View synonyms for clue

clue

[ kloo ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem, mystery, etc.:
It is up to Aurora to piece together the clues and solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.
Synonyms: key, mark, evidence, trace, hint, sign
a phrase or word provided as a hint to help find an answer or response in a crossword puzzle, on a game show, etc.:
The celebrity editor's name was featured as a clue on the long-running quiz show.
an insight into or knowledge about something:
As a kid from the suburbs, Patrick has lived a sheltered life and doesn't have a clue how to survive on his own.
clew ( defs 2, 3, 4, 6 ).

, clued, clu·ing.

to direct or point out by a clue.
to help find (an answer in a puzzle or quiz) by providing a clue:
The four-letter “nose” was clued as “characteristic smell of wine.”
clew ( def 7 ).

1. to provide with useful or reliable information:
  Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.
2. to make familiar or aware:
  Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?

clue

/ kluː /

something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
not to have a clue
1. to be completely baffled
2. to be completely ignorant or incompetent

Discover More

Origin of clue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Discover More

Origin of clue¹

C15: variant of clew

Discover More

The first clue came when police stopped Fawad Saiedi, a drugs profits courier, in 2021.

From BBC

He thinks the pearling probably has a functional purpose, and the new experiments offer a clue.

“Finish 6-6 and just really have no clue what we are?” former USC quarterback Matt Leinart posted on social media.

The bones they found in the sand were a clue that something more was buried beneath the surface.

The length of your fingers may hold a vital clue to your drinking habits, according to a new study.

Browse