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
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
Both words in one sentence
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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.
Source: Series / Jeopardy! - 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.
Source: Series / Dasshutsu Game DERO! -
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.
Source: Series / Jeopardy!
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