importune crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to our dedicated page for the 'importune crossword clue'. Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just curious about the various solutions for this persistent word, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each option.
Solutions for "importune crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BEG: To ask someone earnestly or humbly for something, often persistently.
4 Letters
URGE: To try to persuade (someone) in an insistent way to do something, or to press for a request.
5 Letters
PRESS: To exert continuous pressure or influence on (someone) to do something, often implying importunity.
6 Letters
PESTER: To trouble or annoy (someone) with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions, a direct synonym for importune.
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation; often implies persistent annoyance or demands.
7 Letters
ENTREAT: To ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something, often with a sense of pleading.
SOLICIT: To ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone, often implying persistent or formal requests.
More About "importune crossword clue"
'Importune' is a verb that means to ask (someone) pressingly and persistently for or to do something. Its origin traces back to Latin 'importunus', meaning 'unsuitable, troublesome,' highlighting the often annoying nature of the persistent requests. In the realm of crosswords, clues for 'importune' typically focus on this core meaning of badgering, pestering, or earnestly pleading.
When you encounter 'importune' in a crossword clue, consider the context and any accompanying words. Does the clue suggest a gentle request or a more forceful, nagging one? This nuance can help differentiate between answers like 'BEG' (which can be gentle or desperate) and 'PESTER' (which distinctly carries a negative, annoying connotation).
Mastering words like 'importune' in crosswords involves building a strong vocabulary of synonyms and understanding their subtle differences. The ability to quickly recall various words that convey persistent asking or bothering, and then matching them to the available letter count, is a key skill for any crossword enthusiast.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down your potential answers significantly, making it easier to filter through synonyms for 'importune'.
- Consider the Connotation: 'Importune' often carries a slightly negative connotation of bothering or annoying. Look for answers that reflect this persistence, sometimes uninvited. Words like 'pester' or 'harass' fit this well.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These are your most powerful tools for confirming or eliminating potential solutions for 'importune'. If an answer doesn't fit the existing letters, it's not the one.
- Think of Verb Forms: Since 'importune' is a verb, its answers will also be verbs. Ensure your chosen solution fits grammatically within the context of how the clue would be used in a sentence.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'importune' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'importune' typically refers to making persistent, urgent, or annoying requests to someone. Clues using 'importune' often look for synonyms like 'beg,' 'plead,' 'pester,' or 'urge.' It implies a continuous or troublesome asking.
How can I find the correct 'importune' answer based on letter count?
Start by checking the letter count of the blank answer spaces. Then, brainstorm synonyms for 'importune' that fit that specific length. For example, 'BEG' for 3 letters, 'URGE' for 4, and 'PESTER' for 6. Also, consider any intersecting letters you already have, as they can narrow down possibilities significantly.
Are there other words similar to 'importune' often clued this way?
Yes, many words convey a similar sense of persistent asking or bothering. Common synonyms that appear in crosswords include 'bother,' 'annoy,' 'plead,' 'implore,' 'badger,' and 'harass.' The specific nuance of the clue will often point to the most accurate synonym.