crossword clue stimulate – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "stimulate," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, along with explanations and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue stimulate" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SPUR: To encourage an activity or development, often by providing an incentive or motivation.
6 Letters
INCITE: To stir up, encourage, or prompt action, often related to strong feelings or behaviors.
AROUSE: To awaken a feeling, emotion, or response; to stir into action.
8 Letters
ACTIVATE: To make something active or operative; to cause it to begin functioning or moving.
More About "crossword clue stimulate"
The clue "stimulate" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary. It can refer to physical action, emotional response, or even the initiation of a process. Common synonyms that serve as answers typically involve words that mean to prod, activate, encourage, or excite.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it looking for a direct, physical "push," or a more abstract encouragement of growth or feeling? The number of letters you have already filled in is your best guide. For example, if you need a four-letter word, "SPUR" is a strong candidate, while longer words like "ACTIVATE" might fit an eight-letter slot.
Crossword setters love words with multiple meanings or a rich set of synonyms, and "stimulate" fits this bill perfectly. By understanding the various ways "stimulate" can be interpreted, you'll be better equipped to choose the correct answer for your specific puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances: Think about the subtle differences between synonyms for "stimulate" like "incite," "arouse," "energize," or "goad." The exact nuance might match a specific theme or other clues in the puzzle.
- Check Surrounding Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most crucial hint in solving any crossword clue, narrowing down possibilities dramatically.
- Look for Wordplay: Sometimes, "stimulate" might be part of a wordplay clue (e.g., an anagram, pun, or cryptic hint). Be open to non-literal interpretations if direct synonyms don't fit.
- Use a Thesaurus: If you're completely stuck, a quick look at a thesaurus for "stimulate" can unearth less common synonyms that might be exactly what the setter is looking for.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to find a crossword answer for "stimulate"?
Start by considering synonyms for "stimulate" and think about their common word lengths. If you have any letters filled in, use those as a guide. Consulting a thesaurus or a crossword dictionary can also be very helpful.
Why are there so many answers for "stimulate" in crosswords?
Words like "stimulate" have a broad range of synonyms, each with slightly different nuances (e.g., provoke, energize, encourage, prod). Crossword setters leverage this rich vocabulary to create diverse clues, leading to multiple valid answers depending on the specific context of the puzzle.
How can knowing common synonyms help with clues like "stimulate"?
Recognizing common synonyms is key to solving crosswords. For "stimulate," knowing related words like "incite," "spur," "arouse," or "goad" immediately expands your options. Many puzzles rely on synonymity, so building a strong vocabulary is a significant advantage.