purloin crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "purloin" clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "purloin crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ROB: To take property unlawfully from a person or place, often by force or threat.
4 Letters
NICK: To steal, especially something of small value, often quickly or subtly. Colloquial use.
LIFT: To steal, particularly shoplifting, or to appropriate illicitly. Often used informally.
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 or snatch, often quickly and surreptitiously.
PINCH: To steal something, typically something of little value, often informally or playfully.
6 Letters
PILFER: To steal (typically things of relatively little value).
ABDUCT: To take (someone) away illegally by force or deception; kidnap.
8 Letters
EMBEZZLE: To illegally take money that one has been entrusted to look after, often from an employer or organization.
11 Letters
APPROPRIATE: To take (something) for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
More About "purloin crossword puzzle clue"
The word "purloin" is a classic crossword staple, valued for its elegant yet somewhat archaic feel, providing a slightly more sophisticated alternative to common words like "steal." It implies taking something discreetly or furtively, often without outright violence or confrontation. This nuance can sometimes be key in determining the correct answer, as some synonyms might imply different methods or scales of theft.
When "purloin" appears in a crossword, solvers should immediately think of synonyms related to theft, appropriation, or illicit acquisition. The variety of possible answers, ranging from short, informal terms like "nick" or "lift" to longer, more formal ones such as "embezzle" or "appropriate," makes it a versatile clue. This diversity means that checking surrounding letters in the grid and the number of spaces available are crucial steps to narrow down the possibilities and confidently fill in the correct word.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always prioritize answers that match the exact number of boxes available in the crossword grid. This is the most reliable way to eliminate incorrect options for a clue like "purloin."
- Look for Context: If the clue includes additional words or a question mark, it might be hinting at a specific type of 'purloining' (e.g., "Purloin money, perhaps?" for EMBEZZLE) or a more informal usage.
- Check Cross-References: Use letters you've filled in from intersecting words. Even one confirmed letter can often reveal the correct synonym for "purloin" out of several possibilities.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For common clues like "purloin," it helps to have a mental list of synonyms ready. Words like STEAL, FILCH, PILFER, LIFT, NICK, ROB, and SWIPE are frequent answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'purloin' mean in a crossword?
In crosswords, 'purloin' consistently refers to stealing, often implying a sneaky or underhanded act. Expect synonyms like STEAL, FILCH, PILFER, LIFT, or NICK to be common answers, depending on the letter count and specific puzzle context.
Are there different letter counts for 'purloin' answers?
Yes, answers for 'purloin' can range significantly in length. Common solutions include short words like ROB (3 letters) and LIFT (4 letters), medium ones such as STEAL (5 letters) and PILFER (6 letters), and even longer options like EMBEZZLE (8 letters) or APPROPRIATE (11 letters). Always check the given grid for the exact number of letters needed.
How can I distinguish between similar 'purloin' answers?
When faced with multiple synonyms for 'purloin', pay attention to surrounding letters you've already filled in and the specific context of the clue if any additional hints are provided. For instance, 'filch' implies taking something small or of little value, while 'embezzle' specifically refers to funds entrusted to one's care. If no other clues help, try the most common synonyms first.