outlaw crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "outlaw crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "outlaw crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAN: To prohibit or exclude someone, often officially from a place or activity. This is a common and concise answer for the clue.
5 Letters
EXILE: The state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. A person who is exiled is effectively an outlaw from their homeland.
ROGUE: A dishonest or unprincipled man. Also, an animal, especially an elephant, that has separated from the main herd and roams alone. Fits the sense of being outside the norm or rules.
FELON: A person who has committed a felony, a serious crime. Directly refers to someone outside the law.
6 Letters
BANDIT: A robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or wild area. A classic depiction of an outlaw.
8 Letters
CRIMINAL: A person who has committed a crime. A straightforward synonym for someone who is an outlaw by breaking the law.
RENEGADE: A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles. Someone who has gone against established norms, much like an outlaw.
9 Letters
DESPERADO: A desperate or reckless person, especially a criminal. Often associated with the Wild West, a lawless individual.
PROSCRIBE: To forbid something, especially by law; to denounce or condemn. While a verb, crosswords often use wordplay where the act of outlawing is the answer.
More About "outlaw crossword clue"
The term "outlaw" carries a rich history, often conjuring images of figures like Robin Hood or Billy the Kid. In a crossword puzzle, however, its meaning can be surprisingly broad, extending beyond just a lawbreaker. It can refer to the act of banning or prohibiting something, or even to a person who has been banished or rejected by society.
When encountering "outlaw" in a clue, consider not only direct synonyms for a criminal but also words related to prohibition, expulsion, or someone operating outside of established rules. The context provided by other intersecting letters or the puzzle's theme is invaluable in discerning the exact intended answer, whether it's a short "BAN" or a longer "DESPERADO."
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering such clues. Our list aims to cover the most common interpretations you'll find in daily crosswords, from simple definitions to more nuanced uses that require a broader vocabulary related to legal status and societal norms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your thought process. For "outlaw," a 3-letter answer points to "BAN," while an 8-letter answer might be "CRIMINAL" or "RENEGADE."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword constructors love synonyms. Think of all possible words that mean "outlaw," "to outlaw," or someone who is an "outlaw." Sometimes, the clue might even imply the opposite, requiring an antonym of 'lawful'.
- Look for Different Parts of Speech: Is "outlaw" being used as a noun (a person who is an outlaw) or a verb (to make something illegal)? This can drastically change the type of answer you're looking for, for example, 'FELON' (noun) versus 'PROSCRIBE' (verb).
- Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, fill in any intersecting letters from other solved clues. Even one letter can often unlock a tricky word like "outlaw."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'outlaw' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'outlaw' in crosswords include BAN, EXILE, ROGUE, FELON, CRIMINAL, BANDIT, RENEGADE, and DESPERADO. The specific answer depends on the letter count and context of other clues.
How does letter count help in solving 'outlaw' clues?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. For example, if it's 3 letters, BAN is a strong candidate. If it's 5, consider EXILE, ROGUE, or FELON. This narrows down the possibilities significantly, making it easier to pinpoint the correct word.
Are 'outlaw' clues always about criminals?
While 'outlaw' often refers to criminals like bandits or felons, it can also mean to prohibit or ban something (as in 'to outlaw a practice'). Sometimes it refers to someone who has been exiled or a renegade. Always consider all possible meanings and their synonyms based on the puzzle's context.