crossword clue except – All Crossword Answers

Q: How do clues like 'except' function in crosswords?

Clues containing 'except' (or variations like 'but,' 'save,' 'barring') indicate that the answer will be a synonym for 'excluding' or 'other than.' It signals that you need to find a word that denotes an exclusion or an alternative condition to a general statement.

Q: Why is understanding context important for 'except' clues?

Context is crucial because 'except' can have slightly different nuances. For example, 'but' can also introduce a contrast without an exception. Pay attention to the part of speech required (e.g., conjunction, preposition) and how the word fits grammatically into the implied sentence of the clue to pinpoint the precise meaning.

Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue except", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle completed.

Solutions for "crossword clue except" by Letter Count

3 Letters

BUT: A common conjunction used to introduce a contrasting idea or an exclusion.

4 Letters

SAVE: Often used in the phrase "save for," meaning "except for" or "excluding."

6 Letters

UNLESS: A conjunction meaning "except if" or "if not," setting a condition for exclusion.

7 Letters

BESIDES: Can mean "apart from" or "other than," often used to denote an exception or exclusion.

BARRING: Meaning "except for" or "unless there is/are," typically used when listing conditions or exclusions.

More About "crossword clue except"

The word "except" is a cornerstone in English vocabulary, primarily functioning as a preposition or conjunction to indicate exclusion or a condition. In crosswords, clues using "except" or its synonyms are designed to test your understanding of these specific exclusionary nuances. They often require you to think of words that mean "other than," "excluding," or "apart from."

Mastering these types of clues involves recognizing common synonyms that fit various letter counts. For instance, a three-letter answer is almost certainly "BUT," while longer answers like "UNLESS" or "BESIDES" offer more specific conditional or inclusive/exclusive meanings. Always consider the precise context within the clue to determine which synonym is the best fit, as subtle differences can lead to different answers.

Crossword constructors love "except" because it allows for a wide range of synonyms and can be subtly integrated into trickier clues. Paying attention to the grammatical role of the word in the clue (is it a verb, a preposition, a conjunction?) can also provide vital hints to cracking the solution.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Letter Count First: When you encounter a clue like "except," immediately think of synonyms and check which ones fit the given number of letters in the grid. This often narrows down possibilities significantly.
Think of Contextual Synonyms: Beyond direct synonyms, consider phrases or words that imply exclusion in specific contexts, such as "save for" or "other than." Crossword clues can be tricky in this regard.
Look for Part of Speech: Is "except" used as a preposition ("everyone except him"), a conjunction ("I would go, except I'm busy"), or even a verb ("to except a clause")? This distinction can guide you to the correct answer's grammatical form.
Use Cross-References: If you're stuck, try filling in other intersecting words first. The letters provided by solved cross-clues can often reveal the missing answer for "except."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do clues like "except" function in crosswords?

Clues containing "except" (or variations like "but," "save," "barring") indicate that the answer will be a synonym for "excluding" or "other than." It signals that you need to find a word that denotes an exclusion or an alternative condition to a general statement.

Are there common synonyms for "except" used in puzzles?

Yes, common synonyms include BUT, SAVE, UNLESS, BESIDES, BARRING, OTHERTHAN, and sometimes FOR (as in 'all for one'). The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding context of the clue.

Why is understanding context important for "except" clues?

Context is crucial because "except" can have slightly different nuances. For example, 'but' can also introduce a contrast without an exception. Pay attention to the part of speech required (e.g., conjunction, preposition) and how the word fits grammatically into the implied sentence of the clue to pinpoint the precise meaning.