USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

Welcome to your daily USA Today crossword blog on XWord Hint! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we provide fresh analysis, clues, and tips to enhance your solving experience without spoiling the fun. For past puzzles, check our June 29 archive or explore our full crossword hints homepage.

USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

Today’s Puzzle Overview

The July 29, 2025, USA Today crossword offers a balanced mix of pop culture references, wordplay, and everyday knowledge. Edited by a team focused on inclusivity, this puzzle features a light theme around summer activities, making it accessible yet engaging. Difficulty level: Moderate—great for mid-week solving. For similar themes, see our June 30 puzzle breakdown.

Complete Clue List

Short Clues (3-5 Letters)

• Wound cover: [Hint: Forms over a cut]
• Male deer: [Hint: Buck in the woods]
• Australian bird: [Hint: Flightless runner]
• Arm bone: [Hint: Next to the radius]
• Foreboding sign: [Hint: Bad omen]

Medium Clues (6-8 Letters)

• Christmas pageant headwear: [Hint: Angel's accessory]
• Oxen harness: [Hint: Farm yoke]
• Poems of praise: [Hint: Laudatory verses]
• South Dakota's capital: [Hint: Pierre]
• Country where Tigris and Euphrates meet: [Hint: Middle Eastern nation]

Longer Clues (9+ Letters)

• 1920s dance craze: [Hint: Charleston origin]
• The "MO" of FOMO: [Hint: Missing out]
• Grammy-winning metal band: [Hint: System of a Down]
• Retail rep's quota: [Hint: Sales target]
• Unauthorized rock recordings: [Hint: Bootleg albums]

For cryptic-style clues like those in today's puzzle, visit our NYT hints page for advanced solving techniques.

Popular Clues Explained

"The MO of FOMO" - This refers to the core fear in "Fear of Missing Out." Think social anxiety acronyms.

"Give up, informally" - Draws from a fishing idiom meaning to quit or decide.

"Grammy-winning metal band" - A band known for unique sounds and multiple appearances in puzzle themes.

For more explanations, browse our LA Times clue analysis.

Solving Tips for USA Today Crosswords

• Start with Short Words: Fill 3-4 letter entries to reveal crossing letters.
• Spot Patterns: Look for common fills like state capitals or abbreviations.
• Use Crossings: Stuck? Solve intersecting clues first.
• Theme Awareness: USA Today often has fun, inclusive themes—identify them early.

Need more strategies? Check our general crossword tips section.

Where to Play USA Today Crosswords

• Official Site: puzzles.usatoday.com for daily access.
• App: Download for on-the-go solving.
• Archives: Explore past puzzles via our linked archives.

The USA Today crossword stands out for its modern, diverse clues and approachable difficulty. Join the community on XWord Hint for daily updates, and don't forget to explore our full puzzle library for more challenges!

Friday September 20, 2024 | USA today Crossword Answers

Are there specific crossword puzzles that you would require assistance in solving today? Playing the USA Today Crossword can indeed become a game and sometimes one gets stuck with some of the clues and that’s perfectly acceptable. If you are looking for the USA Today Crossword Answers Today September 20, 2024 to complete the crossword puzzles and find the answers of the crossword clues, you have come to the right place.

USA Today Crossword Clues for September 20, 2024

Why do people love the USA Today Crossword?

Crossword lovers consider the USA Today Crossword as suitable for entertainment since it is designed not very tricky yet challenges the brain. It isn’t just riddles that may be difficult to solve or ones that require a lot of guesswork, which aren’t ideal for this game, or that are too simple, which will not challenge the players enough. This puzzle doesn’t require any specialized knowledge or skills, and it is suitable for every person, regardless of experience. Sometimes, its solved with the morning coffee, other times after a long day, the crossword indeed presents a little puzzle that can be solved by everybody.

Across Clues for September 20, 2024

Russian title derived from “Caesar” (4 letters) ▼

Answer: TSAR

Taj Mahal’s city (4 letters ▼

Answer: AGRA

Seeks divine intervention (5 letters)

PRAYS

Cunning plan (4 letters)

RUSE

Some savings accounts (4 letters)

IRAS

Shakespearean lover boy (5 letters)

ROMEO

Killer whale (4 letters)

ORCA

Slam ___ (4 letters)

DUNK

Vacant (5 letters)

EMPTY

2005 movie based on an Alan Moore graphic novel (11 letters)

V FOR VENDETTA

Lauder of cosmetics (5 letters)

ESTEE

“Specifically . . .” (5 letters)

TOWIT

Device dropped in victory (3 letters)

MIC

Tie in chess (4 letters)

DRAW

“You saved me!” (6 letters)

MY HERO

Archer’s talent (3 letters)

AIM

Some breakfast chains (5 letters)

IHOPS

Bothersome (5 letters)

PESKY

2011 movie prequel to a superhero trilogy (14 letters)

X MEN FIRST CLASS

World-weariness (5 letters)

ENNUI

Kind of roll derived from “Caesar” (6 letters)

KAISER

Temporary vehicle (6 letters)

LOANER

Espionage org. (3 letters)

CIA

Addition result (3 letters)

SUM

Droop (3 letters)

SAG

Hybrid utensil (5 letters)

SPORK

It might be skipped across a pond (5 letters)

STONE

Just in (3 letters)

NEW

1993 David Cronenberg romantic drama (10 letters)

M BUTTERFLY

Shrek and Fiona (5 letters)

OGRES

Succulent in skin care (4 letters)

ALOE

Central Plains tribe (4 letters)

OTOE

Actress Knightley (5 letters)

KEIRA

Chow ___ (4 letters)

MEIN

“Pants on fire” person (4 letters)

LIAR

Catch some Z’s (5 letters)

SLEEP

Pottery and poetry, e.g. (4 letters)

ARTS

Down Clues for September 20, 2024

Stash of treasure (5 letters)

TROVE

Rides the waves (5 letters)

SURFS

Fancy neckwear (5 letters)

ASCOT

Brought up (6 letters)

REARED

Politician’s assistant (4 letters)

AIDE

Rhyme scheme (5 letters)

METER

Nail polish brand (3 letters)

OPI

Neighbor of Peru (5 letters)

CHILE

San ___, Puerto Rico (3 letters)

JUAN

Not engaged (5 letters)

IDLED

Urged (6 letters)

EXHORT

Yale student (5 letters)

ELIOT

House part (5 letters)

ROOF

Wholly absorbed (9 letters)

ENGROSSED

Columnist’s piece (5 letters)

OPED

Puts two and two together (7 letters)

ADDSUP

Very distant (4 letters)

FAR

Skin condition (6 letters)

ECZEMA

Smooth-talking (6 letters)

SLICK

Tattoo word (4 letters)

LOVE

Moo __: Vietnamese dish (4 letters)

SHU

Uncovered (5 letters)

BARED

0917 USA Today Crossword Answers for Tuesday September 17, 2024 : Your Complete Guide

USA Today Crossword Answers for Tuesday September 17, 2024

Are there specific crossword puzzles that you would require assistance in solving today? Playing the USA Today Crossword can indeed become a game and sometimes one gets stuck with some of the clues and that’s perfectly acceptable. If you are looking for the USA Today Crossword Answers Today September 17, 2024 to complete the crossword puzzles and find the answers of the crossword clues, you have come to the right place.

USA Today Crossword puzzle for September 73, 2024 with answers

Why do people love the USA Today Crossword?:

Crossword lovers consider the USA Today Crossword as suitable for entertainment since it is designed not very tricky yet challenges the brain. It isn’t just riddles that may be difficult to solve or ones that require a lot of guesswork, which aren’t ideal for this game, or that are too simple, which will not challenge the players enough. This puzzle doesn’t require any specialized knowledge or skills, and it is suitable for every person, regardless of experience. Sometimes, its solved with the morning coffee, other times after a long day, the crossword indeed presents a little puzzle that can be solved by everybody.

Across connections with Answers

• ___ points (health in a video game): HIT
• “And I want you now, wanna need you forever in the ___ of your electric touch”: HEAT
• Injured: HURT
• Backbone: SPINE
• Japanese oni, e.g.: OGRE
• Chiwere-speaking people: OTOE
• Flexibility for negotiating: WIGGLEROOM
• Lazy river floater: TUBE
• Some asthma treatments: INHALERS
• Monetary supporter: PATRON
• Doorstep item: MAT
• ___-mo (film technique): SLO
• Says yes: ASSENTS
• It may have thorns: STEM
• “When there are nine” speaker, for short: RBG
• Snarky: SASSY
• Pungent: ACRID
• ___ job (mechanic’s task): LUBE
• A cat’s rear haunches, e.g.: HINDQUARTERS
• “___ that!” (“You’re so right!”): TRUE
• “Quaking” tree: ASPEN
• Suggest: OFFER
• “Yes, cap’n!”: AYE
• “So sad . . .”: ALAS
• Garden feature with colorful fish: KOIPOND
• Chips and ___: DIP
• Cubes in a cup: ICE
• Chocolate brand named for a Lady: GODIVA
• Disc-shaped, puffed snack: RICECAKE
• Peculiar: ODD
• Place where you’re unlikely to hear new opinions: ECHOCHAMBER
• Frying need: OIL
• ___ and Link (YouTube duo): RHETT
• They may be “common”: COLDS
• “A Raisin in the Sun” star Ruby: DEE
• Shades of color: TONES
• Opposite of WSW: ENE

Down connections with Answers

• Cutting edge, say: HIGHTECH
• “Young Frankenstein” fraulein: INGA
• Tattles: TELLS
• “Doctor Sleep” genre: HORROR
• They may get in the way of cooperation: EGOS
• Not interested in romance, for short: ARO
• Office subs: TEMPS
• Warming cuppa: HOTTEA
• 180s on the road: UTURNS
• Droids in “Star Wars,” essentially: ROBOTS
• Itty-bitty: TEENSY
• Does laps: SWIMS
• One might be smashed open at a party: PINATA
• Sushi option also known as unagi: EEL
• Positive traits: ASSETS
• ___ fresca (fruit drink): AGUA
• Imaging letters: MRI
• Animated Aussie dog with a sister named Bingo: BLUEY
• Person who recharges with alone time: INTROVERT
• Arcade game in which arrows are stepped on (Abbr.): DDR
• Built-in part of a bikini top: BRA
• Campus hangout spot: QUAD
• AQI org.: EPA
• Trustworthy: RELIABLE
• Noshed: SNACKED
• “Ah, excellent”: OKGOOD
• Fan of fine cuisine: FOODIE
• Fit as a ___: FIDDLE
• Prefix for “center” and “gram”: EPI
• Decrees: EDICTS
• Soothsayers: SEERS
• Tex-Mex cheese variety: NACHO
• “___ liebe dich” (“I love you”): ICH
• What a dove or an olive branch may symbolize: PEACE
• Repetitive way to learn: ROTE
• “Hurry up!”: CMON
• Egg-layer on a farm: HEN

0913 USA Today Crossword Answers for Today September 13, 2024: Your Complete Guide

USA Today Crossword Answers for Today September 13, 2024

Are there specific crossword puzzles that you would require assistance in solving today? Playing the USA Today Crossword can indeed become a game and sometimes one gets stuck with some of the clues and that’s perfectly acceptable. If you are looking for the USA Today Crossword Answers Today September 13, 2024 to complete the crossword puzzles and find the answers of the crossword clues, you have come to the right place.

USA Today Crossword puzzle for September 13, 2024 with answers

Why do people love the USA Today Crossword?:

Crossword lovers consider the USA Today Crossword as suitable for entertainment since it is designed not very tricky yet challenges the brain. It isn’t just riddles that may be difficult to solve or ones that require a lot of guesswork, which aren’t ideal for this game, or that are too simple, which will not challenge the players enough. This puzzle doesn’t require any specialized knowledge or skills, and it is suitable for every person, regardless of experience. Sometimes, its solved with the morning coffee, other times after a long day, the crossword indeed presents a little puzzle that can be solved by everybody.

Clue	Answer
Seasonal virus	FLU
Sound from a goose, cat or snake	HISS
Debacle	FIASCO
Place for parking	LOT
Double-reed instrument	OBOE
Remove from political office	UNSEAT
Rapper on the “Barbie” soundtrack	ICESPICE
Some teens embracing scene fashion	EGIRLS
Planet explored by the Opportunity rover	MARS
___ issue (problem fixable by self-improvement)	SKILL
Brimless hat with a tassel	FEZ
Leaves at a loss for words	STUNS
Dr. Mario console	NES
“Psych!”	NOT
“Certainly!”	YES
Fish in a dragon roll	UNAGI
Complain petulantly	WHINE
Love, in telenovelas	AMOR
Changed one’s eating habits	DIETED
Band with the Grammy-nominated album “The Car”	ARCTICMONKEYS
Minor earthquake	TREMOR
“To reiterate . . .”	ISAID
“Nothing more for me!”	IMSET
“A Quiet Place” language	ASL
Weeps uncontrollably	SOBS
“The Force Awakens” pilot Dameron	POE
Misbehaves	ACTSOUT
Nickname that drops “-erie”	VAL
Plot device in “Groundhog Day” and “Russian Doll”	TIMELOOP
Total woe	MISERY
Spheres	ORBS
Rock group known for the song “Chasing Cars”	SNOWPATROL
Fish that lack pelvic fins	EELS
Give and ___	TAKE
Like weather that calls for an umbrella	RAINY
Opposite of NNW	SSE
Musher’s vehicle	SLED
Sciences’ partner	ARTS
Weak, like an excuse	FLIMSY
Find	LOCATE
Organ where the placenta develops	UTERUS
Jump on one leg	HOP
Bird that forages in mud	IBIS
Piece of footwear that can be knitted	SOCK
Dating	SEEING
Propane and gasoline are two	FUELS
Gerund suffix	ING
“Dream on!”	ASIF
Goal at a meditation retreat	SERENITY
Pizza turnovers	CALZONES
Extra WNBA periods	OTS
ID on a W-2	SSN
Tropical flower garland	LEI
Net result	SUMTOTAL
“The Good Place” actor Danson	TED
Detective film genre	NOIR
Character’s storyline	ARC
Collaborative fan site	WIKI
Listens to	HEEDS
Agency seeking Carmen Sandiego	ACME
Molecule edited by CRISPR	DNA
Ornate wardrobes	ARMOIRES
Take after, looks-wise	RESEMBLE
Made a verbal error	MISSPOKE
Holmenkollbakken city	OSLO
Walks quietly	TIPTOES
Like Berg’s music	ATONAL
Past caring	OVERIT
Coronet-wearing noblemen	BARONS
In a sneaky way	SLYLY
Prices	COSTS
Headline	STAR
Got Married	Wed
Twisty letter	ESS

I hope these answers will assist you in moving past any difficult clues that you were having trouble with. And do not stress, some puzzles are created to be solved with ways of thinking with which the average person is unfamiliar, so it is perfectly fine to ask for some assistance.

0911 USA Today Crossword Answers for September 11, 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

USA Today Crossword Answers for September 11, 2024: Your Ultimate Guide

Do you want to solve today’s USA Today crossword and you are not getting the right answers? You are in the right place! So if you are needed to solve crossword puzzle for September 11, 2024 whether as per your leisure or whether you are keen on maintaining the streak, then this article will help you with all the clues and their solutions. For each given answer, we will also explain the answer in details to help you solve this widely known puzzle faster.

USA Today Crossword Answers September 11, 2024 solutions and clues

USA Today crossword puzzle Like many other newspapers for over many years now crossword puzzles have been a part of USA Today as well. It should serve to satiate the part of your brain that loves a good cryptic crossword or Sudoku. But don’t worry, getting stuck doesn’t mean it is time to surrender. That, of course, can be done with the correct answers and you learn more along the way. Therefore, here we go with today’s puzzle and try to find out the mysterious behind every clue!

Across Clues – USA Today September 11, 2024

• Apple tablets – IPADS
• Little gremlins – IMPS
• “Now, please!” – ASAP
• “It’s true!” – NOLIE
• Carnivore’s diet – MEAT
• Sales promotion letters – BOGO
• “That’s too bad” – SOSAD
• Worshipper of Inti – INCA

Key Long-Form Clues on September 11, 2024

• Orange winter gourd you might roast – HONEYNUTSQUASH
• Destructive catchphrase for a shapeshifting Avenger – HULKSMASH

More Exciting Clues and Their Solutions

• Apple desktops – IMACS
• Word before “cotta” or “firma” – TERRA
• “Reputation,” e.g., for Taylor Swift – ERA

Down Clues – USA Today Crossword September 11, 2024

• Bear who says “Oh, bother” – POOH
• “Father of the Bride” and “Book Club” actor – DIANEKEATON
• Purple yam used in many Filipino sweets – UBE
• Small jump – HOP

Across Clues	Answers
Apple tablets	IPADS
Little gremlins	IMPS
"Now, please!"	ASAP
"It's true!"	NOLIE
Carnivore's diet	MEAT
Sales promotion letters	BOGO
"That's too bad"	SOSAD
Worshipper of Inti	INCA
Praising poems	ODES
Orange winter gourd you might roast	HONEYNUTSQUASH
"Reputation," e.g., for Taylor Swift	ERA
"No One OutPizzas the ___" (pizza chain slogan)	HUT
Destructive catchphrase for a shapeshifting Avenger	HULKSMASH
Apple desktops	IMACS
Woodwind instrument	OBOE
Adele or Tracy Chapman's vocal range	ALTO
Word before "cotta" or "firma"	TERRA
"Shoop" group Salt-N-___	PEPA
Throws hard	HEAVES
Corncob unit	EAR
"More info soon"	TBA
Dieci, in English	TEN
Educational ad	PSA
Word preceding "Did I scare you???"	BOO
First Black woman to work at Washington University School of Medicine	HELENNASH
"There's a conflict in my schedule"	ICANTGO
Nickname for a Brazilian city	RIO
One of two in a split	PIN
Texan NWSL team	HOUSTONDASH
Egg-shaped	OVAL
Norway's capital	OSLO
Spoooooky	EERIE
T. rex, for one	DINO
Brown in a pan	SEAR
Accessibility features for wheelchairs	RAMPS
BBQ side	SLAW
"30 for 30" channel	ESPN
Foxlike	SLY

Down Clues	Answers
Outs' counterparts	INS
Bear who says "Oh, bother"	POOH
"And . . ."	ALSO
"Father of the Bride" and "Book Club" actor	DIANEKEATON
Passover meals	SEDERS
"Let's do this"	IMIN
Taco Bell's includes Crunchwrap Supremes	MENU
Treaty	PACT
Cache	STASH
Biographical page on a person's website	ABOUTME
Dr Pepper or Coke	SODA
7, 8, 9, etc.	AGES
Fancy	POSH
Piano brand	YAMAHA
Says "Peace out" to one's job	QUITS
Small jump	HOP
Purple yam used in many Filipino sweets	UBE
Apt rhyme for "chop"	LOP
Source of nutrition in the medieval world	ALE
Ohio or Indiana	STATE
Small dwelling	HOVEL
Cornmeal cake	AREPA
Crude	CRASS
"Ballpark Dimensions" co-host Langs	SARAH
January, in Spanish	ENERO
"They ___ Die at the End" (Adam Silvera novel)	BOTH
Fruit in a "split"	BANANA
Abodes	HOUSES
San Francisco NFL players	NINERS
"Those terms don't work for me"	NODEAL
Nanos and Shuffles, for two	IPODS
Polite	CIVIL
"Duck . . . duck . . . ___!"	GOOSE
Smack	SLAP
Unsure of how to act	TORN
Navy's rival in sports	ARMY
Little taste of a mocktail	SIP
"___ All That" (2021 rom-com)	HES
Opposite of high	LOW

How to Crack the USA Today Crossword Efficiently

Solving crosswords efficiently requires a combination of patience, practice, and strategies. Here are some key tips to help you complete puzzles like the USA Today crossword:

• Start with the easiest clues: Filling in answers you know immediately can help unlock more difficult ones. The easier clues often provide useful letters that intersect with the harder clues.
• Focus on the theme: Some puzzles have overarching themes that can guide you toward answers. For instance, pop culture or specific knowledge (like Marvel or Taylor Swift) could help you fill in large parts of the puzzle.
• Keep a balanced approach: Don’t get bogged down by one clue. Move on and come back later. Sometimes, stepping away from a stubborn clue can help you see the answer with fresh eyes.
• Look for letter patterns: Common prefixes, suffixes, or vowel-consonant patterns can give you clues to the structure of a word, even if you don't know the entire answer right away.

2423 Friday Aug 22, 2024 USA Today Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues Letters Counts Hits

Below table is across clues with letter counts. Its used to find answer.

Clue	Answer Letter Count
1A. Pointed comment	4
5A. Attire	4
9A. Gentle touches	4
13A. Get off scot-___	4
14A. Pixar movie set to be released in 2025	4
15A. Think global, act ___	5
16A. Extra charges on Ticketmaster	4
17A. Neat	4
18A. Diary passage	5
19A. Only three-word U.S. state capital	12
22A. Frequent flyer's unit	4
23A. Carry-___ (some suitcases)	3
24A. Antipollution org.	3
27A. Italian designer Giorgio	6
30A. Adorns with Charmin, for short	3
31A. Pen tip	3
32A. Horse-controlling strap	4
33A. Another name for Mardi Gras	8
37A. Greeting in Portuguese	3
38A. ___-friendly	3
39A. Mountain range in Wyoming	6
40A. Some silent performers	5
43A. Research sites	4
45A. Greek god of love	4
46A. Music subgenre that influenced trance	6
48A. More, in Spanish	3
49A. Web address	3
50A. Dishes served wrapped in banana leaves	7
53A. Attempt	3
56A. Granola morsel	3
58A. Crucial	3
59A. That dude's	3
61A. State of temporary but intense excitement	4
65A. Major religion in Algeria	5
66A. Days of ___ (long ago)	4
67A. Creature hidden in "indoor cat"	4
68A. Some recommend 10,000 of these per day	5
69A. Word similar to "fewer"	4
70A. Look closely	4

Friday Aug 22, 2024 USA Today Crossword Clues Hints 

Down Clues Letters Counts Hits

Below table is down clues with letter counts. Its used to find answer.

Clue	Answer Letter Count
1D. Close pals, for short	4
2D. The "A" of BART	4
3D. Short video on Instagram	4
4D. Groom's bud at some weddings	7
5D. "Go find something better to do"	10
6D. Similar	4
7D. Merry-go-round, for example	4
8D. Type of protest against corporations	7
9D. "Pink ___ Club" (Chappell Roan song)	4
10D. Subdivision of a play	3
11D. Road goo	3
12D. Sneaky	3
15D. "Hmm . . ."	7
20D. ___-Manuel Miranda	3
21D. Enters, like data	6
24D. Words on the back of a check	7
25D. Instrument that's hard to transport	5
26D. Deep pit	5
27D. Alluring smell	5
28D. Esteemed artifact	5
29D. U.S. city with a large Cuban community	5
34D. Human rights org.	4
35D. Avocado ___	5
36D. Great bargain	5
41D. www.ucla.___	3
42D. Hallucinogenic fungi, informally	7
44D. Some laboratory containers	5
47D. Snowman in "Frozen"	4
48D. Tartar sauce ingredient	4
51D. Some funny GIFs	5
52D. Thereafter	5
53D. Not that	6
54D. ". . . and the ___ is history!"	4
55D. Ivy in New Haven	4
57D. Texting sign-off	4
60D. Yelp review unit	4
62D. Loud dancing style	4
63D. Gardening tool	3
64D. Tool for cleaning up a spill	3

Across Clue with Answers

Clue	Answer
1A. Pointed comment	BARB
5A. Attire	WEAR
9A. Gentle touches	PATS
13A. Get off scot-___	FREE
14A. Pixar movie set to be released in 2025	ELIO
15A. Think global, act ___	LOCAL
16A. Extra charges on Ticketmaster	FEES
17A. Neat	TIDY
18A. Diary passage	ENTRY
19A. Only three-word U.S. state capital	SALT LAKE CITY
22A. Frequent flyer's unit	MILE
23A. Carry-___ (some suitcases)	ONS
24A. Antipollution org.	EPA
27A. Italian designer Giorgio	ARMANI
30A. Adorns with Charmin, for short	TPS
31A. Pen tip	NIB
32A. Horse-controlling strap	REIN
33A. Another name for Mardi Gras	CARNIVAL
37A. Greeting in Portuguese	OLA
38A. ___-friendly	ECO
39A. Mountain range in Wyoming	TETONS
40A. Some silent performers	MIMES
43A. Research sites	LABS
45A. Greek god of love	EROS
46A. Music subgenre that influenced trance	TECHNO
48A. More, in Spanish	MAS
49A. Web address	URL
50A. Dishes served wrapped in banana leaves	TAMALES
53A. Attempt	TRY
56A. Granola morsel	OAT
58A. Crucial	KEY
59A. That dude's	HIS
61A. State of temporary but intense excitement	BUZZ
65A. Major religion in Algeria	ISLAM
66A. Days of ___ (long ago)	YORE
67A. Creature hidden in "indoor cat"	ORCA
68A. Some recommend 10,000 of these per day	STEPS
69A. Word similar to "fewer"	LESS
70A. Look closely	PEER

Down Clues with Answers

Clue	Answer
1D. Close pals, for short	BFFS
2D. The "A" of BART	AREA
3D. Short video on Instagram	REEL
4D. Groom's bud at some weddings	BEST MAN
5D. "Go find something better to do"	WHY DON’T YOU
6D. Similar	AKIN
7D. Merry-go-round, for example	RIDE
8D. Type of protest against corporations	BOYCOTT
9D. "Pink ___ Club" (Chappell Roan song)	PONY
10D. Subdivision of a play	ACT
11D. Road goo	TAR
12D. Sneaky	SLY
15D. "Hmm . . ."	LET’S SEE
20D. ___-Manuel Miranda	LIN
21D. Enters, like data	INPUTS
24D. Words on the back of a check	ENDORSE
25D. Instrument that's hard to transport	ORGAN
26D. Deep pit	ABYSS
27D. Alluring smell	AROMA
28D. Esteemed artifact	RELIC
29D. U.S. city with a large Cuban community	MIAMI
34D. Human rights org.	ACLU
35D. Avocado ___	TOAST
36D. Great bargain	STEAL
41D. www.ucla.___	EDU
42D. Hallucinogenic fungi, informally	SHROOMS
44D. Some laboratory containers	VIALS
47D. Snowman in "Frozen"	OLAF
48D. Tartar sauce ingredient	MAYO
51D. Some funny GIFs	MEMES
52D. Thereafter	AFTER
53D. Not that	NOT SO
54D. ". . . and the ___ is history!"	REST
55D. Ivy in New Haven	YALE
57D. Texting sign-off	TTYL
60D. Yelp review unit	STAR
62D. Loud dancing style	RAVE
63D. Gardening tool	HOE
64D. Tool for cleaning up a spill	RAG

2408 Thu Aug 22, 2024 USA Today Crossword Clues Hints

UAS Today Across Clues:

Clue	Answer	Letter Frequency
Less Than Jake genre	SKA	S: 1, K: 1, A: 1
The Burn Book in “Mean Girls,” for one	PROP	P: 2, R: 1, O: 1
Opposite of boom	BUST	B: 1, U: 1, S: 1, T: 1
Dip out suddenly	BAIL	B: 1, A: 1, I: 1, L: 1
Chip away at	ERODE	E: 2, R: 1, O: 1, D: 1
“___ the Woods”	INTO	I: 1, N: 1, T: 1, O: 1
Tracy Chapman’s vocal range	ALTO	A: 1, L: 1, T: 1, O: 1
Reasoning used to solve sudoku puzzles	LOGIC	L: 1, O: 1, G: 1, I: 1, C: 1
Leo’s symbol	LION	L: 1, I: 1, O: 1, N: 1
Tiered bed part that’s lower to the ground	BOTTOMBUNK	B: 2, O: 2, T: 1, M: 1, K: 1, N: 1, U: 1
Yearn	LONG	L: 1, O: 1, N: 1, G: 1
Whichever	ANY	A: 1, N: 1, Y: 1
Selfie stance	POSE	P: 1, O: 1, S: 1, E: 1
Overdue library book penalties	FINES	F: 1, I: 1, N: 1, E: 1, S: 1
“When the first ___ you see may not be a ___” (“Konstantine” lyric)	STAR	S: 1, T: 1, A: 1, R: 1
Instrument used for tuning	OBOE	O: 2, B: 1, E: 1
Wander around	ROAM	R: 1, O: 1, A: 1, M: 1
Was sure of	KNEW	K: 1, N: 1, E: 1, W: 1
“Killing Eve” network	BBC	B: 2, C: 1
Bar fixture that simulates riding a bucking animal	MECHANICALBULL	M: 1, E: 1, C: 2, H: 1, A: 2, N: 1, I: 1, K: 1, L: 1, B: 1, U: 1
Fluffy scarf	BOA	B: 1, O: 1, A: 1
Printer product	TONER	T: 1, O: 1, N: 1, E: 1, R: 1
Spanish for “water”	AGUA	A: 2, G: 1, U: 1
Turn bad	ROT	R: 1, O: 1, T: 1
Texting segue	BTW	B: 1, T: 1, W: 1
“Bad at Love” singer	HALSEY	H: 1, A: 1, L: 1, S: 1, E: 1, Y: 1
Make certain	ASSURE	A: 2, S: 2, U: 1, R: 1, E: 1
Pirate flag emblem	SKULL	S: 1, K: 1, U: 1, L: 2
Insulting the other team, say	TALKINGTRASH	T: 2, A: 2, L: 1, K: 1, I: 1, N: 1, G: 1, R: 1, S: 1, H: 1
Doesn’t wear out	LASTS	L: 1, A: 1, S: 2, T: 1
Anger	IRE	I: 1, R: 1, E: 1
Main artery	AORTA	A: 2, O: 1, R: 1, T: 1
Throbs	ACHES	A: 1, C: 1, H: 1, E: 1, S: 1
“I told you!”	SEE	S: 1, E: 2
___ flush	ROYAL	R: 1, O: 1, Y: 1, A: 1, L: 1
Social equal	PEER	P: 1, E: 2, R: 1
“Jumanji” sketch show	SNL	S: 1, N: 1, L: 1
Eggy spread	MAYO	M: 1, A: 1, Y: 1, O: 1

2408 Thu Aug 22, 2024 USA Today Crossword Clues Hints

Down Clues:

Clue	Answer	Letter Frequency
Places to get blowouts	SALONS	S: 1, A: 1, L: 1, O: 1, N: 1
Rewards for cats, casually	KITTYTREATS	K: 1, I: 1, T: 2, Y: 2, R: 1, E: 1, A: 1, S: 1
All the time	ALOT	A: 1, L: 1, O: 1, T: 1
In all likelihood, casually	PROBS	P: 1, R: 1, O: 1, B: 1, S: 1
Go ___ (ignore orders)	ROGUE	R: 1, O: 1, G: 1, U: 1, E: 1
Thor’s dad	ODIN	O: 1, D: 1, I: 1, N: 1
Light 49-Down	PECK	P: 1, E: 1, C: 1, K: 1
“LUNCH” singer Eilish	BILLIE	B: 1, I: 2, L: 2, E: 1
Labor group	UNION	U: 1, N: 2, I: 1, O: 1
Peach pit	STONE	S: 1, T: 1, O: 1, N: 1, E: 1
Ice-grabbing tool	TONGS	T: 1, O: 1, N: 1, G: 1, S: 1
___ ghanoush	BABA	B: 2, A: 2
Muppet with a pet goldfish	ELMO	E: 1, L: 1, M: 1, O: 1
TV mogul Winfrey	OPRAH	O: 1, P: 1, R: 1, A: 1, H: 1
Poultry	FOWL	F: 1, O: 1, W: 1, L: 1
Rep. who said “We open doors so others can walk through them”	AOC	A: 1, O: 1, C: 1
In the past	ONCE	O: 1, N: 1, C: 1, E: 1
Big squeeze	BEARHUG	B: 1, E: 1, A: 1, R: 1, H: 1, U: 1, G: 1
Company that makes Barbie	MATTEL	M: 1, A: 1, T: 2, E: 1, L: 1
Relatives	KIN	K: 1, I: 1, N: 1
App glitches	BUGS	B: 1, U: 1, G: 1, S: 1
“My heart’s been borrowed and yours has been ___ / All’s well that ends well to end up with you”	BLUE	B: 1, L: 1, U: 1, E: 1
Pottery material	CLAY	C: 1, L: 1, A: 1, Y: 1
Animal sounds in “Over the Moon”	MOOS	M: 1, O: 2, S: 1
As we speak	NOW	N: 1, O: 1, W: 1
Site with a piano in the game Clue	BALLROOM	B: 1, A: 1, L: 2, R: 1, O: 2, M: 1
“Long hair (No ___) / It’s my type (That’s right)” (“Red Wine Supernova” lyric)	BRA	B: 1, R: 1, A: 1
Trumpets’ section	BRASS	B: 1, R: 1, A: 1, S: 2
Place to say “I do”	ALTAR	A: 1, L: 1, T: 1, R: 1
Say	UTTER	U: 1, T: 2, E: 1, R: 1
Fire engine feature	SIREN	S: 1, I: 1, R: 1, E: 1, N: 1
Protest, in a way	KNEEL	K: 1, N: 1, E: 1, L: 1
Lock lips	KISS	K: 1, I: 1, S: 2
Sansa Stark’s sister	ARYA	A: 2, R: 1, Y: 1
“Please don’t go!”	STAY	S: 1, T: 1, A: 1, Y: 1
Angelic ring	HALO	H: 1, A: 1, L: 1, O: 1
One length of a pool	LAP	L: 1, A: 1, P: 1
High card	ACE	A: 1, C: 1, E: 1
“___ Used to Be Mine” (“Waitress” song)	SHE	S: 1, H: 1, E: 1

Letter Frequency Radar Chart - USA Today Crossword Answers