feigned crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "feigned crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We also provide explanations and helpful tips to enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "feigned crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHAM: A thing that is not what it is purported to be; a hoax.
FAKE: Not genuine; imitation.
5 Letters
BOGUS: Not genuine or true; fake.
ACTED: Behaving in a way that is not genuine.
PUTON: Not genuine or sincere; feigned.
8 Letters
AFFECTED: Exhibited in an artificial or pretentious manner.
9 Letters
SIMULATED: Created as a likeness or imitation of something.
10 Letters
DISSEMBLED: Concealed one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs.
More About "feigned crossword clue"
The term "feigned" refers to something that is not genuine or sincere, often put on for effect or to deceive. It's a word commonly encountered in crosswords because of its rich array of synonyms and the subtle nuances they carry. Whether it's a feigned illness, a feigned emotion, or a feigned attack, the essence is always a deceptive appearance.
Understanding the context of "feigned" in a clue can greatly assist in finding the correct answer. Is the clue implying an adjective (e.g., a "feigned" smile), a past-tense verb (e.g., "he feigned" ignorance), or a noun (e.g., "a feign" or "a sham")? Crossword constructors often play on these different parts of speech, making it crucial to analyze the clue's structure carefully. Words like "simulated," "affected," "sham," and "fake" are frequent contenders for this type of clue, each bringing a slightly different shade of meaning to the idea of artifice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "feigned," think broadly about words that mean "fake," "pretend," "artificial," or even their opposites, as sometimes the clue might be a misdirection.
- Analyze Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, verb, or adjective? If the clue is a verb in past tense, your answer likely is too (e.g., ACTED, SIMULATED). If it describes something, look for adjectives (e.g., AFFECTED, BOGUS).
- Examine Word Length and Common Suffixes: Shorter answers like SHAM or FAKE are common for direct synonyms. Longer answers might involve prefixes like 'dis-' (DISSEMBLED) or suffixes like '-ed' if it's a past participle or adjective.
- Use Surrounding Solved Letters: If you have a few letters already in place from intersecting words, these can be immensely helpful in narrowing down the possibilities for "feigned" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "feigned" and "pretended"?
While often used interchangeably, 'feigned' typically implies a more deliberate and often deceptive act of faking something, especially an emotion or quality. 'Pretended' can be broader, sometimes referring to imaginative play or a less serious act of putting on a false appearance. In crosswords, both can point to similar answers.
How can I tell if a crossword clue implies an adjective or a verb for 'feigned'?
The phrasing of the clue is key. If it's 'Feigned (emotion)', it might be an adjective (e.g., AFFECTED). If it's 'To feign', it points to a verb (e.g., ACTED). Pay attention to surrounding words and punctuation. Sometimes, the number of letters will also narrow it down.
Are there common word patterns for answers related to 'feigned'?
Words often contain 'ed' at the end if they are past-tense verbs or adjectives. Common prefixes like 'dis-' (e.g., DISSEMBLED) or words implying 'fake' or 'imitation' are also strong indicators. Look for short, common synonyms like SHAM or FAKE for shorter answers.