Analogy Component is a term used to describe the use of a COLON in a crossword puzzle. A COLON is a punctuation mark that is used to introduce a list, explanation, or example. It is also used to separate two independent clauses. In a crossword puzzle, a COLON is used to indicate that the answer to the clue is a phrase or multiple words. The answer to the clue is usually related to the clue in some way, such as a synonym or antonym.