pilfer crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "pilfer" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Discover the perfect word, along with a short explanation.
Solutions for "pilfer crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To take something quickly or stealthily.
ROB: To steal from a person or place.
4 Letters
LOOT: To steal goods, typically during a riot or war.
NICK: To steal, especially something of small value, or to get something without permission.
LIFT: To steal something, typically shoplifting.
5 Letters
STEAL: To take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.
FILCH: To pilfer or steal (something, especially something of small value) in a casual way.
SWIPE: To steal (something), especially with a quick, furtive movement.
7 Letters
PLUNDER: To steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.
More About "pilfer crossword clue"
"Pilfer" is a common and versatile word in crosswords, often cluing a range of synonyms related to theft, from petty snatching to more organized plunder. Its frequent appearance is due to the richness of the English language in describing various forms of taking something illicitly. Crossword setters love words like "pilfer" because they open up opportunities for diverse letter counts, allowing them to fit answers into challenging grid patterns.
When you encounter "pilfer" as a clue, consider the nuance. Is the puzzle implying a quick, small-scale act (like "NAB" or "NICK"), or something more significant and forceful (like "PLUNDER" or "ROB")? The context of other intersecting words or even the crossword's theme can often give you the subtle hint needed to pinpoint the exact synonym required.
Mastering words like "pilfer" and its many counterparts is a key step in becoming a more proficient crossword solver. Recognizing the shades of meaning in seemingly similar words will help you crack even the trickiest clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always double-check the required letter count for the answer. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities for clues like "pilfer."
- Consider the Nuance: While many words mean "to steal," some imply a specific method (e.g., "SWIPE" for a quick grab, "LOOT" for wartime taking). Think about any subtle hints in the full clue.
- Check Intersecting Words: The most reliable way to confirm a "pilfer" answer is by seeing which letters it shares with other, more certain answers in the grid.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, a clue might use a less common synonym. If common ones don't fit, consider slightly more archaic or less frequently used terms for "pilfer."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "pilfer"?
The word "pilfer" has many synonyms related to stealing, which means crossword constructors have a wide range of options to fit various letter counts and contexts. Common synonyms like "steal," "rob," "loot," and "nab" are frequent crossword answers.
How can I distinguish between similar "pilfer" answers like "NICK" and "FILCH"?
Context is key. "NICK" often implies a small, casual theft, or getting something illicitly. "FILCH" is very similar, often meaning to steal something of small value in a sneaky way. Pay attention to surrounding clues or the number of letters required.
What's the difference between "STEAL" and "PLUNDER" in crosswords?
"STEAL" is a general term for taking something without permission. "PLUNDER" implies taking things, often by force or during a conflict, from a place or people, often on a larger scale. If the clue hints at violence or large-scale theft (e.g., "wartime taking"), "PLUNDER" might be the answer.