irritable crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "irritable crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "irritable crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TESTY: Easily annoyed; characterized by impatience and ill-temper, often used interchangeably with irritable.
CROSS: Annoyed or bad-tempered, especially in a petulant or sulky way; a very common crossword answer for irritable.
SURLY: Bad-tempered and unfriendly; implies a certain gruffness or menace in the irritability.
IRATE: Feeling or characterized by great anger; a stronger form of irritability tending towards anger.
FUSSY: Excessively particular, fastidious, or meticulous; easily discontented or irritable over small matters.
6 Letters
CRANKY: Easily annoyed or irritable; often implies a slight fussiness or grumpiness.
SNAPPY: Quick-tempered; easily provoked to anger or annoyance, often suggesting a quick, sharp response.
7 Letters
PEEVISH: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things; emphasizes a childish or petty form of irritability.
GROUCHY: Readily annoyed or complaining; ill-tempered, similar to cranky but often with a more consistent disposition.
More About "irritable crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "irritable" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary of synonyms for emotional states. It's a common adjective used to describe someone who is easily annoyed, short-tempered, or simply in a bad mood. Depending on the grid and the letter count, the answer could range from straightforward words like TESTY or CROSS to more nuanced terms such as PEEVISH or GROUCHY, each carrying a slightly different shade of meaning in the spectrum of displeasure.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to selecting the correct answer. For instance, 'peeve' implies annoyance over trivial matters, while 'cranky' often suggests a general grumpiness. Crossword setters love to play on these nuances, sometimes adding a contextual hint within the clue itself (e.g., "Irritable, like a toddler"). Keeping a broad vocabulary of emotional descriptors at hand will greatly assist in tackling such clues.
Beyond simple synonyms, setters might also use wordplay or anagrams related to the concept of irritability. Always consider if the clue is asking for a direct synonym or if there's a more creative twist involved. By analyzing the surrounding letters and the overall theme of the puzzle, you can narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possible answers for "irritable" and similar clues to words of that exact length.
- Consider Context and Nuance: Think about any additional words in the clue. "Irritable, in a childish way" might lean towards PEEVISH, whereas "Irritable, like an old man" might suggest GROUCHY.
- Think of Common Crossword Synonyms: Many words, like 'irritable', have a set of go-to synonyms that frequently appear in crosswords. Memorizing these common pairings can save you time.
- Use Online Resources Wisely: If stuck, use a trusted crossword solver. But try to understand *why* a particular answer is correct; this helps build your own solving skills for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'irritable' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'irritable' often points to synonyms describing a state of being easily annoyed, bad-tempered, or peevish. Common answers include TESTY, CRANKY, PEEVISH, or GROUCHY, depending on the number of letters required.
How can I find answers to 'irritable' clues quickly?
To find answers quickly, first check the number of letters required in the puzzle. Then, think of common synonyms for 'irritable' that fit that length. Online crossword solvers and reference sites like ours can provide immediate solutions and explanations.
Are there common tricks for clues like 'irritable'?
Yes, for clues describing emotions or states of being, crosswords often use common synonyms or more obscure but related words. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might hint at a specific nuance (e.g., 'irritable, like a baby' might suggest FUSSY).