“Word for word” is one of those crossword clues that appears again and again — and the answer is almost always the same nine-letter word. If you are staring at it right now, here is the answer, why it fits, and how to be sure before you write it in.
The Answer: VERBATIM
The most common answer to the crossword clue “word for word” is VERBATIM.
Verbatim literally means “in exactly the same words” — it is the dictionary definition of the phrase “word for word.” Crossword setters love it because it is a clean, unambiguous 9-letter answer that fits neatly into grids.
So if your grid has a 9-letter slot for “word for word,” write in VERBATIM with confidence.
Why VERBATIM Fits So Perfectly
Good crossword answers match their clues precisely, and this is a textbook case:
- Definition match: “verbatim” is defined as “word for word; in exactly the same words as were used originally.”
- Letter count: 9 letters — the most common slot length for this clue.
- Setter favourite: it contains a nice mix of common and less-common letters (V, B, M), making it useful for grid construction, so it appears frequently.
Other Possible Answers
Occasionally the clue points elsewhere depending on the letter count:
- LITERAL (7 letters) — “word for word” can also mean literal, as in a literal translation. If your slot has 7 squares, LITERAL is likely.
- EXACT (5 letters) — rarer, but possible in small slots.
Always let the letter count decide: 9 letters → VERBATIM; 7 letters → LITERAL.
How to Confirm With Crossings
Before inking it in, verify with your crossing answers:
- Check the letter count against the number of squares.
- Fill in any crossing answers you already know — do their letters match V-E-R-B-A-T-I-M in the right positions?
- If even one crossing letter conflicts, reconsider: you may have the wrong crossing answer, or the setter wants LITERAL.
This thirty-second check is the difference between a clean solve and a grid with an error hiding in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the answer to “word for word” in a crossword?
The standard answer is VERBATIM (9 letters). If the slot has 7 letters, the answer is usually LITERAL.
Why is the answer VERBATIM?
Because “verbatim” is defined as “word for word” — in exactly the same words. It is a direct definition match, which is why setters use it so often.
Could the answer be something other than VERBATIM?
Yes, depending on length. LITERAL (7 letters) is the main alternative. Always check the number of squares first.
How do I know if VERBATIM is right for my puzzle?
Count the squares (9 is the giveaway) and check your crossing letters. If crossings confirm V, E, R, B, A, T, I, M in position, it is correct.
Final Thoughts
“Word for word” → VERBATIM is one of the most reliable clue-answer pairs in crosswords. Memorise it, and you will never lose time on this clue again.
For more crossword help, see our Dan Word crossword solver guide — and warm up with our free daily Plusword puzzle.