Homophone indicator

reportedly

“reportedly” is a homophone indicator in cryptic crosswords.

The wordplay points to a word that sounds the same when spoken aloud. Homophones use the imagery of hearing, speech, and broadcasting.

Clue types
Homophone
Subtlety
moderate
Part of speech
adverb
Themes
sound
Worked example

Visitor reportedly took a guess (5)

Answer: GUEST

Definition: "Visitor". "took a guess" gives the word GUESSED. "reportedly" signals a homophone — say GUESSED aloud. Spoken that way it sounds like GUEST, our visitor.


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