13 Words That Will Help You Solve Almost Any Crossword Puzzle
Updated: Mar. 13, 2019Brush up on your crosswordese—those three- to five-letter, vowel-heavy words that frequently fill your puzzle grid.
Épée
Unless you’re a fencing aficionado, you might be unfamiliar with this word that frequently shows up in crossword puzzle answers. It’s the term for the practice sword used in competitive duelling that has a protective, blunted knob on the end. Look for clues that refer to blades, swords, or rapiers. You’ll also find references to fencing sports or Olympic events. En garde!
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Oreo
What’s known as North America’s favourite cookie? This popular cookie shows up a lot in crossword puzzle answers. You’ll also see it in longer answers like “Oreo thins.” Look for clues that refer to a diet version of the cookie, like “lo-cal” or “calorie-conscious.” Clues like “twistable treat” or any variation that refers to the cookie’s crème filling, black-and-white quality, or dip-ability in milk.
Area
This noun has several definitions, beyond the obvious. It’s a surface unit, but it’s also a field of study. In that sense, crossword puzzle clues can skew in different directions to stretch your mind. You’ll see area clued in straightforward ways such as “space,” “zone” or “land measure,” but prepare to think out of the box as well. It can be clued as “strength” (as in a specialty) or “realm” (a fancy way to specify an area).
Erie
Erie is a Pennsylvania port town and also a Great Lake. You’ll find clues that reference its location or refer to a canal, river, lake, or area. Be on the lookout for word plays about the Great Lakes like “One of a ‘Great’ quintet.” The capital G will let you know you’re looking for a proper noun.
Alee
This nautical term is the opposite of “aweather” or the windward position, usually on a ship. The lee side is sheltered and away from the storm. You’ll see clues for this word referencing all things nautical and weather-focused. Crossword puzzles clues for alee can also refer to shelter and protection like “on the safe side” and “away from the storm.”
Eland
An eland is a type of African antelope known for its spiralled horns. You’ll see it clued in straightforward ways, but keep on the lookout for clues mentioning its African or Serengeti location, or occasionally to zoos. Pay attention to horn descriptions and related creatures like gazelles and impalas.
Oleo
Oleo is a somewhat old-fashioned word for butter or margarine that you’ll sometimes see in recipes. Look for clues that reference butter, margarine, or cooking oil. It can be clued in such ways to make you think outside the box, as in “it may be on a roll” or “sub in a tub.” You’ll also see it simply as “toast spread,” or “butter alternative.”
Eider
Eider is great crossword puzzle fill because it has three vowels in addition to two common consonants. Usually, you’ll hear about down pillows and not comforters filled with eider, which is a type of duck that has soft feathers. You’ll see clues related to pillow stuffing, types of ducks, waterfowl and even clues like “pond denizen” or “where to get down.”
Etui
Are you familiar with the French word for “shut up” or “keep,” as in encase? An étui is a small case, usually for cosmetics or sewing needles. The English version refers to any small case that’s ornamental. You’ll come across clues that refer to a “thread holder” or “sewing case.” Also, look for clues referring to a small bag, a toiletry case, or a small carrier for notions and such.
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Eno
Brian Eno was a keyboardist from Roxy Music, collaborated with David Bowie, and is also known for ambient music that shows up in airports. He’s also a popular crossword puzzle clue because of the elegant three-letter combination of his last name. Look for related clues about music composing and producing.
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Smee
You must remember Captain Hook’s gentle sidekick, the pirate Smee. Look for clues that refer to Hook, Peter Pan, or J. M. Barrie, who wrote that play and novel. The word can also refer to a little-known kind of duck, so keep your eyes peeled for waterbird types of clues too.
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Ott
Mel Ott is a famous Baseball Hall of Famer who played for the New York Giants. You’ll see him clued in a variety of ways that play on those statuses. Look for mentions of Cooperstown, New York (the location of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum), and references to his team, such as “Giant among Giants.” The capital G should clue you in that you’re looking at a proper name. You’ll also find straightforward clues like “slugger Mel.”
Time to put these crossword cheats to the test—try your hand at our Daily Crossword!
