irritable crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here, you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "irritable crossword". We aim to provide quick and accurate help to get you past those tricky spots in your daily puzzle.
Solutions for "irritable crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TESTY: Prone to irritation; easily annoyed, often used in crossword puzzles for short-tempered.
6 Letters
CRABBY: Bad-tempered and irritable, often implying a grumpy or sullen disposition.
7 Letters
PEEVISH: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things; a more specific form of grumpiness.
8 Letters
CHOLERIC: Bad-tempered or irritable, derived from ancient humoral theory, suggesting a fiery temperament.
PETULANT: Childishly sulky or bad-tempered, especially in response to trivial annoyances.
More About "irritable crossword"
The word "irritable" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often leading to a range of synonyms depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. It can refer to a general state of grumpiness (like CRABBY or GRUMPY), a quick temper (TESTY), or a tendency to be annoyed by minor things (PEEVISH, PETULANT).
When you encounter "irritable" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the letter count and any intersecting letters you might already have. This clue often serves as an excellent test of your vocabulary for synonyms and your ability to differentiate between subtly different shades of meaning in similar words.
Remember that crosswords often play on multiple meanings or less common synonyms. While the primary meaning of "irritable" is straightforward, keep an eye out for any context that might point to a more obscure or specific form of annoyance or ill-temper.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the number of letters in the answer slot. This is your primary filter for potential solutions. For "irritable", knowing if it's a 5-letter or 8-letter word immediately narrows down options like TESTY vs. CHOLERIC.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. These letters are definitive guides and can quickly reveal the correct answer from a list of synonyms.
- Consider the Clue's Nuance: While "irritable" is broad, some synonyms carry a specific connotation. For instance, if the clue implies childishness, PETULANT might be a better fit than TESTY. Pay attention to any subtle adverbs or adjectives accompanying the main clue word.
- Think of Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words appear frequently as answers for common clues. Building a mental library of these can speed up your solving process considerably.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "irritable" and "annoyed" in crossword clues?
'Irritable' often points to a disposition or a long-term state of being easily bothered, while 'annoyed' typically refers to a temporary feeling caused by a specific irritation. Crossword setters use these nuances to guide you to different synonyms and word lengths.
How do I handle clues with multiple possible answers?
When a clue like 'irritable' has multiple solutions (e.g., TESTY, CRABBY, PEEVISH), the best strategy is to check the intersecting letters from other clues. The length of the answer box also provides a crucial hint, narrowing down your options significantly. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue (e.g., 'childishly irritable') can point to a more specific synonym.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'irritable' words in crosswords?
While not strictly prefixes or suffixes, common word endings for 'irritable' synonyms often include '-Y' (TESTY, GRUMPY, CRABBY), or words describing temperaments that imply irritability (e.g., CHOLERIC, SULKY). Looking for these patterns can sometimes give you a hint, especially if you have a few letters filled in.