The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word COLLOCATE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
O
L
L
O
C
A
T
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More clues leading to the result COLLOCATE
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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 COLLOCATE mean?
COLLOCATE noun- A component word of a collocation.
- (said of certain words) To be often used together, form a collocation; for example strong collocates with tea.
- To arrange or occur side by side.
- To set or place; to station.
- Set; placed.