act like crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your premier destination for solving those tricky crossword clues! If you're stuck on "act like," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with helpful explanations, to get you back on track.
Solutions for "act like crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
APES: To imitate in a silly or unthinking way, often referring to crude or clumsy imitation.
5 Letters
MIMIC: To imitate someone or something, often for comedic effect or to blend in, frequently involving mannerisms or voice.
7 Letters
IMITATE: To copy or follow a pattern or example, often with the intent of reproduction or learning a skill or behavior.
EMULATE: To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation; often implies admiration and a desire to achieve similar success.
PRETEND: To behave as if something is true when it is not, often in play or deception, involving a feigned role or attitude.
More About "act like crossword clue"
The clue "act like" is a common phrase in crosswords that typically points towards words related to imitation, impersonation, or feigning. The specific answer often depends on the nuance of 'acting like' – whether it's a direct copy, a playful simulation, or an attempt to pass as something else. Puzzlers need to consider the context of the overall puzzle and the length of the required answer to pinpoint the exact fit.
Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like 'mimic,' 'imitate,' and 'emulate' is key. 'Mimic' often carries a connotation of comedic or caricatured copying, while 'imitate' is more general. 'Emulate' suggests copying with the goal of matching or surpassing a positive example. 'Apes' implies a less sophisticated or thoughtless form of imitation, often crude or silly. 'Pretend' refers to feigning or putting on an act, regardless of whether a specific person or thing is being copied.
Seasoned crossword solvers know that variations of this clue might appear, such as "behave like," "copy," or "impersonate." Each variation might lean towards a specific synonym, making it crucial to have a broad vocabulary of related terms at your fingertips. By studying these distinctions, you can enhance your solving speed and accuracy for similar clues in the future.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters indicated for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly for clues like "act like."
- Look at Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in to quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the correct one. This is especially helpful when multiple synonyms of similar length exist.
- Think About Nuance: For clues like "act like," consider the different shades of meaning. Does the clue imply a playful copy (MIMIC), a serious attempt to match (EMULATE), or simply feigning (PRETEND)? The surrounding theme of the puzzle can often provide a hint.
- Check for Plurals or Tenses: Be mindful of the clue's tense or if it implies a plural answer. While our answers are typically singular verbs in common crossword form, the specific puzzle might require a different form.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the correct answer for 'act like' among multiple options?
The best way to choose the correct answer for 'act like' is to consider the number of letters required for the puzzle, and then look at the surrounding letters already filled in your crossword grid. Each option carries a slightly different nuance in meaning, which might also align better with the theme of the puzzle or other clues.
What's the difference between 'MIMIC' and 'IMITATE'?
While both mean to copy, 'MIMIC' often suggests a close, sometimes exaggerated or humorous, reproduction of actions or speech. 'IMITATE' is a broader term, simply meaning to copy, and can apply to styles, behaviors, or even objects without the same comedic or precise replication implication of 'mimic'.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'acting like' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, clues related to 'acting like' might also hint at words with prefixes like 'PSEUDO-' (false, fake) or suffixes like '-ISH' (somewhat like) or '-LIKE' itself. Sometimes, phrasal verbs such as 'PASS FOR' or 'POSE AS' can also be relevant answers, depending on the clue's precise wording.