vexes crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "vexes crossword"? Don't let it bother you! We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you swiftly solve your puzzle. Find the perfect fit for your grid, regardless of length.
Solutions for "vexes crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
GALLS: To make someone feel sore or angry, often by annoying them.
6 Letters
ANNOYS: To bother, irritate, or trouble someone persistently.
7 Letters
RUFFLES: To disturb the smoothness or composure of; to irritate or annoy.
8 Letters
PROVOKES: To stimulate or incite someone to do or feel something, especially anger or another strong reaction.
9 Letters
IRRITATES: To make (someone) feel annoyed, impatient, or angry.
More About "vexes crossword"
"Vexes" is a classic crossword clue that can have several meanings, all revolving around the idea of causing annoyance, distress, or agitation. When you encounter this clue, think about synonyms that imply bothering, troubling, or irritating someone. The key to cracking it often lies in the specific nuance of the puzzle or the number of letters required for the answer.
From a linguistic perspective, "vexes" suggests a continuous or habitual action of troubling, which is why answers often end in an 's' to denote the third-person singular present tense. Crossword setters love words like this because they offer multiple possible solutions depending on the desired word length, making the solver think more deeply about the best fit within the puzzle's constraints.
Consider not just direct synonyms, but also words that describe the *effect* of vexing, such as causing a person to feel bothered or put out. Context from other solved clues in the puzzle can be invaluable in narrowing down the exact answer, especially when similar-meaning words have different lengths.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize the number of letters given for the answer. This is the single most important filter for clues like "vexes" which have many synonyms.
- Consider Nuance: While "vexes" means to annoy, think about the intensity. Does the clue imply a mild bother (RUFFLES) or a stronger incitement (PROVOKES)?
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved cross-clues to quickly eliminate incorrect answers and confirm the correct one. This is crucial for ambiguous clues.
- Think About Tense and Plurality: Ensure your answer matches the clue's tense (e.g., "vexes" often implies a present tense, third-person singular verb ending in 'S').
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vexes' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'vexes' generally refers to actions that annoy, trouble, irritate, or provoke someone. It implies causing distress or agitation, and common answers often reflect these synonyms.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like ANNOYS and IRRITATES?
The key is the letter count. If the puzzle demands a six-letter word, ANNOYS is a strong candidate. If a nine-letter word is needed, IRRITATES might be the answer. Always use the provided letter length and intersecting letters to confirm.
Are there any common crossword tricks for 'vexes' clues?
Sometimes 'vexes' might lead to less direct synonyms or words referring to mild annoyance or a state of being bothered, like RUFFLES or BORES. Pay attention to the specific phrasing of the clue and consider if it implies a physical or emotional disturbance.