crossword clue not genuine – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the clue "crossword clue not genuine". Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue not genuine" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FAKE: Refers to something not authentic; a copy or imitation.
SHAM: Something that is not what it purports to be; a hoax or pretense.
5 Letters
BOGUS: Not genuine or true; false.
PHONY: Not real or genuine; fake.
8 Letters
SPURIOUS: Not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
10 Letters
ARTIFICIAL: Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural.
11 Letters
COUNTERFEIT: Made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud.
More About "crossword clue not genuine"
The concept of "not genuine" is a fertile ground for crossword setters, allowing for a wide range of synonyms and subtle distinctions. Clues often play on the difference between something that is merely artificial versus something that is deceptively fake. Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Words like FAKE and SHAM are common go-tos for shorter answer lengths, while SPURIOUS, ARTIFICIAL, and COUNTERFEIT tend to fill longer slots. The specific context of the clue, such as whether it refers to a physical object, an emotion, or an event, will often point you towards the most appropriate synonym.
This category of clues challenges your vocabulary and your ability to discern subtle semantic differences, making them both tricky and rewarding to solve. Always consider the origin or intent behind the "not genuine" item described in the clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Is the clue implying a simple imitation (e.g., ARTIFICIAL), a deliberate deception (e.g., COUNTERFEIT), or a mere pretense (e.g., SHAM)?
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even with a few letters filled in, you can often deduce the likely length of the word, narrowing down options like FAKE (4 letters) vs. SPURIOUS (8 letters).
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Many words like "not genuine" have a limited, frequently used set of synonyms in crosswords. Memorizing these can give you a significant advantage.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What common synonyms are used for 'not genuine' in crosswords?
Common synonyms include FAKE, SHAM, BOGUS, and PHONY for shorter answers, or SPURIOUS, ARTIFICIAL, and COUNTERFEIT for longer ones. Crossword setters often use these to refer to things that are deceptive or imitations.
How can I distinguish between 'fake' and 'sham' in a crossword clue?
'Fake' often implies a counterfeit item, like a fake designer bag. 'Sham' usually refers to a pretense or a hoax, like a sham marriage or a sham battle. The context of the clue usually helps differentiate.
Are there any tricks to solving clues about authenticity?
Look for words indicating deception, imitation, or lack of originality. Consider words related to forgeries, copies, or untruths. The number of letters will narrow down choices like BOGUS, PHONY, or SPURIOUS.