embitters nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "embitters" from your New York Times crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "embitters nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
IRKS: To annoy or irritate someone, causing a feeling of displeasure that can lead to bitterness.
5 Letters
SOURS: To make something bitter or less pleasant, either literally (as in food) or figuratively (as in a relationship or mood).
GALLS: To make someone feel deeply annoyed, irritated, or resentful, often to the point of bitterness.
VEXES: To annoy, frustrate, or distress someone, causing them to feel troubled or agitated, which can lead to an embittered state.
7 Letters
RANKLES: To cause continuing anger, irritation, or resentment, often due to a past event or slight, leading to a lingering bitter feeling.
9 Letters
ACIDIFIES: To make something acidic or sour. While often literal, it can be used metaphorically to describe something that makes a situation or person "bitter."
More About "embitters nyt crossword"
"Embitters" is a fascinating clue in the world of crosswords due to its dual nature. It can refer to making something taste literally bitter or sour, as in "acidifies" or "sours" a dish. However, more often in crosswords, especially those from the New York Times, it delves into the emotional realm. Here, "embitters" describes the act of making someone feel resentment, anger, or deep-seated disappointment, often stemming from an injustice or hardship. This duality makes it a favorite for setters, as it can be clued in various nuanced ways.
When "embitters" appears in an NYT puzzle, it's crucial to consider the context of the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle. Is the puzzle leaning towards food and drink, or is it more focused on human emotions and psychology? The length of the answer can also be a significant hint. A shorter answer might be a direct synonym, while a longer one could be a more descriptive phrase or a less common, but precise, verb.
Understanding this range of meanings is key to successfully cracking clues like "embitters." It's a prime example of how crossword puzzles test not just your vocabulary, but also your ability to think flexibly and apply words in both their literal and figurative senses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Dual Meanings: Many words, like "embitters," have both a literal and a figurative meaning. Always think about both possibilities when a clue seems to have multiple interpretations.
- Analyze Verb Tense: Pay close attention to the verb tense of the clue. "Embitters" is present tense, so its answer (e.g., SOURS, RANKLES) should also be a present tense verb.
- Look for Patterns: If you're stuck, step back and look at the letters you already have filled in from intersecting words. These letters are your most valuable clues to completing the answer.
- Synonym Brainstorming: For emotional clues like "embitters," brainstorm a wide range of synonyms that evoke similar feelings – from irritation to deep resentment.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is "embitters" a common crossword clue?
'Embitters' is a versatile clue because it carries both a literal meaning (making something taste bitter or sour) and a figurative, emotional meaning (making someone feel resentful or angry). This dual nature allows crossword setters creative freedom in clueing, often leading to varied and sometimes tricky solutions.
How do NYT crosswords typically clue words related to "embitters"?
New York Times crosswords often clue 'embitters' through synonyms like 'sours,' 'makes resentful,' 'causes bitterness,' or phrases that imply irritation or deep annoyance. The specific context of the puzzle, surrounding letters, and the puzzle's theme usually help narrow down the intended meaning, whether it's a taste or an emotion.
What's the best strategy for solving clues like "embitters"?
When encountering clues like 'embitters,' consider its different parts of speech, common synonyms, and metaphorical interpretations. Always check the number of letters required and look at intersecting words to confirm your answer. If a direct synonym isn't fitting, think about related actions or emotional states. For instance, 'rankles' doesn't mean 'embitters' directly but describes an action that causes bitterness.