stir crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "stir" in your latest crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. This versatile word can have many meanings, leading to a variety of possible solutions. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "stir crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MIX: To combine ingredients, often with a spoon, or to blend.
EGG: To incite or encourage, especially to do something bad (as in 'egg on').
4 Letters
ROIL: To make a liquid cloudy by stirring up sediment; to disturb or vex.
RILE: To annoy or provoke, making someone angry.
PROD: To poke with a finger, foot, or pointed object; to stimulate to action.
5 Letters
WHISK: To beat or stir (a substance, especially eggs or cream) lightly.
ROUSE: To awaken from sleep; to excite or provoke strong feelings or actions.
6 Letters
EXCITE: To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm, eagerness, or agitation.
AWAKEN: To rouse from sleep; to stimulate or make aware.
7 Letters
AGITATE: To stir or disturb briskly; to make someone troubled or nervous.
DISTURB: To interrupt the peace or tranquility of someone or something; to agitate or unsettle.
INCENSE: To make very angry; to infuriate, often by 'stirring up' emotions.
More About "stir crossword clue"
The clue "stir" is a crossword setter's favorite due to its rich semantic range. It can literally refer to the act of mixing something with a utensil, as in "stir the pot," or it can imply a figurative action, such as "stirring up trouble" or "stirring emotions." This duality means that solvers must carefully consider the context of the puzzle and any accompanying clues to determine the precise meaning intended by the setter.
Common themes for "stir" clues often revolve around cooking, emotional responses, or initiating action. For instance, a clue like "Whip up a cake" might lead to WHISK, while "Cause a fuss" could point to ROIL or RILE. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering clues like "stir" and significantly improves your overall crossword solving ability.
Our comprehensive list of answers and explanations is designed to cover the most common interpretations, ensuring you have the right solution at your fingertips, no matter how the clue is presented.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: Many "stir" clues rely on wordplay. Is it a literal stirring motion, or is it about causing a reaction? Look for subtle hints in the phrasing.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the known letter count to narrow down potential answers instantly. This is your most powerful filter.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters you get from intersecting words are often the key to unlocking ambiguous answers like "stir."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think about words that mean the same or the opposite of "stir" in its various contexts. Sometimes, the clue might be a synonym for a less obvious meaning.
- Think About Idioms: "Stir" is part of many idioms (e.g., stir the pot, stir up trouble). If the clue seems idiomatic, think about common phrases that fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'stir' have so many different crossword answers?
The word 'stir' is highly versatile, meaning to mix, to move, to excite, or to provoke. This wide range of meanings allows it to be clued in many contexts, leading to a diverse set of possible answers depending on the nuance the setter intends. It can refer to physical action, emotional arousal, or even instigation.
How can I tell which 'stir' answer is correct in my puzzle?
Always consider the number of letters required and any crossing letters you've already filled in. The surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme can also provide vital context. Pay close attention to the specific wording of the clue itself; subtle hints often point to a particular meaning of 'stir', such as 'stir up trouble' vs. 'stir a drink'.
Are there common synonyms for 'stir' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, words like AGITATE, WHISK, PROD, ROUSE, EXCITE, MIX, and DISTURB are frequent synonyms used as answers for 'stir' clues. Familiarizing yourself with these and their specific connotations can significantly speed up your solving process for such versatile clues.