upset crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "upset", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "upset crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To irritate, annoy, or exasperate. A short but common answer for 'upset'.
SAD: To make mournful or unhappy. A direct emotional 'upset'.
4 Letters
RILE: To make someone annoyed or irritated, often used in phrases like 'rile up'.
RUIN: To reduce to a state of decay, collapse, or disintegration; destroy. Can be 'upset' a plan.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To cause irritation or displeasure to someone, a direct synonym for 'upset'.
TOPSY: As in 'topsy-turvy', meaning upside down or in disorder, a literal form of 'upset'.
6 Letters
BOTHER: To cause trouble or difficulty to; also to make the effort to do something. Context determines which meaning applies.
7 Letters
DISTURB: To interrupt the peace, quiet, or calm of someone or something; to make anxious.
AGITATE: To make someone troubled or nervous; also, to stir or disturb, especially a liquid.
8 Letters
OVERTURN: To turn over, especially so as to upset; often used for reversing a decision or verdict.
More About "upset crossword clue"
The clue "upset" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often appearing due to its multiple meanings and synonyms. It can refer to an emotional state, a physical action, or even a change in status or order. This semantic flexibility is what makes it both a common and sometimes tricky clue for solvers. Understanding the different facets of "upset" is crucial to correctly identifying the answer word in your puzzle.
From an emotional standpoint, "upset" can lead to answers like RILE, ANNOY, or SAD, all implying a state of distress or irritation. Physically, it could mean to turn something over, leading to words like OVERTURN or TOPSY. Furthermore, "upset" can signify a disruption, as in DISTURB or AGITATE, where an existing order or calm is broken. The context of the surrounding clues and the number of letters provided will always be your best guide.
Crossword setters love clues like "upset" because they allow for clever misdirection. Always consider if the clue refers to a verb (to upset), an adjective (feeling upset), or even a noun (an upset in a game). By thinking broadly about the clue's potential interpretations, you'll significantly increase your chances of finding the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "upset," many crossword clues have multiple meanings (homographs, polysemes). Always think beyond the most obvious definition to find less common but valid interpretations.
- Check surrounding letters: Even a single known letter in a word can dramatically narrow down the possibilities. For clues like "upset" with many potential answers, checking letters are invaluable.
- Identify word type: Is the clue a noun, verb, or adjective? "Upset" can be all three. Determining the required part of speech for the answer will eliminate many incorrect options.
- Look for indicators: Some clues might have hidden indicators for wordplay, such as "literally upset" for a physical action or "feeling upset" for an emotion.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common categories of 'upset' in crosswords?
The clue 'upset' can refer to emotional states (annoy, rile, sadden), physical actions (overturn, spill), or disrupting an order (disrupt, overthrow). Context is key when determining the correct answer based on surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme.
How does letter count help when solving for 'upset'?
Knowing the letter count narrows down possibilities significantly. For instance, 'IRK' is a common three-letter answer, while 'OVERTURN' is an eight-letter solution. If you have checking letters, they quickly eliminate incorrect lengths and help pinpoint the exact word.
Can 'upset' have a non-negative meaning in crosswords?
While 'upset' often implies negativity (e.g., emotional distress, a spoiled plan), in some crossword contexts, it could refer to something literally being turned over without a negative connotation, e.g., 'upset a cart' or 'upset a balance.' Always consider literal and figurative interpretations.