Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ACED. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ACED. Sort by date Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

April 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle April 20, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Stick under the bed? 4
2A 5. Served flawlessly? 4
3A 9. Play with, as a catnip mouse 5
4A 14. Off-the-books business, perhaps 9
5A 16. Olympics venue 5
6A 17. Shifty type? 9
7A 18. Lubricate again 5
8A 19. Words before a deadline 5
9A 20. Site of a Herculean task 5
10A 22. Function 3
11A 23. Sparkly wine cocktail 6
12A 25. Praises to the heavens 8
13A 27. Fumble 4
14A 29. Cog on a wheel 5
15A 30. ___ crawl 4
16A 33. Mideast federation since 1971, in brief 3
17A 35. Dunderhead 6
18A 38. Fraternity letter 3
19A 39. Brand of congestion medication 7
20A 41. Where wild animals are most likely to see you 3
21A 42. Old-fashioned "Whoopee!" 6
22A 44. Capital of Brazil until 1960, informally 3
23A 45. Refuses to 4
24A 46. Make broader 5
25A 48. Desert home to the legendary Mongolian death worm 4
26A 50. Conservative, in a sense 8
27A 53. Subject of a fully exposed image? 6
28A 57. Affirming words 3
29A 58. Surprise encounter 5
30A 60. Polite refusal 5
31A 61. Muppet named after a character in "Midnight Cowboy" 5
32A 63. How this puzzle's grid must be rotated in order to read the answers to the starred clues, when written in 17-Across 9
33A 65. Bamboozle 5
34A 66. 1977 Linda Ronstadt hit 9
35A 67. Word before and after "to," in a religious phrase 5
36A 68. Org. endorsing P.P.E. for workers 4
37A 69. Jean who wrote "Wide Sargasso Sea" 4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Stick under the bed?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Words that mean the same thing: spline
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Served flawlessly?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that succeed at easily
  • Words that mean the same thing: sail through, breeze through, pass with flying colors
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Play with, as a catnip mouse"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAWAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Off-the-books business, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CASHTRADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Olympics venue"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Words that mean the same thing: sphere, orbit, domain
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARENA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Shifty type?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one of the large alphabetic characters used as the first letter in writing or printing proper names and sometimes for emphasis
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital, capital letter, majuscule
  • The opposite would be: lowercase
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UPPERCASE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Lubricate again"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REOIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Words before a deadline"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DUEBY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Site of a Herculean task"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a valley in southeastern greece where the nemean games were held
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEMEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Function"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of using
  • Words that mean the same thing: practice, exercise, usage
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: USE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Sparkly wine cocktail"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a quick squirt of some liquid (usually carbonated water)
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPRITZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Praises to the heavens"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that assign great social importance to
  • Words that mean the same thing: lionize, lionise, celebrate
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIONIZES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Fumble"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
  • Words that mean the same thing: goose, twat, blunder
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOOF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Cog on a wheel"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOOTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. ___ crawl"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that information about recent and important events
  • Words that mean the same thing: intelligence, word, tidings
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEWS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Mideast federation since 1971, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UAE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Dunderhead"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a stupid incompetent person
  • Words that mean the same thing: dimwit, half-wit, doofus
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NITWIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Fraternity letter"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Brand of congestion medication"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that vasoconstrictor (trade names privine and sudafed) used in nasal sprays to treat symptoms of nasal congestion and in eyedrops to treat eye irritation
  • Words that mean the same thing: naphazoline, Privine
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUDAFED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Where wild animals are most likely to see you"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the facility where wild animals are housed for exhibition
  • Words that mean the same thing: zoological garden, menagerie
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Old-fashioned "Whoopee!""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HUZZAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Capital of Brazil until 1960, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Refuses to"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an established custom
  • Words that mean the same thing: habit
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WONT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Make broader"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that become broader or wider or more extensive
  • Words that mean the same thing: extend, broaden, let out
  • The opposite would be: narrow, take in
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIDEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Desert home to the legendary Mongolian death worm"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a desert in central china
  • Words that mean the same thing: Gobi Desert
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOBI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Conservative, in a sense"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that people who are fearful and cautious
  • Words that mean the same thing: conservative, timid
  • The opposite would be: brave, incautious
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAUTIOUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Subject of a fully exposed image?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who practices nudity for reasons of health or religion
  • Words that mean the same thing: naturist
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NUDIST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Affirming words"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Surprise encounter"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUNIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Polite refusal"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOSIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Muppet named after a character in "Midnight Cowboy""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIZZO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. How this puzzle's grid must be rotated in order to read the answers to the starred clues, when written in 17-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that in the same direction as the rotating hands of a clock
  • The opposite would be: counterclockwise
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLOCKWISE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Bamboozle"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that be false to; be dishonest with
  • Words that mean the same thing: lead on, deceive, delude
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COZEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. 1977 Linda Ronstadt hit"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ITSSOEASY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Word before and after "to," in a religious phrase"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Words that mean the same thing: ash, ash tree
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASHES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Org. endorsing P.P.E. for workers"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a government agency in the department of labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
  • Words that mean the same thing: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OSHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. Jean who wrote "Wide Sargasso Sea""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RHYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle April 20, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Moves quickly, as a cloud 5
2D 2. Really enjoy 5
3D 3. In keeping with 5
4D 4. Video game franchise starring major-league baseballers 7
5D 5. Shortest path connecting two points on a sphere 3
6D 6. Surname of father/son actors James and Scott 4
7D 7. Henry Ford's sole heir 5
8D 8. Consider something to be 6
9D 9. Overly suspicious 8
10D 10. Word often abbreviated to its middle letter in texts 3
11D 11. *Like a household with a stay-at-home parent, maybe 9
12D 12. Sambuca flavoring 5
13D 13. Padded accounts? 5
14D 15. "___ see it from my perspective …" 5
15D 21. *Longtime Mazda catchphrase 8
16D 24. *Annual gathering of superhero fans 8
17D 26. Member of TV's Addams Family 3
18D 28. It comes and goes 3
19D 30. Last in a series 3
20D 31. Mer makeup 3
21D 32. *Babe-in-the-woods quality 9
22D 34. Where the smallest bones in the body are found 3
23D 36. Tiny particle 3
24D 37. Wee 'un 3
25D 39. Antique tools for pressing clothes 8
26D 40. Ficus fruit 3
27D 43. Mighty Patch target 3
28D 45. Lot in Genesis, e.g. 7
29D 47. Papal emissary 6
30D 49. Swindle 5
31D 50. More or less, in time 5
32D 51. SeΓ±or's send-off 5
33D 52. River deposits 5
34D 54. N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Thomas 5
35D 55. Best-selling 2019 memoir subtitled "A Coming-of-Gender Story" 5
36D 56. Components of a hard six, in craps 5
37D 59. Quick bite 4
38D 62. Last in a series 3
39D 64. Farm delivery letters 3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Moves quickly, as a cloud"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
  • Words that mean the same thing: scudding, scud, scoot
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCUDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Really enjoy"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAPUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. In keeping with"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that 20 aspers equal 1 kurus in turkey
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASPER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Video game franchise starring major-league baseballers"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THEBIGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Shortest path connecting two points on a sphere"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Words that mean the same thing: discharge, bow, electric arc
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Surname of father/son actors James and Scott"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Henry Ford's sole heir"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDSEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Consider something to be"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEEMIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Overly suspicious"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person afflicted with paranoia
  • Words that mean the same thing: paranoiac
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARANOID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Word often abbreviated to its middle letter in texts"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Words that mean the same thing: embody, constitute, cost
  • The opposite would be: differ
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. *Like a household with a stay-at-home parent, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEOUZHWZO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Sambuca flavoring"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that native to egypt but cultivated widely for its aromatic seeds and the oil from them used medicinally and as a flavoring in cookery
  • Words that mean the same thing: aniseed, anise plant, Pimpinella anisum
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANISE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Padded accounts?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
  • Words that mean the same thing: story, fib, narrative
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TALES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. "___ see it from my perspective …""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRYTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. *Longtime Mazda catchphrase"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EOONEOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. *Annual gathering of superhero fans"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZOUUHEOU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Member of TV's Addams Family"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ITT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. It comes and goes"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Words that mean the same thing: furore, furor, rage
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Last in a series"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
  • Words that mean the same thing: n-th
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Mer makeup"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. *Babe-in-the-woods quality"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WUZWUOZZH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Where the smallest bones in the body are found"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Words that mean the same thing: capitulum, auricle, pinna
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Tiny particle"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Wee 'un"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Words that mean the same thing: tot up, add together, add up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Antique tools for pressing clothes"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SADIRONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Ficus fruit"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
  • Words that mean the same thing: Al-Jama'a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya, Libyan Fighting Group, Ficus carica
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FIG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Mighty Patch target"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
  • Words that mean the same thing: pimple, hickey
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Lot in Genesis, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried
  • Words that mean the same thing: widowman
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIDOWER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Papal emissary"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (roman catholic church) a diplomatic representative of the pope having ambassadorial status
  • Words that mean the same thing: papal nuncio
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NUNCIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Swindle"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
  • Words that mean the same thing: bunco, hustle, con game
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BUNKO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. More or less, in time"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CIRCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. SeΓ±or's send-off"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a farewell remark
  • Words that mean the same thing: adieu, good-bye, sayonara
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADIOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. River deposits"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that mud or clay or small rocks deposited by a river or lake
  • Words that mean the same thing: silt, silt up
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SILTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Thomas"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ISIAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Best-selling 2019 memoir subtitled "A Coming-of-Gender Story""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
  • Words that mean the same thing: pantywaist, cissy, sissyish
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SISSY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Components of a hard six, in craps"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: 3, troika, trine
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Quick bite"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (yiddish) a snack or light meal
  • Words that mean the same thing: snack
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOSH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Last in a series"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Words that mean the same thing: ezed, Z, izzard
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. Farm delivery letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 51 67.1%
Short Answer 17 22.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 3.9%
Geography 2 2.6%
Literature 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 5.1 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 02, 2025 at 10:38 PM

Friday, September 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 04, 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. Result of a tense build-up? 10
2A 11. Hit a point of no return? 4
3A 15. Kick off 10
4A 16. "Outta my way!" 4
5A 17. ABC's realm 10
6A 18. Body part affected by heterochromia 4
7A 19. Fed 4
8A 20. ___ Mai, Grammy-winning R&B singer 4
9A 21. Buff 5
10A 22. Drops 5
11A 24. Mars rover named in honor of a 19th-century activist 9
12A 26. Ludwig ___, post-W.W. II leader who led West Germany's economic recovery 6
13A 28. Cooking term whose name is composed of two synonyms for "criticize" 8
14A 29. Agcy. tracking popular baby names 3
15A 30. Agcy. concerned with declarations 3
16A 32. Parts of some high-speed rail systems 7
17A 33. Be exceptionally good, in modern slang 4
18A 34. Vaper's purchase 4
19A 35. What Esau got in exchange for selling his birthright to Jacob 7
20A 38. Disclaimer in a quote 3
21A 39. "Hang" 3
22A 42. Detaches from the frame, perhaps 8
23A 44. Grammatical case in 48-Across 6
24A 46. Longtime Pixar character who saiys "I might be old, but I still got a spring in my step!" 9
25A 48. See 44-Across 5
26A 49. Super, slangily 5
27A 50. Curve on a score 4
28A 52. Follower of hand or home 4
29A 53. Bit of filming 4
30A 54. Asteroids and Space Invaders 10
31A 56. In the past 4
32A 57. System by which all speech is protected? 10
33A 58. Cravings 4
34A 59. Club runners 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Result of a tense build-up?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Hit a point of no return?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succeed at easily
  • Similar words include: pass with flying colors, sail through, sweep through
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Kick off"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commence officially
  • Similar words include: kick off, usher in, introduce
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INAUGURATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. "Outta my way!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: propel, motivate, locomote
  • Opposite of: stay, refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. ABC's realm"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Body part affected by heterochromia"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: flag, iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Fed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. ___ Mai, Grammy-winning R&B singer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Buff"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Drops"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: suffer, lose, drop off
  • Opposite of: keep, profit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Mars rover named in honor of a 19th-century activist"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary resident
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOJOURNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Ludwig ___, post-W.W. II leader who led West Germany's economic recovery"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Cooking term whose name is composed of two synonyms for "criticize""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Agcy. tracking popular baby names"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent government agency responsible for the social security system
  • Similar words include: Social Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Agcy. concerned with declarations"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Parts of some high-speed rail systems"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field
  • Similar words include: attracter, magnet, attraction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGNETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Be exceptionally good, in modern slang"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: bang, bolt, smack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Vaper's purchase"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. What Esau got in exchange for selling his birthright to Jacob"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stew of vegetables and (sometimes) meat
  • Similar words include: potage
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTTAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Disclaimer in a quote"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that urge to attack someone
  • Similar words include: set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. "Hang""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
  • Similar words include: veggie, vegetable
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Detaches from the frame, perhaps"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that disturb in mind or make uneasy or cause to be worried or alarmed
  • Similar words include: cark, unhinge, distract
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNHINGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Grammatical case in 48-Across"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the category of nouns serving as the indirect object of a verb
  • Similar words include: dative case
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Longtime Pixar character who saiys "I might be old, but I still got a spring in my step!""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. See 44-Across"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any dialect of the language of ancient rome
  • Similar words include: Romance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Super, slangily"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Curve on a score"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
  • Similar words include: blur, spot, smirch
  • Opposite of: focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Follower of hand or home"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give certain properties to something
  • Similar words include: take in, make believe, puddle
  • Opposite of: break, unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Bit of filming"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
  • Similar words include: take in, lease, postulate
  • Opposite of: abstain, obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Asteroids and Space Invaders"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. In the past"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: all over, o'er, concluded
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. System by which all speech is protected?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Cravings"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a yearning for something or to do something
  • Similar words include: yearn, languish, yen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Club runners"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an executive officer of a firm or corporation
  • Similar words include: Chief Executive, president, chairman
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRESIDENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Change sounds 7
2D 2. Captivates 7
3D 3. Actress Lyonne 7
4D 4. Neighbor of Sierra Leone 6
5D 5. In the past 3
6D 6. Use a fork for, in a way 4
7D 7. Some thesis defenses 5
8D 8. Trounce 6
9D 9. Singer dubbed the "Matriarch of the Blues" 9
10D 10. Gun before the green, say 3
11D 11. "Is it not?" 8
12D 12. Stellar visual effects 7
13D 13. Adjective that becomes its own synonym after its first letter is dropped 7
14D 14. Strands 7
15D 21. Precise and calculated 8
16D 23. First country to elect a female prime minister (1960) 8
17D 25. Tripping 6
18D 27. Sluggish 6
19D 31. One putting the pedal to the metal 9
20D 33. No-goodniks 8
21D 35. Toddler's walking aid 7
22D 36. Like someone using autoreply, perhaps 7
23D 37. Start to congeal 7
24D 39. Part of some gummies 7
25D 40. Clear 7
26D 41. Births 7
27D 43. Comfort 6
28D 45. Mesoamerican staple with a "hot" variety 6
29D 47. Mentors 5
30D 51. "Rude Boy" singer, to fans 4
31D 54. Ancient symbol of royalty 3
32D 55. Test not offered in high school, for short 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Change sounds"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metallic sound
  • Similar words include: doggerel verse, jangle, jingle-jangle
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JINGLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Captivates"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that attract; cause to be enamored
  • Similar words include: trance, enamor, charm
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENAMORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Actress Lyonne"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Neighbor of Sierra Leone"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former british gold coin worth 21 shillings
  • Similar words include: Republic of Guinea, ginzo, dago
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUINEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. In the past"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Use a fork for, in a way"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: melodic line, tune up, line
  • Opposite of: untune
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Some thesis defenses"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: oral, viva voce, oral examination
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Trounce"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a forceful consequence; a strong effect
  • Similar words include: impact, wham, whop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WALLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Singer dubbed the "Matriarch of the Blues""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Gun before the green, say"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rate of revolution of a motor
  • Similar words include: revolutions per minute, rev up, rpm
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Is it not?""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Stellar visual effects"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible as a white halo during a solar eclipse
  • Similar words include: corona discharge, St. Elmo's fire, electric glow
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORONAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Adjective that becomes its own synonym after its first letter is dropped"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that morally bad or wrong
  • Similar words include: evil, vicious, malefic
  • Opposite of: good
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVILEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Strands"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved
  • Similar words include: forsake, abandon, desert
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESERTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Precise and calculated"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or involving or used in surgery
  • Similar words include: operative
  • Opposite of: nonsurgical, medical
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURGICAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. First country to elect a female prime minister (1960)"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Tripping"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Sluggish"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. One putting the pedal to the metal"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. No-goodniks"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
  • Similar words include: rat, lowlife, stinker
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STINKERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Toddler's walking aid"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. Like someone using autoreply, perhaps"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Start to congeal"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make thick or thicker
  • Similar words include: inspissate
  • Opposite of: thin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THICKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Part of some gummies"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities to normal metabolism
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VITAMIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Clear"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
  • Similar words include: observable, manifest, apparent
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVIDENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Births"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coming into being
  • Similar words include: genesis, Genesis, Book of Genesis
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENESES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Comfort"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
  • Similar words include: consolation, comfort, soothe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Mesoamerican staple with a "hot" variety"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern ghana
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAMALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Mentors"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hindu or buddhist religious leader and spiritual teacher
  • Similar words include: Guru, guru
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GURUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. "Rude Boy" singer, to fans"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "54. Ancient symbol of royalty"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: asp viper, Egyptian cobra, Naja haje
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Test not offered in high school, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
32 Down Clues
66 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: September 04, 2026 at 08:05 AM