provokes crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "provokes crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your crossword puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "provokes crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EGGS: To urge or encourage someone to do something, often something foolish or risky.
IRKS: To annoy or irritate someone.
5 Letters
GOADS: To provoke or annoy someone to stimulate an action or reaction.
STIRS: To cause something to happen or to occur, often with an implication of excitement or trouble.
PRODS: To stimulate or persuade someone to do something.
7 Letters
INCITES: To encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).
AROUSES: To evoke or awaken (a feeling, emotion, or response).
EXCITES: To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in someone.
More About "provokes crossword clue"
The word "provokes" is a versatile term that often appears in crossword puzzles, given its various synonyms and contexts. It broadly means to stimulate a reaction or response in someone or something. This reaction could be emotional, behavioral, or even a chain of events. Understanding the subtle nuances between its synonyms is key to cracking the specific answer a crossword setter intends.
Clues involving "provokes" can test your vocabulary related to emotions (e.g., to arouse anger), actions (e.g., to incite a riot), or even physical sensations. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue, as they often narrow down the precise meaning. For example, 'provokes laughter' would lead to a different answer than 'provokes rebellion'.
Crossword setters love to use words with multiple meanings or subtle differences. The verb "provoke" is a prime example, allowing for clues that might lean towards annoyance (irks), encouragement (eggs on), or instigation (incites). By considering the length of the required answer and the overall theme of the puzzle, you can often deduce the intended synonym.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms carefully: For clues like "provokes," think of all possible synonyms and their subtle differences. Does the clue suggest irritation, excitement, or instigation?
- Check intersecting letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to confirm or narrow down potential answers for the "provokes crossword clue".
- Look for context clues: Sometimes the clue will include additional words (e.g., "provokes anger," "provokes a response") that hint at the specific synonym.
- Think about word length: Knowing the number of letters for the answer slot immediately helps eliminate many possibilities and focuses your search on relevant terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters do 'provokes' answers typically have?
Answers for 'provokes' can vary widely, but common lengths range from 4 letters (like EGGS, IRKS) to 7 letters (like INCITES, AROUSES, EXCITES). The specific number of letters often depends on the context of the crossword puzzle.
What's the difference between 'provokes' and 'incites' in crossword clues?
While both 'provokes' and 'incites' mean to stir up or cause a reaction, 'incites' often carries a stronger connotation of urging or encouraging negative or violent behavior. 'Provokes' can be broader, referring to any stimulation of a reaction, whether positive or negative. Crossword setters will often use the specific nuance to guide you to the correct answer.
Are there common synonyms for 'provokes' that often appear in crosswords?
Yes, many! Words like 'stir', 'goad', 'excite', 'arouse', 'irk', 'prod', 'egg on', 'foment', and 'cause' are frequent synonyms that you'll find as answers to 'provokes' or related clues in crosswords.