There are
crossword clues
that jump out at you, clear as a bell, and then there are those that make you pause, stare at the grid, and feel the delightful tug of your brain stretching. The very best of them manage to be both deceptively simple and wonderfully complex, inviting a deeper dive into the nuances of language. This week, our spotlight falls on a ten-letter challenge: “Acquitted (10).”
At first glance, it seems straightforward enough. “Acquitted” is a word we all understand, deeply rooted in legal contexts. It conjures images of courtrooms, judges, and the profound relief of a verdict delivered. The (10) length indicator is incredibly helpful, immediately narrowing the field of possibilities. But as any seasoned
crossword clue
solver knows, even the most seemingly direct clues can hide layers of linguistic trickery, demanding precision and a wide-ranging vocabulary.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like “Acquitted (10),” the initial instinct is to brainstorm synonyms. What words come to mind that mean someone has been declared not guilty, or free from blame? We might think of “cleared,” “exonerated,” “vindicated,” or “absolved.” The challenge, of course, is that none of these common synonyms fit the ten-letter requirement. This is where the true art of the
crossword puzzle
begins, forcing us to dig deeper into the less common, yet equally valid, corners of the lexicon.
This particular
crossword clue
leans heavily into its legal implications. When a word is so strongly associated with a specific domain, it often hints that the answer might also belong to that same world, or at least be a term frequently used within it. Is there a more formal, perhaps slightly archaic, or specifically legal term for being acquitted that stretches to ten letters? This kind of associative thinking is crucial for unraveling complex
crossword clues
.
The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
like “Acquitted (10)” lies in its ability to send you down multiple linguistic rabbit holes. You might consider words that imply release from custody, or words that suggest a complete and utter clearing of one’s name, leaving no doubt whatsoever. The precise shade of meaning matters immensely. Is it merely about being found “not guilty,” or does it imply a more profound exoneration, a vindication that wipes the slate entirely clean? Different synonyms carry different connotations, and the discerning solver knows to weigh these subtleties.
For many, the joy of the daily
crossword puzzle
comes from this very process: the initial assessment, the exploration of common meanings, the frustration when obvious answers don’t fit, and finally, the triumphant “aha!” moment when the less obvious, yet perfectly fitting, word clicks into place. “Acquitted (10)” is a prime example of a
crossword clue
that guides you through this satisfying intellectual journey, sharpening your lexical skills and reinforcing the incredible richness of the English language. It’s a clue that rewards patience, a broad vocabulary, and a willingness to explore beyond the most common responses.
Available Answers:
EXONERATED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 5 July 2025