ill tempered crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "ill tempered", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "ill tempered crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SOUR: Often implies a sullen, discontented, or disagreeable mood, much like a bad taste.
5 Letters
TESTY: Describes someone who is easily annoyed or irritated, prone to snapping.
6 Letters
GRUMPY: A classic synonym for ill-tempered, meaning sullen and bad-mooded.
CRABBY: Refers to someone who is irritable and bad-tempered, often complaining.
8 Letters
CHOLERIC: A more formal term, describing someone who is easily angered or irritable, stemming from the ancient humor theory.
More About "ill tempered crossword puzzle clue"
"Ill tempered" is a common clue in crossword puzzles that asks solvers to identify a word describing a person's disposition or mood. It typically refers to someone who is prone to irritability, sullenness, or a generally bad mood, rather than an immediate outburst of anger. The nuance between a temporary feeling and a characteristic trait is important here; "ill tempered" points to the latter.
When encountering this clue, setters often look for direct synonyms that fit various lengths, challenging solvers to think broadly across different registers of language, from colloquial terms like "grumpy" to more academic ones like "choleric." Understanding the core meaning — a persistent state of grumpiness or irritability — is key to unlocking the correct answer.
The term can also sometimes appear in a more figurative sense, referring to things that are difficult to manage or prone to malfunction, though in crosswords, it almost exclusively refers to a person's character.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters indicated. This is your primary filter for potential answers.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like "ill tempered," list as many synonyms as possible (e.g., irritable, surly, cross). Sometimes thinking of antonyms (e.g., amiable, good-natured) can also spark ideas.
- Think About Parts of Speech: "Ill tempered" is an adjective. Your answer will also likely be an adjective describing a person or state.
- Look for Common Crossword Answers: Many puzzles reuse common words for frequent clues. Familiarize yourself with words like GRUMPY, CRABBY, TESTY, and SOUR, as they are staples for this type of clue.
- Context is Key: If stuck between a few options, look at the intersecting letters from other clues. These can provide definitive confirmation or eliminate incorrect choices.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ill tempered" imply in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "ill tempered" typically refers to a disposition or character trait, meaning someone who is easily annoyed, irritable, or has a generally bad mood. It's less about a momentary feeling of anger and more about a consistent personality characteristic.
Are there common synonyms for "ill tempered" used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms that frequently appear as answers include GRUMPY, CRABBY, TESTY, SOUR, and sometimes more formal words like CHOLERIC. The exact answer will depend on the letter count required and the specific crossword puzzle's style.
How can I narrow down answers for an "ill tempered" clue?
Start by checking the number of letters required. Then, consider common synonyms for 'ill tempered' that fit that length. Also, pay attention to any surrounding clues or a puzzle's theme, as these can sometimes provide subtle hints or confirm your choice.