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Friday, July 31, 2026

Trivia Week 4 July 31, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword July 31, 2026 Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: NYT Down Clues Answers December 13 2025 | October 12 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | February 26 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for July 31, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, July 31, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date July 31, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 53. Highly flexible discipline?
2 Across 56. Relative of a tumbler
3 Across 1. Withholding something?
4 Across 18. Energy source for distance runners
5 Across 49. Casual Friday option
6 Across 44. Where to be above all the drama?
7 Across 45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian
8 Across 21. Tripping
9 Across 22. Style secured with a scrunchie
10 Across 31. Went hell for leather

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "53. Highly flexible discipline?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A________A

Answer:

Click to reveal AERIALYOGA


2 Across: "56. Relative of a tumbler"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T_______G

Answer:

Click to reveal TRAVELMUG


3 Across: "1. Withholding something?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'X'
  • Another word like this: task

Answer:

Click to reveal TAX


4 Across: "18. Energy source for distance runners"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Another word like this: mousse

Answer:

Click to reveal GEL


5 Across: "49. Casual Friday option"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S_____R

Answer:

Click to reveal SNEAKER


6 Across: "44. Where to be above all the drama?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: O______X

Answer:

Click to reveal OPERABOX


7 Across: "45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: P___R

Answer:

Click to reveal PYOTR


8 Across: "21. Tripping"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: O___D

Answer:

Click to reveal ONLSD


9 Across: "22. Style secured with a scrunchie"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P______L

Answer:

Click to reveal PONYTAIL


10 Across: "31. Went hell for leather"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E

Answer:

Click to reveal TORE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 46. Self-congratulation
2 Down 52. Chain that can symbolize friendship
3 Down 54. Genre for Logic
4 Down 8. "Mind. Blown."
5 Down 35. Formal pause in a line of poetry
6 Down 7. Just OK, in modern lingo
7 Down 41. "And ...?"
8 Down 6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank"
9 Down 13. Change for a bill
10 Down 1. Palm-sized pastry

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "46. Self-congratulation"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: Y___E

Answer:

Click to reveal YAYME


2 Down: "52. Chain that can symbolize friendship"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'I'
  • Another word like this: garland

Answer:

Click to reveal LEI


3 Down: "54. Genre for Logic"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'P'
  • Another word like this: pink

Answer:

Click to reveal RAP


4 Down: "8. "Mind. Blown.""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal IMINAWE


5 Down: "35. Formal pause in a line of poetry"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C_____A

Answer:

Click to reveal CAESURA


6 Down: "7. Just OK, in modern lingo"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'D'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal MID


7 Down: "41. "And ...?""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S____T

Answer:

Click to reveal SOWHAT


8 Down: "6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D________N

Answer:

Click to reveal DRAGONSDEN


9 Down: "13. Change for a bill"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal AMENDMENT


10 Down: "1. Palm-sized pastry"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T_____T

Answer:

Click to reveal TARTLET

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 45 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

The Trivia Week 4 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 4?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 4 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

No! The Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

Good Trivia Week 4 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

Trivia Week 4 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: July 31, 2026 at 06:27 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, July 31 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 31, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Withholding something? 3
2A 4. It'll pass! 3
3A 7. Silent type 4
4A 11. Sex work? 9
5A 14. Screen name 4
6A 15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years 10
7A 16. Grime 4
8A 17. Honey, for example 7
9A 18. Energy source for distance runners 3
10A 20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short 3
11A 21. Tripping 5
12A 22. Style secured with a scrunchie 8
13A 24. Tobiko or masago 3
14A 25. Twists of fate, say 11
15A 28. Pharyngitis docs 4
16A 30. Exuding joy 9
17A 31. Went hell for leather 4
18A 33. Cry when shaking hands 4
19A 34. "This is too much" 9
20A 37. Blind component 4
21A 41. Wiseacre 11
22A 43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L. 3
23A 44. Where to be above all the drama? 8
24A 45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian 5
25A 47. Maryland governor Moore 3
26A 48. Perspective, for short 3
27A 49. Casual Friday option 7
28A 51. Result of a shopping spree 4
29A 53. Highly flexible discipline? 10
30A 55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement 4
31A 56. Relative of a tumbler 9
32A 57. Cuisine with tom kha kai 4
33A 58. Business with lockers 3
34A 59. All good 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Withholding something?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Similar words include: assess, task, revenue enhancement
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. It'll pass!"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: cult, furor, craze
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "7. Silent type"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: mummer, pantomimer, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "11. Sex work?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) an ancient sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with hindu law
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMASUTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Screen name"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERENASLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Grime"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
  • Similar words include: scandal, grease, grunge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Honey, for example"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETNAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Energy source for distance runners"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: colloidal gel, mousse, gelatin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: nongovernmental organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Tripping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONLSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Style secured with a scrunchie"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONYTAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Tobiko or masago"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Twists of fate, say"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPSANDDOWNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Pharyngitis docs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Exuding joy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLSMILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Went hell for leather"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: buck, torus, charge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Cry when shaking hands"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular instance of buying or selling
  • Similar words include: shell out, mint, administer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. "This is too much""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICANTEVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Blind component"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Wiseacre"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMARTYPANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ane, unity, unmatched
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Where to be above all the drama?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERABOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYOTR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Perspective, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Casual Friday option"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
  • Similar words include: canary, stoolpigeon, snitcher
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Result of a shopping spree"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of drawing or hauling something
  • Similar words include: haulage, drag, catch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Highly flexible discipline?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERIALYOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Accho, Akka, Akko
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Relative of a tumbler"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAVELMUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Cuisine with tom kha kai"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Similar words include: Siamese, Tai, Central Thai
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Business with lockers"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, resort hotel, watering place
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. All good"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: determine, readiness, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Palm-sized pastry 7
2D 2. Assenting chorus 5
3D 3. Shangri-La 6
4D 4. Make one 4
5D 5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr. 3
6D 6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank" 10
7D 7. Just OK, in modern lingo 3
8D 8. "Mind. Blown." 7
9D 9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem 7
10D 10. Glorifies 6
11D 11. Into 6
12D 12. Tech mogul Altman 3
13D 13. Change for a bill 9
14D 15. Reproductive part of a fern 5
15D 19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice" 5
16D 22. Patrick, to SpongeBob 3
17D 23. Rings 5
18D 26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend? 9
19D 27. Some all-nighters 10
20D 29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist 5
21D 32. Ready to go 5
22D 34. Censure, in a way 7
23D 35. Formal pause in a line of poetry 7
24D 36. Certain shot, colloquially 3
25D 38. "Heads up!" 7
26D 39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng 6
27D 40. ___ incognita 5
28D 41. "And ...?" 6
29D 42. Brief periods 6
30D 46. Self-congratulation 5
31D 49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms 4
32D 50. Denial in Aberdeen 3
33D 52. Chain that can symbolize friendship 3
34D 54. Genre for Logic 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Palm-sized pastry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small tart usually used as a canape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARTLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Assenting chorus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amon, Amun, Amen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Shangri-La"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XANADU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Make one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded
  • Similar words include: mix, primer, commingle
  • Opposite of: defuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAGONSDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Just OK, in modern lingo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Mind. Blown.""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMINAWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
  • Similar words include: security deposit, allowance, leeway
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARGINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Glorifies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: exalt, extol, glorify
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Into"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEENON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Tech mogul Altman"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Change for a bill"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of amending or correcting
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENDMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Reproductive part of a fern"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient region on the coast of western asia minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the persians in 546 bc
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYDIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Patrick, to SpongeBob"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, crony, pal up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Rings"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
  • Similar words include: toll, bell, cost
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTYBOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Some all-nighters"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occasion of spending a night away from home or having a guest spend the night in your home (especially as a party for children)
  • Similar words include: sleepover
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEPOVERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock star and drummer for the beatles (born in 1940)
  • Similar words include: Ringo Starr, Starkey, Richard Starkey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Ready to go"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONTAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Censure, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that challenge the honesty or veracity of
  • Similar words include: criminate, accuse, incriminate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPEACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Formal pause in a line of poetry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAESURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Certain shot, colloquially"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Heads up!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
  • Similar words include: watch, observation post, spotter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOKOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTEGG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. ___ incognita"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "And ...?""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOWHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Brief periods"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
  • Similar words include: spell, trance, tour
  • Opposite of: unspell
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Self-congratulation"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAYME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon
  • Similar words include: Shiva
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Denial in Aberdeen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Chain that can symbolize friendship"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: garland, chaplet, wreath
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Genre for Logic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: blame, whang, strike
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

34 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: July 31, 2026 at 06:27 AM

Thursday, July 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Change entirely 5
2A 6. Like former secrets 6
3A 12. Make like a frog 3
4A 15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast 5
5A 16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008 6
6A 17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man 3
7A 18. Cluster 12
8A 20. Density symbol 3
9A 21. Go for gold? 3
10A 22. It may be padded or slapped 4
11A 23. Do you read me? 5
12A 25. Veteran 6
13A 27. Agent 9
14A 31. Change logos, maybe 7
15A 33. "Bravo!" 3
16A 34. Dour 4
17A 35. Unnatural, in a way 4
18A 36. H.S. course covering integrals 6
19A 39. ___ trading 3
20A 40. Steam 10
21A 43. Sow, e.g. 3
22A 46. Black-and-orange bird 6
23A 47. Bob who painted "happy little trees" 4
24A 50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour" 4
25A 52. Top halves of centaurs 3
26A 53. They may be lifted ... or downed 7
27A 56. Gambit 9
28A 59. City with red buses 6
29A 60. Big or bad follower 5
30A 61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants" 4
31A 63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo) 3
32A 64. ___ culpa 3
33A 65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues 12
34A 70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe 3
35A 71. Training aids for a lab, say 6
36A 72. Plain 5
37A 73. ___ pad 3
38A 74. What headphones often play in 6
39A 75. Shark's mark 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Change entirely"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Like former secrets"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in common
  • Similar words include: apportion, divided up, share
  • Opposite of: unshared
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Make like a frog"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: record hop, skip, hop-skip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor actor in crowd scenes
  • Similar words include: spear carrier, additional, supernumerary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serbian province in southern serbia and montenegro populated predominantly by albanians
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOSOVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: minded, tending, given
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Cluster"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARLIESHEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Density symbol"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Go for gold?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: tangent, suntan, topaz
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It may be padded or slapped"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: articulatio genus, human knee, stifle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Do you read me?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  • Similar words include: new, refreshing, fresh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Veteran"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDPRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Agent"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALPHAMALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Change logos, maybe"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBRAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Bravo!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Dour"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  • Similar words include: dreary, downcast, dismal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Unnatural, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that color with dye
  • Similar words include: colored, bleached, dye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. H.S. course covering integrals"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APCALC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. ___ trading"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time for earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
  • Similar words include: daytime, 24-hour interval, mean solar day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Steam"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIERRACLUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Sow, e.g."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that domestic swine
  • Similar words include: grunter, Sus scrofa, bull
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Black-and-orange bird"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black
  • Similar words include: Old World oriole, American oriole, New World oriole
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Bob who painted "happy little trees""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: Betsy Ross, Sir John Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Top halves of centaurs"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: work force, manpower, man
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. They may be lifted ... or downed"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
  • Similar words include: flavour, smell, liveliness
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIRITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Gambit"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOLFRANGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. City with red buses"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of england; located on the thames in southeastern england; financial and industrial and cultural center
  • Similar words include: British capital, John Griffith Chaney, capital of the United Kingdom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LONDON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Big or bad follower"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Similar words include: orchard apple tree, Malus pumila
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Lao, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laotian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. ___ culpa"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATOALPHABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "71. Training aids for a lab, say"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: delicacy, goody, kickshaw
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "72. Plain"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "73. ___ pad"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: soh, so, sol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "74. What headphones often play in"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: stereophonic system, stereoscopic picture, stereoscopic photograph
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "75. Shark's mark"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  • Similar words include: mark, gull, soft touch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Church leader 6
2D 2. Took one's breath away? 7
3D 3. Remain loyal to 7
4D 4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g. 3
5D 5. It often leans left or right 9
6D 6. ___-Ball 4
7D 7. Joel follows it 5
8D 8. Flame's remains 3
9D 9. Lumpsucker eggs 3
10D 10. Biblical second coming? 3
11D 11. Prima ___ 5
12D 12. University of Cambridge 7
13D 13. "Hamlet" noblewoman 7
14D 14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe 7
15D 19. Words after cash or zero 4
16D 24. [Horrors!] 3
17D 26. Org. leader 4
18D 28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe 5
19D 29. Puts down 6
20D 30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins 4
21D 32. Panama's ___ National Park 6
22D 37. That's the whole point! 5
23D 38. Seller of knickknacks 9
24D 41. Gospel singer Franklin 4
25D 42. Like a zoomer after 1997 4
26D 43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft 7
27D 44. "If we're lucky!" 7
28D 45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends 7
29D 48. It's not the main part of the action 7
30D 49. High achievers? 7
31D 51. Notable org. with 32 members 3
32D 54. Sit (down) heavily 4
33D 55. Arrogant 6
34D 57. Lets 5
35D 58. Really please 5
36D 62. Plus 4
37D 66. It might be left hanging 3
38D 67. Most common letter in this clue 3
39D 68. Boat propeller 3
40D 69. Director DuVernay 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Church leader"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person authorized to conduct religious worship
  • Similar words include: curate, parson, minister
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Took one's breath away?"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give out (breath or an odor)
  • Similar words include: emanate, expire, give forth
  • Opposite of: inhale
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXHALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Remain loyal to"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that can be relied on when needed
  • Similar words include: understudy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STANDBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: mistake, slip, stray
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It often leans left or right"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALKRADIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___-Ball"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Joel follows it"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor hebrew prophet (8th century bc)
  • Similar words include: Book of Hosea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Flame's remains"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lumpsucker eggs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Biblical second coming?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: evening, even, eventide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Prima ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an italian woman of rank
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. University of Cambridge"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in massachusetts
  • Similar words include: John Harvard, Harvard University
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARVARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Hamlet" noblewoman"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPHELIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that alexandrian astronomer (of the 2nd century) who proposed a geocentric system of astronomy that was undisputed until the late renaissance
  • Similar words include: Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolemaic dynasty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTOLEMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words after cash or zero"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. [Horrors!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Org. leader"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
  • Similar words include: topical anaesthetic, topical anesthetic, local anaesthetic
  • Opposite of: general, national
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: billet, rate, office
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLACES

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20D: "30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of pain and turmoil
  • Similar words include: netherworld, sin, underworld
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELL

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21D: "32. Panama's ___ National Park"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARIEN

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22D: "37. That's the whole point!"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pointed projection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRONG

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23D: "38. Seller of knickknacks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURIOSHOP

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24D: "41. Gospel singer Franklin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERMA

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25D: "42. Like a zoomer after 1997"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british nuclear physicist (born in germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
  • Similar words include: endure, innate, have a bun in the oven
  • Opposite of: unborn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORN

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26D: "43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCGAMES

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27D: "44. "If we're lucky!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IHOPESO

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28D: "45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALPALS

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29D: "48. It's not the main part of the action"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIDEBET

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30D: "49. High achievers?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an attacker who pelts the victim with stones (especially with intent to kill)
  • Similar words include: lapidator, stoner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONERS

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31D: "51. Notable org. with 32 members"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NFL

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32D: "54. Sit (down) heavily"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
  • Similar words include: plunk, plank, plump down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOP

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33D: "55. Arrogant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
  • Similar words include: persnickety, bigheaded, uppish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOTTY

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34D: "57. Lets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: rip, engage, take
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENTS

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35D: "58. Really please"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, uplift, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

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36D: "62. Plus"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: too, likewise, as well
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

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37D: "66. It might be left hanging"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Similar words include: artistry, artwork, graphics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ART

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38D: "67. Most common letter in this clue"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, football tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

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39D: "68. Boat propeller"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

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40D: "69. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVA

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 30, 2026 at 06:03 AM