provocation crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "provocation crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by length, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "provocation crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DARE: Often implies a challenge or a bold request that incites a reaction.
GOAD: To provoke or annoy someone to stimulate a reaction.
5 Letters
TAUNT: A remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.
ABUSE: Harsh or offensive language used to provoke a reaction.
6 Letters
RILING: Making someone annoyed or irritated, often intentionally.
7 Letters
AFFRONT: An action or remark that causes outrage or offense.
8 Letters
STIMULUS: Something that rouses to activity or creates a reaction, which can be a form of provocation.
NEEDLING: Persistent nagging or teasing intended to annoy or provoke.
9 Letters
CHALLENGE: A call to someone to participate in a contest or fight, or to prove something, often a form of provocation.
BADGERING: Repeatedly asking someone to do something or repeatedly annoying someone.
10 Letters
INCITEMENT: The action of provoking unlawful behavior or a strong feeling, often anger or violence.
More About "provocation crossword"
"Provocation" in crosswords can be a versatile clue, pointing to words that suggest causing an angry reaction, a challenge, or an act of incitement. It often tests your vocabulary for synonyms related to annoyance, instigation, or dare. The specific nuance of the clue might guide you towards a word like DARE if it implies a direct challenge, or RILING if the focus is on irritation. Understanding these subtle differences is key to pinpointing the exact answer.
Crossword setters love using words like "provocation" because of their rich semantic fields, allowing for a variety of possible answers across different letter counts. Always consider the context of other solved letters in the puzzle, as well as any accompanying wordplay, which might hint at a more obscure synonym or a different angle of the word's meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "provocation," consider if the clue implies a subtle annoyance (e.g., NEEDLING), a direct challenge (e.g., DARE), or a more serious instigation (e.g., INCITEMENT).
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters in the blank spaces is your most crucial hint. Always filter your potential answers by the exact letter count required.
- Look for Wordplay: Some "provocation" clues might involve puns, anagrams, or other forms of wordplay. For instance, "Riling upset, perhaps?" could hint at an anagram of RILING.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Over time, you'll notice certain words or their synonyms appear repeatedly. Keep a mental note of common answers for abstract concepts like "provocation."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'provocation crossword' that is short?
Among shorter answers, DARE (4 letters) and TAUNT (5 letters) are very common for 'provocation' clues, especially when the clue implies a challenge or an insulting remark.
How can I differentiate between similar answers for 'provocation'?
Pay close attention to the other words in the clue. If it mentions "anger" or "irritation," words like RILING or NEEDLING might be appropriate. If it's about a "challenge," DARE or CHALLENGE would fit. The context is key.
Why are there so many answers for a single crossword clue like 'provocation'?
Many words in the English language have multiple synonyms, and crossword setters use this to create challenging puzzles. A word like 'provocation' has a broad range of related meanings, from subtle annoyance to direct incitement, allowing for various correct answers depending on the specific puzzle context and intended nuance.