bristle crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "bristle crossword"? You've come to the right place! Discover all possible solutions and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We've compiled the most common answers, organized by letter count, to give you quick and reliable assistance.
Solutions for "bristle crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FUME: To express great anger or annoyance, often associated with showing indignation, which is a form of bristling.
HAIR: A fine, thread-like outgrowth from the skin of mammals, which can individually be described as a bristle.
RISE: As in hair that 'rises' or stands on end, describing the action of bristling due to fear or anger.
5 Letters
ANGER: To cause feelings of annoyance or hostility; to 'bristle' is a common way to describe showing such strong emotions.
QUILL: A stiff, sharp, hollow spine or hair, such as those found on a porcupine, which are often described as bristling.
SPINE: A stiff, pointed projection, similar to a bristle, often found on plants or animals.
7 Letters
STIFFEN: To become rigid or firm, often used to describe hair or fur standing on end, which is the literal action of bristling.
More About "bristle crossword"
The clue "bristle" in a crossword puzzle often plays on its dual meanings: the literal and the figurative. Literally, a bristle is a stiff, coarse hair, like those found on a brush or certain animals. Thus, answers might relate to hair, spines, or the action of becoming rigid. Figuratively, "to bristle" means to react with sudden anger, indignation, or defensiveness, often showing annoyance or hostility. This duality is a classic crossword setter's trick, requiring solvers to consider both interpretations based on the available letter count and intersecting words.
Understanding context is key when encountering such clues. If the puzzle has a natural or animal theme, the literal meaning might be more probable. If it's a more abstract or emotional puzzle, the figurative meaning is more likely. Our curated list of answers provides options for both, ensuring you have a comprehensive resource, no matter the puzzle's specific nuance.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words, like "bristle," have both literal and figurative meanings. Always explore all possible interpretations of a clue before settling on an answer.
- Check Letter Count First: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial hint. Filter potential solutions by length to narrow down the possibilities.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are invaluable. Fill in what you know, and those letters will often reveal the correct answer for the stubborn clue.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords frequently use synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts. For "bristle," think about what it means to "show anger" or "stand on end" and find corresponding words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'bristle' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'bristle' can refer to the act of stiffening hairs or fur (like a dog bristling) or, more commonly, to show anger, indignation, or defiance (like bristling at an insult). Solutions can range from words describing stiff hairs to verbs for expressing strong emotions.
How can I find answers for 'bristle' if it has multiple meanings?
When a clue like 'bristle' has multiple interpretations, look at the letter count, intersecting letters from other clues, and the overall theme or tone of the puzzle. Consider synonyms for both the physical action (e.g., stiffen) and the emotional reaction (e.g., anger, fume).
Are there common synonyms for 'bristle' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms or related concepts include ANGER, FUME, RAGE, STIFFEN, RISE (as in hair rising), and terms for sharp, stiff hairs like QUILL or SPINE. The context of the puzzle will usually guide you to the correct meaning.