Cryptic crossword clue
Verbal, when rioting inmates caught 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SEMANTIC

I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
S
E
M
A
N
T
I
C

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Verbal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case verbal = semantic.
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 SEMANTIC mean?

SEMANTIC noun
  1. In such writing systems as the Chinese writing system, the portion of a phono-semantic character that provides an indication of its meaning; contrasted with phonetic.
SEMANTIC adjective
  1. Of or relating to semantics or the meanings of words.
  2. (software design, of code) Reflecting intended structure and meaning.
  3. (of a detail or distinction) Petty or trivial; (of a person or statement) quibbling, niggling.

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