irritate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "irritate" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible solutions, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "irritate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To annoy, frustrate, or worry someone.
IRK: To annoy or irritate.
4 Letters
GALL: To make someone feel annoyed, impatient, or angry; to chafe.
FRET: To be constantly or visibly worried or anxious, which can be irritating.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To cause annoyance to (someone); irritate.
CHAFF: To tease or make fun of (someone) in a playful or sometimes irritating way.
GRATE: To irritate or annoy (someone).
6 Letters
PESTER: To trouble or annoy (someone) with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.
NETTLE: To annoy or irritate (someone).
BOTHER: To cause trouble or annoyance to (someone).
RANKLE: (of a comment or fact) cause continuing annoyance or resentment.
7 Letters
PROVOKE: Stimulate or incite (someone) to do or feel something, especially anger or another strong reaction.
More About "irritate crossword clue"
The word "irritate" is a versatile clue in crosswords due to its many synonyms that range in intensity and nuance. From a mild annoyance to a more significant vexation, solvers often need to consider the exact context of the puzzle to pinpoint the correct answer.
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms like 'irk', 'vex', 'annoy', 'pester', and 'nettle' to fit various word lengths. Understanding these subtle differences can be key. For example, 'nettle' implies a sharper, more pointed irritation, while 'bother' suggests a milder form of annoyance.
Beyond direct synonyms, 'irritate' can also be clued through actions that cause irritation, such as 'gall' (to chafe or annoy deeply) or 'chafe' itself. Paying attention to any surrounding words in the clue can provide vital hints to narrow down the options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the grid with the potential answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities for clues like "irritate".
- Use Intersecting Letters: Once you have letters from other solved clues, combine them with the possible answers for "irritate". Even one or two letters can often reveal the exact word.
- Consider Nuance and Context: Some synonyms of "irritate" have slightly different connotations. Think about whether the clue implies a strong annoyance or a minor one, or even a physical irritation, to pick the best fit.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: While "irritate" is often straightforward, crosswords sometimes use clever wordplay. Be open to less obvious interpretations if direct synonyms don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'irritate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'irritate' often refers to actions that annoy, vex, or bother someone. Clues might hint at a mild sense of annoyance rather than strong anger, making synonyms like 'irk' or 'nettle' common answers.
Why are there so many answers for 'irritate'?
Words like 'irritate' have a rich vocabulary of synonyms, making them versatile for crossword setters to use across various word lengths and nuances. Common synonyms include vex, annoy, irk, pester, and nettle, each fitting different puzzle grids.
How can I find the right 'irritate' answer?
To find the correct answer for 'irritate', first look at the number of letters required in the puzzle grid. Then, check for any intersecting letters from other solved clues, which will significantly narrow down the possibilities among its many synonyms. Sometimes, the specific nuance of the clue might also hint at a particular synonym.