crossword clue provocation – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for answers to the crossword clue "provocation". Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "crossword clue provocation" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GOAD: Something that incites or stimulates someone to act.
DARE: A challenge to do something, serving as an incitement or provocation.
SPUR: An incentive or a stimulus, prompting action or encouraging something.
5 Letters
TAUNT: A remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.
8 Letters
STIMULUS: Something that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; an incentive or spur.
10 Letters
INCITEMENT: The action of provoking or stirring up strong feelings or actions.
More About "provocation"
The word "provocation" carries a nuanced meaning that can often be central to a crossword clue. At its core, provocation refers to an action or speech that makes someone annoyed or angry, especially deliberately. However, it can also describe something that stirs up a feeling or action, acting as a stimulus or incentive. This dual nature makes it a fertile ground for crossword setters, who might use it to hint at anything from a deliberate insult to a subtle encouragement.
In crosswords, "provocation" clues might appear as direct synonyms for words like "incitement," "goad," or "dare." Cryptic clues, on the other hand, might hint at the 'effect' of provocation, or play on its different senses, such as something that 'spurs' action or 'stirs up' trouble. Understanding the various facets of this word is key to unlocking the correct solution, especially when multiple answers seem plausible at first glance.
Always consider the context of the puzzle, the puzzle setter's style, and how the clue interacts with other words in the grid. A deeper dive into the emotional and active connotations of "provocation" can lead you straight to the solution you need.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For words like "provocation," consider whether the clue implies a negative act (like annoying someone) or a positive one (like stimulating growth). This distinction can guide you to the correct synonym.
- Look for Wordplay Indicators: If it's a cryptic crossword, clues for words like "provocation" might involve anagrams (e.g., "A TV ON, POOR, Cried wildly" could anagram to 'PROVOCATION'), or hidden words.
- Utilize Letter Count and Intersections: Always use the given letter count as your primary filter. Then, plug in any known letters from intersecting words to quickly eliminate incorrect possibilities and confirm the right answer.
- Think of Homophones or Puns: Sometimes, a clue for "provocation" might sound like another word, leading you to a clever pun or homophone answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'provocation' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Provocation' in a crossword clue usually refers to something that incites, irritates, challenges, or causes a strong reaction in someone. It can be an action, a word, or a situation intended to elicit a response.
Why are there multiple answers for one crossword clue?
Crossword clues often have multiple valid solutions because of the rich vocabulary of the English language, synonyms, different interpretations by puzzle setters, or varying contexts. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required and the intersecting letters you've already filled in.
How can I find the exact answer when there are many possibilities for 'provocation'?
To pinpoint the exact answer, always use the number of letters indicated for the solution. Crucially, utilize any letters you've already solved from intersecting words. These crossing letters will narrow down the possibilities to the single correct word for your puzzle.