Cryptic Solver
Find the definition
Separate the straight definition from the clue's surface reading before committing to an answer.
Cryptic crossword solver
Parse the clue, not just the answer.
Solve cryptic crossword clues with a defensible explanation for the definition, wordplay, indicators, answer length, known letters, and confidence level.
Built fordefensible cryptic parsing
Definition, wordplay, enumeration, and known letters are checked before confidence is assigned.
?
Awaiting a clue
The result will appear here with a defensible parse and confidence level.
How it works
Built around verifiable clue mechanics.
Parse the wordplay
Check indicators, fodder, reversals, insertions, deletions, and other cryptic mechanisms.
Verify the answer
Compare enumeration and known letters, then calibrate confidence instead of guessing.
Cryptic clue guide
A crossword clue solver for the way cryptics actually work.
A strong cryptic answer needs more than a dictionary match. The clue should contain a direct definition and fair wordplay, with indicators that explain how the answer is built. Cryptic Solver is designed around that standard: it gives you the answer, but also shows why the answer fits.
Enter the clue as written
Include punctuation and the enumeration if you have it, such as (4) or (3,5).
Add constraints
Known letters like _O_E help reject plausible answers that do not fit your crossword grid.
Check the parse
Use the explanation, clue type, indicators, and confidence score to decide whether the solution is fair.
Supported clue types
Help for common cryptic crossword clue patterns.
Use the solver as a cryptic crossword helper when you suspect a mechanism but need a second pass on the wordplay.
Anagram clues
Looks for scrambled fodder and indicators such as mixed, broken, wild, or oddly arranged.
Hidden word clues
Checks whether the answer is concealed across the clue text before overcomplicating the parse.
Reversal clues
Tests backwards readings and reversal indicators, especially in across or down clue contexts.
Charade clues
Combines smaller wordplay pieces into a candidate answer, then checks the definition and length.
Container clues
Identifies insertion language where one fragment goes inside another to build the answer.
Deletion clues
Handles missing letters, heartless words, shortened forms, and other subtraction-based wordplay.
Example explanations
Cryptic clue examples with answer logic.
These examples show the kind of verification a good cryptic crossword clue parser should provide.
Clue
NOTEMixed tone gives message (4)
Mixed signals an anagram of TONE. The definition is message, and the enumeration confirms four letters.
Clue
EVILBackward live becomes wicked (4)
Live reversed gives EVIL. Backward is the reversal indicator and wicked is the definition.
Clue
DARINGChallenging sweetheart heartlessly (6)
A deletion-style clue can point to removing central letters while checking the surface definition.
FAQ
Cryptic crossword solver questions.
Quick answers for solvers using the tool as a crossword clue helper.
What does this cryptic crossword solver do?
It proposes an answer and explains the likely definition, clue type, wordplay indicators, verification steps, and confidence level.
Can I use known letters or an answer length?
Yes. Add the answer length and any known letters to narrow the parse and reject answers that do not fit the grid.
Does it only solve anagrams?
No. It is designed to reason through common cryptic mechanisms including anagrams, hidden words, reversals, charades, containers, and deletions.
Should I trust every answer?
Treat the result as a reasoned clue explanation, not a final authority. The confidence label and verification steps help you decide whether the parse is defensible.