prevaricate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "prevaricate crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "prevaricate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LIE: To speak falsely or act in an untruthful way.
5 Letters
FUDGE: To avoid a direct answer or issue, often by being vague.
HEDGE: To limit or qualify something by conditions or exceptions, avoiding direct commitment.
7 Letters
DECEIVE: To mislead someone with false information or a trick.
10 Letters
EQUIVOCATE: To use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
17 Letters
BEATAROUNDTHEBUSH: To avoid getting to the point of an issue, often by talking evasively.
More About "prevaricate crossword clue"
"Prevaricate" is a word that often appears in crosswords, challenging solvers to think about subtle distinctions in meaning. At its core, to prevaricate means to speak or act in an evasive way, or to avoid telling the truth directly. It's not always an outright lie, but rather a deliberate ambiguity or a way of sidestepping a direct answer. This makes it a fascinating word for puzzle creators, as it can have several synonyms of varying lengths and nuances.
When you encounter 'prevaricate' in a crossword clue, consider words that imply indirectness, evasion, or a lack of forthrightness. Look for context clues in the rest of the puzzle or the specific phrasing of the clue itself. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a more formal or informal context, which can guide you to the correct answer length and style.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
Solving crosswords can be a rewarding challenge. Here are some tips to help you with 'prevaricate' and other tricky clues:
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For words like 'prevaricate,' think about words that mean the same thing, or the opposite. Sometimes a clue is hinting at an antonym if it's phrased negatively.
- Pay attention to word length: Always check the number of boxes provided for the answer. This is your most direct hint and can immediately eliminate many possibilities.
- Look for linguistic cues: Is the clue asking for a noun, verb, or adjective? Clues might use words like "to" for verbs (e.g., "to prevaricate"), or imply a person (e.g., "one who prevaricates").
- Cross-reference with intersecting words: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is often the key to unlocking difficult clues and confirming your answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'prevaricate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'prevaricate' typically refers to evasive or misleading speech, using ambiguous language, or avoiding the truth. Answers often include synonyms for lying, hedging, or being indirect.
Are there common shorter answers for 'prevaricate' clues?
Yes, common shorter answers for 'prevaricate' can include 'LIE', 'FUDGE', or 'HEDGE', depending on the clue's precise nuance and letter count.
How can I distinguish 'prevaricate' from 'deceive' in crosswords?
While related, 'prevaricate' often implies avoiding a direct truth or being evasive, whereas 'deceive' implies actively misleading someone into believing something false. The surrounding clue words usually offer hints to distinguish between these concepts.