irritate nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "irritate nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, to help you complete your New York Times crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "irritate nyt crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
VEX: To cause annoyance, frustration, or worry.
IRK: To irritate, annoy, or make weary.
5 Letters
ANNOY: To bother or disturb someone in a way that causes slight irritation.
GRATE: To cause irritation or annoyance, often by rubbing or scraping, or in a persistent, unpleasant manner.
6 Letters
PESTER: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent interruptions or requests.
More About "irritate nyt crossword"
"Irritate" is a versatile word in the English language, and consequently, a common and often tricky clue in crosswords, especially in the New York Times puzzles known for their cleverness. The challenge lies in the many synonyms that can convey varying degrees of annoyance or provocation. From a slight bother to a deep-seated frustration, the exact nuance often depends on the surrounding clues and the overall theme of the puzzle.
Crossword setters love words like "irritate" because they allow for a wide range of answer lengths, from short three-letter words like VEX or IRK to longer ones like PESTER or ANNOY. When you encounter this clue, think about the context: Is it a physical irritation, a mental one, or a persistent bother? Considering the different shades of meaning can help you pinpoint the precise answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "irritate nyt crossword" to words of that specific length.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Think broadly about words that mean "to bother" or "to annoy." Don't just stick to the most obvious ones. Sometimes, a more obscure synonym like VEX or GRATE might be the key.
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters you've filled in from intersecting clues are your best friends. They will often reveal the first or last letters, or key letters in the middle, making it much easier to deduce the correct word for "irritate."
- Context is King: Pay attention to the puzzle's theme or other clues in the same section. Sometimes, the context can hint at a specific type of irritation, guiding you towards the right answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does "irritate" appear in NYT crosswords?
"Irritate" and its synonyms are quite common in NYT crosswords. Due to the wide range of words that can mean 'to bother' or 'to annoy,' it's a versatile clue that setters frequently use. You'll often see variations like 'annoy,' 'irk,' 'vex,' or 'pester' as answers.
What's the difference between "irk" and "annoy" in a crossword context?
In crosswords, both 'irk' and 'annoy' are common answers for 'irritate.' 'Irk' often implies a more subtle, perhaps lingering, sense of annoyance or a slight bother. 'Annoy' is a more general term for causing irritation. The choice between them usually depends on the letter count and surrounding letters you've already filled in.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'irritate' related clues?
While direct prefixes/suffixes for 'irritate' clues are less common, you might encounter words with common endings like -ING (irritating), -ED (irritated), or -TION (irritation). Crossword setters often look for words that fit specific lengths, so common verb endings are always good to consider when the clue implies an action or state.