up to now crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "up to now," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions categorized by their length, along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "up to now crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
YET: Means up to this point or until now, often used in a sense of continuing or completing something.
7 Letters
ASOFYET: Means up to the present moment, indicating current status or what has transpired until now.
TILLNOW: A direct synonym for 'until now' or 'up to this time'.
8 Letters
HITHERTO: Means until this time or up to this point, often used in more formal contexts.
10 Letters
HERETOFORE: Means up to this time or before now, typically implying a previous state or action.
More About "up to now crossword clue"
The clue "up to now" is a common temporal indicator in crosswords, pointing towards words that signify a period extending from the past right into the present. Such clues test your vocabulary for synonyms that convey immediacy or ongoing status, often drawing from formal or archaic language as well as everyday terms.
Understanding these time-related phrases is crucial. While shorter answers like "YET" are frequent go-tos due to their versatility, longer, more formal options like "HITHERTO" or "HERETOFORE" also appear, requiring solvers to consider the formality and exact nuance of the words.
When you encounter "up to now," think about what has already occurred and what is still currently valid. The specific number of letters will be your strongest hint, guiding you to the precise word needed to complete your puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all synonyms: For time-related clues, brainstorm not just direct synonyms but also phrases that imply the same temporal scope, like "as yet," "so far," or "until this moment."
- Check word length carefully: The number of letters is paramount. Even if you think of a perfect synonym, it won't fit if the letter count is off. Always match your potential answer to the grid's requirements.
- Utilize crossing letters: If you're unsure, solve intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from other words will often provide crucial hints for "up to now," revealing missing letters that confirm or deny your guesses.
- Think about formality: Some answers for "up to now" (e.g., HERETOFORE, HITHERTO) are more formal than others (e.g., YET). The overall tone of the puzzle or other clues might give a hint as to the expected register.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'up to now' mean in a crossword context?
'Up to now' in a crossword clue typically refers to a point in time extending from the past to the present moment. It often seeks synonyms like 'hitherto,' 'as yet,' or 'so far,' indicating a current status or something that has transpired until the present.
Are there common short answers for 'up to now' clues?
Yes, a very common short answer for 'up to now' or similar clues is 'YET'. This three-letter word frequently fits and directly conveys the meaning of 'up to this point' or 'so far' in many puzzles.
How can I figure out the correct word length for 'up to now'?
The length of the answer for 'up to now' will depend entirely on the specific crossword puzzle. Always check the number of boxes provided in the grid for that particular clue. This will narrow down your options significantly from the list of possible synonyms.