No 27373 Sat Oct 19 NYT Crossword by August Miller and Joel Fagliano

Across Clues :

1. Lab evidence, perhaps, 10. Illustrations in many fantasy novels, 14. Some tabloid fodder, 16. Kinda, 17. Comes to terms, 18. Source of a South American herbal tea, 19. "Anything goes" period in early Hollywood history, 20. View of the moon?, 21. Beyoncé's 2009-10 ___ Tour, 22. Pumpkin substitute, 24. Block for "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood", 28. Was painted by, say, 29. Carpet fiber or human hair, maybe, 30. Greenland's capital, 32. Title for 10-Down, 33. Half of LV, 34. Roomy Toyotas, 36. Put a restriction on, 37. Actress Day of "The United States vs. Billie Holiday", 39. Made a case against?, 40. Half of a matching pair, 41. Six-time U.S. Open champion, familiarly, 43. Annual media award, 45. Grip improver, 47. C.V. listing: Abbr., 48. Dialect in the Black community, in brief, 49. Vehicle for criminal activity, 55. Indie ___, 56. Plant matter?, 57. Rim attachment, 58. "Travel as a Political Act" author, 2009, 59. Freshness, 60. "Cool trick"

Down Clues :

1. Premium outlet?, 2. Really out there, 3. "Stay ___", 4. Meticulous, 5. Hit with another water balloon, 6. Apple debut of 2012, 7. Branching point, 8. Branching point?, 9. Plays a big role, 10. Speaker of the line "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day", 11. Did a 180, 12. Game that involves drawing lots?, 13. Local legislation passers, 15. Sides of a summer cookout, 23. Sustenance, slangily, 24. Parts of many science museums, 25. They may open doors for you, 26. Some yearly payments, 27. Vampire's bedtime, 29. Impressively respectful types, 31. Support for a proposal, 34. Hit bottom, maybe, 35. Titular scientist in a 2016 children's book by Andrea Beaty, 38. Moves away, 40. Priors, e.g., 42. Portend, 44. Real wowers, 46. "Charms strike the sight, but ___ wins the soul": Alexander Pope, 50. Dash device, 51. "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" singer, 1959, 52. Quiet place to lay anchor, 53. See 54-Down, 54. With 53-Down, spot for picnic tables

Break down the NYT Crosswords: October 19, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

 Sat Oct 19 NYT Crossword 

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Lab evidence, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: PAWPRINTS




• The clue is 10. Illustrations in many fantasy novels. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MAPS

  Possible Answer : mathematical_function, map, function, single-valued_function, represent, mapping, map_out




• The clue is 14. Some tabloid fodder. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: UFOREPORTS




• The clue is 16. Kinda. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ABIT




• The clue is 17. Comes to terms. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: MAKESADEAL




• The clue is 18. Source of a South American herbal tea. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: COCA

  Possible Answer : Imogene_Coca, Erythroxylon_coca, coca_plant, Coca, coca




• The clue is 19. "Anything goes" period in early Hollywood history. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: PRECODEERA




• The clue is 20. View of the moon?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: BUTT

  Possible Answer : stub, stern, butt_joint, ass, abut, hindquarters, backside, laughingstock, fanny, march, bum, rear_end, rear, keister, edge, arse, tail_end, butt, cigarette, border, prat, seat, goat, posterior, butt_end, target, coffin_nail, tooshie, tail, fag, derriere, buns, fundament, nates, hind_end, rump, bottom, adjoin, cigaret, stooge, behind, can, tush, bunt, butt_on, butt_against, buttocks




• The clue is 21. Beyoncé's 2009-10 ___ Tour. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: IAM




• The clue is 22. Pumpkin substitute. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: SWEETIE

  Possible Answer : sweetheart, truelove, sweetie, steady




• The clue is 24. Block for "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: PBSKIDS




• The clue is 28. Was painted by, say. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SATFOR




• The clue is 29. Carpet fiber or human hair, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: CLUE

  Possible Answer : hint, cue, clue, clew




• The clue is 30. Greenland's capital. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NUUK




• The clue is 32. Title for 10-Down. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: THANE

  Possible Answer : thane




• The clue is 33. Half of LV. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: LAS

  Possible Answer : LA, Pelican_State, lanthanum, lah, atomic_number_57, La, Louisiana, la




• The clue is 34. Roomy Toyotas. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: SIENNAS

  Possible Answer : sienna




• The clue is 36. Put a restriction on. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CAP

  Possible Answer : detonator, crest, ceiling, jacket_crown, pileus, jacket, hood, chapiter, cap, roof, crown, detonating_device, capital, crownwork




• The clue is 37. Actress Day of "The United States vs. Billie Holiday". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ANDRA




• The clue is 39. Made a case against?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SUED

  Possible Answer : action, process, sue, litigate




• The clue is 40. Half of a matching pair. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HERS




• The clue is 41. Six-time U.S. Open champion, familiarly. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SERENA




• The clue is 43. Annual media award. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: PEABODY

  Possible Answer : Peabody, Elizabeth_Peabody, Elizabeth_Palmer_Peabody




• The clue is 45. Grip improver. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: STICKUM




• The clue is 47. C.V. listing: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: TEL




• The clue is 48. Dialect in the Black community, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AAVE

  Possible Answer : African_American_English, Black_English_Vernacular, African_American_Vernacular_English, Black_English, Black_Vernacular, Ebonics, AAVE, Black_Vernacular_English




• The clue is 49. Vehicle for criminal activity. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: GETAWAYCAR




• The clue is 55. Indie ___. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: CRED

  Possible Answer : street_credibility, street_cred, cred




• The clue is 56. Plant matter?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: URANIUMORE




• The clue is 57. Rim attachment. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TIRE

  Possible Answer : wear, wear_out, fatigue, jade, fag_out, tire_out, outwear, wear_down, play_out, weary, exhaust, pall, sap, wear_upon, fag, run_down, tyre, tire, bore

  Possible Opposite Answer : interest, refresh




• The clue is 58. "Travel as a Political Act" author, 2009. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: RICKSTEVES




• The clue is 59. Freshness. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SASS

  Possible Answer : sassing, mouth, backtalk, sass, lip, SAS, back_talk, Special_Air_Service




• The clue is 60. "Cool trick". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: THATSNEAT

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Premium outlet?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PUMP

  Possible Answer: ticker, heart, pump

• The clue is 2. Really out there. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AFAR

  Possible Answer: afar

• The clue is 3. "Stay ___". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: WOKE

  Possible Answer: wake_up, rouse, ignite, heat, awaken, wake, stir_up, arouse, inflame, come_alive, waken, awake, fire_up

  Possible Opposite Answer : fall_asleep, sleep, cause_to_sleep

• The clue is 4. Meticulous. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: PRECISE

  Possible Answer: accurate, precise, exact

  Possible Opposite Answer : imprecise

• The clue is 5. Hit with another water balloon. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: RESOAK

• The clue is 6. Apple debut of 2012. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: IPADMINI

• The clue is 7. Branching point. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NODE

  Possible Answer: client, knob, node, guest, lymph_node, leaf_node, thickening, lymph_gland

  Possible Opposite Answer : antinode

• The clue is 8. Branching point?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TREE

  Possible Answer: tree, Tree, shoetree, Sir_Herbert_Beerbohm_Tree, tree_diagram, corner

• The clue is 9. Plays a big role. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: STARS

  Possible Answer: sensation, champion, hotshot, star, adept, asterisk, headliner, star_topology, genius, whiz, superstar, whizz, maven, ace, wiz, lead, mavin, principal, virtuoso, wizard

• The clue is 10. Speaker of the line "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: MACBETH

  Possible Answer: Macbeth

• The clue is 11. Did a 180. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: ABOUTFACED

• The clue is 12. Game that involves drawing lots?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: PICTIONARY

• The clue is 13. Local legislation passers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: STATEREPS

• The clue is 15. Sides of a summer cookout. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SLAWS

  Possible Answer: coleslaw, slaw

• The clue is 23. Sustenance, slangily. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EATS

  Possible Answer: eats, chow, wipe_out, eat, run_through, chuck, corrode, eat_on, eat_up, grub, consume, feed, exhaust, rust, use_up, deplete

• The clue is 24. Parts of many science museums. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: PLANETARIA

  Possible Answer: planetarium

• The clue is 25. They may open doors for you. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: BUSDRIVERS

• The clue is 26. Some yearly payments. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: DUES

  Possible Answer: due

• The clue is 27. Vampire's bedtime. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SUNUP

  Possible Answer: daybreak, morning, break_of_the_day, sunup, dawning, sunrise, dayspring, cockcrow, aurora, dawn, break_of_day, first_light

  Possible Opposite Answer : sunset

• The clue is 29. Impressively respectful types. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: CLASSACTS

• The clue is 31. Support for a proposal. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: KNEE

  Possible Answer: knee, knee_joint, human_knee, stifle, articulatio_genus, genu

• The clue is 34. Hit bottom, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SANK

  Possible Answer: subside, go_down, drop, sink, go_under, fall_off, slump, drop_down, lapse, settle, pass, dip, slide_down, bury

  Possible Opposite Answer : float

• The clue is 35. Titular scientist in a 2016 children's book by Andrea Beaty. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: ADATWIST

• The clue is 38. Moves away. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: RECEDES

  Possible Answer: fall_back, draw_back, retire, move_back, recede, pull_back, pull_away, lose, fall_behind, drop_off, withdraw, retreat

  Possible Opposite Answer : advance, gain

• The clue is 40. Priors, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: HOLYMEN

• The clue is 42. Portend. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: AUGUR

  Possible Answer: prefigure, predict, prognosticate, portend, bode, betoken, auspex, auspicate, presage, foreshadow, augur, foretell, omen, forecast

• The clue is 44. Real wowers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: BEAUTS

  Possible Answer: beauty, beaut

• The clue is 46. "Charms strike the sight, but ___ wins the soul": Alexander Pope. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: MERIT

  Possible Answer: meritoriousness, merit, deserve, virtue, deservingness

  Possible Opposite Answer : demerit

• The clue is 50. Dash device. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TACH

  Possible Answer: tach, tachometer

• The clue is 51. "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" singer, 1959. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ANKA

• The clue is 52. Quiet place to lay anchor. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: COVE

  Possible Answer: cove

• The clue is 53. See 54-Down. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AREA

  Possible Answer: field, domain, country, area, arena, expanse, orbit, region, surface_area, sphere

• The clue is 54. With 53-Down, spot for picnic tables. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: REST

  Possible Answer: perch, roost, eternal_sleep, catch_one's_breath, residuum, lie, respite, quietus, residue, breathe, relaxation, sleep, remainder, pillow, reside, repose, rest, stay, remain, rest_period, eternal_rest, balance, ease, take_a_breather, relief, residual

  Possible Opposite Answer : be_active, change

The Times Cryptic Crossword In-Depth Guide – July 29, 2025

The Times Cryptic Crossword In-Depth Guide – July 29, 2025

Dive into today’s world-famous The Times Cryptic Crossword with support from XWord Hint! Revered for its tradition, ingenuity, and fiendish wordplay, The Times’ daily cryptic remains a top-tier challenge for crossword aficionados. This blog post unpacks today’s puzzle with clear strategies, a cultural overview, and a thriving space for solver discussion—no spoilers, just practical guidance and encouragement.

Why The Times Cryptic Stands Out

• Legacy of Excellence: The Times has set global standards for cryptic crosswords since 1930—many consider it the gold standard of English language clues.
• Daily Innovation: Themed grids, witty misdirection, and expertly calibrated difficulty mean no two puzzles are ever the same.
• Global Community: Solvers worldwide compete for streaks, speed-solving, or the pure satisfaction of cracking the setter’s cleverness. Respectful discussion and clue exchanges flourish in comments here and abroad.

Today’s Times Cryptic: July 29, 2025

Expect a beautifully symmetrical 15x15 grid, with a handful of interconnected long answers and subtle British cultural nods. The setter for today’s puzzle is known for sharp surface readings and elegant, precise definitions. Look for puns involving geography, the arts, and a good helping of playful ambiguity!

Core Solving Strategies

• Double Definitions: Many Times clues use two definitions—read each clue for a word with two distinct meanings (“Spring” could mean ‘leap’ or ‘water source’).
• Anagrams: Commonly signaled by words like “confused,” “wild,” or “unruly”—sort the indicated letters for a possible entry.
• Charades: The answer is built from consecutive word fragments; dissect the clue into parts that “run together.”
• Homophones: Listen for words like “reportedly,” “we hear,” or “in conversation”—these hint that the answer sounds like another word.
• Hidden Words: Sometimes, an answer is camouflaged within the clue itself—watch for signals like “in part of,” “some,” or “hidden.”
• Cryptic Definitions: These require lateral thinking—the entire clue is an indirect definition, often creating a playful ‘aha!’ moment.

Sample Clue Types & Hints

• Example: “Doctor finds pain in heart (6)” – Look for an abbreviation for “doctor,” a synonym for “pain,” and maybe put something “in” something else!
• Example: “Cheese regularly served up in bar (4)” – “Regularly” often means to take alternate letters; “served up” may mean a reversal if the clue is Down.

Enjoy more breakdowns and today’s specific clue guidance in our Times crossword daily post.

Fun Facts & History

• The Times’ cryptic began as a war-time morale booster and quickly became a daily staple for the British public (and fans worldwide).
• Many crossword legends—like Derrick Macnutt and Richard Rogan—have set puzzles here, creating traditions celebrated to this day.
• Major tournaments and championship events are often built around The Times crossword—solving one “clean” is seen as a badge of honor worldwide!

Advanced Tips & “Aha!” Tactics

• Set aside time—The Times is rarely a 5-minute solve! Don’t be afraid to break the session into phases.
• Build around crossing letters—especially for long thematic clues in the center of the grid.
• Remember: cryptic etiquette—no obscure foreign words, fair wordplay, and all letters are checked (shared by Across and Down)—means you CAN solve it all with patience.
• Online solvers: Use digital checkers to validate without spoiling. Print solvers: circle tough clues for a second look after a break.

Community & Navigation

• Home: Explore tips for all major puzzles globally

SEO Keywords for The Times Cryptic Post

• The Times cryptic crossword hints July 29 2025
• how to solve Times cryptic
• British cryptic crossword blog and guide
• advanced Times crossword strategies
• today’s Times puzzle analysis

Join the Solver Community

What clue did you find clever or especially devious today? Did a classic British wordplay or a unique theme light up your grid? Share observations below or ask for gentle hints. For more cryptics (The Guardian, Telegraph, Independent) or American favorites, navigate to our full index on XWord Hint—where puzzle fans meet, learn, and grow.

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
• Across Clues Table (34 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (32 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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26A: "49. Super, slangily"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HECKA

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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

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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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Sluggish"

6 letters 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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 💭 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

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Last updated: September 04, 2026 at 08:05 AM