cant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "cant crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a short or long answer, you'll find it here.
Solutions for "cant crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TILT: To lean or cause to lean; a sloping position.
5 Letters
SLANT: To lie at an angle to a horizontal or vertical line or surface; a biased perspective.
ARGOT: The jargon or slang of a particular group or class.
CHANT: A short, simple melody, especially one characterized by a limited range and repetitive phrase.
6 Letters
JARGON: Specialized words or expressions that are used by a particular profession or group and are difficult for others to understand.
9 Letters
HYPOCRISY: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; insincere talk.
More About "cant crossword clue"
The word "cant" is a fascinating and multifaceted term often encountered in crosswords due to its several distinct meanings. Primarily, "cant" can refer to a slanting or tilted position, as in "the cant of a ship." This sense relates to an angle or incline, which makes words like TILT or SLANT common answers.
Beyond physical inclination, "cant" also signifies insincere, hypocritical, or moralistic talk, often associated with a pretense of piety or goodness. In this context, answers like HYPOCRISY or even affected speech might come to mind. Historically, this usage evolved from religious contexts.
Furthermore, "cant" can denote the specialized jargon or secret language used by a particular group or profession, such as the "cant of thieves." This meaning points towards terms like ARGOT or JARGON, highlighting language that is exclusive and often difficult for outsiders to understand. Its varied definitions make "cant" a rich source for crossword setters, requiring solvers to consider context carefully.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For multi-meaning words like "cant," always look for surrounding words that hint at its specific usage (e.g., "ship's cant" for angle, or "pious cant" for hypocrisy).
- Consider Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable guide. If you have several options for a clue, eliminate those that don't match the required length.
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. This is crucial for confirming a "cant" answer.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: Crossword clues often use synonyms or antonyms. Brainstorm related words for each meaning of "cant."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main meanings of "cant" in crosswords?
"Cant" commonly refers to a sloping or leaning position (like a tilt or slant), insincere or hypocritical talk (often moralistic), or the specialized jargon/slang of a particular group.
How can I differentiate between the meanings of "cant" when solving a crossword?
Pay close attention to the other words in the clue. If the clue mentions an angle, slope, or lean, think of answers like TILT or SLANT. If it hints at insincere speech, hypocrisy, or false piety, consider HYPOCRISY. If it refers to specialized language, look for ARGOT or JARGON. The length of the answer can also guide you.
Are there any common synonyms for "cant" used in crossword clues?
Yes, depending on the meaning. For the "sloping" sense, clues might use "tilt," "lean," "slope," or "slant." For "insincere talk," you might see "hypocrisy," "pious talk," or "affected speech." For "jargon," clues could use "argot," "slang," or "specialized language."