crossword clue irritable – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "irritable" as your clue, you're in the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers categorized by word length, complete with explanations to help you understand the nuances and pick the perfect fit for your grid. Get unstuck and complete your crossword with ease!
Solutions for "crossword clue irritable" by Letter Count
4 Letters
EDGY: Tense, nervous, or irritable. Often implies a state of being on edge, feeling easily provoked or unsettled.
5 Letters
TESTY: Quick to anger or easily irritated. This word implies a short fuse and a tendency to become annoyed swiftly.
CROSS: Used colloquially to mean angry or annoyed. A common short crossword answer for irritable, indicating a state of displeasure.
6 Letters
CRANKY: Often used to describe someone who is easily annoyed or bad-tempered, especially in the morning or due to lack of sleep.
GRUMPY: Bad-tempered and sulky. Similar to cranky but often implying a more continuous state of dissatisfaction or gloominess.
7 Letters
PEEVISH: Easily irritated, especially by unimportant things; childishly sulky. This word suggests pettiness in one's irritation.
More About "crossword clue irritable"
The word "irritable" is a staple in crosswords due to its rich array of synonyms, allowing setters to create diverse and challenging clues. Understanding the subtle differences between words like 'testy,' 'cranky,' 'peevish,' and 'grumpy' is key to solving these clues accurately. While they all point to a state of being easily annoyed, each carries a slightly different nuance in context, which a seasoned crossword solver learns to pick up on.
Beyond its literal meaning, "irritable" can also hint at metaphorical contexts in puzzles, such as an "irritable" economy or an "irritable" engine, though this is less common for direct synonym clues. Crossword constructors love this term because it can be clued in many ways, from direct definitions to more cryptic or punny interpretations, making it a versatile element in any daily challenge.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: Always consider the surrounding words in your crossword grid. Sometimes, the intersecting letters will immediately point you to the correct answer among multiple possibilities for "irritable."
- Check Word Length: The most crucial step. Our site, like many others, categorizes answers by length because it's the primary filter for eliminating incorrect options in crosswords. Always confirm the required number of letters.
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Pay attention to whether the clue for "irritable" suggests a temporary state (like 'cranky' from lack of sleep), a persistent disposition ('grumpy'), or a quick reaction ('testy'). This can guide you to the precise synonym.
- Learn Common Prefixes/Suffixes: For longer answers like 'peevish,' knowing common prefixes or suffixes can sometimes help you infer part of the word, even if you don't immediately know the full term.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a person feel irritable?
Irritability can stem from various factors, including lack of sleep, stress, hunger, underlying medical conditions, or even overstimulation. It's a common human emotion and a frequent topic in daily life, hence its appearance in crosswords.
How can I improve my crossword solving speed?
Improving speed often involves practicing regularly, learning common crossword abbreviations and obscure terms, and recognizing common clue patterns. Using online resources like Answercrossword.com can also help you get unstuck quickly and learn new words and associations.
Are there different levels of 'irritable' in crosswords?
Yes, crossword setters often use synonyms for 'irritable' that vary in intensity or specific nuance, such as 'testy' (quick to anger), 'cranky' (bad-tempered, often due to physical discomfort), 'peevish' (childishly sulky over small things), or 'grumpy' (continuously bad-tempered). The specific phrasing of the clue can often hint at the desired nuance.