excites or annoys crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "excites or annoys crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers for all word lengths, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of the clue.
Solutions for "excites or annoys crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
IRKS: To annoy or irritate greatly; to make weary or vexed.
5 Letters
STIRS: To agitate, excite, or move emotionally; can also imply causing trouble or unrest.
VEXES: To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, often with trivial matters.
6 Letters
GRATES: To have an irritating or unpleasant effect on someone; to annoy.
7 Letters
RUFFLES: To disturb the smoothness or calmness of something or someone; to annoy or excite.
More About "excites or annoys crossword"
Crossword clues that offer a duality like "excites or annoys" are a classic example of a setter's ingenuity. They challenge solvers to consider a broader spectrum of meanings for a single word. Such clues often point to verbs that describe a state of agitation or strong emotional reaction, which can be interpreted positively as excitement or negatively as annoyance.
Understanding these versatile verbs is key to unlocking many puzzles. For instance, a word like 'stir' can mean to excite interest or to cause trouble, while 'ruffle' can imply disturbing someone's composure (annoy) or exciting feathers. Always consider the context of the surrounding words in your puzzle to determine the exact fit.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Ambiguity: For clues like "excites or annoys", think about words that have multiple interpretations. English is rich with verbs that can be both positive and negative depending on context.
- Check Crossing Letters: Even if a clue seems to have many possible answers, the letters from crossing words will quickly narrow down your options to the correct solution.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm synonyms for both "excites" and "annoys" separately, then look for words that appear on both lists or have meanings that bridge the two concepts.
- Look for Common Crosswordese: Some words are simply more common in crosswords due to their versatility in letter patterns and meanings. Familiarize yourself with these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some crossword clues have dual meanings like "excites or annoys"?
Crossword setters often use words with multiple interpretations to increase the challenge and provide clever misdirection. Clues like "excites or annoys" require you to consider various synonyms for each possibility before finding a word that fits the letter count and surrounding letters.
How can I narrow down the options for a versatile crossword clue?
Look closely at the letter count, any already filled-in letters from crossing words, and the specific nuance of the clue. Sometimes, one meaning might be more common in crosswordese, or the context of the puzzle's theme could give a hint.
Is it common for crossword answers to describe both positive and negative actions?
Yes, it is quite common. Many verbs in the English language can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context. Words that describe a strong emotional or physical reaction, like "stir" or "ruffle," can easily fit both "excites" and "annoys" depending on the puzzle setter's intent.