taunting crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Find all the solutions and explanations for the clue "taunting crossword clue" right here. We provide answers of various lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "taunting crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
GIBING: Making insulting or mocking remarks, often with sarcasm.
VEXING: Causing annoyance, frustration, or worry through persistent taunts.
7 Letters
MOCKING: To ridicule or scorn someone or something.
JEERING: Making rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice.
TEASING: Playfully making fun of or attempting to provoke someone in a good-humored way.
8 Letters
SNEERING: Smiling or speaking in a contemptuous or mocking manner.
DERIDING: Expressing contempt for; ridiculing.
9 Letters
PROVOKING: Deliberately inciting someone to anger or action, often through taunts or challenges.
BANTERING: Exchanging light, playful, teasing remarks.
10 Letters
RIDICULING: Subjecting someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.
More About "taunting crossword clue"
The term "taunting" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, often leading to a range of answers from direct synonyms like "mocking" or "jeering" to more nuanced terms such as "provoking" or "bantering." The key to solving such clues lies in understanding the specific context provided by the puzzle setter and the length of the required answer. Sometimes, "taunting" might imply a playful teasing, while at other times, it could suggest a more malicious intent.
Crossword constructors love words with multiple interpretations, and "taunting" is a prime example. It can refer to verbal actions, non-verbal gestures, or even an attitude. Always consider whether the answer should be a verb (e.g., GIBING), an adjective (e.g., DERISIVE, though less common for this clue), or a noun (e.g., MOCKERY, if the clue implies the act itself). This flexibility makes "taunting" a rich source of challenge and satisfaction for solvers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Part of Speech: Is the clue "taunting" (adjective/verb) or "to taunt" (infinitive verb)? This helps determine if your answer should be an -ING word, a past tense verb, or a noun.
- Consider the Tone: Some taunts are playful (e.g., teasing, bantering), while others are aggressive (e.g., deriding, scoffing). The surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme might offer hints.
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting letters from other clues, use them to narrow down possibilities. Even one correct letter can quickly reveal the full answer for a "taunting" clue.
- Think about common prefixes/suffixes: Words ending in -ING, -ED, or common prefixes like DE- or RE- are often good candidates for action-oriented clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'taunting' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'taunting' typically refers to actions or words that are meant to provoke, tease, mock, or ridicule someone. Clues might hint at verbal jabs, insults, or playful harassment.
Are there common synonyms for 'taunting' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include 'MOCKING', 'JEERING', 'TEASING', 'GIBING', 'SNEERING', 'DERIDING', and 'PROVOKING'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding context of the puzzle.
How can I better solve clues related to emotions or actions like 'taunting'?
When encountering such clues, consider the tone (playful vs. malicious), look for synonyms, antonyms, or related concepts. Also, pay attention to the part of speech – is the answer a verb (e.g., PROVOKING), an adjective (e.g., DERISIVE), or a noun (e.g., MOCKERY)? Using a thesaurus or an online crossword solver can also be helpful.