nag crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the "nag crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers for all word lengths, along with their explanations, to help you complete your crossword puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "nag crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GOAD: To prod or urge on persistently, often to annoy.
MOAN: To complain mournfully, often implying persistent grumbling.
RIDE: To taunt or criticize persistently.
5 Letters
CHIDE: To scold or rebuke gently but persistently.
WHINE: To complain in a high-pitched, complaining tone, typically persistent.
CAVIL: To make petty or unnecessary objections, often persistently.
HARRY: To persistently harass or annoy.
6 Letters
PESTER: To annoy or bother someone persistently, often with trivial complaints.
BOTHER: To cause trouble or annoyance to; to pester consistently.
HARASS: To subject to aggressive pressure or intimidation, implying persistent action.
PLAGUE: To cause continual trouble or distress to.
7 Letters
GRUMBLE: To complain or protest in a bad-tempered but typically ineffectual way, implying a continuous action.
NITPICK: To find fault in a petty or trivial way, often persistently.
8 Letters
IRRITATE: To make (someone) annoyed, impatient, or angry; often implies a nagging sensation or presence.
More About "nag crossword clue"
"Nag" is a common and often tricky clue in crosswords due to its dual meaning. Most frequently, it refers to persistent annoying, complaining, or urging. In this sense, answers like PESTER, BOTHER, or GRUMBLE are highly likely. The nuances of the clue might guide you to a more specific synonym, for instance, if it hints at gentle scolding (CHIDE) or constant fault-finding (NITPICK).
Less commonly, "nag" can refer to an old, worn-out horse. While not as frequent as the "annoy" meaning, it's a classic crossword misdirection. If other letters in your grid or the theme of the puzzle suggest an equine connection, consider horse-related terms, though they are often shorter or specific to old horses (like HACK, which is 4 letters).
Understanding the context is key. Always consider the length of the required answer and any surrounding letters you've already filled in. This helps to narrow down the possibilities significantly and decide which definition of "nag" the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your biggest clue. For "nag," shorter answers might lean towards specific forms of urging or complaining (e.g., GOAD, MOAN), while longer ones allow for more descriptive synonyms (e.g., IRRITATE, NITPICK).
- Consider Double Meanings: Always be aware of words like "nag" that have multiple distinct meanings. Crossword setters love to use these to trick solvers. If one meaning doesn't fit, immediately think of the alternative.
- Look for Part of Speech: Is "nag" being used as a verb (to annoy) or a noun (an old horse)? While the clue itself is "nag crossword clue" which implies the word, the exact phrasing within a puzzle's clue can often hint at the required part of speech for the answer.
- Check for Anagrams or Hidden Words: Though less common for single-word clues like "nag," always keep an eye out for wordplay, especially in cryptic crosswords.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "nag" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "nag" commonly refers to actions of persistent annoyance, complaining, or scolding. It can also refer to an old, worn-out horse. The context of the clue or surrounding letters usually helps determine the exact meaning.
Are there common synonyms for "nag" used in crosswords?
Yes, popular synonyms include PESTER, BOTHER, ANNOY, CHIDE, HARASS, GRUMBLE, and MOAN. Less common but possible are synonyms related to an old horse, such as HACK or JADE.
How can I distinguish between the "annoy" and "horse" meanings of "nag"?
Look for contextual clues. If the clue mentions an "old horse" or "worn-out equine," it's likely the horse meaning. If it implies persistent complaining, bothering, or scolding (e.g., "bother persistently," "complain constantly"), it points to the annoyance meaning. The length of the answer is also a major hint.