duplicity crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to source for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. If you're stuck on "duplicity crossword," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations to help you understand why each word fits the clue.
Solutions for "duplicity crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FRAUD: Deceit or trickery to gain an unfair advantage, often used in a legal or financial context, aligning with the deceptive nature of duplicity.
GUILE: Cunning or artful deception, a concise word for the slyness inherent in duplicity.
6 Letters
DECEIT: The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth, a direct synonym for duplicity.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others, embodying the crafty aspect of duplicity.
9 Letters
DECEPTION: The act of causing someone to accept as true what is false; a misleading falsehood, a core component of duplicity.
HYPOCRISY: The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense, often a form of duplicity.
TREACHERY: Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature, strongly associated with the disloyal aspect of duplicity.
CHICANERY: The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose, often involving verbal sophistry or quibbling, a sophisticated form of duplicity.
MENDACITY: Untruthfulness; a tendency to lie, directly related to the deceitful elements of duplicity.
10 Letters
DISHONESTY: Lack of honesty or integrity; a disposition to defraud or deceive, a broad term that encompasses duplicity.
More About "duplicity crossword"
The term "duplicity" in crosswords refers to the state of being two-faced or deceitful. It often implies a deliberate attempt to mislead or trick someone by presenting two different appearances or behaviors. This concept is a favorite among crossword constructors because it allows for a rich variety of synonyms, ranging from straightforward terms like "deceit" to more nuanced words such as "chicanery" or "treachery." When you encounter "duplicity" as a clue, consider not just its literal meaning of 'doubleness' but also its strong connotations of betrayal and dishonesty.
Solving a "duplicity" clue often requires you to think about the various shades of meaning the word carries. Is the puzzle looking for a general term for dishonesty, or something more specific like a cunning trick or a breach of trust? The number of letters in the answer is your primary guide, but also pay attention to any surrounding letters you might have already filled in. Words like 'guile' or 'fraud' are shorter, direct interpretations, while 'hypocrisy' or 'deception' offer longer options that delve deeper into the nature of duplicitous behavior.
Understanding the etymology can also sometimes help; "duplicity" comes from the Latin 'duplicitas,' meaning 'doubleness,' hence the idea of having two intentions or characters, one often hidden. This underlying concept helps link seemingly disparate answers, making them all valid solutions depending on the puzzle's specific context and required length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always confirm the exact number of letters your answer requires. This is the single most important constraint in crosswords and narrows down possibilities significantly.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "duplicity," think of words that mean the same (deceit, fraud) or the opposite (honesty, sincerity). Sometimes a clue might be phrased negatively, hinting at an antonym.
- Look for Context Clues: Other filled-in letters in the grid can provide crucial context. If you have an 'H' as the third letter for a 9-letter word, 'HYPOCRISY' becomes a much stronger candidate than 'DECEPTION'.
- Think of Figurative Language: Some crossword clues use metaphors or idioms. While "duplicity" is fairly direct, always be prepared for clever wordplay in other clues.
- Check Word Families: If you're stuck, consider if the clue points to a noun, verb, or adjective. "Duplicity" is a noun, so its answers will also be nouns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for duplicity in crosswords?
Common synonyms for duplicity in crosswords include DECEIT, FRAUD, GUILE, DISHONESTY, DECEPTION, HYPOCRISY, TREACHERY, and CHICANERY. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle.
How does 'duplicity' relate to betrayal in crosswords?
Duplicity often involves a form of betrayal because it implies a two-faced nature or deceptive behavior, where one's actions or words contradict their true intentions, thereby breaking trust. Answers like TREACHERY directly link to this concept.
Are there short answers for duplicity crossword clues?
Yes, short answers for 'duplicity' crossword clues can include GUILE (5 letters) or FRAUD (5 letters). Always check the letter count and surrounding letters in your puzzle to ensure the best fit.