Enter a clue, a pattern, or both to find solutions.
Cryptic Helper
Click to track progress.
- □ Anagram: Letters rearranged (mixed, upset).
- □ Hidden Word: Answer inside the clue text.
- □ Reversal: Word spelled backwards.
- □ Homophone: Sound-alike word.
- □ Container: Word inside another.
- □ Charade: Words joined together.
Tips for UK Crosswords
- Quick Crosswords: Focus on synonyms. Use pattern matching heavily.
- Cryptic Crosswords: Look for two parts: definition and wordplay.
- Plurals: UK crosswords usually use 'S' endings. Watch for 'ISE' vs 'IZE'.
- Popular Puzzles: The Guardian, The Times, and Telegraph styles vary slightly.
How to use this crossword clue calculator
Enter a clue
Start by typing the definition part of the clue into the "Clue" box. The calculator finds synonyms that fit your meaning.
Add known letters (pattern)
This is the most powerful feature. If you know a few letters, enter them. Use a question mark (?) for unknowns, like "A?PLE".
Filter by word length
Most crosswords give the answer length in brackets (e.g., (7)). Enter this to ignore words of wrong length.
Tips for UK crosswords (Quick and Cryptic)
Solving UK crosswords requires a blend of general knowledge and vocabulary. For Quick Crosswords, rely on this tool to find synonyms. For Cryptic Crosswords, use the tool to verify words derived from wordplay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to solve a difficult crossword clue?
Combine the clue definition with the letter pattern. Always check cross letters.
Can I use this for the Daily Mail or Mirror Quick?
Yes. This tool uses a dictionary suitable for British English.
How do I handle hyphenated answers?
If the enumeration has a hyphen (3-4), try searching for the two parts separately.
Does the tool save my data?
No. Your searches are processed instantly. History is stored locally on your device.