring to a moral failing or weakness.

HABIT: A settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up; often referring to a bad or undesirable one.

CLAMP: A device that fastens objects tightly together, a direct reference to the tool meaning of vice.

6 Letters

FOIBLE: A minor weakness or eccentricity in someone's character, a lighter form of vice.

10 Letters

WICKEDNESS: The quality of being evil or morally wrong; depravity, a strong synonym for vice.

IMMORALITY: The state or quality of being immoral; a departure from accepted moral principles, directly defining a vice.

More About "vice crossword clue"

The word "vice" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its dual meanings. On one hand, it refers to an immoral or wicked personal habit or failing, something considered a grave sin or a character flaw. This sense often appears in clues relating to ethics, morality, or human behavior, challenging solvers to think of terms like SIN, EVIL, or IMMORALITY. Understanding the nuanced differences between a minor FOIBLE and a severe WICKEDNESS can be key to selecting the correct answer.

On the other hand, "vice" also denotes a mechanical device used for holding or gripping objects firmly, typically in a workshop. This could be a bench vice, a hand vice, or even a caliper-like tool. Clues related to this meaning will often lean into words like GRIP, CLAMP, or terms associated with tools and workshops. Crossword setters cleverly leverage this semantic ambiguity to create challenging and engaging puzzles. Always consider both possibilities when tackling a "vice" clue.

Mastering clues like "vice" involves not just knowing definitions, but also recognizing the context provided by the puzzle itself, including the number of letters, intersecting words, and the overall theme of the crossword. Being flexible in your thinking and open to both the literal and figurative interpretations of a word is a hallmark of an expert crossword solver.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Dual Meanings: For words like "vice" that have multiple distinct meanings (e.g., moral failing vs. tool), always consider both. This is a common trick in crosswords to mislead or challenge solvers.
Leverage Letter Counts: The number of letters in the answer is your most important hint. Narrow down potential solutions by only considering words that fit the exact length. For example, 'vice' as SIN is 3 letters, but as IMMORALITY is 10.
Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the nature of adjacent clues can provide hints about which meaning of "vice" is intended. Are there other tool-related clues or more abstract ethical terms?
Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't fit, think of related concepts or even antonyms that might lead you to a different phrasing of the idea.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common interpretations of "vice" in crossword clues?

The word "vice" in crosswords typically has two primary meanings: it can refer to a moral failing, sin, or bad habit (e.g., 'gambling is a vice'). Alternatively, it can mean a mechanical tool used for gripping or holding objects firmly, such as a 'bench vice' or 'caliper'. Context from surrounding clues or the length of the answer usually clarifies which meaning is intended.

How does letter count help in solving "vice" clues?

The number of letters is crucial. For example, a three-letter answer for 'vice' might point to SIN. A four-letter answer could be GRIP or EVIL. Longer answers like IMMORALITY (10 letters) or WICKEDNESS (10 letters) would indicate a more complex synonym for the moral sense of the word. Always check the available spaces in the grid first.

Are there any tricks to identifying "vice" clues faster?

Look for accompanying words. If the clue mentions 'tool,' 'hold,' or 'clamp,' think of the mechanical device. If it mentions 'bad habit,' 'sin,' 'failing,' or 'immoral,' lean towards the ethical meaning. Also, consider the constructor's style – some prefer straightforward definitions, while others enjoy wordplay or double meanings.