How can I approach clues that ask for the opposite of a word?

When a clue asks for the opposite (like 'not candid'), think of synonyms for the opposite concept. Brainstorm words related to deceit, misdirection, or secretiveness. Pay attention to the letter count as well, as it's the strongest hint.

not candid crossword – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'candid' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'candid' refers to being truthful, straightforward, and open. So, 'not candid' clues will look for words that mean the opposite: deceptive, indirect, or dishonest.

Q: Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'not' clues?

While not directly a prefix/suffix, 'not' clues often lead to words starting with 'UN-' (e.g., UNTRUE), 'DIS-' (e.g., DISHONEST), or words that inherently imply a negative (e.g., EVASIVE, SLY). Always consider the length of the required answer.

Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "not candid crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you quickly complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "not candid crossword" by Letter Count

6 Letters

SHIFTY: Not straightforward or open; deceitful.

ARTFUL: Clever or skillful, especially in a cunning or crafty way.

7 Letters

EVASIVE: Tending to avoid commitment or directness, not straightforward.

9 Letters

DISHONEST: Behaving or prone to behave in an untrustworthy or fraudulent way, lacking candor.

More About "not candid crossword"

The clue "not candid" in a crossword puzzle directly asks for a word that signifies the opposite of being open, honest, and straightforward. This often points towards words associated with deceit, trickery, indirectness, or a lack of transparency. Common themes for such answers include actions or characteristics of someone trying to hide the truth or avoid a direct answer.

Understanding the nuance of "not candid" is key. It's not just about lying, but also about being evasive, manipulative, or strategically withholding information. Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they allow for a variety of synonyms that capture different shades of meaning, from mildly artful to outright dishonest.

When you encounter this clue, consider the context of other intersecting words. Does the puzzle lean towards political intrigue, personal relationships, or perhaps a legal setting? The surrounding theme can sometimes guide you to the most fitting "not candid" synonym, helping you narrow down choices like SHIFTY, EVASIVE, or DISHONEST.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze the Wordplay: For "not candid," think about antonyms of "candid." Is it simply the opposite, or is there a more nuanced meaning like "sly" or "artful"?
Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is the most crucial tip for verifying potential answers.
Consider Letter Count First: Before you even think of an answer, look at the number of blanks. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and focuses your brainstorming.
Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Many clues, especially those phrased as "not X," are direct requests for an antonym. Create a mental list of words that mean the opposite of the clue, then filter by length.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'candid' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'candid' means truthful, straightforward, and honest. Therefore, clues like "not candid" are looking for words that mean the opposite: deceptive, indirect, or untruthful.

How do I approach clues that ask for the opposite of a word?

When a clue explicitly asks for the opposite (e.g., "not X"), your first step should be to brainstorm synonyms for the inverted concept. For "not candid," you'd think of words related to deceit or evasion. Then, match those to the required letter count.

Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'not' clues?

While not strictly prefixes, words for "not" often begin with negative prefixes like "UN-" (e.g., UNTRUE), "DIS-" (e.g., DISHONEST), or are simply words that inherently convey a negative sense (e.g., EVASIVE, SLY). Always consider the full word length and context.