deviant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the 'deviant crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We provide quick and precise answers, along with detailed explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find the perfect fit for your grid below!
Solutions for "deviant crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ODD: Meaning unusual, strange, or differing from what is standard, fitting the definition of deviant.
7 Letters
UNUSUAL: Not common or ordinary; outside the norm, which is a key characteristic of something deviant.
8 Letters
PERVERSE: Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often implying a deviation from accepted standards.
8 Letters
ABERRANT: Departing from an accepted standard; divergent from the normal type, making it a strong synonym for deviant.
More About "deviant crossword clue"
The term "deviant" in a crossword clue typically signals a need for a word that means "out of the ordinary," "abnormal," or "straying from the norm." This can encompass a wide range of contexts, from behavior to physical characteristics or even abstract concepts. Crossword setters love to use such clues because they have multiple synonyms of varying lengths, allowing them flexibility in puzzle design.
When you encounter 'deviant', think broadly about what could be considered unusual or non-standard. It's not always about negative connotations; sometimes it simply means 'different'. For instance, an 'odd' number is deviant from an even one, or an 'unusual' event deviates from routine. Always consider the number of letters required and any intersecting words to guide your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: "Deviant" can have shades of meaning. Is it just "different" (like ODD, UNUSUAL) or more "abnormal" or "perverse" (like ABERRANT, PERVERSE)? The context of the entire clue or the puzzle's theme might offer hints.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving into definitions, see if the letter count immediately narrows down your options. A 3-letter "deviant" almost always points to ODD, while a longer one opens up more complex synonyms.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle certain words. For "deviant," think of common synonyms like STRANGE, WEIRD, ATYPICAL, UNORTHODOX, as potential answers even if not explicitly listed here, depending on letter count.
- Use Cross-References: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or narrow down your choices. This is crucial for clues with multiple possible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'deviant' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'deviant' refers to something that diverges or strays from what is considered normal, standard, or expected. This can apply to behavior, characteristics, paths, or even the typical form of a word, often leading to answers like ODD, UNUSUAL, ABERRANT, or PERVERSE.
How can I identify the correct answer for a 'deviant' clue?
Look for synonyms that express 'not standard,' 'abnormal,' 'peculiar,' or 'unconventional.' Consider the letter count provided and any surrounding letters you might have already filled in. Contextual hints in the clue, such as 'deviant behavior' versus 'deviant path,' can also guide you to the precise synonym.
Are there other common crossword clues that mean the same as 'deviant'?
Yes, many clues can lead to similar answers. Words like 'unusual,' 'odd,' 'strange,' 'abnormal,' 'heretic,' 'offbeat,' 'quirky,' 'eccentric,' or 'transgressive' often point to solutions that imply deviation from a norm. Always consider the exact phrasing and letter count to narrow down the possibilities.