secretive crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues. If you're stuck on "secretive crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills!
Solutions for "secretive crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
COVERT: Hidden or disguised, often implying a secret or clandestine operation. This is a common synonym for secretive.
7 Letters
FURTIVE: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive. This word strongly implies a hidden or secretive action.
PRIVATE: Not for the use of the public; restricted to a specific person or group, implying something kept secret or personal.
8 Letters
STEALTHY: Behaving, done, or made in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard. Often used for actions that are secretive and quiet.
11 Letters
CLANDESTINE: Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit. This word carries a strong connotation of illegality or disapproval for the secretive act.
13 Letters
SURREPTITIOUS: Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of. Similar to clandestine, but can apply to a broader range of secretly done actions.
More About "secretive crossword clue"
The term "secretive" is a rich source for crossword setters, as it boasts a wide array of synonyms, each with slightly different nuances. When you encounter this clue, think about the context. Is it implying something hidden from view, something done in secret, or someone who keeps their thoughts to themselves? For instance, "COVERT" often refers to operations, while "FURTIVE" describes behavior. Understanding these subtle differences can be the key to selecting the correct answer among several possibilities.
Crossword constructors love to play on these nuances. A "secretive" clue might be direct, or it might be phrased metaphorically, requiring you to think about actions or characteristics that imply secrecy. Always consider the letter count you need, as this will significantly narrow down the potential answers. Don't be afraid to try out answers that fit the length, and then verify if they logically align with the clue's meaning.
Beyond simple synonyms, consider related concepts like privacy, discretion, and hidden intentions. Sometimes, the clue might be a verb ("keeping mum") or an adverb ("on the sly") rather than a direct adjective, so always be prepared for variations in part of speech as well.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Does "secretive" imply an action (like "stealthy"), a state (like "private"), or a quality (like "clandestine")? This can help you pick the most precise synonym.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to eliminate unlikely answers and confirm the correct one.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Crosswords often recycle popular synonyms for common clues. Familiarize yourself with words like COVERT, FURTIVE, and STEALTHY, as they appear frequently.
- Look for Specificity: Sometimes "secretive" clues hint at specific types of secrecy (e.g., illegal, military, personal). This can guide you to a more precise answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'secretive' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Secretive' in crosswords often points to words related to hiding, concealment, or actions done in a surreptitious manner. It suggests a deliberate effort to keep something private or unknown, distinguishing it from merely 'unknown' or 'shy'.
How is 'secretive' different from 'shy' or 'mysterious' in crossword answers?
While related, 'secretive' implies active concealment (e.g., 'COVERT', 'FURTIVE'). 'Shy' refers to timidity or nervousness (e.g., 'BASHFUL', 'RESERVED'). 'Mysterious' relates to something unknown or difficult to understand (e.g., 'ENIGMATIC', 'ARCANE'). Crosswords often test these subtle distinctions in synonyms.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'secretive' answers?
Yes, look out for common word components that suggest secrecy. Words beginning with 'UN-' (as in 'UNDISCLOSED'), 'SUB-' (as in 'SUBTERFUGE'), or words ending in '-TIVE' (like 'FURTIVE') are common. Context and letter count are always key.