crossword clue stir up – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find all possible solutions for the clue "stir up," organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue stir up" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FAN: To cause (something, especially an emotion or conflict) to become more intense or widespread, much like fanning a flame to make it bigger.
4 Letters
STIR: This is a direct and literal interpretation, often used for mixing liquids or ingredients. It can also mean to excite or rouse emotions, making it a versatile answer.
5 Letters
ROUSE: To awaken or excite someone, often from sleep or a state of inaction. This aligns with the idea of stirring someone up to activity or emotion.
6 Letters
EXCITE: To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm, eagerness, or interest in someone. This answer directly reflects the emotional meaning of 'stir up.'
7 Letters
AGITATE: To make (someone) troubled or nervous; or to stir or disturb (something, especially a liquid) briskly. This encompasses both the emotional and physical aspects of 'stir up.'
PROVOKE: To stimulate or incite (someone) to do or feel something, especially anger or a strong reaction. Often used when the "stirring up" leads to a specific response.
More About "crossword clue stir up"
"Stir up" is a common phrase that carries a dual meaning, making it a versatile and frequent clue in crossword puzzles. It can refer to the physical act of mixing something, like stirring ingredients in a bowl, but more commonly, it implies causing a commotion, excitement, or trouble. This idiomatic usage is particularly prevalent in crosswords, where setters often play on the metaphorical interpretations.
When you encounter "stir up" in a crossword, consider both the literal and figurative senses. Is the puzzle hinting at a culinary action, or is it pointing towards an emotional or social disturbance? The surrounding clues and the number of letters in the answer will often provide the necessary context to determine the correct solution, which could range from simple verbs like STIR to more complex terms like AGITATE or PROVOKE.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering crossword puzzles. The ability to recognize common idioms and their various interpretations is a hallmark of experienced solvers. By analyzing the context, you can pinpoint the exact meaning intended by the puzzle creator and find the elusive answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuance: For clues like "stir up," think about the different shades of meaning. Does it imply physical action (like mixing) or an emotional/social impact (like causing trouble)?
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of available boxes in the grid to the length of your potential answer. This is the quickest way to narrow down possibilities.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Crosswords often use synonyms or antonyms. If "stir up" doesn't immediately click, think of words that mean the same thing, or the opposite, that might fit the letter count.
- Context is King: Pay attention to other clues in the puzzle. Sometimes, a nearby clue or a theme can provide hints that help you decide between similar-length answers.
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' found in crosswords often include words like ROUSE, EXCITE, FAN, INCITE, PROVOKE, AGITATE, and FOMENT. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required for the puzzle.
Does 'stir up' always imply negativity?
Not necessarily. While 'stir up trouble' or 'stir up anger' implies negativity, 'stir up excitement' or 'stir up memories' can be neutral or even positive. In crosswords, the context (e.g., an accompanying word in the clue) can help determine the nuance.
How do I determine the correct length for 'stir up'?
To determine the correct length, look at the blank spaces provided in your crossword grid. Each blank space represents one letter of the answer. Match the number of blanks to the length of the potential answer word.