frustrate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "frustrate" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "frustrate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To annoy, irritate, or distress someone, often by minor provocations.
IRK: To irritate, annoy, or exasperate; to be troublesome to.
4 Letters
FOIL: To prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; to thwart a plan or effort.
BALK: To stop short and refuse to proceed; to be unwilling to accept an idea or undertaking; often implying to frustrate or hinder.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To cause slight irritation or discomfort to (another); to bother or pester.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction; to impede progress.
THWART: To prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; to oppose successfully.
STYMIE: To prevent or hinder the progress of; to present an obstacle to.
8 Letters
OBSTRUCT: To block (an opening, path, or passage); prevent or hinder movement or progress.
10 Letters
EXASPERATE: To irritate intensely; to infuriate; to make (someone) feel frustrated and annoyed.
More About "frustrate crossword clue"
The word "frustrate" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to synonyms that imply hindering, annoying, or defeating. Crossword setters love to play with the various nuances of its meaning, which can range from preventing someone from achieving a goal (like "thwart" or "foil") to simply irritating or vexing someone (like "annoy" or "irk"). Understanding these subtle differences is key to picking the right answer for your puzzle.
When you encounter "frustrate" as a clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a gentle, witty clue, or something more direct? The surrounding clues and the overall theme of the crossword might give you hints as to whether a word like "hinder" or "vex" is a better fit. Always remember that crosswords thrive on wordplay, so "frustrate" might also refer to a less obvious synonym or even a homophone in cryptic crosswords.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to provide not just the answer, but a deeper understanding of why a particular word fits. We help you build your crossword-solving vocabulary, making you a more confident and efficient puzzler in the long run.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by looking at the number of blank spaces. This is the most critical piece of information and immediately narrows down your options.
- Analyze Nuance: For clues like "frustrate," consider the precise shade of meaning. Is it about stopping progress, causing irritation, or nullifying an effort? Each subtle difference points to a different synonym.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: The letters you've filled in from other clues are your best friends. They provide essential constraints that often reveal the correct answer quickly.
- Consider Parts of Speech: If "frustrate" is a verb, its answer will also be a verb (e.g., HINDER). If it's a noun (e.g., "a frustrate"), the answer will be a noun.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right answer for 'frustrate' in a crossword?
To find the correct answer, consider the number of letters required for the solution. Crossword setters often use synonyms like HINDER, FOIL, THWART, VEX, or ANNOY. Context from intersecting words is crucial. Think about the nuance of 'frustrate' – is it about preventing action, causing annoyance, or defeating a plan? Sometimes, the specific newspaper or puzzle's style might lean towards a certain type of synonym.
Are there common synonyms for 'frustrate' used in crosswords?
Yes, common crossword synonyms for 'frustrate' include HINDER, THWART, FOIL, VEX, BALK, ANNOY, STYMIE, OBSTRUCT, and EXASPERATE. The specific synonym chosen will depend on the clue's precise meaning and the required letter count.
What should I do if I'm stuck on a crossword clue like 'frustrate'?
If you're stuck, first check if any intersecting letters are already filled in – this is the biggest help. Re-read the clue for any subtle hints, wordplay, or specific grammatical forms. Think about different shades of 'frustrate' (e.g., to prevent vs. to annoy). If all else fails, use a crossword solver or hint site like Crosswordanswer.co.uk, inputting the clue and any known letters to get a list of potential solutions.