irritates crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "irritates crossword clue," covering various word lengths to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "irritates crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
IRKS: To annoy or irritate, often used for minor, persistent annoyances.
NAGS: To persistently bother or complain to someone, often implying repetitive action or verbal annoyance.
5 Letters
VEXES: To make someone feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, often indicating a deeper level of disturbance or perplexity.
6 Letters
ANNOYS: A common and general term for causing slight irritation or anger, making someone feel bothered.
7 Letters
PESTERS: To bother or trouble someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions, often with an element of harassment.
NETTLES: To irritate or annoy someone, often implying a stinging or prickly feeling, causing slight resentment or displeasure.
8 Letters
PROVOKES: To stimulate or incite someone to do or feel something, especially anger or an angry reaction, suggesting a more active form of irritation.
More About "irritates crossword clue"
The clue "irritates" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a variety of answers depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends. It's a common clue because the English language has a rich array of words to describe feelings of annoyance, frustration, or bother. From mild disquiet to outright agitation, words like IRKS, VEXES, ANNOYS, and PESTERS all fall under this umbrella, each carrying a slightly different connotation.
When encountering "irritates," consider the context it might imply. Is it a person irritating another through constant nagging (NAGS)? Or a situation causing general bother (ANNOYS)? Perhaps a deeper, more unsettling feeling (VEXES)? The best approach is to check the letter count and any intersecting letters you already have, as these will often be the key to narrowing down the possibilities.
Understanding these subtle differences can greatly improve your crossword-solving speed and accuracy. Remember, crossword setters often play on synonyms and their slight variations in meaning, making 'irritates' a perfect example of a clue that tests your vocabulary depth.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For clues like "irritates," consider the intensity or type of irritation. Is it a slight bother, a persistent annoyance, or something more profound? This can help you choose between synonyms like IRKS (mild) vs. PROVOKES (stronger).
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the number of letters required. This is the quickest way to eliminate many potential answers, focusing only on those that fit the given length.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The most crucial tip for any crossword. Even a single letter from a crossing word can often reveal the correct answer when multiple synonyms exist.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs/Idioms: Sometimes "irritates" might lead to a two-word answer (e.g., GETS AT, RUBS RAW), though less common for single-word answer slots. Always be open to different interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do crossword clues often have multiple answers?
Crossword clues frequently have multiple answers because many words in the English language are synonyms or have similar meanings, allowing for various solutions. The correct answer depends on the specific puzzle's context, the number of letters required, and intersecting words. Clues like 'irritates' are prime examples due to the rich vocabulary of synonyms for annoyance.
How can I distinguish between similar crossword answers for 'irritates' like 'IRKS' and 'NAGS'?
Distinguishing between similar answers like 'IRKS' and 'NAGS' relies on nuance and context. 'IRKS' generally implies a mild, often impersonal annoyance or vexation. 'NAGS' specifically suggests persistent, repetitive bothering, usually from a person. Always check the number of letters and any intersecting letters from other clues to find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
What's the best strategy for solving 'irritates' type clues in crosswords?
For 'irritates' type clues, start by brainstorming common synonyms for annoyance, bother, or vexation. Prioritize words that fit the given letter count and any already-filled intersecting letters. If stuck, consider different shades of meaning – is it a mild annoyance (e.g., IRKS) or a more active provocation (e.g., PROVOKES)? Using online crossword solvers or synonym dictionaries can also provide quick hints, or visit our page on general crossword strategies for more advice.