detective crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "detective crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, organized by their length, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Dive in to find your solution!
Solutions for "detective crossword clue" by Letter Count
2 Letters
PI: A common abbreviation for 'Private Investigator', often used in crosswords for its brevity.
6 Letters
SLEUTH: A general term for a detective or investigator, especially one who tracks criminals or evidence.
HOLMES: Refers to Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a classic crossword answer.
7 Letters
GUMSHOE: An informal, often older, term for a detective, particularly a private investigator, derived from their soft-soled shoes.
8 Letters
SHERLOCK: Another direct reference to the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, instantly recognizable.
9 Letters
INSPECTOR: Often refers to a police officer of a certain rank, frequently in charge of investigations or detective work.
More About "detective crossword clue"
The term "detective" is a rich source for crossword setters due to its varied synonyms, historical references, and famous fictional examples. Clues might focus on the role itself (e.g., 'Investigator'), the tools of the trade (e.g., 'Clue finder'), or the style of investigation (e.g., 'Mystery solver'). Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving.
Crossword clues involving detectives often play on different aspects: a "private detective" might lead to PI or GUMSHOE, while a "famous literary detective" points towards HOLMES or POIROT. Police-related clues could hint at INSPECTOR or CONSTABLE. Always consider the context and any accompanying wordplay in the clue to pinpoint the exact answer.
The ubiquity of detective stories in popular culture means that names and archetypes are well-established, making them perfect for general knowledge crosswords. Keep an eye out for clues that hint at specific periods or genres, as this can further refine your choice of answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: As shown above, knowing the exact number of letters is your first and best filter. A 2-letter detective can only be so many things (likely PI!).
- Consider Fictional vs. Real: Does the clue hint at a character (e.g., "Baskerville sleuth") or a general role (e.g., "Crime solver")? This distinction is crucial for answers like HOLMES versus SLEUTH.
- Look for Slang or Abbreviations: Crosswords love to use less formal terms or shortened forms. "Gumshoe" for detective or "PI" are prime examples of this trick.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny potential answers. This is especially helpful with common letters like 'S', 'E', 'R'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'detective' in crosswords?
Common crossword synonyms for 'detective' include SLEUTH, PI, GUMSHOE, INVESTIGATOR, and sometimes specific names like HOLMES or POIROT. The length of the answer is key to narrowing it down.
How does word length help when solving 'detective' clues?
Word length is crucial! If you need a 2-letter answer, 'PI' is highly likely. For 6 letters, 'SLEUTH' or 'HOLMES' are good bets. Longer answers might be 'INVESTIGATOR' or 'INSPECTOR'. Always check the given letters against possible words of the correct length.
Are fictional detectives often crossword answers?
Yes, absolutely! Fictional detectives like SHERLOCK (or HOLMES), POIROT, MARPLE, or even specific police forces (e.g., SCOTLANDYARD) are very common in crosswords. Their iconic status makes them recognizable and fair game for clues.