provoke crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues! If you're looking for answers related to "provoke crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you pick the perfect word for your puzzle.
Solutions for "provoke crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To annoy or bother someone, often used in a mild sense.
4 Letters
GOAD: To provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction.
STIR: To arouse or excite strong feelings or reactions in someone.
5 Letters
ANGER: To make someone angry; to provoke to anger.
6 Letters
INCITE: To encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).
ENRAGE: To make someone extremely angry; to put into a rage.
7 Letters
AGITATE: To make (someone) troubled or nervous; to provoke unrest.
8 Letters
IRRITATE: To make (someone) annoyed, impatient, or angry; to vex.
More About "provoke crossword clue"
The word "provoke" is a versatile term in the English language, meaning to stimulate or incite to an action or emotion. In the context of crosswords, it often leads to a wide range of synonyms, each with a subtle difference in meaning and intensity. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer, especially when multiple words of the same length might appear to fit.
Clues for "provoke" can sometimes be straightforward, directly asking for a synonym. Other times, they might be more cryptic, hinting at the outcome of provocation, such as 'Cause a reaction' or 'Stir up trouble'. This variety makes 'provoke' a common and sometimes challenging clue. Always consider the precise context and the tone implied by the clue to narrow down your options from words like 'goad' to 'enrage'.
Furthermore, knowing the various forms of provocation, from a gentle 'irk' to a forceful 'incite', allows you to approach the clue with a richer vocabulary. Crossword setters love to play on these subtle distinctions, so a strong grasp of synonyms is invaluable.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Intensity: Does the clue imply mild annoyance (e.g., "Slightly provoke") or strong anger (e.g., "Infuriate")? This will help you choose between words like IRK and ENRAGE.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes the clue gives away more than just the definition. Phrases like "Provoke to action" might lead you to GOAD, while "Provoke a riot" would point to INCITE.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as hints. For example, if you need a 5-letter word starting with 'A' for 'provoke', ANGER becomes a strong possibility.
- Think of Antonyms: Sometimes, knowing what 'provoke' is *not* can help. If the clue implies calming or soothing, then the answer is definitely not a form of 'provoke'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'provoke' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'provoke' in crosswords often include words like GOAD, INCITE, STIR, ANGER, IRK, IRRITATE, ENRAGE, and AGITATE. The best fit depends on the number of letters required and the specific nuance of the clue.
How can I distinguish between similar 'provoke' answers like GOAD and INCITE?
While both GOAD and INCITE mean to provoke, 'GOAD' often implies a persistent urging or prodding, sometimes to irritate into action, like 'goading an animal'. 'INCITE' more strongly suggests stirring up a negative or violent action, such as 'inciting a riot'. Context and letter count are key.
Are there different levels of 'provoke' in crossword clues?
Yes, 'provoke' can range from mild annoyance (IRK) to intense anger (ENRAGE). Crossword clues might hint at the intensity, e.g., 'Mildly provoke' versus 'Greatly provoke'. Paying attention to adverbs or adjectives in the clue can guide you to the correct answer length and meaning.