The term 'shaped like a dunce cap' can be described by two crossword solutions: CONICAL (7 letters) and CONIC (5 letters). A conical shape is one that is shaped like a cone, with a circular base and a point at the top. A CONIC shape is similar to a conical shape, but it has a curved surface instead of a straight one. Both shapes are often used to describe the shape of a dunce cap, which is a pointed hat traditionally worn by students who were being punished for misbehaving in school.