bother crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "bother", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back to solving your puzzle.
Solutions for "bother crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To annoy or bother, especially slightly.
VEX: To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried.
NAG: To bother (someone) by repeatedly asking them to do something or complaining about their behavior.
6 Letters
RUFFLE: To disturb the smoothness or calmness of; to annoy or irritate.
PLAGUE: To cause continual trouble or distress to.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To irritate or bother (someone) by repeated actions or words.
TEASE: To make fun of or attempt to provoke (someone) in a playful or unkind way.
PESTE: An archaic or informal term for 'pester', meaning to trouble or annoy with frequent requests or persistent attention.
6 Letters
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
PESTER: To trouble or annoy (someone) with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.
MOLEST: To trouble or annoy (someone), especially with unwelcome sexual advances, or in a general sense, to interfere with.
More About "bother crossword clue"
The clue "bother" is a classic in crosswords due to its versatility and the wide range of synonyms it possesses. Depending on the nuance intended by the constructor, "bother" can lead to answers implying mild irritation, persistent nagging, or even significant harassment. This flexibility allows for its use across various letter lengths, making it a common but sometimes challenging clue.
When encountering "bother" in a crossword, consider the context and any other letters you might have already filled in. The exact shade of meaning – whether it's a minor annoyance like 'irk' or a more aggressive disturbance like 'harass' – will often be hinted at by the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme. Thinking about these subtle differences can help you pinpoint the correct answer quickly.
For example, if the clue is "a minor bother," you might lean towards shorter, softer synonyms. If it's "constantly bother," words like 'pester' or 'nag' become more likely candidates. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering such multifaceted crossword clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the specific context of the clue. Does "bother" imply a physical action, an emotional state, or a simple annoyance? This can guide you to the right synonym.
- Check Letter Count First: Before trying to guess, identify the required letter count. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit the grid.
- Think of Homonyms/Phrases: Sometimes, "bother" might be part of a common phrase or have a less common meaning. For instance, "Don't bother" could lead to "NO NEED." Keep an open mind to idiomatic expressions.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm your answer. If a potential answer for "bother" creates a nonsensical word in another clue, it's probably wrong.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for 'bother' in crosswords?
The word 'bother' has numerous synonyms, ranging from mild irritation (like 'irk') to persistent annoyance (like 'pester' or 'harass'). Crossword constructors exploit this rich vocabulary to fit different letter counts in their grids, making it a versatile clue.
How can I narrow down the answer for a 'bother' clue?
Look at the surrounding letters in the crossword grid. If you have a few letters already filled in, try fitting the known synonyms into the available spaces. Also, consider the tone or specific context of the clue itself; sometimes, it might hint at a more specific type of 'bothering'.
Are there common tricky usages of 'bother' in crosswords?
Sometimes 'bother' can refer to a nuisance or an effort, rather than directly annoying someone. For example, 'It's no bother' might lead to an answer like 'EASY'. Pay attention to whether the clue is a verb or a noun, as this significantly changes the possible answers.