poke crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "poke crossword clue", designed to help you complete your puzzle with ease and enhance your vocabulary.
Solutions for "poke crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
JAB: A quick, sharp thrust or punch.
DIG: To thrust a tool or part of the body into something; also to prod or poke playfully.
TAP: To strike a surface lightly with a quick, gentle blow.
4 Letters
PROD: To stimulate or persuade (someone who is reluctant or slow) to do something; also, to poke or stir (something) with a tool or other object.
STAB: To thrust a knife or other pointed weapon into (someone or something).
GOAD: To provoke or annoy (someone) to stimulate some action or reaction.
5 Letters
NUDGE: A light push or touch, typically with the elbow, to attract attention.
PROBE: To physically examine or explore with a tool; also, to investigate thoroughly.
STICK: To push a pointed object into or through something; also to fix something by pushing it into a soft or thick substance.
6 Letters
THRUST: A sudden or violent lunge or push with a part of the body or a weapon.
JABBED: Past tense of Jab; given a quick, sharp thrust or punch.
7 Letters
RUMMAGE: To search unsystematically and untidily through a mass or collection of things, often implying 'poke around'.
EXPLORE: To travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about it; also to examine or discuss (a subject or issue) in detail.
More About "poke crossword clue"
"Poke" is a wonderfully versatile word in the English language, making it a frequent and sometimes tricky contender in crossword puzzles. Its primary meaning involves a quick thrust or push, often with a finger or pointed object, but its nuances extend far beyond simple physical action. Depending on the context, "poke" can imply gentle urging (as in to nudge someone), aggressive jabbing, or even a thorough search (to poke around or rummage).
Crossword setters love words like "poke" because of their multiple meanings and synonyms across various letter counts. This allows for creative clueing that can test a solver's vocabulary depth. For instance, a clue might refer to a physical "poke" with a sharp object, leading to answers like STAB or JAB, while another might imply an investigative "poke," suggesting PROBE or RUMMAGE. Always consider the surrounding words in the puzzle and the general theme to pinpoint the most accurate meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For clues like "poke," think of as many synonyms as possible before considering letter count. Words like 'prod,' 'nudge,' 'jab,' 'thrust,' 'dig,' and 'rummage' are all potential fits.
- Utilize Letter Count: Once you have a list of potential answers, use the number of letters given in the crossword grid to eliminate options. This is the single most effective way to narrow down possibilities for multi-meaning words.
- Consider Context and Nuance: Does the clue suggest a gentle action, an aggressive one, or an investigative one? "Poke" can mean all three. Pay attention to other words in the clue (e.g., "gentle poke" vs. "sharp poke") and any connecting words in the puzzle itself.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common short answers for "poke crossword clue"?
Common short answers for 'poke' often include JAB (3 letters), DIG (3 letters), and PROD (4 letters), depending on the specific nuance of the clue.
How does the number of letters help solve "poke" clues?
The number of letters is crucial as 'poke' has many synonyms across various lengths. Knowing the required length immediately narrows down the possibilities, making it easier to find the correct answer like NUDGE (5 letters) or THRUST (6 letters).
Can "poke" refer to anything other than a physical action in crosswords?
Yes, 'poke' can also refer to non-physical actions. For instance, 'poke around' implies investigating or searching (like RUMMAGE or EXPLORE). It can also relate to teasing or making fun, or even refer to a type of Hawaiian dish in themed puzzles, requiring careful context analysis.