Clue and Key

Clue

Clue noun - A slight or indirect pointing to something (as a solution or explanation).
Usage example: vainly searched for a clue to the answer
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Synonyms for Clue

Key is a synonym for clue in thing topic. In some cases you can use "Key" instead a noun "Clue", when it comes to topics like hint. popular alternative

Nearby Words: clueless, clued, cluing

Key

Key noun - An explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart.

Clue is a synonym for key in answer topic. You can use "Clue" instead a noun "Key", if it concerns topics such as thing. popular alternative

Nearby Words: keyed, keyboard, keying

How words are described

valuable valuable clue valuable key
musical musical clue musical key
particular particular clue particular key
right right clue right key
Other adjectives: fake, true, single, small, actual, real, big, main, important, new, major, possible, final, minor, hidden, last, different, eponymous, fifth.

Both words in one sentence

  • Series / Jeopardy! Schmuck Bait: Frequently, a clue is written so that it may hint at one answer but then throws in a key word at the last second to negate what would seem like the more sensible answer.
  • If the next chest in the sequence has a padlock, the team gets a clue as to where the key is hidden in the room; if it has a combination lock, they get a clue to help them figure out the combination.
  • Series / Jeopardy! Moon Logic Puzzle: Commonly used, usually by putting a key word in quotes to hint at the right response, or wording the clue so that it mentions something else of an identical name.
Cite this Source
Key and Clue. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/clue/key
Clue & Key. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/clue/key>.
Key or Clue. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/clue/key.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "clue" and "key" have occurred on timeline