crossword clue provoke – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue provoke", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue provoke" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To annoy or irritate, often in a minor but persistent way.
4 Letters
STIR: To rouse or excite a feeling or emotion, often leading to action.
GOAD: To provoke or annoy someone so as to stimulate some action or reaction.
6 Letters
INCITE: To encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behaviour or feelings).
AROUSE: To awaken a feeling, emotion, or response, often used in the context of strong feelings.
ENRAGE: To make someone very angry; infuriate.
8 Letters
IRRITATE: To make someone annoyed, impatient, or angry.
9 Letters
CHALLENGE: To dispute the truth or validity of something, or to invite someone to engage in a contest.
More About "crossword clue provoke"
"Provoke" is a versatile verb that frequently appears in crosswords due to its wide range of synonyms. Depending on the context, it can imply different levels of intensity, from a mild irritation to outright incitement. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer in a puzzle.
When you encounter "provoke" in a crossword, think about the common synonyms that fit various letter counts. Words like STIR, GOAD, and VEX are often popular choices for shorter answers, while INCITE, AROUSE, and ENRAGE fit longer slots. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific type of provocation, such as challenging someone to a duel, which could lead to answers like CHALLENGE.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answers, but also the context that helps you become a better crossword solver. By understanding the breadth of meanings for clues like "provoke," you can anticipate similar clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Counts: Always start by matching the number of letters in the answer grid with the potential solutions for 'provoke'. This immediately narrows down your options.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters filled in from other clues that cross the 'provoke' answer, use them as vital hints. Even one letter can often confirm or rule out a potential solution.
- Consider the Clue's Nuance: Does 'provoke' imply anger, action, irritation, or something else? While all listed answers are synonyms, some are a better fit for a specific nuance. Sometimes, the source of the crossword (e.g., a British vs. American puzzle) might slightly influence preferred synonyms.
- Think about Parts of Speech: Ensure your chosen answer is the correct part of speech (verb, noun, adjective) as implied by the clue. 'Provoke' is typically a verb, but a clue could be phrased to imply a noun form of the action.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'provoke' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'provoke' typically means to stir up, excite, annoy, or cause a reaction. Answers can range from words implying slight irritation (like VEX) to strong anger (like ENRAGE) or incitement (like INCITE, STIR). The exact nuance depends on the specific puzzle.
How can I find the right answer for 'provoke' when there are many options?
To pinpoint the correct answer for 'provoke', first look at the number of letters required in the puzzle. Then, cross-reference with any existing letters you've filled in from other clues. The surrounding clues might also provide context, hinting at whether the 'provoke' refers to anger, action, or a challenge.
Are there common crossword tricks for 'provoke' clues?
Yes, clues like 'provoke' often have synonyms that are short and commonly used in crosswords, such as STIR, GOAD, or VEX. Be mindful of the part of speech – 'provoke' as a verb might lead to answers like INCITE, while a noun form might suggest a 'provocation' related word. Always consider the subtle differences in meaning that could distinguish one synonym from another.