crossword clue stir up – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your go-to source for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all possible solutions for the clue "stir up," complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, ensuring you get back to your puzzle quickly!
Solutions for "crossword clue stir up" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FAN: To make (a fire or flame) burn more fiercely, or to increase (a feeling or emotion).
5 Letters
ROUSE: To awaken from sleep or inactivity; to excite or stir up feelings.
6 Letters
INCITE: To encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behaviour.
EXCITE: To cause someone to feel very enthusiastic and eager.
FOMENT: To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
AROUSE: To evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response).
7 Letters
AGITATE: To disturb, excite, or cause unrest. Often used for emotions or political unrest.
PROVOKE: To intentionally cause a strong reaction, often negative, in someone.
More About "crossword clue stir up"
"Stir up" is a versatile phrase that often appears in crosswords, leading to a range of potential answers depending on the specific context the clue implies. It can refer to physical actions like mixing ingredients, but more commonly, it alludes to causing emotional responses, trouble, or excitement. Crossword setters love such multi-faceted clues as they allow for creative wordplay and can test a solver's vocabulary depth.
The challenge with "stir up" lies in discerning the exact nuance the puzzle demands. Is it "stir up trouble," "stir up emotions," or perhaps "stir up a drink"? Each interpretation points to a different set of synonyms. Paying attention to the word count and any accompanying words in the clue is crucial. For instance, a short answer like "FAN" might relate to stoking a fire or enthusiasm, whereas longer answers like "AGITATE" or "PROVOKE" suggest a more intense or negative connotation.
Understanding these different contexts helps in narrowing down the possibilities. Crossword puzzles are designed to make you think about language in a new way, and clues like "stir up" are perfect examples of how a simple phrase can have many layers of meaning, each leading to a unique solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always start by noting the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and is the most crucial first step.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "stir up," think about its various meanings (to incite, to mix, to excite) and brainstorm synonyms for each. Sometimes, a clue might even be an antonym.
- Check Crossing Words: If you're stuck, try to solve any intersecting clues first. Even one letter from a crossing word can be enough to reveal the answer to "stir up."
- Look for Homophones or Puns: Some clues use wordplay, puns, or homophones. "Stir up" itself could hint at something literally being stirred, though it's less common for this particular phrase to be used in that way compared to its metaphorical sense.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'stir up' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'stir up' often clues verbs related to exciting, inciting, or causing trouble, or simply mixing something. The nuance of the clue (e.g., 'stir up trouble' versus 'stir up emotions') can guide the specific answer.
Are there common synonyms for 'stir up' found in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include AGITATE, INCITE, PROVOKE, ROUSE, EXCITE, FAN, and FOMENT. The exact answer will depend on the number of letters required and the specific context of the puzzle.
How can I identify the correct answer for 'stir up' among multiple options?
To identify the correct answer, always check the number of letters needed. Cross-reference with other completed clues, and consider any specific context or wordplay indicated by the full clue or the puzzle's theme. Sometimes, the setter's style can also offer hints.