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

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 20, 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: 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. Las ___, Canary Islands 6
2A 7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short 4
3A 11. Plant, as seeds 3
4A 14. Laid back 6
5A 15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline) 4
6A 16. "That's terrible!" 3
7A 17. Campfire cookout, informally 11
8A 19. Crafty 3
9A 20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro 7
10A 21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know] 4
11A 22. Criticize very harshly 4
12A 25. Old-time winter excursion 10
13A 27. Loosey-goosey 3
14A 28. Not yet posted, in brief 3
15A 29. Bit in a nutrition bar 3
16A 30. Flattering lines? 3
17A 31. Indian yogurt dish 5
18A 34. Susceptible to bribery 5
19A 38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across 15
20A 41. Unit of magnetic flux density 5
21A 42. One who says "Hell if I know!"? 5
22A 43. Subtle greeting 3
23A 44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint 3
24A 46. Part of every day, in Italy 3
25A 47. Improvised instrument in folk music 3
26A 48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps 10
27A 53. Serious aversion 4
28A 54. Make 4
29A 55. Farm storage building 7
30A 57. Short-term job 3
31A 58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen 11
32A 62. Exploit 3
33A 63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the" 4
34A 64. Further out there 6
35A 65. Flanders of "The Simpsons" 3
36A 66. Dust-ups 4
37A 67. Loud speaker, maybe 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Las ___, Canary Islands"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Plant, as seeds"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, sow in, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Laid back"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "That's terrible!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Campfire cookout, informally"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEENIEROAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricky, crafty, foxy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know]"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Criticize very harshly"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strip the skin off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Old-time winter excursion"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Loosey-goosey"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Similar words include: slack, loose
  • Opposite of: tense
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Not yet posted, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Bit in a nutrition bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Flattering lines?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Indian yogurt dish"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Susceptible to bribery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capable of being corrupted
  • Similar words include: purchasable, corruptible, dishonest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLKIDDINGASIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Unit of magnetic flux density"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. One who says "Hell if I know!"?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judeo-christian and islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of god; tempter of mankind; master of hell
  • Similar words include: the Tempter, Lucifer, Devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Subtle greeting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Part of every day, in Italy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: os, bone, OS
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Improvised instrument in folk music"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bottle with a narrow mouth
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, incarcerate, gaol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Serious aversion"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
  • Similar words include: detest, hatred
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Make"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: gain, make, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Farm storage building"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  • Similar words include: garner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRANARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Short-term job"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
  • Similar words include: spear, fizgig, lance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPACENEEDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Exploit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: function, economic consumption, usage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: step, yard, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Further out there"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
  • Similar words include: buffoonish, clownish, goofy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZANIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Flanders of "The Simpsons""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Dust-ups"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, ado, bustle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Loud speaker, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
  • Similar words include: speechifier, speechmaker, rhetorician
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!" 3
2D 2. Filled up on 3
3D 3. Gymnast Suni 3
4D 4. Virile 5
5D 5. It's west of the Bering Strait 4
6D 6. Appears to be going down the drain 8
7D 7. Overact 5
8D 8. Mammal with a long ringed tail 5
9D 9. "We're on!" 6
10D 10. Tricked 3
11D 11. Dish with vinegared rice 5
12D 12. Eyed lustfully 5
13D 13. Question exclaimed after misfortune 5
14D 18. One way to spell relief, per ads 7
15D 21. Crafts, in Córdoba 5
16D 22. Part of a homecoming parade 5
17D 23. Big scoop 5
18D 24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan 5
19D 26. Fine cigar 6
20D 28. Hardships 6
21D 32. Madre's hermana 3
22D 33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry 7
23D 35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun 5
24D 36. It may follow deuce 5
25D 37. Overlook 5
26D 39. Designer Calvin 5
27D 40. Hummus bean 8
28D 45. Piece of goalie gear 6
29D 48. Started 5
30D 49. Not leave a bet as is 5
31D 50. Gave a push 5
32D 51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky 5
33D 52. Relays and rallies 5
34D 53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g. 5
35D 56. Bottom 4
36D 58. Luxury resort amenity 3
37D 59. Relatively short Morse code bit 3
38D 60. Sign of summer 3
39D 61. Blunder 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: hand, mitt, manus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Filled up on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat, eat up, rust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gymnast Suni"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: leeward, Shelton Jackson Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Virile"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that possessing qualities befitting a man
  • Similar words include: male, manlike, virile
  • Opposite of: unmanfully, unmanly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's west of the Bering Strait"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Appears to be going down the drain"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Overact"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Mammal with a long ringed tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: Nasua narica, coati-mundi, coati-mondi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "We're on!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tricked"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: generate, mother, start out
  • Opposite of: take away, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dish with vinegared rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eyed lustfully"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Similar words include: ogle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Question exclaimed after misfortune"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One way to spell relief, per ads"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Crafts, in Córdoba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Part of a homecoming parade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
  • Similar words include: blow, swim, ice-cream float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Big scoop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Fine cigar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of cuba; located in western cuba; one of the oldest cities in the americas
  • Similar words include: Cuban capital, capital of Cuba
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Hardships"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of testing something
  • Similar words include: trial, trial run, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Madre's hermana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINJA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. It may follow deuce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Overlook"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Designer Calvin"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german mathematician who created the klein bottle (1849-1925)
  • Similar words include: Calvin Klein, Melanie Klein, Felix Klein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Hummus bean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the chickpea plant
  • Similar words include: chickpea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBANZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Piece of goalie gear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Started"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
  • Similar words include: lead off, start out, get down
  • Opposite of: end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Not leave a bet as is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: enhance, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: level, demote
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Gave a push"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force or impel in an indicated direction
  • Similar words include: inspire, cheer, urge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
  • Similar words include: genus Draco, Dragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Relays and rallies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: raceway, run, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Bottom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: tooshie, posterior, butt
  • Opposite of: level, head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Luxury resort amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Relatively short Morse code bit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Sign of summer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
  • Similar words include: Leo the Lion, Lion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Thursday, October 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 08, 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: 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. One who might use they/them pronouns, informally 4
2A 5. Sensation after getting a tattoo, for some 4
3A 9. How low can they go? 5
4A 14. Meteor shower? 9
5A 16. Stay under the covers all morning, to a Brit 5
6A 17. Taps 15
7A 19. Piano exercise 5
8A 20. "It's never paid to ___ against America": Warren Buffett 3
9A 21. Place-holding letters on a schedule 3
10A 22. Browbeaten 5
11A 24. Trams 9
12A 27. In the way of 3
13A 28. Drill 4
14A 29. Time to go fast? 4
15A 30. Audacious, informally 6
16A 33. "Midnight Cowboy" con man 5
17A 36. Paws 13
18A 40. Take a hankie to, say 5
19A 41. Nora who wrote "When Harry Met Sally ..." 6
20A 43. Counterpart of Brahma and Vishnu 4
21A 46. Expand, as dough 4
22A 48. Hawaiian fish with a palindromic name 3
23A 49. Dessert 9
24A 52. Deciduous tree often found in regions dominated by conifers 5
25A 54. Just a number, they say 3
26A 55. Long-lasting birth control option, in brief 3
27A 56. Turn over 5
28A 58. Naive regal gnat 15
29A 63. Creepy 5
30A 64. It separates China and South Korea 9
31A 65. Everybody's hands 5
32A 66. Impudence 4
33A 67. Stanch 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. One who might use they/them pronouns, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Sensation after getting a tattoo, for some"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: scabies, spoil, itching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. How low can they go?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult male singer with the lowest voice
  • Similar words include: bass, basso, bass voice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Meteor shower?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnifier of images of distant objects
  • Similar words include: scope
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELESCOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stay under the covers all morning, to a Brit"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Taps"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an argument offered in opposition to another argument
  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUNTERARGUMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

8A: "20. "It's never paid to ___ against America": Warren Buffett"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: reckon, wager, stake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Place-holding letters on a schedule"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Browbeaten"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
  • Similar words include: overawe, cow
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Trams"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. In the way of"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Drill"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who evokes boredom
  • Similar words include: behave, brook, carry
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Time to go fast?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: Lententide, impart, loan
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Audacious, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "Midnight Cowboy" con man"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Paws"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Take a hankie to, say"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Nora who wrote "When Harry Met Sally ...""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Counterpart of Brahma and Vishnu"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon
  • Similar words include: Shiva
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Expand, as dough"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a growth in strength or number or importance
  • Similar words include: arise, originate, resurrect
  • Opposite of: descent, wane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Hawaiian fish with a palindromic name"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Dessert"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Deciduous tree often found in regions dominated by conifers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. Just a number, they say"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: geezerhood, historic period, get on
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Long-lasting birth control option, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus
  • Similar words include: intrauterine device
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Turn over"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become turned or set on end
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Naive regal gnat"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRINKSALLAROUND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Creepy"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
  • Similar words include: eery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. It separates China and South Korea"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Everybody's hands"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular instance of buying or selling
  • Similar words include: bargain, divvy up, handle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Impudence"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: SAS, mouth, back talk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Stanch"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
  • Similar words include: root word, shank, bow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. And so on, in brief 3
2D 2. Hero famously "red-pilled," in film 3
3D 3. Perceived Democratic electoral bloc 8
4D 4. Matchmaker in "Fiddler on the Roof" 5
5D 5. Like many summertime coffee orders 4
6D 6. Caped fighter 6
7D 7. Professional who's busiest in Apr. 3
8D 8. Tisanes 8
9D 9. Popeye's rival 5
10D 10. Making money or becoming famous, maybe 3
11D 11. Smolder 6
12D 12. Penalty box in hockey, slangily 6
13D 13. Unbroken 6
14D 15. Hoop alternative 4
15D 18. Neighbor of Switz. 3
16D 22. Something inside or outside a wine bar? 3
17D 23. Count of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" 4
18D 25. Unpredictable 7
19D 26. Gingham or seersucker 5
20D 28. Common policy at a neighborhood BBQ 4
21D 31. Remote sensing technology that uses lasers 5
22D 32. Eponymous Belgian resort town 3
23D 34. Cringeily cute 4
24D 35. Tiny slug? 3
25D 37. Units of electric charge 8
26D 38. Spray from a plane 8
27D 39. Sharpen 4
28D 42. Start to stick? 3
29D 43. Under a parasol, say 6
30D 44. "My feelings exactly" 6
31D 45. Host Meredith of "25 Words or Less" 6
32D 47. Cézanne painted a "Pyramid" of them 6
33D 50. "Oh no!" 5
34D 51. Clear stuff in a restaurant 3
35D 52. Prefix often meaning "gas" 4
36D 53. Flakes out? 5
37D 57. Thelma and Louise, e.g. 4
38D 59. Signifier of no value, in many programming languages 3
39D 60. Grazing area 3
40D 61. First name signifier? 3
41D 62. Counterpart of a sire, on a horse farm 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. And so on, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Hero famously "red-pilled," in film"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Perceived Democratic electoral bloc"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Matchmaker in "Fiddler on the Roof""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Like many summertime coffee orders"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decorate with frosting
  • Similar words include: frost, ice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Caped fighter"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a matador or one of the supporting team during a bull fight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Professional who's busiest in Apr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a united states state to be certified by that state
  • Similar words include: certified public accountant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Tisanes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Popeye's rival"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Making money or becoming famous, maybe"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Similar words include: target, intent, calculate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Smolder"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be noisy with activity
  • Similar words include: boil, roll, hum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEETHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Penalty box in hockey, slangily"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Unbroken"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged; - bacon
  • Similar words include: integral, inviolate, entire
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Hoop alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is virile and sexually active
  • Similar words include: scantling, he-man, rivet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Neighbor of Switz."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Something inside or outside a wine bar?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Similar words include: taxi, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Count of "A Series of Unfortunate Events""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Unpredictable"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liable to sudden unpredictable change
  • Similar words include: planetary, mercurial, quicksilver
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Gingham or seersucker"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
  • Similar words include: fabric, material, textile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Common policy at a neighborhood BBQ"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Remote sensing technology that uses lasers"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measuring system that detects and locates objects on the same principle as radar but uses light from a laser; a potential technology for detecting air turbulence that can affect aircraft
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIDAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Eponymous Belgian resort town"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Cringeily cute"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affectedly dainty or refined
  • Similar words include: prim, mincing, niminy-piminy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Tiny slug?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Units of electric charge"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the english physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction (1791-1867)
  • Similar words include: Michael Faraday, Faraday
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARADAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Spray from a plane"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sharpen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
  • Similar words include: perfect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Start to stick?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: not
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Under a parasol, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cast a shadow over
  • Similar words include: shade off, shadow, shade
  • Opposite of: unshaded
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. "My feelings exactly""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Host Meredith of "25 Words or Less""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Cézanne painted a "Pyramid" of them"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
  • Similar words include: skull
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKULLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. "Oh no!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Clear stuff in a restaurant"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
  • Similar words include: double-decker, omnibus, charabanc
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Prefix often meaning "gas""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Flakes out?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
  • Similar words include: Snow, lead by the nose, coke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Thelma and Louise, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, brother, pal up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Signifier of no value, in many programming languages"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: naught, nothing, cipher
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Grazing area"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
  • Similar words include: pasture, ley, grazing land
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. First name signifier?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Counterpart of a sire, on a horse farm"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
  • Similar words include: dike, decametre, dekametre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAM

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

33 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: October 08, 2026 at 10:46 AM