Cheated (7) Crossword Clue Answer and Explanation
Answer: STIFFED
The answer to the crossword clue "Cheated (7)" is STIFFED. This seven-letter word perfectly captures the meaning of being cheated, particularly in contexts involving being denied payment or being deceived in a transaction.
Understanding STIFFED: Complete Word Analysis
STIFFED serves as both the past tense and past participle of the verb "stiff," meaning to cheat someone out of money or fail to pay what is owed. When someone gets stiffed, they've been cheated out of expected compensation, making this crossword answer particularly fitting for the clue "Cheated (7)."
The word commonly appears in informal contexts, especially when describing situations where service workers, contractors, or business partners don't receive promised payment. Understanding this meaning helps crossword solvers recognize why STIFFED works so well as a synonym for "cheated."
Alternative Crossword Clues for STIFFED
Experienced crossword solvers might encounter STIFFED with various clue phrasings:
- "Didn't pay, informally (7)"
- "Left without a tip (7)"
- "Cheated out of payment (7)"
- "Failed to compensate (7)"
- "Shortchanged (7)"
Recognizing these alternative formulations improves solving speed and accuracy across different puzzle styles and difficulty levels.
Related Words and Synonyms
Understanding synonyms enhances crossword solving abilities:
- SWINDLED (8 letters) - more formal equivalent
- CONNED (6 letters) - similar informal tone
- BILKED (6 letters) - focuses on deceptive theft
- DUPED (5 letters) - emphasizes trickery aspect
- FLEECED (7 letters) - alternative seven-letter option
Each synonym carries slightly different connotations, but STIFFED specifically emphasizes the payment aspect of being cheated.
Cheated (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Is STIFFED always related to money when used as a crossword answer?
A: While primarily financial, STIFFED can broadly mean "cheated" in various contexts, though monetary situations remain most common.
Q: What makes this a good crossword answer compared to other 7-letter words meaning "cheated"?
A: STIFFED offers excellent letter patterns for crossing words, uses common letters, and represents contemporary language that most solvers recognize.
Q: Could other words fit this clue pattern?
A: While alternatives exist, STIFFED's specific meaning and letter structure make it the most likely intended answer for "Cheated (7)."
