irritate crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "irritate crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Dive in and find the perfect fit!
Solutions for "irritate crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
IRK: To annoy or bother.
VEX: To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To cause slight irritation or displeasure to (someone).
PEEVE: To annoy or irritate.
GRATE: To cause annoyance or irritation; rub or scrape (a surface) harshly. Often used metaphorically as 'grate on one's nerves'.
CHAFE: To make (a part of the body) sore by rubbing. Also, to feel or cause annoyance or irritation.
6 Letters
BOTHER: To annoy, disturb, or trouble (someone).
NETTLE: To irritate or annoy (someone).
More About "irritate crossword"
The word "irritate" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary. It typically points towards synonyms related to annoyance, bother, or vexation. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms can be key to selecting the correct answer, especially when multiple options fit the letter count.
Crossword setters love to play with words that have multiple meanings or nuances. While "irritate" most often implies emotional or mental annoyance, it can also refer to physical irritation, such as skin chafing. Always consider the full context of the clue, and any accompanying words, to determine if the clue is looking for a psychological or physical form of irritation.
Common answers for 'irritate' range from short, direct words like IRK and VEX to longer, more descriptive terms like ANNOY, BOTHER, and NETTLE. Sometimes, you might even encounter idiomatic expressions that mean 'to irritate,' so having a broad vocabulary of synonyms is a distinct advantage.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always count the available squares before guessing. This is the fastest way to narrow down potential answers for clues like 'irritate'.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: For 'irritate,' brainstorm as many synonyms as possible (annoy, vex, bother, grate, nettle). Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can also spark an idea, leading you back to the desired word.
- Look for Nuances: Does the clue specify 'irritate' as in 'annoy' or 'irritate' as in 'cause physical discomfort'? Words like CHAFE for physical irritation versus IRK for emotional irritation are good examples of this distinction.
- Check for Tenses and Forms: Ensure your answer matches the clue's tense (e.g., 'irritated' vs. 'irritate') or form (e.g., noun vs. verb). While our answers are generally base verbs for this clue, it's a critical tip for overall solving.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'irritate' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'irritate' typically refers to synonyms for annoying, bothering, or vexing someone. Clues might use variations like 'annoy,' 'bother,' 'pester,' or 'rub the wrong way,' looking for a direct synonym or an idiomatic expression.
How do I find synonyms for 'irritate' in crosswords?
Start by considering the letter count. Common shorter synonyms include IRK or VEX. For longer answers, think of words like ANNOY, BOTHER, PEEVE, or NETTLE. Also, consider the specific nuance of the clue; sometimes 'irritate' refers to physical discomfort (like CHAFE) rather than emotional annoyance.
Are there common tricky clues related to 'irritate'?
Yes, 'irritate' can be tricky. Beyond direct synonyms, clues might hint at actions that irritate, like 'Grate on one's nerves' for GRATE, or 'Get under one's skin' for a longer answer. Pay attention to prepositions or other words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as 'Irritate the skin' leading to CHAFE.