irritate crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "irritate crossword," helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We've compiled a list of common answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "irritate crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To annoy or frustrate someone.
IRK: To annoy or irritate.
4 Letters
GALL: To annoy or make someone feel resentful.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To cause slight anger or bother.
CHAFE: To make sore by rubbing; to annoy or irritate.
GRATE: To have an irritating effect on someone.
6 Letters
NETTLE: To annoy or irritate (someone).
PESTER: To trouble or annoy with frequent requests.
RANKLE: To cause continuing annoyance or resentment.
More About "irritate crossword"
"Irritate" is a versatile clue in the crossword world, capable of pointing to a range of synonyms from mild annoyance to deep-seated vexation. The key to solving such clues often lies in context: is the puzzle leaning towards physical irritation, like a scratch (chafing), or a mental one, like a nagging thought (rankling)? Crossword setters love words with multiple shades of meaning, and "irritate" certainly fits the bill.
Beyond its common synonyms like ANNOY or VEX, you might encounter less common but equally valid answers such as GRATE (as in 'to grate on one's nerves') or NETTLE, which describes a specific kind of sharp, stinging irritation, both literally and figuratively. Understanding these nuances can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process and prevent you from getting stuck on what seems like a simple clue.
Always consider the number of letters and any intersecting words. Sometimes, a common synonym might not fit, forcing you to dig deeper into the vocabulary of 'irritation' to find the perfect word for the grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Before guessing, always check the exact number of letters required. This instantly narrows down your options, especially for a clue like 'irritate' which has many synonyms of varying lengths.
- Consider All Meanings: Many words have multiple definitions. 'Irritate' can mean to physically bother (like an allergic reaction) or to annoy mentally. Think broadly about all possible interpretations of the clue.
- Look at Intersecting Words: Don't try to solve a clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. Even one or two confirmed letters can make a difficult 'irritate' synonym suddenly obvious.
- Think About Common Crosswordese: Some words appear frequently in crosswords due to their letter patterns or versatility. Words like 'IRK' and 'VEX' are classic examples for 'irritate'. Familiarize yourself with these common crossword terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find synonyms for crossword clues like 'irritate'?
To find synonyms for clues like 'irritate', consider the nuance of the word. Is it physical irritation, emotional annoyance, or persistent bothering? Think about words with similar meanings across different contexts. Using a thesaurus can be very helpful, but also consider common crossword puzzle patterns where certain synonyms appear frequently.
What's the difference between "irritate" and "annoy" in crosswords?
While 'irritate' and 'annoy' are often interchangeable, 'irritate' can sometimes imply a more physical or persistent source of discomfort, like an itch or a recurring problem, whereas 'annoy' typically refers to emotional bother. In crosswords, however, they are very close synonyms, and the answer length or surrounding letters will often dictate which word is the correct fit.
Why do some crossword clues have multiple answers for "irritate"?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, and 'irritate' is a prime example. Crossword compilers use this to their advantage, allowing for various solutions depending on the puzzle's specific structure, the number of letters required, and the intersecting words. This variety adds to the challenge and depth of crosswords, requiring solvers to consider all possibilities.