stir up crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "stir up crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various lengths, complete with explanations to help you understand the context and enhance your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "stir up crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FAN: To incite or inflame feelings or passions, as in "fan the flames."
4 Letters
GOAD: To provoke or annoy someone to stimulate an action or reaction.
6 Letters
INCITE: To encourage or stir up violent, unlawful, or strong feelings.
AROUSE: To evoke or awaken a feeling, emotion, or response.
FOMENT: To instigate or stir up an undesirable sentiment or course of action, often rebellion.
EXCITE: To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness in someone.
7 Letters
PROVOKE: To stimulate or incite someone to do or feel something, often by arousing anger.
AGITATE: To make someone troubled or nervous, or to stir or disturb forcefully.
More About "stir up crossword"
"Stir up" is a versatile phrase that frequently appears in crossword puzzles, often requiring solvers to think beyond its literal meaning. While it can physically mean to mix something (like a drink), in crosswords, it almost invariably refers to provoking, instigating, or arousing emotions, actions, or trouble. Clues might hint at this through phrases like "cause a commotion," "incite trouble," "awaken feelings," or "get a reaction."
The challenge lies in choosing the correct synonym that fits the exact number of letters and the specific nuance intended by the clue setter. For instance, "fan" often implies intensifying something already present, while "provoke" suggests initiating a strong reaction. Paying attention to other words in the clue (e.g., "stir up a riot" vs. "stir up memories") will guide you to the most fitting answer.
Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering "stir up" clues. Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings, and "stir up" is a prime example of a phrasal verb that can lead to a variety of interesting and challenging solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the context: Always read the full clue. Is "stir up" used literally (unlikely in crosswords for this clue) or metaphorically? Does it imply positive, negative, or neutral action?
- Check the letter count: This is your strongest hint. Once you have a few potential synonyms, immediately narrow them down by length.
- Look for related words: If the clue is "stir up trouble," think of words related to conflict or chaos. If it's "stir up emotions," consider words like 'arouse' or 'excite'.
- Practice common synonyms: Familiarize yourself with a range of words for "stir up" across different letter counts. The more you encounter them, the quicker you'll recall them.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'stir up' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'stir up' include incite, arouse, fan, provoke, agitate, and foment. The specific answer often depends on the length of the word required and the nuance of the clue.
How does the letter count help in solving 'stir up' clues?
Knowing the letter count is crucial. For example, 'fan' is a 3-letter answer, 'goad' is 4, while 'incite' or 'arouse' are 6 letters, and 'provoke' or 'agitate' are 7. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you fit the answer into the grid.
Are 'stir up' clues always about negative actions?
Not always. While 'stir up trouble' or 'stir up rebellion' are common negative contexts, 'stir up interest' or 'stir up a debate' can be more neutral or even positive. Always consider the full context of the clue.