feign crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the potential answers for the crossword clue "feign", complete with explanations to help you understand the context and solve your puzzle with ease. Whether you're stuck on a tricky clue or just checking your work, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "feign crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ACT: To put on an act; to pretend, often to deceive or impress.
4 Letters
SHAM: A deceptive pretense; something that is not what it purports to be. To feign can be to sham.
6 Letters
AFFECT: To assume or put on a show of, often insincerely. For example, to affect an illness.
7 Letters
PRETEND: To create the appearance of, often in order to deceive. This is a direct synonym for feign.
8 Letters
SIMULATE: To imitate the appearance or character of. To simulate pain is to feign it.
More About "feign crossword clue"
The clue "feign" in crosswords usually points to words related to faking, pretending, or putting on an act. It's a versatile word that can have both literal and figurative applications. When you feign something, you are creating a false impression or appearance, often to avoid an outcome or achieve a goal.
Crossword setters love using words like "feign" because they have several common synonyms of varying lengths, allowing them to fit the word into different puzzle grids. Understanding the core meaning of "to pretend" or "to fake" is key to unlocking the correct answer, whether it's a short three-letter word or a longer, more descriptive term.
Always consider the context of the entire clue if available, or any crossing letters you've already solved, to narrow down the possibilities. Sometimes, "feign" might appear in a phrase, which could further guide you to a specific idiomatic answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the primary filter for words like "feign" that have many synonyms.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm related words. For "feign," think of words that mean "to fake," "to pretend," "to dissimulate." Sometimes, thinking of antonyms (like "be real" or "authenticate") can also jog your memory for direct synonyms.
- Consider the "Sound-Alikes": Be wary of homophones or words that sound similar but have different meanings (e.g., "feign" vs. "fain"). Crossword setters sometimes use these to trick solvers.
- Use Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool in your arsenal. If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting clues, they will quickly reveal the exact answer from your list of possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'feign' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'feign' typically refers to faking, pretending, or putting on an act. Common answers include synonyms like ACT, SHAM, PRETEND, or AFFECT, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I quickly find answers for 'feign' in a crossword?
Look at the number of letters provided in the grid. Then, consider common synonyms for 'feign' that match that length. For example, if it's 3 letters, consider ACT; if it's 7, think of PRETEND.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'feign' in crosswords?
Sometimes solvers might confuse 'feign' with 'fain' (meaning 'willingly' or 'gladly'), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning. Always ensure you're focused on the 'pretend' aspect of 'feign'.