clue

[ kloo ]

/ klu /

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See synonyms for: clue / clues on Thesaurus.com

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.

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. 2-4, 6).

verb (used with object), 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).

Verb Phrases

clue in,

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

OTHER WORDS FOR clue

1 sign, hint, trace, evidence, mark, key.

See synonyms for clue on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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Origin of clue

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Words nearby clue

club steak, club wheat, clubwoman, cluck, clucky, clue, clued-up, clue in, clueless, Cluj, Cluj-Napoca

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use clue in a sentence

It is literally on the infotainment screen, which is the clue that this is no ordinary volume knob.
Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E is an important leap into the future|Dan Carney|February 12, 2021|Popular-Science
In most cases, flattened vegetation and scattered hairs provided the team with clues of where the wolf had waited.
Wolves use ambush tactics to hunt unsuspecting beavers|Kate Baggaley|February 12, 2021|Popular-Science
When Timmerman wanted to restock a set of teaspoons, she hadn’t a clue as to manufacturer or pattern name, and the spoons had no discernible markings.
Replacing pieces of flatware or china can be a challenge. Here’s how to track them down.|Laura Daily|February 11, 2021|Washington Post
Those levels indicate where in the brain nerve cells are active, thus giving clues about mental processes.
Can privacy coexist with technology that reads and changes brain activity?|Laura Sanders|February 11, 2021|Science News

Hedge funds have started to build algorithms or hire outside firms that specialize in scanning conversations on Reddit and Twitter for clues about what retail traders are thinking.
How the rich got richer: Reddit trading frenzy benefited Wall Street elite|Douglas MacMillan, Yeganeh Torbati|February 8, 2021|Washington Post
A cynic might say that the report is like the movie Clue, perfectly set up for a multiplicity of endings.
New York’s Conservative Fracking Ban|Jay Michaelson|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The worship that holds you for a few hours a week becomes, then, the clue to that deep truth inside.
Joseph Campbell on the Roots of Halloween|Joseph Campbell|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The strongest clue is that piece of metal his wife chanced upon 23 years ago.
How Amelia's Plane Was Found|Michael Daly|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This particular bit of airplane was vivid with the possibility that it was a significant clue.
How Amelia's Plane Was Found|Michael Daly|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Martin was up on some of the more difficult passages, but managed to guess the wrong character from the clue of “Hodor!”
Amy Poehler and George R.R. Martin Play Game of ‘Game of Thrones’|Alex Chancey|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
An estimation of the solids, therefore, furnishes an important clue to the functional efficiency of the kidneys.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
At last the report of several rifles from the island of trees gave us a clue to the mystery.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
If the finder knows who the owner is or has a reasonable clue to the ownership, which he disregards, he is guilty of larceny.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
If we knew more of it, we should see more clearly where religion and morality joined hands, but we know enough to give us a clue.
The Religion of Ancient Rome|Cyril Bailey
He sat down at a table near the door and searched the minds of the dancers for a clue to the meaning of what he saw.
The Man from Time|Frank Belknap Long

British Dictionary definitions for clue

clue

/ (kluː) /

noun

something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery

not to have a clue

to be completely baffled
to be completely ignorant or incompetent

verb clues, cluing or clued

(tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information

noun, verb

a variant spelling of clew

Word Origin for clue

C15: variant of clew

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

clue

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Origin of clue

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British Dictionary definitions for clue

Word Origin for clue