moneylender crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "moneylender" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "moneylender crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
USURER: A person who lends money at unreasonably high rates of interest, often illegal or morally questionable.
LENDER: A general term for an individual or institution that provides money to another party with the expectation of repayment.
BANKER: A person who manages a bank or is involved in banking, a primary function of which is lending money.
7 Letters
SHYLOCK: A famous fictional character from William Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice,' depicted as a Jewish moneylender.
8 Letters
CREDITOR: A person or company to whom money is owed by another person or company, usually for goods or services supplied or money lent.
9 Letters
LOANSHARK: An illicit moneylender who charges extremely high interest rates, often using threats of violence to collect debts.
10 Letters
PAWNBROKER: A person who lends money at interest in exchange for personal property that is deposited as security for the loan.
More About "moneylender crossword clue"
The term "moneylender" refers to anyone who lends money. However, in the context of crosswords, this clue can often have various nuances, leading to a range of potential answers. These can range from general terms like 'LENDER' or 'BANKER' to more specific or historically charged terms like 'USURER' or 'LOANSHARK'. The choice of answer often depends on the specific context of the puzzle, including the number of letters required and any intersecting clues.
Understanding the different facets of moneylending can be key to solving this clue. For instance, a 'PAWNBROKER' specializes in loans secured by physical collateral, while a 'USURER' is characterized by exorbitant interest rates. Literary references, such as Shakespeare's 'SHYLOCK', also frequently appear, highlighting the cultural impact and historical presence of this profession. Always consider the precise definition and any negative or positive connotations that might apply to the given crossword puzzle's tone.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the answer you're considering with the spaces available in the crossword grid. This is the most crucial step for clues like "moneylender" with many possible answers.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from other clues to narrow down the possibilities for "moneylender." If an 'S' is the third letter, 'USURER' or 'LOANSHARK' might be good fits.
- Consider Connotations: Some answers carry specific connotations. 'USURER' and 'LOANSHARK' imply negative practices, while 'LENDER' or 'BANKER' are more neutral. The overall theme or difficulty of the puzzle might hint at which type of answer is expected.
- Think Broadly and Specifically: Be prepared for both general terms and very specific answers (like literary characters). Crosswords often test your general knowledge and your understanding of specific cultural references.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a 'moneylender' and a 'usurer' in crosswords?
While 'moneylender' is a general term for anyone who lends money, a 'usurer' specifically refers to a moneylender who charges excessively high or illegal interest rates. In crosswords, 'usurer' often implies a negative connotation or a historical context.
Why is 'Shylock' a common answer for 'moneylender' in crosswords?
'Shylock' is a famous character from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice,' known as a Jewish moneylender. His notoriety makes him a popular cultural reference for this clue in crosswords, especially when a specific number of letters is required.
How can I narrow down answers for 'moneylender' when there are multiple possibilities?
To narrow down answers, always check the letter count provided in the crossword grid. Additionally, look for intersecting letters from other solved clues. Sometimes, the crossword's theme or other clues in the puzzle might hint at a specific type of moneylender (e.g., a literary reference, a general term, or a person charging high interest).