ruffled crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "ruffled crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track with your puzzle.
Solutions for "ruffled crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
UPSET: To make someone unhappy or disturbed.
FRILL: A strip of gathered or pleated material used as a decorative edging or trim.
RUCHE: A gathered, pleated, or folded strip of fabric, especially for trimming.
7 Letters
RIPPLED: Formed or moved in small waves; showing slight variations in form or texture.
8 Letters
WRINKLED: Having wrinkles or creases; slightly folded or crumpled.
AGITATED: Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous.
9 Letters
FLUSTERED: In a state of agitated confusion.
10 Letters
DISHEVELED: (Of a person's hair, clothes, or appearance) untidy; disordered.
More About "ruffled crossword clue"
"Ruffled" is a fascinating word in crosswords because it carries dual meanings that compilers often play upon. On one hand, it can refer to a state of emotional disturbance or agitation, implying someone is annoyed, upset, or flustered. Clues might lean into this by using phrases like "made uneasy" or "stirred up."
On the other hand, "ruffled" also has a distinct physical meaning, describing something that has been disarranged, crumpled, or adorned with a decorative frill. Think of a 'ruffled shirt' or 'ruffled hair.' This duality means that solvers must pay close attention to the surrounding context and letter count to discern the intended meaning, making it a common and sometimes tricky clue to encounter.
Understanding these different facets of "ruffled" is key to successfully tackling related crossword clues. Whether it's about a person's state of mind or the appearance of an object, considering both interpretations will lead you to the correct answer more often than not.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "ruffled," consider if it's describing an emotional state (e.g., upset, agitated) or a physical characteristic (e.g., disheveled, frilled). The specific wording of the clue often provides a subtle hint.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the length of the potential answer to the number of boxes in your grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly.
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have letters filled in from crossing words, use them to eliminate incorrect answers or confirm the correct one. This is one of the most reliable methods.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, a clue hints at the opposite meaning, or a less obvious synonym might be the answer. For "ruffled," consider words like "smooth" or "calm" if the clue implies the opposite.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ruffled' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ruffled' can refer to a state of being disturbed or agitated (like UPSET, AGITATED, FLUSTERED), or it can describe something with a decorative gathered edge (like FRILL, RUCHE), or a disheveled appearance (like DISHEVELED, WRINKLED).
How do I choose the correct answer when multiple words fit 'ruffled'?
Check the number of letters required by the grid first. Then, look at intersecting letters from other clues. The specific nuance of the clue or the puzzle's theme might also hint at whether it's referring to an emotional state or a physical appearance/decoration.
Are there common synonyms for 'ruffled' often used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include UPSET, AGITATED, FLUSTERED, DISHEVELED, FRILL, and even sometimes verbs like IRRITATED or ANNOYED, depending on the context. Always consider both the emotional and physical interpretations.