bully crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "bully" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "bully crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COW: To frighten or intimidate someone, making them submit.
4 Letters
THUG: A violent person, often used to describe someone who bullies.
6 Letters
HECTOR: To talk to someone in a bullying, domineering way.
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
7 Letters
RUFFIAN: A brutal or violent person, often one who bullies others.
10 Letters
INTIMIDATE: To frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
More About "bully crossword clue"
The term "bully" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often appearing as both a verb (to bully) and a noun (a person who bullies). This dual nature means solvers must pay close attention to the clue's phrasing to determine the correct part of speech required for the answer. Common themes associated with "bully" clues include intimidation, coercion, aggressive behavior, or descriptions of an individual who exerts power over others unfairly.
Crossword constructors use "bully" to test a solver's vocabulary around synonyms for dominance, aggression, and fear. Depending on the grid and letter count, answers can range from short, direct words like 'COW' (as a verb meaning to intimidate) to longer, more descriptive terms such as 'INTIMIDATE' or 'RUFFIAN'. The context provided by the rest of the clue is paramount in selecting the precise word.
When encountering a "bully" clue, consider the nuance. Is it a gentle prod or a forceful command? Is it about a person's nature or a specific action? These subtleties often guide you to the exact synonym the constructor intended, making the difference between a near miss and a perfect solve.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun (e.g., "a bully") or a verb (e.g., "to bully")? This distinction is critical and will narrow down your options significantly (e.g., THUG vs. HECTOR).
- Consider Nuance and Synonyms: "Bully" has many shades of meaning. Think about words related to intimidation, coercion, specific types of aggressive individuals, or even just forceful actions. Brainstorming synonyms can unlock the answer.
- Look for Contextual Hints: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. Does it imply a specific setting, a particular type of person, or a certain intensity of action? These small details can provide a big push towards the correct solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of "bully" clues are common in crosswords?
Crossword clues for "bully" can range from verbs like "intimidate" or "hector" to nouns like "thug" or "ruffian." They often relate to actions of coercion, intimidation, or aggressive behavior, making it important to consider the part of speech indicated by the clue.
How can the number of letters help solve a "bully" clue?
Knowing the exact number of letters is crucial. For example, a 3-letter answer like "COW" is very different from a 10-letter answer like "INTIMIDATE," helping you to quickly narrow down possibilities and fit the answer into the grid.
Are there other words similar to "bully" that appear in crosswords?
Yes, synonyms like "harass," "browbeat," "domineer," "oppress," or even specific terms like "tough" or "brute" might appear as answers or related clues. Always consider the context provided by the clue and surrounding letters to find the best fit.