Thu Oct 03, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. Strikes, perhaps, 6. Animal cry that sounds like a Greek letter, 9. Girls, ___ (nonprofit since 1864), 12. Find on the radio, 14. Move, in real estate lingo, 15. Woman on un árbol genealógico, 16. Value, 17. More slippery, 18. TV channel showing lots of pitches, 19. Disclaimer on a sale poster, 23. Contradict, 24. Save money on one's commute home, perhaps, 26. Actor who played a character with the same first name on "Two and a Half Men", 29. You can see right through it, 30. Up to ___, 31. Like nearly everybody on a Reply All thread, 32. Genre influenced by Jamaica's independence, 34. Puts on a Christmas list, say, 36. Some young studs, 40. Lisbon's land: Abbr., 41. First name in student loans, 42. Louvre Pyramid architect, 43. ___ facto, 46. Skeptics, 49. Half of a sprinter's pair, 51. One of the four classical elements, along with ignis, aqua and terra, 52. 53-Across feature, as seen three times in this puzzle, 53. Test required for all C.I.A. applicants … or a hint to this puzzle's theme, 57. Major British tabloid, with "The", 58. When sudden death can occur, for short, 60. "Understood", 61. Caribbean clock setting: Abbr., 62. New Mexico county or its seat, 63. Early bird's bedtime, maybe, 64. Baseball players who only bat, for short, 65. Snide chuckle, 66. Boardroom support

Thu Oct 03, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Down Clues :

1. Cocido or callaloo, 2. Luxuriant, 3. Like some dog collars, 4. Tool used in making applesauce and mashed potatoes, 5. Metal marble, 6. Human-shaped board game piece, 7. Singer/songwriter Goulding, 8. Truly awful, with "the", 9. City that's absolutely "gorges", 10. Leaf maker, 11. "There's no way!", 13. Mantra chants, 14. Went door to door for, 20. Performer at 2024's Super Bowl halftime show, 22. Wash against, as waves on the shore, 25. It fits under a tongue, 26. Busy Apr. professional, 27. Contracts, 28. Derides, 31. Budget planner, for short, 33. Half sister of Kim, Khloé and Kourtney, 35. TV character who said "Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them", 36. City name in Genesis, 37. Runs, 38. "___ outta here!", 39. Female friend, casually, 41. Elitists, 43. "What a shame!", 44. Major media campaign, say, 45. N.F.L. franchise that went its first 20 seasons without a single winning record, 47. "Darn it!", 48. Home to "star-cross'd lovers", 50. Urban artist?, 51. Longhorn's college rival, 54. Philosophical darkness, 55. Decorate, as a baker might, 56. Web code, 59. When doubled, dance move accompanying the Whip

Break down the NYT Crosswords: October 03, 2024

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

Across Clues with Answers:

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

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

  The answer: SLAPS

  Possible Answer : slap, smacking, smack




• The clue is 6. Animal cry that sounds like a Greek letter. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MEW

  Possible Answer : meow, miaul, sea_mew, miaou, miaow, mew_gull, mew, Larus_canus




• The clue is 9. Girls, ___ (nonprofit since 1864). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INC

  Possible Answer : INC, Iraqi_National_Congress




• The clue is 12. Find on the radio. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TUNETO




• The clue is 14. Move, in real estate lingo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RELO




• The clue is 15. Woman on un árbol genealógico. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIA

  Possible Answer : transient_ischemic_attack, TIA




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

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

  The answer: ESTEEM

  Possible Answer : take_to_be, prize, esteem, admiration, regard, prise, regard_as, repute, look_upon, look_on, value, think_of, respect

  Possible Opposite Answer : disrespect, disesteem




• The clue is 17. More slippery. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EELIER




• The clue is 18. TV channel showing lots of pitches. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HSN




• The clue is 19. Disclaimer on a sale poster. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (17 letters)

  The answer: WHILESUPPLIESLAST




• The clue is 23. Contradict. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BELIE

  Possible Answer : contradict, misrepresent, negate, belie




• The clue is 24. Save money on one's commute home, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPLITACAB




• The clue is 26. Actor who played a character with the same first name on "Two and a Half Men". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: CHARLIESHEEN




• The clue is 29. You can see right through it. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PANE

  Possible Answer : window_glass, acid, loony_toons, window_pane, Zen, pane_of_glass, back_breaker, Lucy_in_the_sky_with_diamonds, superman, dot, dose, paneling, Elvis, panelling, battery-acid, pane




• The clue is 30. Up to ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PAR

  Possible Answer : equality, par, equivalence, equation




• The clue is 31. Like nearly everybody on a Reply All thread. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CCED




• The clue is 32. Genre influenced by Jamaica's independence. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SKA




• The clue is 34. Puts on a Christmas list, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASKSFOR




• The clue is 36. Some young studs. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOYTOYS




• The clue is 40. Lisbon's land: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POR




• The clue is 41. First name in student loans. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SALLIE




• The clue is 42. Louvre Pyramid architect. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEI

  Possible Answer : I._M._Pei, Ieoh_Ming_Pei, Pei




• The clue is 43. ___ facto. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IPSO




• The clue is 46. Skeptics. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: NONBELIEVERS

  Possible Answer : disbeliever, unbeliever, nonbeliever




• The clue is 49. Half of a sprinter's pair. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRACKSHOE




• The clue is 51. One of the four classical elements, along with ignis, aqua and terra. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AER




• The clue is 52. 53-Across feature, as seen three times in this puzzle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPIKE

  Possible Answer : ear, spindle, transfix, spike_heel, empale, spike, fortify, impale, lace, capitulum, stiletto_heel, spike_out




• The clue is 53. Test required for all C.I.A. applicants … or a hint to this puzzle's theme. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POLYGRAPH

  Possible Answer : polygraph




• The clue is 57. Major British tabloid, with "The". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SUN

  Possible Answer : Sun, Lord's_Day, insolate, sunbathe, solarise, Sunday, sunlight, sun, Dominicus, solarize, sunshine




• The clue is 58. When sudden death can occur, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INOT




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

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

  The answer: IGOTIT




• The clue is 61. Caribbean clock setting: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AST




• The clue is 62. New Mexico county or its seat. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TAOS

  Possible Answer : Taoist, Taos, Tao




• The clue is 63. Early bird's bedtime, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NINEPM




• The clue is 64. Baseball players who only bat, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DHS




• The clue is 65. Snide chuckle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEH




• The clue is 66. Boardroom support. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EASEL

  Possible Answer : easel

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Cocido or callaloo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STEW

  Possible Answer: brood, sweat, grizzle, fret, swither, stew, lather, grudge

• The clue is 2. Luxuriant. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LUSH

  Possible Answer: soaker, lavish, succulent, alcoholic, lush, profuse, plushy, lucullan, exuberant, boozer, luxuriant, dipsomaniac, plush, alky, riotous, souse

• The clue is 3. Like some dog collars. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANTIBARK

• The clue is 4. Tool used in making applesauce and mashed potatoes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEELER

  Possible Answer: stripper, striptease, exotic_dancer, striptease_artist, stripteaser, ecdysiast, peeler

• The clue is 5. Metal marble. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STEELIE

• The clue is 6. Human-shaped board game piece. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MEEPLE

• The clue is 7. Singer/songwriter Goulding. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELLIE

• The clue is 8. Truly awful, with "the". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WORST

  Possible Answer: worst, sorry, spoiled, forged, spoilt, uncollectible, rack_up, mop_up, unsound, regretful, unfit, high-risk, risky, whip, big, speculative, bad, defective, pip, tough

  Possible Opposite Answer : unregretful, good, best

• The clue is 9. City that's absolutely "gorges". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITHACA

  Possible Answer: Ithaki, Ithaca

• The clue is 10. Leaf maker. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NISSAN

  Possible Answer: Nisan, Nissan

• The clue is 11. "There's no way!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CANTBE

• The clue is 13. Mantra chants. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OMS

• The clue is 14. Went door to door for. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REPPED

• The clue is 20. Performer at 2024's Super Bowl halftime show. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: USHER

  Possible Answer: Usher, Ussher, doorkeeper, James_Ussher, James_Usher, show, usher, guide

• The clue is 22. Wash against, as waves on the shore. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAPAT

• The clue is 25. It fits under a tongue. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INSOLE

  Possible Answer: innersole, insole

• The clue is 26. Busy Apr. professional. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CPA

  Possible Answer: certified_public_accountant, CPA

• The clue is 27. Contracts. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAS

  Possible Answer: stimulate, induce, hold, HA, let, get, make, hour_angle, have, throw, own, birth, give_birth, sustain, cause, bear, deliver, give, ingest, take, take_in, accept, receive, possess, experience, consume, have_got, feature, suffer

  Possible Opposite Answer : refuse, abstain, lack

• The clue is 28. Derides. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SCORNS

  Possible Answer: despise, spurn, freeze_off, reject, turn_down, despite, disdain, pooh-pooh, scorn, contemn, contempt

• The clue is 31. Budget planner, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CFO

  Possible Answer: CFO, chief_financial_officer

• The clue is 33. Half sister of Kim, Khloé and Kourtney. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KYLIE

  Possible Answer: kiley, kylie

• The clue is 35. TV character who said "Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPOCK

  Possible Answer: Spock, Benjamin_Spock

• The clue is 36. City name in Genesis. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BABEL

  Possible Answer: Babel, Tower_of_Babel, babel

• The clue is 37. Runs. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OPERATES

  Possible Answer: go, maneuver, mesh, lock, operate_on, manoeuver, work, operate, engage, manoeuvre, function, control, run

  Possible Opposite Answer : disengage, malfunction

• The clue is 38. "___ outta here!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YER

• The clue is 39. Female friend, casually. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIS

  Possible Answer: Si, si, te, Systeme_International, sister, International_System, silicon, sis, International_System_of_Units, atomic_number_14, SI_unit, Systeme_International_d'Unites, SI_system, SI, ti

  Possible Opposite Answer : brother

• The clue is 41. Elitists. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNOOTS

  Possible Answer: nozzle, schnoz, honker, snout, beak, snoot, hooter, snot, schnozzle, snob, prig

• The clue is 43. "What a shame!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITSSAD

• The clue is 44. Major media campaign, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PRPUSH

• The clue is 45. N.F.L. franchise that went its first 20 seasons without a single winning record. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SAINTS

  Possible Answer: nonsuch, enshrine, angel, holy_person, canonize, canonise, nonpareil, paragon, apotheosis, holy_man, saint, ideal, nonesuch

• The clue is 47. "Darn it!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHPOOH

• The clue is 48. Home to "star-cross'd lovers". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: VERONA

  Possible Answer: Verona

• The clue is 50. Urban artist?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KEITH

• The clue is 51. Longhorn's college rival. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AGGIE

• The clue is 54. Philosophical darkness. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YIN

  Possible Answer: yin

  Possible Opposite Answer : yang

• The clue is 55. Decorate, as a baker might. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PIPE

  Possible Answer: pipe, tube, pipework, tobacco_pipe, shriek, organ_pipe, piping, pipage, pipe_up, shrill

• The clue is 56. Web code. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HTML

  Possible Answer: HTML, hypertext_mark-up_language, hypertext_markup_language

• The clue is 59. When doubled, dance move accompanying the Whip. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAE

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 21, 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 (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (36 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Look to give nothing away?	10
2A	11. European city on the Bay of Angels	4
3A	15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly"	10
4A	16. Like some fixations	4
5A	17. It gets folded and pressed	10
6A	18. Split in two	4
7A	19. Posts on Insta	3
8A	20. The third primary chakra is located just above it	5
9A	21. Foundations of many dad jokes	4
10A	22. "Right, right, right"	4
11A	24. Yom Kippur topic	3
12A	25. Certain slip-on	6
13A	27. Merely hinted at	5
14A	29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute"	5
15A	31. Clip-on mic, for short	3
16A	32. Many great athletes play with it	4
17A	34. Architect's tool	7
18A	36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year	7
19A	39. In pieces	7
20A	40. Items of some import?	7
21A	41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry"	4
22A	42. Savory latke topping	3
23A	43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men"	5
24A	45. "Quiet, you!"	5
25A	49. Formula 1 star, e.g.	6
26A	51. Shade similar to avocado	3
27A	53. "Sick!"	4
28A	54. On a chain, say	4
29A	55. A lot of paperwork	5
30A	57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards	3
31A	58. Steps to a lively tune	4
32A	59. How low can you go?	10
33A	61. "Right now!"	4
34A	62. What roller coasters are designed to do	10
35A	63. Flat earth?	4
36A	64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side	10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Look to give nothing away?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLANKSTARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. European city on the Bay of Angels"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
• Similar words include: skillful, decent, gracious
• Opposite of: nasty

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BODYHORROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Like some fixations"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
• Similar words include: unwritten, oral exam, oral examination
• Opposite of: anal, aboral

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. It gets folded and pressed"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tortilla that is filled with cheese and heated
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QUESADILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Split in two"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cutlery used for serving and eating food
• Similar words include: branch, crotch, forking
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Posts on Insta"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a chest in which coins from the mint are held to await assay
• Similar words include: pix chest, pyx, pyx chest
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. The third primary chakra is located just above it"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a scar where the umbilical cord was attached
• Similar words include: omphalus, belly button, omphalos
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Foundations of many dad jokes"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a humorous play on words
• Similar words include: paronomasia, pun, wordplay
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Right, right, right""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Yom Kippur topic"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that estrangement from god
• Similar words include: drop the ball, hell, boob
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Certain slip-on"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a blanket-like cloak with a hole in the center for the head
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PONCHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Merely hinted at"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that implied by or inferred from actions or statements
• Similar words include: understood, silent
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TACIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AESOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Clip-on mic, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
• Similar words include: lavatory, bathroom, can
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Many great athletes play with it"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
• Similar words include: gritstone, backbone, gumption
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Architect's tool"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSQUARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: METHANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. In pieces"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that widely separated especially in space
• Similar words include: apart
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASUNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Items of some import?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXOTICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of david hume (1710-1796)
• Similar words include: Thomas Reid
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Savory latke topping"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Similar words include: liquid oxygen
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUMET

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24A: "45. "Quiet, you!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZIPIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Formula 1 star, e.g."

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the operator of a motor vehicle
• Similar words include: number one wood, device driver
• Opposite of: nondriver

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRIVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Shade similar to avocado"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
• Similar words include: pea plant
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "Sick!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that street names for marijuana
• Similar words include: sess, pot, cola
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. On a chain, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CCED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. A lot of paperwork"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
• Similar words include: organize, forge, variant
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FORMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PHX

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31A: "58. Steps to a lively tune"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that music in three-four time for dancing a jig
• Similar words include: gigue, jig
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. How low can you go?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROCKBOTTOM

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33A: "61. "Right now!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that as soon as possible
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. What roller coasters are designed to do"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fill with sublime emotion
• Similar words include: beatify, thrill, tickle pink
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXHILARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Flat earth?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
• Similar words include: table
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MESA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MYSTERYBOX

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Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Smoking spot	6
2D	2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams	6
3D	3. Campaign leader, informally	6
4D	4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief	3
5D	5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán	4
6D	6. Some diner drinks	5
7D	7. They might have all the answers	10
8D	8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield"	6
9D	9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog	4
10D	10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)	3
11D	11. Like a spoilsport	5
12D	12. Totally foolproof	8
13D	13. Many key changes take place in it	8
14D	14. Herd at Yellowstone	3
15D	21. It's a surprise, of course!	7
16D	23. Chinese symbol of prosperity	5
17D	25. Group of companions	5
18D	26. See 9-Down	4
19D	28. Followed surreptitiously	7
20D	30. Beginner's set	10
21D	33. Rack up	5
22D	35. Ruined	5
23D	36. Blend into one	4
24D	37. Free spirits?	8
25D	38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g.	8
26D	44. Big times	6
27D	46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled	6
28D	47. Defunct image editor	6
29D	48. Chile con carne cuisine	6
30D	50. Hornet genus	5
31D	52. Take a constitutional	5
32D	55. Cunning	4
33D	56. Go to the moon	4
34D	58. Play together, in a way	3
35D	59. Phase for dreamers	3
36D	60. "___ me!"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Smoking spot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BBQPIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOUISA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Campaign leader, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADEXEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mid-atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
• Similar words include: Empire State, New York, NY
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a title given to rulers or other important people in asian countries
• Similar words include: caravansary, caravan inn, caravanserai
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KHAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Some diner drinks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
• Similar words include: sodium carbonate, sal soda, washing soda
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SODAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. They might have all the answers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRIVIATEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARLENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rotary motion of an object around its own axis
• Similar words include: rolling, curlicue, range
• Opposite of: unwind

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: geological era, earned run average, epoch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Like a spoilsport"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOFUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Totally foolproof"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a wooden warship of the 19th century that is plated with iron or steel armor
• Similar words include: brassbound
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRONCLAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Many key changes take place in it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARSHARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Herd at Yellowstone"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Similar words include: moose, Alces alces, Cervus elaphus canadensis
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. It's a surprise, of course!"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPQUIZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Chinese symbol of prosperity"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
• Similar words include: Ashcan School, eighter from Decatur, eight-spot
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Group of companions"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a temporary police force
• Similar words include: posse comitatus
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. See 9-Down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: ended, all over, complete
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Followed surreptitiously"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to lag or linger behind
• Similar words include: chase after, tail, tag
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Beginner's set"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STARTERKIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Rack up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
• Similar words include: obtain, find, receive
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INCUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Ruined"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
• Similar words include: loosen, undo, unmake
• Opposite of: wrap, make

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNDID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Blend into one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers; jokers and deuces are wild; the object is to form groups of the same rank
• Similar words include: flux, fuse, mix
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Free spirits?"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that expel through adjuration or prayers
• Similar words include: exorcize
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXORCISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g."

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOXICGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Big times"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: date of reference, era, epoch
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPOCHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPTAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. Defunct image editor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPHOTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Chile con carne cuisine"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEXMEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Hornet genus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that type genus of the vespidae: various hornets and yellow jackets
• Similar words include: genus Vespa
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VESPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Take a constitutional"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
• Similar words include: promenade, stroll, saunter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Cunning"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: sly, dodgy, guileful
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FOXY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Go to the moon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of rising upward into the air
• Similar words include: sailplane, zoom, soar upwards
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Play together, in a way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that preserve of crushed fruit
• Similar words include: muddle, mess, ram
• Opposite of: free

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Phase for dreamers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
• Similar words include: paradoxical sleep, REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. "___ me!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
• Similar words include: test, render, sample
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRY

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

36 Across Clues

36 Down Clues

72 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 21, 2026 at 04:50 AM