stratagem crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "stratagem crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "stratagem crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PLOY: A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.
RUSE: An action intended to deceive someone; a trick.
5 Letters
TRICK: A cunning or skillful act or scheme intended to deceive or outwit someone.
6 Letters
SCHEME: A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object.
TACTIC: An action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end.
8 Letters
ARTIFICE: Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others.
MANEUVER: A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care, often implying a planned and deceptive action.
More About "stratagem crossword"
The term 'stratagem' in crosswords is a classic clue that tests your vocabulary related to clever plans, deceptions, and strategic moves. It’s often used to prompt answers that convey a sense of a calculated action designed to outwit an opponent or achieve a specific goal, sometimes through less-than-obvious means.
Understanding the nuances between synonyms like 'ploy,' 'ruse,' and 'scheme' is crucial. While they all point to a clever plan, the subtle differences in their connotations can be the key to cracking the puzzle. 'Ploy' often suggests a playful or less serious trick, 'ruse' implies a deliberate deception, and 'scheme' can range from a simple plan to a more complex, sometimes illicit, plot.
When you encounter 'stratagem' as a clue, consider the number of letters required first. Then, think about any intersecting letters you already have filled in. This can quickly narrow down the possibilities from the list of common answers like those provided above. Keep in mind that older puzzles might favor certain synonyms over newer ones, but generally, the core meaning remains consistent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: For 'stratagem,' consider if the clue has a negative, neutral, or even playful tone. This can sometimes guide you to the exact synonym. For example, a 'cunning stratagem' might lean towards 'RUSE' or 'ARTIFICE'.
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the required number of letters. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit the grid.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your strongest hints for confirming potential answers for 'stratagem'.
- Think of Verbs and Nouns: Sometimes a clue like 'stratagem' can lead to a noun (the plan itself) or a verb (to plan cleverly). Always consider both parts of speech if the clue is ambiguous.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'stratagem' in a crossword clue?
In a crossword, 'stratagem' typically refers to a cunning plan, a trick, or a deceptive maneuver designed to achieve a goal. It often hints at words like PLOY, RUSE, SCHEME, or TACTIC.
How can I distinguish between similar 'stratagem' answers like 'ploy' and 'ruse'?
While both 'PLOY' and 'RUSE' mean a trick, 'PLOY' often suggests a clever or strategic move to gain an advantage, whereas 'RUSE' more strictly implies a deceptive action or a trick to mislead. The number of letters and intersecting letters in your puzzle will be key.
Are there longer crossword answers for 'stratagem'?
Yes, longer answers for 'stratagem' can include words like 'ARTIFICE' (8 letters) which refers to clever tricks or cunning devices, or 'MANEUVER' (8 letters) implying a skillful, planned movement or scheme. The specific context of the clue or other known letters will help narrow down the possibilities.