excuse crossword – All Crossword Answers

More About "excuse crossword"

The term "excuse" in a crossword puzzle can be a wonderfully versatile and challenging clue. It encapsulates a wide array of concepts, from a legitimate justification for an action to a deceptive falsehood designed to avoid blame. This broad semantic field is why you often see multiple possible answers, ranging from common words like 'reason' or 'alibi' to more nuanced terms such as 'pretext' or 'rationalization'. Understanding these subtle differences is key to deciphering the specific intent of the puzzle setter.

Crossword setters leverage the ambiguity of words like "excuse" to make puzzles more engaging. They might hint at a legal context (e.g., alibi, plea), a social one (e.g., apology, pardon), or even a psychological one (e.g., rationalization). Pay close attention to the word count and any crossing letters, as these are your primary tools to distinguish between the various valid interpretations of 'excuse' and pinpoint the exact word needed to complete your grid.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

• Consider the Nuances: Words like 'excuse' have many shades of meaning. Think about whether the clue implies a legal defense, a social courtesy, or a deceptive justification.
• Check Letter Counts: Always cross-reference the number of letters in your potential answer with the spaces available in the puzzle grid. This is often the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities.
• Look at Intersecting Clues: The most reliable method is to use letters from intersecting words. If you have a few letters, it dramatically narrows down the options for a word like 'excuse'.
• Think About Context: Sometimes, the theme of the crossword or the publication it's from can give a hint. A puzzle from a legal magazine might lean towards 'alibi' or 'plea', for example.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.