Deliberately contrary WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? P
2 ? E
3 ? R
4 ? V
5 ? E
6 ? R
7 ? S
8 ? E
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Your Answer 8 Letter
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      Hint 1

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      Think of someone who insists on taking the road less traveled, even when it's not the best choice.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ???????? means showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave unreasonably or unacceptably.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The word '????????' describes a willful desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in opposition to what is expected or desired. 'Deliberately contrary' captures this essence, as it implies intentional opposition to norms or expectations.

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Deliberately contrary” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated December 18 2025, the definitive 8-letter answer is: PERVERSE.

      Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

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      Deliberately contrary Crossword Clue