crossword clue agitate – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "agitate", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle completed.
Solutions for "crossword clue agitate" by Letter Count
4 Letters
STIR: To move a spoon or other implement around in (a liquid or other substance) in order to mix it thoroughly, often used in a figurative sense to mean to agitate or provoke.
RILE: To make (someone) annoyed or irritated, which is a form of emotional agitation.
5 Letters
UPSET: To make someone feel unhappy, disappointed, or worried; to disturb the normal state of something.
6 Letters
FOMENT: To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action), directly implying agitation for a specific purpose.
EXCITE: To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in someone; to stimulate an emotional or physical reaction.
7 Letters
PROVOKE: To stimulate or incite (someone) to do or feel something, especially by arousing anger in them; to call forth (a feeling, action, etc.).
DISTURB: To interrupt the peace, quiet, or equilibrium of; to make someone anxious or troubled.
More About "crossword clue agitate"
"Agitate" is a versatile verb that often appears in crossword puzzles due to its multiple meanings and synonyms. It can refer to physical movement, like stirring a liquid, or to emotional disturbance, like unsettling someone's calm. In a broader sense, it can also mean to campaign publicly for a political or social cause, adding another layer of complexity for solvers.
When you encounter "agitate" as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a common, straightforward puzzle, or one known for its clever wordplay? The answer might be a simple synonym like "STIR" or "UPSET," or a more nuanced term like "FOMENT" or "PROVOKE" if the clue implies instigation or trouble-making. Always check the number of letters required and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities.
The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to test your vocabulary breadth, moving from everyday actions to more abstract or intense emotional states. Recognizing the various facets of "agitate" is key to successfully cracking the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is "agitate" being used as a verb (to agitate) or an adjective (agitated)? This helps narrow down the type of answer you're looking for.
- Consider Nuances of Meaning: "Agitate" can mean to stir, to upset, or to campaign. Think about which specific meaning the clue might be hinting at.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use the letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most reliable hints for confirming or eliminating potential answers.
- Think about Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes a clue like "agitate" could lead to a phrasal verb. While not a direct answer for this specific clue, it's a good general strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find multiple answers for a single crossword clue like 'agitate'?
Many crossword clues, especially common verbs or nouns, can have multiple correct answers depending on the number of letters and the surrounding words in the puzzle. It's best to check all possible lengths and definitions, usually by consulting a comprehensive crossword solver database or by thinking of various synonyms.
What's the difference between 'agitate' and 'foment' in crosswords?
While both mean to stir up, 'agitate' can be more general (e.g., to shake a liquid or make someone worried), whereas 'foment' almost always implies instigating something undesirable, like 'fomenting rebellion.' In crosswords, context from the full clue or other puzzle entries is crucial for distinguishing between such similar synonyms.
Why do some clues have very short answers like 'STIR' for 'agitate'?
Crossword puzzle constructors often use the most direct and common synonyms, regardless of length, to challenge solvers' immediate vocabulary recall. Short answers require precise synonym identification, and 'STIR' is a very direct and common synonym for 'agitate' in many contexts, such as mixing ingredients.