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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 05, 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: 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. Tried-and-true choice, informally 4
2A 5. It's perfect for some musicians 5
3A 10. Motorcyclist's invitation 5
4A 15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea 4
5A 16. Ruckus 5
6A 17. Where Boise is 5
7A 18. It's a piece of cake 10
8A 20. Computer geeks 5
9A 21. Source of some South American wool 5
10A 22. Alaska politico Palin 5
11A 24. ___-Ball 4
12A 25. Alternative to a Word doc 3
13A 27. It's child's play 9
14A 29. Glassblower, e.g. 7
15A 33. One of three statistical averages 4
16A 34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 4
17A 35. Ones always blowing off steam? 7
18A 39. Altar promise 3
19A 42. It's a no-brainer 16
20A 45. Starchy tuber 3
21A 46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song 7
22A 47. Drug buster 4
23A 48. Heavy, spiked club 4
24A 50. Bared one's teeth, say 7
25A 52. It's a breeze 9
26A 57. ___-fi 3
27A 58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision 4
28A 59. Lipstick blunder 5
29A 61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich 5
30A 65. Oscars host, e.g. 5
31A 67. It's a walk in the park 10
32A 69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission 5
33A 70. Piano exercise 5
34A 71. Fencing blade 4
35A 72. "OMG, same!" 5
36A 73. About 50.7% of all Americans 5
37A 74. Like typical communicators in sign language 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tried-and-true choice, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's perfect for some musicians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: auction pitch, tilt, toss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Motorcyclist's invitation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Ruckus"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Where Boise is"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. It's a piece of cake"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small finger-shaped sponge cake
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADYFINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Computer geeks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school, tech
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Source of some South American wool"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alaska politico Palin"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. ___-Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Alternative to a Word doc"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. It's child's play"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Glassblower, e.g."

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
  • Similar words include: craftsman, artificer, journeyman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. One of three statistical averages"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Similar words include: tight, signify, mean value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Ones always blowing off steam?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: kettleful, kettle, boiler
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KETTLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Altar promise"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. It's a no-brainer"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADLESSHORSEMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Starchy tuber"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Drug buster"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
  • Similar words include: narcotics agent, nark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Heavy, spiked club"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: Chemical Mace, macebearer, macer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Bared one's teeth, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
  • Similar words include: snarl up, entangle, knotty
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. It's a breeze"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. ___-fi"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: foolhardy, blizzard, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Lipstick blunder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slanderous defamation
  • Similar words include: calumniate, daub, smudge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Oscars host, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. It's a walk in the park"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Fencing blade"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. "OMG, same!""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: total, tote, tug
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. About 50.7% of all Americans"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: woman, cleaning woman, adult female
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like typical communicators in sign language"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe hearing impairments
  • Similar words include: indifferent, deafen
  • Opposite of: hearing
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Effrontery 4
2D 2. Not in writing, as an exam 4
3D 3. Magician's "Look what I did!" 4
4D 4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines 8
5D 5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" 3
6D 6. Charged particles 4
7D 7. Roman robes 5
8D 8. French sweetheart 5
9D 9. Prohibited in Islam 5
10D 10. Chart-topper 3
11D 11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" 6
12D 12. Mule or burro 10
13D 13. "Fancy seeing you here!" 5
14D 14. They may be counted when taking attendance 5
15D 19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s 4
16D 23. Undeniable successes 8
17D 26. Media misinformation 8
18D 28. Loch ___ monster 4
19D 29. Like a campfire by morning, typically 4
20D 30. Flightless bird from South America 4
21D 31. Figure in a school pep rally 10
22D 32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) 4
23D 36. Chinese general on a menu 3
24D 37. "___ will be done" 3
25D 38. English facilities 4
26D 40. "Don't you ___!" 4
27D 41. How much 1990s music was issued 4
28D 43. Pet pests 4
29D 44. Having added nutrients 8
30D 49. Obey, with "to" 6
31D 51. Apex 4
32D 52. Pay for at a restaurant, say 5
33D 53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone 5
34D 54. "This is my first day on the job" 5
35D 55. "Groovy" 5
36D 56. Unit of information 5
37D 60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date 4
38D 62. Fully matured 4
39D 63. Swedish furniture supplier 4
40D 64. Complaint, informally 4
41D 66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief 3
42D 68. ___ Faire (historical event) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Effrontery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
  • Similar words include: saddle sore, freshness, irk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not in writing, as an exam"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva voce, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Magician's "Look what I did!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four-year intervals between olympic games; used to reckon time in ancient greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 bc
  • Similar words include: Olympics, Olympic Games
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLYMPIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Charged particles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Similar words include: ion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Roman robes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Similar words include: toga
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chart-topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Similar words include: stumble, reach, slay
  • Opposite of: miss
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city of south central ukraine on an arm of the black sea
  • Similar words include: Odesa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODESSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Fancy seeing you here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. They may be counted when taking attendance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Similar words include: horn in, wind, pry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: craze, rage, cult
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Like a campfire by morning, typically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Flightless bird from South America"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: nandu, Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Figure in a school pep rally"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, cuddle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Chinese general on a menu"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "___ will be done""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. English facilities"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian architect (1870-1933)
  • Similar words include: closet, Adolf Loos, water closet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. "Don't you ___!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, presume, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. How much 1990s music was issued"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Pet pests"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  • Similar words include: bird louse, worm, dirt ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Having added nutrients"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or improve in quality
  • Similar words include: enrich
  • Opposite of: deprive, impoverish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRICHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Obey, with "to""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
  • Similar words include: bind, bond, hold fast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Apex"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: vertex, summit, pinnacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Pay for at a restaurant, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: care for, plow, deal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "This is my first day on the job""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Unit of information"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
  • Similar words include: data point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socially incorrect in behavior
  • Similar words include: uncivil, unmannered, underbred
  • Opposite of: civil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Fully matured"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: right, advanced, mature
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Complaint, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cattle that are reared for their meat
  • Similar words include: gripe, bellyache, bitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. ___ Faire (historical event)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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.

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Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 05, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Friday, December 26, 2025

Friday's NYT Across Dec 26 - Full Horizontal Grid Solutions

NYT Across Clues Answers December 26, 2025 - All 35 Horizontal Solutions & Expert Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 35 Across clues. We have all the horizontal answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: NYT Down Crossword December 25 2025 | May 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | July 24 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 26, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Friday, December 26, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 26, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Across Clues 35 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Easy

All Across Clues - Complete List

Here are all 35 Across clues for today's puzzle. These go horizontally from left to right.

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. Dawdler
2 Across 9. Cuts short
3 Across 15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon
4 Across 16. Kitsch
5 Across 17. Doing some theater work
6 Across 18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh
7 Across 19. One whose beauty is on the inside
8 Across 20. Whole kit and caboodle
9 Across 22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages)
10 Across 23. Plant that's toxic to cats
11 Across 24. Some babysitters
12 Across 25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)
13 Across 26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub
14 Across 27. Tuesday, in French
15 Across 28. Song commonly performed outdoors
16 Across 29. Food that can be prepared de canasta
17 Across 30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)
18 Across 31. One toeing the line?
19 Across 35. Individually
20 Across 36. Editorialize
21 Across 37. Overly self-assertive
22 Across 38. Like a good sponge cake
23 Across 39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct"
24 Across 42. Singular, with or without its first letter
25 Across 43. Origin story family in DC Comics
26 Across 44. Facility
27 Across 45. Certain care provider, for short
28 Across 46. Re-fresh?
29 Across 47. It might be marked with an X
30 Across 48. Linked (with)
31 Across 50. Drive
32 Across 52. Harden and become resistant to change
33 Across 53. Life partner, perhaps?
34 Across 54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco
35 Across 55. Treated with respect

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Across clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. Dawdler"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S______E
  • Similar words: slowcoach, plodder
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who moves slowly
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SLOWPOKE


2 Across: "9. Cuts short"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A____S
  • Similar words: abort
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ABORTS


3 Across: "15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: M______G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a drawstring bag for holding money
  • This is Across clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MONEYBAG


4 Across: "16. Kitsch"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LOWART


5 Across: "17. Doing some theater work"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: U______G
  • Similar words: usher, show
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: take (someone) to their seats
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USHERING


6 Across: "18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B____R
  • Similar words: bulghur, bulgur wheat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: parched crushed wheat
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BULGUR


7 Across: "19. One whose beauty is on the inside"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GEODE


8 Across: "20. Whole kit and caboodle"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a complete extent or range:
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GAMUT


9 Across: "22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages)"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NEO


10 Across: "23. Plant that's toxic to cats"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: L__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LILY


11 Across: "24. Some babysitters"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NANAS


12 Across: "25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: C__L
  • Similar words: telephone, holler
  • Opposite of: put option
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a telephone connection
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CALL


13 Across: "26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer YTD


14 Across: "27. Tuesday, in French"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: M___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MARDI


15 Across: "28. Song commonly performed outdoors"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: C___L
  • Similar words: Christmas carol
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CAROL


16 Across: "29. Food that can be prepared de canasta"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T___S
  • Similar words: taco, greaser
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TACOS


17 Across: "30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E
  • Similar words: absolve, shrive
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: grant remission of a sin to
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SHROVE


18 Across: "31. One toeing the line?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T_____________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TIGHTROPEWALKER


19 Across: "35. Individually"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • Similar words: each, to each one
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer APIECE


20 Across: "36. Editorialize"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • Similar words: think, animadvert
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OPINE


21 Across: "37. Overly self-assertive"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: B___H
  • Similar words: nervy, cheeky
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: offensively bold
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BRASH


22 Across: "38. Like a good sponge cake"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M___T
  • Similar words: damp, dampish
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: slightly wet
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MOIST


23 Across: "39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: extinct flightless bird of New Zealand
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MOA


24 Across: "42. Singular, with or without its first letter"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: sole, lonesome
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: lacking companions or companionship
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LONE


25 Across: "43. Origin story family in DC Comics"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: Kent, Rockwell Kent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer KENTS


26 Across: "44. Facility"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • Similar words: empower, indue
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something acquired without compensation
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GIFT


27 Across: "45. Certain care provider, for short"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EMT


28 Across: "46. Re-fresh?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: R___O
  • Similar words: ex post facto, retroactive
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fashion reminiscent of the past
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RETRO


29 Across: "47. It might be marked with an X"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: P___O
  • Similar words: porn, smut
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PORNO


30 Across: "48. Linked (with)"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TIEDIN


31 Across: "50. Drive"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A______N
  • Similar words: ambitiousness, aspiration
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a cherished desire
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AMBITION


32 Across: "52. Harden and become resistant to change"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: O____Y
  • Similar words: rigidify, petrify
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: become bony
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OSSIFY


33 Across: "53. Life partner, perhaps?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CELLMATE


34 Across: "54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P____A
  • Similar words: Spanish peseta
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PESETA


35 Across: "55. Treated with respect"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E______D
  • Similar words: look upon, esteem
  • Opposite of: disesteem
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: regard highly; think much of
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ESTEEMED

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

  • Across clues often provide more letter intersections
  • Reading left to right feels more natural
  • Many common phrases run horizontally
  • Across answers often help solve Down clues

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Across entries
  2. Common phrases: Many idioms run horizontally
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Across
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear horizontally

Time-Saving Across Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Across first Get a mental map of the horizontal flow
Fill short Across words 3-4 letter words are often articles or prepositions
Use crossing letters Down letters help confirm Across answers
Look for themes Related Across answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

Across clues are the horizontal entries in a crossword puzzle that read from left to right. They're numbered and correspond to specific rows in the grid.

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

Many solvers prefer starting with Across clues because reading left-to-right feels more natural. However, the best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 35 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Across clues often contain more common phrases and expressions.

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

Across and Down clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.


About This Page: We provide comprehensive Across clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 26, 2025 at 04:53 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 26 2025 across clues