Bother Crossword Clue: A Comprehensive Guide

Crossword puzzles are a fantastic way to challenge your mind and expand your vocabulary. One common clue that often appears is “bother.” Depending on the puzzle’s difficulty and the number of letters required, “bother” can have several synonyms or related words as answers. In this article, we’ll explore possible crossword answers for “bother,” their meanings, and how to identify the correct solution based on context.

Common Crossword Answers for “Bother”

When you encounter the clue “bother” in a crossword, the answer could vary in length and nuance. Below are some of the most frequent solutions:

3-Letter Answers:

1. IRK – To irritate or annoy.

   • Example: “Small inconveniences can irk me throughout the day.”

2. VEX – To cause annoyance or distress.

   • Example: “The complicated instructions began to vex the students.”

3. BUG – To bother persistently.

   • Example: “His little brother would always bug him during homework.”

4-Letter Answers:

1. ANNO (short for “annoy”) – Rare but possible in cryptic crosswords.

2. RILE – To make someone annoyed or irritated.

   • Example: “The constant noise began to rile up the neighbors.”

3. NAG – To repeatedly ask or annoy someone.

   • Example: “She would nag him about cleaning his room.”

5-Letter Answers:

1. ANNOY – To slightly bother or irritate.

   • Example: “Loud chewing noises annoy her during meals.”

2. PESTER – To trouble or annoy persistently.

   • Example: “The fans would pester the celebrity for autographs.”

3. HARASS – To subject someone to aggressive pressure.

   • Example: “Bullies often harass their victims verbally.”

6-Letter Answers:

1. NIGGLE – To cause slight but persistent annoyance.

   • Example: “A small error in the report continued to niggle at him.”

2. BADGER – To repeatedly ask or annoy.

   • Example: “The child would badger his parents for a new toy.”

7-Letter Answers:

1. TROUBLE – To cause distress or inconvenience.

   • Example: “The faulty engine began to trouble the driver.”

2. DISTURB – To interrupt or bother someone.

   • Example: “Please do not disturb the meeting in progress.”

Longer Answers (8+ Letters):

1. AGGRAVATE – To make a situation worse or more annoying.

   • Example: “His constant complaints only aggravate the problem.”

2. EXASPERATE – To intensely irritate someone.

   • Example: “The never-ending delays began to exasperate the passengers.”

How to Determine the Correct Answer

Since “bother” has multiple synonyms, how do you pick the right one for your crossword puzzle? Here are some tips:

1. Check the Number of Letters

The length of the answer is crucial. If the crossword has three blank spaces, “IRK” or “VEX” are likely candidates. For five letters, “ANNOY” or “PESTER” might fit.

2. Look at Crossing Words

Examine the intersecting letters from other words. If the second letter must be “A,” then “ANNOY” fits better than “PESTER.”

3. Consider the Puzzle’s Difficulty

• Easy Puzzles: Often use common words like “ANNOY” or “IRK.”

• Harder Puzzles: May include less common terms like “NIGGLE” or “VEX.”

• Cryptic Crosswords: Could use wordplay, such as “ANNO” (short for annoy).

4. Think About Alternate Meanings

Sometimes, “bother” can imply physical disturbance rather than annoyance. Words like “DISTURB” or “TROUBLE” may fit in such cases.

Example Crossword Clues and Solutions

Let’s look at some hypothetical crossword entries where “bother” is the clue:

Conclusion

The next time you encounter “bother” as a crossword clue, consider the word length, intersecting letters, and the puzzle’s difficulty level. Whether it’s a simple “IRK” or a more complex “EXASPERATE,” knowing the possible synonyms will help you solve the clue efficiently.