cabal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "cabal crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all the possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you understand why each answer fits.
Solutions for "cabal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PLOT: A secret plan or a small group of people engaged in such a plan, closely aligning with the secretive nature of a cabal.
5 Letters
JUNTA: A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force, often acting as a secretive, powerful cabal.
6 Letters
CLIQUE: A small, exclusive group of people, often with shared interests, which can function similarly to a cabal in its closed nature.
7 Letters
FACTION: A small organized dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics, often operating with specific, sometimes secret, aims like a cabal.
8 Letters
CONCLAVE: A private meeting, especially a secret or confidential one, which is a common activity for a cabal or secret group.
More About "cabal crossword clue"
"Cabal" is a fascinating word often seen in crosswords due to its rich meaning. Derived from the French "cabale," it refers to a small, exclusive group of individuals, typically engaged in secret plots or intrigues. The term carries connotations of secrecy, conspiracy, and often, nefarious intent. Historically, the word gained particular prominence in 17th-century England, associated with a specific group of ministers under King Charles II whose initials formed the word 'CABAL', though this was purely coincidental.
In crossword puzzles, "cabal" is a versatile clue because it can lead to various synonyms or related concepts depending on the desired word length. Clues might focus on the group itself, the act of plotting, or the secretive nature of such an organization. Understanding the nuances of "cabal" – its political implications, its secrecy, and its exclusivity – is key to unlocking the correct answer in your puzzle.
Being an astute crossword solver means recognizing these layers of meaning and considering all possible angles presented by the clue. When "cabal" appears, think broadly about secret societies, political factions, or even just a clandestine meeting.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "cabal," consider if the puzzle is asking for the group itself, an action they take, or a characteristic of them. This helps narrow down synonyms.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already solved from intersecting words. This is the most crucial tip for verifying potential answers for "cabal" or any other clue.
- Consider Word Length: If you have an empty slot of, say, 5 letters, immediately think of solutions like JUNTA rather than a 4-letter PLOT or a 6-letter CLIQUE.
- Think of Context: Is the puzzle hinting at a political context, a general secret group, or something else? Context can guide you to the most fitting synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cabal' mean in the context of a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'cabal' typically refers to a small, secret group of people, often involved in plotting or scheming. It can also hint at the act of forming such a plot or the secret meeting itself. Common answers often relate to 'secret group,' 'faction,' or 'plotters.'
How can I figure out the letter count for 'cabal' answers?
The letter count for 'cabal' answers will depend on the specific synonym or related concept the puzzle setter intends. For example, 'PLOT' is 4 letters, 'JUNTA' is 5 letters, and 'CLIQUE' is 6 letters. Always check the grid to match the given spaces to the possible answers.
Are there historical references to 'cabal' that might appear in crosswords?
Yes, 'cabal' famously refers to a group of five ministers of King Charles II of England (Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley, Lauderdale) whose initials coincidentally spelled CABAL. This historical context might occasionally be hinted at in more advanced crossword puzzles, linking the term directly to a historical political group.