vex crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers

Stuck on the clue "vex" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you quickly complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "vex crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

IRK: To annoy or irritate someone.

4 Letters

GALL: To make someone feel annoyed or resentful, often implying a deep-seated irritation or defiance.

RILE: To make someone annoyed or irritated, often used in the context of stirring up anger.

5 Letters

ANNOY: To irritate or bother someone; to cause slight vexation.

6 Letters

PESTER: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.

BOTHER: To cause trouble, annoyance, or worry to someone.

PLAGUE: To cause continual trouble or distress to; to vex persistently.

7 Letters

NETTLES: To irritate or annoy someone, often by an irritating remark or action. Derived from the plant that stings.

More About "vex crossword puzzle clue"

"Vex" is a classic crossword clue that frequently appears due to its versatility and multiple synonyms. It stems from the Latin word "vexare," meaning "to shake, agitate, or harass." In crosswords, it usually points to words related to annoyance, irritation, or troubling someone. The key to solving "vex" often lies in its letter count, as different synonyms fit different lengths, from short and common words like "irk" to slightly longer and more nuanced terms like "nettles."

Crossword setters love "vex" because it can be interpreted in several ways, from a mild irritation to a more profound disturbance. Understanding these subtle differences can help you differentiate between answers like "annoy" (general irritation) and "plague" (continual trouble). Always consider the tone implied by the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme, as this might narrow down the possible solutions.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count Letters Carefully: Always start by counting the available spaces in the grid. For "vex," an answer like "IRK" (3 letters) is very different from "ANNOY" (5 letters).
Brainstorm Synonyms: Think of as many synonyms for "vex" as you can. Words like bother, annoy, irritate, trouble, pester, irk, gall, and chafe are common.
Consider Nuances: Sometimes, the exact nuance of "vex" matters. Is it a minor annoyance (irk, rile) or something more persistent (plague, pester)? This can help you choose between equally long synonyms.
Use Cross-References: If you're stuck on "vex," try solving a crossing clue first. The letters filled in from the crossing answer will often reveal the correct solution for "vex."

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'vex' mean in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'vex' typically means to annoy, bother, irritate, or trouble. Look for synonyms of these words, often short ones.

Are there common tricky clues related to 'vex'?

Clues for 'vex' can be tricky when they use less common synonyms or imply a specific type of annoyance, like 'Chafe' or 'Grate'. Always consider the word length and surrounding letters.

How can I find the best answer for a 'vex' clue?

Start by thinking of common short synonyms like 'irk' or 'rile'. Then, match these with the number of letters required. If still stuck, consider more nuanced synonyms like 'nettle' or 'gall' and use context from surrounding letters.