bully crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "bully" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "bully crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COW: To intimidate or frighten someone.
4 Letters
THUG: A violent person, often associated with bullying.
6 Letters
HARASS: To subject someone to aggressive pressure or intimidation.
8 Letters
DOMINEER: To assert one's will over another in an arrogant or controlling way.
10 Letters
INTIMIDATE: To frighten or overawe someone to influence their actions.
More About "bully crossword clue"
The term "bully" is a classic in crossword puzzles due to its versatile meanings, allowing for a range of answers depending on the context. It can refer to the act of intimidation, the person doing the intimidating, or even a less common meaning, such as in the phrase "bully for you!" which implies good show or well done. Crossword constructors often leverage these different interpretations to create challenging yet fair clues.
When you encounter "bully" in a crossword, consider both its noun and verb forms. Is the clue looking for a synonym for a person who acts aggressively, like a 'THUG' or 'TYRANT'? Or is it seeking a verb describing the action, such as 'COW', 'HARASS', or 'INTIMIDATE'? The surrounding letters you've already filled in and the specific phrasing of the clue are your best friends in narrowing down the possibilities.
Sometimes, "bully" might even appear in a more obscure or historical context, testing your broader vocabulary. For instance, 'HUSSAR' could be a very niche answer in a particularly tricky or themed puzzle. Always keep an open mind and be prepared to think beyond the most obvious definitions to truly master clues like "bully."
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Determine if the clue for "bully" is seeking a noun (the bully) or a verb (to bully). This immediately filters out many incorrect answers.
- Consider Nuance: "Bully" can imply physical force, psychological intimidation, or even just forceful dominance. Think about which aspect the clue is emphasizing.
- Check for Homonyms/Phrases: Be aware of phrases like "bully for you!" which could lead to unexpected answers that don't directly mean 'intimidate.'
- Utilize Cross-References: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as strong hints. They will often eliminate many of the possible answers for 'bully'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'bully' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'bully' in crosswords include words like COERCE, THUG, HARASS, INTIMIDATE, and DOMINEER. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the exact nuance of the clue.
How does a crossword puzzle define 'bully'?
Crossword puzzles define 'bully' in various ways, often focusing on its verb forms (to intimidate, to harass, to push around, to cow) or its noun forms (a tough, a ruffian, a tyrant). Clues can be straightforward or play on words, requiring solvers to consider different meanings.
Are there different types of 'bully' clues?
Yes, 'bully' clues can vary widely. They might refer to the act (e.g., 'Intimidate'), the person (e.g., 'Schoolyard tough'), or even less common meanings (e.g., as in 'bully for you!'). Context and surrounding letters are key to determining the intended meaning.