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View synonyms for clue

clue

[kloo]

noun

  1. 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
  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. clew.



verb (used with object)

clued, cluing 
  1. to direct or point out by a clue.

  2. 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.”

  3. clew.

verb phrase

  1. clue in

    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 /

noun

  1. something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery

    1. to be completely baffled

    2. to be completely ignorant or incompetent

“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

verb

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

“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

noun

  1. a variant spelling 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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of clue1

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew
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Word History and Origins

Origin of clue1

C15: variant of clew
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That's all we know, along with clues that they were on their knees, it was freezing cold, and whatever happened was "completely legal in this country".

Read more on BBC

You can pick up clues on how resilient they are based on how they tackle problems outside their job.

Read more on MarketWatch

To think otherwise is not to have a clue.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Railcar loadings, business surveys and cardboard-box demand are just some of the things that can offer clues.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Hsieh Mystery: Postmarkings on envelopes are among the few clues attorneys for the tech entrepreneur’s family have found in search for answers about the surprise will.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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