prevaricate crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on "prevaricate 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 get you unstuck and back to enjoying your puzzle.
Solutions for "prevaricate crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LIE: To speak untruthfully or evade the truth directly.
FIB: A trivial or minor lie; to tell such a lie.
5 Letters
EVADE: To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery, often implying dodging the truth.
DODGE: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement, or to avoid a duty or responsibility.
7 Letters
QUIBBLE: To argue or raise objections about a trivial matter, often to avoid the main issue.
10 Letters
EQUIVOCATE: To use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself.
More About "prevaricate crossword"
The clue "prevaricate" often appears in crosswords to test a solver's vocabulary related to dishonesty, evasion, and indirect communication. While it directly means to speak or act in an evasive way, its crossword solutions frequently lean towards more common synonyms like 'LIE' or 'FIB'. However, for longer answers, the puzzle might seek more sophisticated terms such as 'EQUIVOCATE' or 'QUIBBLE', which imply a more deliberate attempt to obscure the truth rather than a direct falsehood.
Understanding the nuances of these words is key. 'Prevaricate' suggests a sidestepping of direct answers, often through ambiguity or distraction, rather than a bold, outright fabrication. This characteristic is reflected in answers like 'EVADE' or 'DODGE', highlighting the act of avoiding direct confrontation with the truth. Crossword setters love these types of clues because they allow for a range of answers depending on the required length and context, pushing solvers to think beyond the most obvious synonyms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always begin by counting the exact number of squares for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for words like "prevaricate."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing clues. This is often the quickest way to confirm the correct answer from a list of synonyms.
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "prevaricate," think about the subtle differences between similar words. Is the clue implying a direct lie (LIE), a minor fib (FIB), or a more sophisticated avoidance of truth (EQUIVOCATE)?
- Look for Clue Indicators: Sometimes, the clue itself might hint at the word's form (e.g., "Prevaricating..." suggests a verb ending in -ING).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'prevaricate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'prevaricate' refers to speaking or acting in an evasive way, or avoiding the truth. Common answers include synonyms like LIE, FIB, EVADE, DODGE, QUIBBLE, or EQUIVOCATE, depending on the letter count.
Why are there multiple answers for a single crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple potential answers because many words share similar meanings or fit the context depending on the puzzle's specific theme or letter patterns. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required and the intersecting words already filled in.
How can I quickly find the right 'prevaricate' answer in my crossword?
To find the right answer quickly, first count the number of boxes available for the word. Then, check any intersecting letters you already have filled in from other clues. Match these with the possible solutions provided on this page, considering the explanations for a perfect fit.