bribe crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the 'bribe crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "bribe crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
PAY: To give money to influence someone.
4 Letters
LURE: To entice someone with an offer or promise.
5 Letters
SLUSH: Often refers to a 'slush fund' used for illicit payments.
6 Letters
PAYOFF: An illegal payment, typically a bribe.
GREASE: To give money or a gift to secure an advantage.
7 Letters
CORRUPT: To cause someone to act dishonestly in return for payment or personal gain.
9 Letters
SWEETENER: Something offered to make a deal more attractive, often implying a bribe.
More About "bribe crossword clue"
The term "bribe" is a staple in crossword puzzles, often challenging solvers to think beyond the obvious. Clues can range from straightforward synonyms like "inducement" or "payoff" to more metaphorical or indirect phrases such as "grease the palm" or "under-the-table payment." This versatility makes it a rewarding clue to solve, as it often demands a deeper understanding of wordplay and context.
Understanding the nuances of words associated with "bribe" can be key. For instance, while "PAY" might fit a clue about a simple transaction, in the context of "bribe," it implies an illicit or persuasive payment. Similarly, words like "LURE" or "ENTICE" can be used when the bribe is more about tempting someone into an action rather than a direct exchange of money.
Crossword setters frequently play on the ethical implications of bribery, using words that evoke a sense of corruption or illicit gain. Always consider if the clue has a negative connotation, which can guide you towards the correct answer among similar-length words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does the clue for "bribe" hint at illegality, persuasion, or a secret transaction? This can narrow down options between direct synonyms and more nuanced answers.
- Consider Letter Count: After identifying potential answers, immediately check the required letter count. Our list above helps you quickly match potential words to the puzzle's constraints.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Don't force an answer. If a word seems plausible but doesn't fit with existing letters in crossing words, it's likely incorrect. Use confirmed letters to eliminate possibilities.
- Think of Related Terms: Brainstorm not just synonyms for "bribe," but also related actions or objects, like "slush fund" (leading to SLUSH) or "corrupting" (leading to CORRUPT).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common lengths for 'bribe' answers in crosswords?
Answers for 'bribe' can vary greatly in length, from short 3-letter words like PAY or FIX to longer ones like PAYOFF (6 letters) or CORRUPT (7 letters). The length often depends on the specific nuance of the clue, and checking surrounding letters is crucial.
Are there synonyms or related concepts to 'bribe' that often appear in clues?
Yes, clues related to 'bribe' often include synonyms like 'inducement', 'payoff', 'graft', 'kickback', 'hush money', or verbs like 'corrupt', 'influence', 'tempt', 'grease', 'entice'. Understanding these related terms can help broaden your search for answers.
How can I distinguish between a 'bribe' clue and a regular 'payment' clue?
The key difference often lies in the clue's connotation. 'Bribe' clues usually imply illegality, unethical behavior, or an attempt to corrupt, often using words like "under the table," "illicit," "dishonest," or "undue influence." Regular 'payment' clues are more neutral, referring to standard transactions. Context and other crossing letters are your best guides.