cunning intelligence nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "cunning intelligence" from the NYT crossword, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all the possible answers, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "cunning intelligence nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GUILE: Deceitful, cunning, or tricky behavior; often implying cleverness used for personal gain.
WILES: Cunning, deceptive, or treacherous stratagems or tricks; especially those intended to entice or entrap someone.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
10 Letters
SHREWDNESS: The quality of having or showing good powers of judgment; astute or sharp-witted in a practical way, sometimes implying cunning.
More About "cunning intelligence nyt crossword"
The phrase "cunning intelligence" can be a fascinating and challenging crossword clue because it bridges two distinct concepts: raw intellect and a more manipulative, sly approach to applying that intellect. In crosswords, such clues often test your ability to think beyond literal synonyms and delve into the nuances of a word's meaning. Answers like GUILE or WILES directly address the deceptive aspect, while ARTIFICE points to constructed cleverness, and SHREWDNESS emphasizes a keen, practical understanding that can be used artfully.
Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering NYT crosswords. The New York Times puzzle is known for its clever wordplay and demands a precise understanding of vocabulary. When faced with a clue like "cunning intelligence," consider not just the dictionary definition but also the common contexts in which such a trait is described. Is it about trickery, sharp negotiation, or just keen insight?
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "cunning intelligence," pay attention to adjectives and their connotations. "Cunning" suggests a negative or manipulative aspect, guiding you away from purely positive synonyms for "intelligence."
- Consider Word Lengths: If you have some letters filled in from crossing words, use the required length to narrow down potential answers. As seen above, solutions can vary greatly in length (e.g., GUILE vs. SHREWDNESS).
- Think Beyond Literal Meanings: Crossword constructors love puns, idioms, and double meanings. Sometimes, "cunning intelligence" might refer to an animal's cleverness or a specific historical figure's trait rather than a generic human characteristic.
- Practice with NYT Puzzles: The New York Times has a distinctive style. Regularly solving their puzzles will help you become familiar with their common themes, clueing patterns, and preferred vocabulary.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some crossword clues, like 'cunning intelligence', have multiple possible answers?
Crossword clues often have multiple answers due to synonyms, varying shades of meaning, or different lengths fitting specific puzzle grids. 'Cunning intelligence' can be interpreted in several ways, from simple cleverness to outright deception, leading to words like GUILE, WILES, ARTIFICE, or SHREWDNESS.
How can I improve my ability to solve abstract crossword clues such as 'cunning intelligence'?
To improve, focus on expanding your vocabulary, understanding common crossword constructors' tricks (like abbreviations, puns, and common synonyms), and practicing regularly. For abstract clues, consider various parts of speech and connotations. Reading widely and using a thesaurus can also be very beneficial.
What is the core meaning of 'cunning intelligence' in a general context?
'Cunning intelligence' generally refers to a form of cleverness that is often characterized by subtlety, deviousness, and the ability to achieve goals through indirect or deceptive means. It implies not just smarts, but a strategic and often self-serving application of those smarts, typically for personal advantage or to outwit others.