secret meetings crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "secret meetings crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "secret meetings crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CABALS: Small, secretive groups of people, often with political motives.
7 Letters
PARLEYS: Discussions or conferences, especially between enemies, implying a discreet or private nature.
9 Letters
CONCLAVES: Private, often secret, meetings, especially for electing a pope or other high official.
10 Letters
RENDEZVOUS: A meeting at an agreed time and place, often secret or clandestine.
More About "secret meetings crossword clue"
"Secret meetings" is a classic crossword clue that can evoke images from spy thrillers to political backrooms. The answers often draw from a rich vocabulary of words that describe clandestine gatherings, plots, or confidential discussions. Understanding the subtle nuances between terms like 'cabal,' 'conclave,' and 'rendezvous' can be key to selecting the correct answer. Crossword setters love these types of clues because they allow for a range of word lengths and can test a solver's knowledge of less common synonyms.
Historically, secret meetings have played a pivotal role in shaping events, from revolutionary plots to high-stakes diplomatic negotiations. The very nature of a "secret meeting" implies an element of discretion, confidentiality, or even conspiracy, making it a compelling subject for cryptic clues and straightforward definitions alike. When you encounter this clue, consider the context of the puzzle – is it political, social, or more about a private arrangement?
Exploring the etymology of these words can also be fascinating. For instance, 'cabal' comes from a Hebrew word related to secret doctrines, while 'conclave' has Latin roots referring to a room locked with a key, emphasizing its enclosed, private nature. Such linguistic depth makes "secret meetings" a perpetually interesting theme for crossword constructors and a satisfying challenge for solvers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always check how many letters the answer requires. This is your most crucial hint for narrowing down possibilities.
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "secret meetings," think about the specific type of secrecy or purpose implied. Is it a sinister plot (cabal), a formal election (conclave), or a simple private arrangement (rendezvous)?
- Look for Cross-References: Pay attention to intersecting words. If you have a few letters from a crossing word, it can significantly help confirm or rule out a potential answer.
- Use Online Tools (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, an online crossword solver can provide options, but try to understand *why* an answer fits. This builds your vocabulary and pattern recognition for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are 'secret meetings' common in crosswords?
Crossword constructors often use phrases like 'secret meetings' due to the variety of synonyms available, allowing for different word lengths and levels of obscurity, making them versatile clues. Words like 'cabal,' 'conclave,' and 'rendezvous' all fit the theme but offer different letter counts and nuances.
What's the difference between a 'cabal' and a 'conclave'?
A 'cabal' typically refers to a small, secret group of people, often with an illicit or political agenda, plotting in secret. A 'conclave' is also a secret meeting, but it is often for a formal purpose like an election, most famously associated with the election of a Pope, and implies a more structured, though still private, gathering.
How can I find synonyms for 'secret meetings' for my crossword?
To find synonyms for 'secret meetings,' consider the specific context the clue implies. Is it a political plot (cabal), a diplomatic negotiation (parley), or just a discreet arrangement (rendezvous)? Using a thesaurus, an online dictionary, or a dedicated crossword solver can provide a list of options based on the number of letters you need.