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Sunday, September 14, 2025

October 04, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, October 04, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (33 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

October 04, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

October 04, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Head of a monastery 5
2A 6. ___ Carlo (gambling mecca) 5
3A 11. Corn on the ___ 3
4A 14. Dry heat bath 5
5A 15. Accessory for a witch 5
6A 16. Serve up a whopper 3
7A 17. Traditional end of summer 15
8A 20. Alternative to Beano 4
9A 21. Corner pieces in chess 5
10A 22. Things bullfighters wave 5
11A 25. "Othello" villain 4
12A 27. Dare to exceed normal limits 15
13A 33. Swing clarinetist Shaw 5
14A 34. Salvador who painted melting watches 4
15A 35. Most emails offering life insurance policies, say 4
16A 36. Word after bumper or cable 3
17A 37. Stray from a topic 7
18A 40. Brian who was once with Roxy Music 3
19A 41. Airport guesses, for short 4
20A 43. Alternative to suspenders 4
21A 44. Frankly admit something 5
22A 46. FedEx or DHL 15
23A 49. Parts of i's and j's 4
24A 50. Tilts 5
25A 51. Hot dog topping 5
26A 54. Extreme happiness 4
27A 56. 1967 hit by the Tremeloes suggested by the starts of 17-, 27- and 46-Across 15
28A 63. Setting for a couples cruise? 3
29A 64. ___ Gay (W.W. II bomber) 5
30A 65. Bird on the Mexican flag 5
31A 66. U.S. airer of "Downton Abbey" 3
32A 67. Believer in a nonintervening God 5
33A 68. Many vaccinations 5

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. Head of a monastery"

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 superior of an abbey of monks
  • Words that mean the same thing: archimandrite
  • 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: ABBOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. ___ Carlo (gambling mecca)"

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 gambling card game of spanish origin; 3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
  • Words that mean the same thing: four-card monte, three-card monte
  • 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: MONTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Corn on the ___"

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 nut of any of several trees of the genus corylus
  • Words that mean the same thing: Larus marinus, filbert, cobnut
  • 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: COB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Dry heat bath"

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 finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
  • Words that mean the same thing: sweat room
  • 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: SAUNA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Accessory for a witch"

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 cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle
  • Words that mean the same thing: Calluna vulgaris, ling, heather
  • 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: BROOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Serve up a whopper"

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 a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Words that mean the same thing: rest, lie in, consist
  • The opposite would be: arise, stand
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Traditional end of summer"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: LABORDAYWEEKEND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Alternative to Beano"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: GASX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Corner pieces in chess"

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 (chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard
  • Words that mean the same thing: nobble, castle, victimize
  • 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: ROOKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Things bullfighters wave"

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 strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Words that mean the same thing: cape, crest, mantle
  • 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: CAPES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. "Othello" villain"

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 the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
  • 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: IAGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. Dare to exceed normal limits"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: PUSHTHEENVELOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "33. Swing clarinetist Shaw"

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: ARTIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "34. Salvador who painted melting watches"

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 surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Salvador Dali
  • 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: DALI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "35. Most emails offering life insurance policies, say"

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 canned meat made largely from pork
  • Words that mean the same thing: junk e-mail
  • 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: SPAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. Word after bumper or cable"

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 a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Words that mean the same thing: automobile, elevator car, motorcar
  • 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: CAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Stray from a topic"

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 lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking
  • Words that mean the same thing: divagate, stray, wander
  • 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: DIGRESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Brian who was once with Roxy Music"

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

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: ENO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Airport guesses, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, ETA, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  • 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: ETAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. Alternative to suspenders"

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 endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys
  • Words that mean the same thing: smash, bang, knock
  • The opposite would be: unbelt
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BELT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Frankly admit something"

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: OWNIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. FedEx or DHL"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: DELIVERYSERVICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. Parts of i's and j's"

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 very small circular shape
  • Words that mean the same thing: Zen, point, acid
  • 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: DOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Tilts"

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 the property possessed by a line or surface that departs from the vertical
  • Words that mean the same thing: slant, lean, leaning
  • 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: LEANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Hot dog topping"

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 ground beef and chili peppers or chili powder often with tomatoes and kidney beans
  • Words that mean the same thing: chili pepper, chilly, chili con carne
  • 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: CHILI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Extreme happiness"

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 great merriment
  • Words that mean the same thing: mirth, gloating, gloat
  • 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: GLEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. 1967 hit by the Tremeloes suggested by the starts of 17-, 27- and 46-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert 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: HERECOMESMYBABY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "63. Setting for a couples cruise?"

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 (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ark of the Covenant
  • 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: ARK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "64. ___ Gay (W.W. II bomber)"

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: ENOLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "65. Bird on the Mexican flag"

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 any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
  • Words that mean the same thing: double birdie, bird of Jove
  • 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: EAGLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. U.S. airer of "Downton Abbey""

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 a solution containing a phosphate buffer
  • Words that mean the same thing: petabit, phosphate buffer solution, petabyte
  • 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: PBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Believer in a nonintervening God"

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 person who believes that god created the universe and then abandoned it
  • Words that mean the same thing: freethinker, deistic
  • 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: DEIST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Many vaccinations"

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 firing a projectile
  • Words that mean the same thing: gibe, shaft, guesswork
  • 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: SHOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword October 04, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Handy way of communicating, in brief? 3
2D 2. Sound heard in a herd 3
3D 3. "Listen, ___!" 3
4D 4. Musical Yoko 3
5D 5. Aimed at 8
6D 6. Degrees for C.E.O.s 4
7D 7. "___ and Crake" (Margaret Atwood novel) 4
8D 8. This very instant 3
9D 9. Little piggy 3
10D 10. Come into view 6
11D 11. Queen of the Nile, informally 4
12D 12. Sound from a piggy 4
13D 13. Places for flowers and oysters 4
14D 18. Sprinkle, as of salt 4
15D 19. Some menthol cigarettes 5
16D 22. Organize, as an exhibition 6
17D 23. Of the stars 6
18D 24. ___ Beta Kappa 3
19D 25. Coves and fjords 6
20D 26. "We try harder" auto rental company 4
21D 27. Walked nervously back and forth 5
22D 28. Lawn-cutting tools 6
23D 29. Before the due date, say 5
24D 30. What screen doors usually don't do 6
25D 31. Freaks out 6
26D 32. Be overdramatic 5
27D 38. "Yeah, right!" 4
28D 39. Recipients of a welcome sight, proverbially 8
29D 42. Move crabwise 5
30D 45. State with the words "Wild Wonderful" on its license plates: Abbr. 3
31D 47. Said aloud 6
32D 48. Like the first through fifth grades: Abbr. 4
33D 51. Crack and redden, as lips 4
34D 52. Basil or dill 4
35D 53. Ruffles the feathers of 4
36D 54. Some toothpastes and hair goops 4
37D 55. Aspiring atty.'s exam 4
38D 57. "We're number ___!" 3
39D 58. Me, to Miss Piggy 3
40D 59. Scrooge's "Phooey!" 3
41D 60. In the past 3
42D 61. Diner sandwich, for short 3
43D 62. "Definitely" 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. Handy way of communicating, in brief?"

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 the sign language used in the united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: American sign language
  • 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: ASL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Sound heard in a herd"

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 cry made by sheep
  • Words that mean the same thing: bleat, blat, blate
  • 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: BAA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Listen, ___!""

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: BUB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Musical Yoko"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Yoko Ono
  • 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: ONO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Aimed at"

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 intend (something) to move towards a certain goal
  • Words that mean the same thing: target, aim, direct
  • 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: TARGETED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Degrees for C.E.O.s"

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 master's degree in business
  • Words that mean the same thing: MBA, Master in Business, Master in Business 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: MBAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "___ and Crake" (Margaret Atwood novel)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large african antelope with long straight nearly upright horns
  • Words that mean the same thing: pasang
  • 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: ORYX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. This very instant"

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 momentary present
  • Words that mean the same thing: instantly, right away, immediately
  • 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: NOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Little piggy"

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 one of the digits of the foot
  • Words that mean the same thing: toenail
  • 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: TOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Come into view"

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 come out into view, as from concealment
  • Words that mean the same thing: egress, come forth, go forth
  • 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: EMERGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Queen of the Nile, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: CLEO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Sound from a piggy"

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 the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
  • Words that mean the same thing: grunt, squeal
  • 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: OINK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Places for flowers and oysters"

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 piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Words that mean the same thing: have a go at it, lie with, crawl in
  • The opposite would be: get up, turn out
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Sprinkle, as of salt"

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 distinctive and stylish elegance
  • Words that mean the same thing: smash, daunt, hyphen
  • 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: DASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Some menthol cigarettes"

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: KOOLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Organize, as an exhibition"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person authorized to conduct religious worship
  • Words that mean the same thing: pastor, minister of religion, parson
  • 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: CURATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Of the stars"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that being or relating to or resembling or emanating from stars
  • Words that mean the same thing: stellar
  • 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: ASTRAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. ___ Beta Kappa"

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 21st 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: PHI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Coves and fjords"

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 an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
  • Words that mean the same thing: inlet, recess, intake
  • 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: INLETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. "We try harder" auto rental company"

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: AVIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Walked nervously back and forth"

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 walk with slow or fast paces
  • Words that mean the same thing: step, pace
  • 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: PACED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Lawn-cutting tools"

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 person who puts finishing edges on a garment
  • Words that mean the same thing: edger
  • 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: EDGERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "29. Before the due date, say"

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 at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
  • Words that mean the same thing: betimes, too soon, early on
  • The opposite would be: middle, late
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EARLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "30. What screen doors usually don't do"

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: OPENIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "31. Freaks out"

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 an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
  • Words that mean the same thing: scare, panic, terror
  • 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: PANICS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "32. Be overdramatic"

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 give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • 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: EMOTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. "Yeah, right!""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: IBET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. Recipients of a welcome sight, proverbially"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: SOREEYES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Move crabwise"

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 move unobtrusively or furtively
  • Words that mean the same thing: sashay
  • 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: SIDLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. State with the words "Wild Wonderful" on its license plates: Abbr."

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

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: WVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Said aloud"

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 give voice to
  • Words that mean the same thing: vocalise, soft, vocalize
  • The opposite would be: devoice, unvoiced
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VOICED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Like the first through fifth grades: Abbr."

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

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: ELEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Crack and redden, as lips"

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 boy or man
  • Words that mean the same thing: fissure, lad, cranny
  • 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: CHAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Basil or dill"

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 plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
  • Words that mean the same thing: herbaceous plant
  • 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: HERB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Ruffles the feathers of"

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 irritate or vex
  • Words that mean the same thing: gall, irk
  • 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: IRKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Some toothpastes and hair goops"

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 colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Words that mean the same thing: colloidal gel, gelatin, mousse
  • 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: GELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Aspiring atty.'s exam"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LSAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. "We're number ___!""

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Words that mean the same thing: unitary, unrivaled, nonpareil
  • 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: ONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Me, to Miss Piggy"

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: MOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. Scrooge's "Phooey!""

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: BAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. In the past"

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 gone by; or in the past
  • Words that mean the same thing: agone
  • 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: AGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "61. Diner sandwich, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Words that mean the same thing: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich
  • 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: BLT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "62. "Definitely""

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 affirmative
  • The opposite would be: no
  • 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: YES

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 51 67.1%
Short Answer 16 21.1%
Abbreviation 3 3.9%
Music 2 2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Literature 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 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!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

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 14, 2025 at 02:37 PM

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Saturday, May 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 23, 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

May 23, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. They might be settled atop stools 7
2A 8. Shell, say 5
3A 13. Places to put fliers 8
4A 15. Surgical specialty, informally 5
5A 16. A boxer's might knock you out 9
6A 18. Substitute for "etc." 5
7A 19. Begrudges 6
8A 20. Old auto company based in Lansing, Mich. 3
9A 22. Jazz drummer DeRosa 4
10A 23. One of the seven depicted in the 1995 thriller "Se7en" 5
11A 24. Daytime regulars 9
12A 26. What some prisoners earn, in brief 4
13A 27. Old black-and-white police autos, to Brits 9
14A 28. ___ weekend 3
15A 29. Walk on water? 9
16A 30. Top that screams "Look at me!" 9
17A 31. Clay-and-calcium-carbonate mix used in cement making 9
18A 32. "Lovely!" 3
19A 35. Chess puzzle challenge, maybe 9
20A 36. Make do 4
21A 37. Many an epithet 9
22A 38. Common con game 5
23A 39. Petite ___ (certain French partner) 4
24A 40. Epithet lead-in 3
25A 41. Bit of back-and-forth 6
26A 42. Farrow with a Pulitzer for his investigative journalism 5
27A 44. Eerie substance faked in 19th-century ghost hoaxes 9
28A 46. Bygone leaders 5
29A 47. Tourist nickname for a Southern mecca, to the chagrin of many locals 8
30A 48. Until, in Uruguay 5
31A 49. Destination for wagons, once 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. They might be settled atop stools"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small brightly colored stout-billed tropical bird having short weak wings
  • Similar words include: barbet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARBETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Shell, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Places to put fliers"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a building where birds are kept
  • Similar words include: volary, aviary, bird sanctuary
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVIARIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Surgical specialty, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. A boxer's might knock you out"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Substitute for "etc.""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Begrudges"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
  • Similar words include: begrudge, enviousness, envy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Old auto company based in Lansing, Mich."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Jazz drummer DeRosa"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. One of the seven depicted in the 1995 thriller "Se7en""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves
  • Similar words include: avaritia, avarice, rapacity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Daytime regulars"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. What some prisoners earn, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Old black-and-white police autos, to Brits"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. ___ weekend"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Walk on water?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside
  • Similar words include: gangboard, gangway
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANGPLANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Top that screams "Look at me!""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Clay-and-calcium-carbonate mix used in cement making"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metamorphic rock with approximately the same composition as marl
  • Similar words include: marlite
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARLSTONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. "Lovely!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extremely pleasing
  • Similar words include: fabulous
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Chess puzzle challenge, maybe"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Make do"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall
  • Similar words include: header, make out, get by
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Many an epithet"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Common con game"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gambling card game of spanish origin; 3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
  • Similar words include: four-card monte, three-card monte
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Petite ___ (certain French partner)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "40. Epithet lead-in"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "41. Bit of back-and-forth"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that light teasing repartee
  • Similar words include: jolly, josh, kid
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "42. Farrow with a Pulitzer for his investigative journalism"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "44. Eerie substance faked in 19th-century ghost hoaxes"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (spiritualism) a substance supposed to emanate from the body of the medium during a trance
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECTOPLASM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Bygone leaders"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar, tsar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "47. Tourist nickname for a Southern mecca, to the chagrin of many locals"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "48. Until, in Uruguay"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "49. Destination for wagons, once"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. No-goodniks 7
2D 2. Sales job that Forbes magazine once dubbed "the original side hustle," informally 7
3D 3. Ancient collection of Hindu hymns 7
4D 4. Pampers 6
5D 5. Handled something poorly, say 5
6D 6. Gets even with? 4
7D 7. Tac preceder 3
8D 8. At least one 3
9D 9. Substance that undergoes change, as in a lab 8
10D 10. Magpie lookalike with black-and-white plumage 7
11D 11. Bosses (around) 6
12D 12. Gads about 5
13D 14. Figurative ability to withstand almost anything 13
14D 17. Canal blocker? 9
15D 21. Milky and iridescent 7
16D 24. Lizard predator of Africa 9
17D 25. Close call 5
18D 27. Swedish American model Porizkova 7
19D 29. Edward who wrote and illustrated "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" 5
20D 30. Foam designs, perhaps 8
21D 31. Berth places 7
22D 32. 19th-century German novelist Theodor 7
23D 33. Stressors for some H.S. seniors 7
24D 34. Accessory on a pub counter 7
25D 35. Brunch beverage 6
26D 36. Standard 1L course, informally 6
27D 37. Title for some fictional lords 5
28D 38. Sugar ___ 5
29D 41. Choice for the undecided 4
30D 43. Org. with a "Cryptographic Support Services" page on its website 3
31D 45. Little squirt 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. No-goodniks"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Sales job that Forbes magazine once dubbed "the original side hustle," informally"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ancient collection of Hindu hymns"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pampers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
  • Similar words include: baby, child, babe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Handled something poorly, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Gets even with?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: connect, wed, link
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tac preceder"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: ocean
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. At least one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Substance that undergoes change, as in a lab"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACTANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Magpie lookalike with black-and-white plumage"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Bosses (around)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: society, regulate, orderliness
  • Opposite of: deregulate, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDERS

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12D: "12. Gads about"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: rove, stray, wander
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAMS

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13D: "14. Figurative ability to withstand almost anything"

13 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRONGSTOMACH

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14D: "17. Canal blocker?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electro-acoustic transducer for converting electric signals into sounds; it is held over or inserted into the ear
  • Similar words include: earphone, earpiece, phone
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADPHONE

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15D: "21. Milky and iridescent"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a play of lustrous rainbow colors
  • Similar words include: opalescent, nacreous, iridescent
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPALINE

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16D: "24. Lizard predator of Africa"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "25. Close call"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
  • Similar words include: daunt, scare off, dash
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARE

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18D: "27. Swedish American model Porizkova"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "29. Edward who wrote and illustrated "The Gashlycrumb Tinies""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "30. Foam designs, perhaps"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "31. Berth places"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fancy dock for small yachts and cabin cruisers
  • Similar words include: marina
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINAS

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22D: "32. 19th-century German novelist Theodor"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "33. Stressors for some H.S. seniors"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "34. Accessory on a pub counter"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "35. Brunch beverage"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that evergreen australasian tree having white or silvery bark and young leaves and yellow flowers
  • Similar words include: silver wattle, buck's fizz, Acacia dealbata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIMOSA

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26D: "36. Standard 1L course, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "37. Title for some fictional lords"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "38. Sugar ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAPLE

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29D: "41. Choice for the undecided"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTH

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30D: "43. Org. with a "Cryptographic Support Services" page on its website"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

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31D: "45. Little squirt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: tot up, bambino, add
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOT

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

31 Across Clues
31 Down Clues
62 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: May 23, 2026 at 06:22 AM

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