cover story crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "cover story crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "cover story crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ALIBI: A fabricated excuse used to avoid blame or punishment, especially for a crime.
FRONT: An outward appearance or behavior assumed to conceal something, often a true nature or intention.
7 Letters
PRETEXT: A reason given in justification of a course of action that is not the real reason.
11 Letters
SMOKESCREEN: Something designed to obscure, confuse, or mislead, akin to a tactic to hide true intentions.
More About "cover story crossword clue"
"Cover story" is a classic crossword clue that often points to a deceptive narrative or a false front. It can appear in various contexts, from spy thrillers where an operative needs a believable backstory, to everyday situations where someone might invent an excuse to avoid an unwanted commitment. The beauty of this clue lies in its versatility, requiring solvers to consider different synonyms for 'deception' or 'pretense' depending on the number of letters and intersecting words.
Beyond its literal meaning of a main article in a magazine, in crosswords, 'cover story' almost exclusively delves into the realm of concealment. Answers frequently relate to legal excuses (like ALIBI), outward appearances (like FRONT), or strategic diversions (like SMOKESCREEN). Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process, helping you to anticipate the type of answer required.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances: For clues like "cover story," think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Is it an excuse for an absence (ALIBI), a false reason for an action (PRETEXT), or a general deceptive appearance (FRONT)?
- Check Intersecting Letters: The most reliable way to confirm a tricky answer is by using the letters from crossing words. Even a single confirmed letter can narrow down possibilities dramatically.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword constructors love to play with words. If a clue seems too straightforward, try to find a less common or more metaphorical interpretation of 'cover story'.
- Utilize Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most powerful constraint. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides you toward the correct length solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'cover story' typically refer to in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'cover story' usually refers to a plausible but false explanation, a facade, or a deceptive narrative used to conceal the truth. Common answers include ALIBI, FRONT, PRETEXT, or DECEPTION.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like ALIBI and PRETEXT for 'cover story'?
The distinction often lies in the specific nuance of the clue or intersecting letters. An ALIBI specifically explains where one was, typically to avoid blame. A PRETEXT is a reason given for an action that isn't the real motive. Pay attention to synonyms in the clue and the length of the required answer.
Are there journalistic meanings of 'cover story' in crosswords?
While less common for the deceptive meaning, 'cover story' can also refer to the main article or feature story highlighted on the front cover of a magazine or newspaper. If the clue hints at media or publishing, consider answers like LEAD or FEATURE, though the deceptive sense is far more prevalent in general puzzles.