FAQs
A crossword (or crossword puzzle) is a word game consisting of a grid of black and white squares, into which solvers enter words or phrases ("entries") crossing each other horizontally ("across") and vertically ("down") according to a set of clues.
What are the clues in a crossword puzzle? ›
Clue: A crossword clue is a hint that the solver must decipher to find the answer that is then entered into the puzzle grid. Clues are not necessarily dictionary definitions; they can involve puns, anagrams and other types of wordplay.
What to do when you're stuck on a crossword? ›
The more answers you fill in, the easier it'll be to make an educated guess. Once you have more than half of the crossword filled in, look at which "squares" in the puzzle are missing a letter. Then, check which clue the answer corresponds to. Now you can use deductive reasoning to determine the answer.
What are cryptic crossword puzzles? ›
Cryptic crossword puzzles come in two main types: the basic cryptic in which each clue answer is entered into the diagram normally, and themed or variety cryptics, in which some or all of the answers must be altered before entering, usually in accordance with a hidden pattern or rule which must be discovered by the ...
Are crosswords good for your brain? ›
Crosswords may help with a brain function called fluency, or word finding. Fluency is a type of process based in the speech and language centers of the brain. But watch out: Only crosswords that challenge you can help your brain improve its function.
What does () mean in crossword? ›
The brackets usually indicate an indirect reference. The true clue is basically "What keeping your fingers crossed means", "This clue's answer is shorthand for 'over here!'", " It's a physical indication of 'Just like that'", or "'Just kidding!'
Is there a trick to crossword puzzles? ›
Tackle the easiest clues first.
Scan through the clues, and knock out all the easiest ones. Not only will this give your gameplay some structure, but also it'll give you an ego boost! Typically, fill-in-the-blank clues are the easiest. For example: “___ of Oz.”
What is the hardest day for crossword puzzle clue? ›
The crosswords are designed to increase in difficulty throughout the week, with the easiest on Monday and the most difficult on Saturday. The larger Sunday crossword, which appears in The New York Times Magazine, is an icon in American culture; it is typically intended to be as difficult as a Thursday puzzle.
How to decipher crossword clues? ›
8 powerful ways to solve cryptic crossword puzzles
- Look for “anagram” clues. ...
- Consider whether a word needs to be reversed. ...
- Find the hidden answer indicator. ...
- Double definition. ...
- Soudalike. ...
- Don't take clues literally. ...
- Use previous crosswords to improve. ...
- Acrostic clues.
Can dyslexics do crosswords? ›
If you have dyslexia, there's no need to avoid hard puzzles and word games any longer. There are many educational apps and online games that will help teach reading, spelling, and much more in a playful setting — while providing beneficial practice for dealing with dyslexia.
Force = f, n. Former = ex. Fort = ft. French = fr.
What is a rebus in crossword? ›
A rebus in a crossword is a specific square in which multiple letters should be input to form part of the solution. For example a player may see squares for 5-letters to be input, but the final square could contain a word or multiple letters instead of just one letter.
What is the most used word in crossword puzzles? ›
Don't be intimidated by crossword puzzles. “ERA” is the most common entry in crosswords, as well as “ARE,” “AREA,” and “ORE.” If a clue is in plural, the word will probably end in “S.” “Cheating” by checking a letter or word is encouraged if you're stuck.
What is the most famous crossword puzzle? ›
The most famous Schrödinger puzzle, and maybe the most famous crossword puzzle in American history, was published on the morning of Election Day in 1996.
What is a hidden word in crossword? ›
How Can You Tell It's a Hidden Word Clue? Often, hidden word clues have a "tip-off" word. For example, the clue might have the word "contained” in it. That could mean that a portion of the clue "contains" the answer, which is the hidden word.
What is the word game down and across? ›
Down & Across is a fast, competitive word game for anyone who loves Scrabble or Bananagrams. Draw your letter tiles, roll the clue dice, and be the first person to come up with a two-word crossword to fit the clues! Great for the whole family!
How to play across and down? ›
Across and Down is a single-player variation of the classic letter tile board games. Spell words vertically and horizontally to score the most points. Start out at the easiest level, and work your way up. Can you beat all ten levels?
What are cross words? ›
cross·word ˈkrȯs-ˌwərd. : a puzzle in which words are filled into a pattern of numbered squares in answer to correspondingly numbered clues and in such a way that the words read across and down.