The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word NEARLY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
N
E
A
R
L
Y
More clues leading to the result NEARLY
- Not quite noon? Well before
- Nobleman entering New York? Just about
- Almost sending aristo into a state
- As good as new in the morning
- The end of Corbyn: peer-like? Not quite
- Not quite noon, expected later
- John’s back in good time? Not quite
- Namibian capital undeveloped? Just about!
- Almost get a point too soon
- Almost a point too soon
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Not quite" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case not quite = nearly.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NEARLY mean?
NEARLY adverb- With great scrutiny; carefully.
- With close relation; intimately.
- Closely, in close proximity.
- In close approximation; almost, virtually.
- Stingily.