The crossword clue “in a way” is usually a hint that the answer will be a loosely or approximately true version of the main idea, often using words like “sort of,” “ish,” or a specific example rather than a direct definition.

Common Answer Patterns

When you see “in a way” as a clue by itself or tacked onto the end of a clue (e.g., “Different, in a way”), popular answers include:

  • ISH (3)
  • SORTA (5)
  • SORTOF (6)
  • KINDOF (6)
  • OFSORTS (7)
  • SOTOSPEAK (9)

These all signal “approximately” or “kind of,” which is exactly what “in a way” is doing in clue-speak.

What “in a way” Is Telling You

Solvers and constructors often describe “in a way” as:

  • A signal that the clue is generic , but the answer is one specific way that thing could be done.
    • Example from discussion: “Patronizes, in a way” → EATS AT, SHOPS AT, STAYS AT, etc.
  • A nudge to think laterally , not just the most obvious dictionary definition.
  • Softer than a “?” clue: there is some wordplay or narrowing of meaning, but it’s not a full-on joke or pun.

So if the clue is “Helps, in a way,” you might think of one concrete way to help (AIDS, LENDS A HAND, etc.), not the abstract word “helps.”

How To Use This As a Solver

When you hit “…, in a way”:

  1. Identify the broad action in the clue (“supports,” “patronizes,” “includes,” “hears,” etc.).
  1. Brainstorm specific behaviors that fit that action:
    • “Supports, in a way” → PROPS UP, VOTES FOR, CHEERS ON.
    • “Includes online, in a way” (actual NYT style clue) might point to actions like TAGS, EMAILS, or ADDS TO LIST, depending on the grid.
  1. Check:
    • Letter count.
    • Cross letters.
    • Whether the answer feels like “one way of doing that thing,” not the concept itself.

Mini SEO Notes (for “in a way crossword clue”)

If you’re writing about this topic or searching again:

  • Focus phrases that work well:
    • “in a way crossword clue”
    • “what does ‘in a way’ mean in crosswords”
    • “answers like SORTA, ISH, OFSORTS in a way clue”
  • Many current crossword-help sites list “ISH,” “SORTA,” “SORT OF,” “KIND OF,” “OF SORTS,” and “SO TO SPEAK” as standard fills tied to this clue wording.

TL;DR: In crossword land, “in a way” usually means “kind of / approximately” and tells you to look for either a hedge word (ISH, SORTA, OFSORTS, SOTOSPEAK) or a specific example of the broad action in the clue, not the straight dictionary definition.

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