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Saturday, July 4, 2026

NYT Mini Trivia Week 1 July 04, 2026 - Hints & Answers

NYT Mini Trivia Week 1 July 04, 2026 - Hints & Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: NYT Across Clues Answers November 25 | Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 13 | Monday NYT Across Solutions September |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for July 04, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, July 04, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date July 04, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 60. Short
2 Across 21. Like ideal arrivals
3 Across 36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen
4 Across 45. Lend, informally
5 Across 61. Rock instrument?
6 Across 24. Conceptual framework
7 Across 30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed
8 Across 31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik
9 Across 58. Ship back?
10 Across 47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people)

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "60. Short"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T___E

Answer:

Click to reveal TERSE


2 Across: "21. Like ideal arrivals"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O____E

Answer:

Click to reveal ONTIME


3 Across: "36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O___A

Answer:

Click to reveal OHARA


4 Across: "45. Lend, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T

Answer:

Click to reveal SPOT


5 Across: "61. Rock instrument?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S_______L

Answer:

Click to reveal STONETOOL


6 Across: "24. Conceptual framework"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S____A

Answer:

Click to reveal SCHEMA


7 Across: "30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T___E

Answer:

Click to reveal THERE


8 Across: "31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: I__G

Answer:

Click to reveal IDIG


9 Across: "58. Ship back?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S___N

Answer:

Click to reveal STERN


10 Across: "47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P____E

Answer:

Click to reveal PIERRE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname
2 Down 22. Things often refilled, informally
3 Down 57. Some notebooks, in brief
4 Down 54. List header
5 Down 48. Loggers' competition
6 Down 53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish)
7 Down 6. #MeToo movement activist Burke
8 Down 55. List ender
9 Down 4. Brown, in a way
10 Down 26. Blade runner?

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G________T

Answer:

Click to reveal GREENBERET


2 Down: "22. Things often refilled, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M__S

Answer:

Click to reveal MEDS


3 Down: "57. Some notebooks, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: PC

Answer:

Click to reveal PCS


4 Down: "54. List header"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: T__O

Answer:

Click to reveal TODO


5 Down: "48. Loggers' competition"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: R___O

Answer:

Click to reveal ROLEO


6 Down: "53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O

Answer:

Click to reveal ALOO


7 Down: "6. #MeToo movement activist Burke"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T____A

Answer:

Click to reveal TARANA


8 Down: "55. List ender"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L

Answer:

Click to reveal ETAL


9 Down: "4. Brown, in a way"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B__E

Answer:

Click to reveal BAKE


10 Down: "26. Blade runner?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H________R

Answer:

Click to reveal HELICOPTER

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 1

When can I play the Trivia Week 1 Mini?

The Trivia Week 1 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 1?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 1 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 1?

No! The Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 1 solver?

Good Trivia Week 1 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 1?

Trivia Week 1 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: July 04, 2026 at 06:32 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, July 04 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 04, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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. Bar fight? 9
2A 10. Brand of tights with an apostrophe in its name 5
3A 15. Expansive marine exhibits 9
4A 16. Really fancy 5
5A 17. 1991 blockbuster with the tagline "One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage" 9
6A 18. Fax predecessor 5
7A 19. Grand Tour, e.g. 8
8A 20. Buyer 6
9A 21. Like ideal arrivals 6
10A 23. "___ pics!" 4
11A 24. Conceptual framework 6
12A 28. Follower of X or G 3
13A 29. Peacock's home 3
14A 30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed 5
15A 31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik 4
16A 33. Piece of cartoon memorabilia 3
17A 34. Steamed 5
18A 35. Golden goal periods, for short 3
19A 36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen 5
20A 38. Certain Ivy Leaguer 3
21A 39. Painter ___ Thomas, first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum 4
22A 41. Passes (out) 5
23A 42. Bracketed disclaimer 3
24A 43. Lover of sugar 3
25A 44. Results of swiping 6
26A 45. Lend, informally 4
27A 47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people) 6
28A 49. Animals with prehensile proboscises 6
29A 51. "The One" 8
30A 56. First name in cosmetics 5
31A 57. Pioneering P.D.A. 9
32A 58. Ship back? 5
33A 59. Soft drink originally made with egg whites 9
34A 60. Short 5
35A 61. Rock instrument? 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Bar fight?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Brand of tights with an apostrophe in its name"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Expansive marine exhibits"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Really fancy"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. 1991 blockbuster with the tagline "One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Fax predecessor"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a character printer connected to a telegraph that operates like a typewriter
  • Similar words include: telex machine, teleprinter, teletypewriter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Grand Tour, e.g."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Buyer"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who buys
  • Similar words include: emptor, buyer, purchaser
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENDEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Like ideal arrivals"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. "___ pics!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go somewhere
  • Similar words include: place, post, institutionalize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Conceptual framework"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
  • Similar words include: scheme, outline
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCHEMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Follower of X or G"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: hands, man, manpower
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Peacock's home"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location other than here; that place
  • Similar words include: thither, in that respect, at that place
  • Opposite of: here
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Piece of cartoon memorabilia"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Steamed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: chafe, bother, miffed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Golden goal periods, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Certain Ivy Leaguer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Painter ___ Thomas, first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Passes (out)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
  • Similar words include: dole, pogy, pogey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Bracketed disclaimer"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that urge to attack someone
  • Similar words include: set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Lover of sugar"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, pismire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Results of swiping"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
  • Similar words include: thieving, stealing, larceny
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Lend, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: recognise, bit, maculation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital of the state of south dakota; located in central south dakota on the missouri river
  • Similar words include: capital of South Dakota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIERRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Animals with prehensile proboscises"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungulate of tropical america and southeast asia having a heavy body and fleshy snout
  • Similar words include: tapir
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "The One""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. First name in cosmetics"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Pioneering P.D.A."

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Ship back?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rear part of a ship
  • Similar words include: unforgiving, tail end, austere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Soft drink originally made with egg whites"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Short"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  • Similar words include: curt, crisp, laconic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Rock instrument?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. One of the Starks on "Game of Thrones" 4
2D 2. Berry spelled with a cedilla 4
3D 3. Small smack 4
4D 4. Brown, in a way 4
5D 5. Milky Way's nearest major galaxy 9
6D 6. #MeToo movement activist Burke 6
7D 7. Expanse 5
8D 8. Observation by Oscar Wilde about the relationship between reality and creativity 15
9D 9. "Mangia!" 3
10D 10. Not 21-Across 4
11D 11. Elysia 5
12D 12. False idol in the Old Testament 10
13D 13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname 10
14D 14. Where students learn about congress 10
15D 20. "___ Sancte Spiritus" (medieval Latin hymn) 4
16D 22. Things often refilled, informally 4
17D 24. Cardiac exam on a treadmill 10
18D 25. Gochujang, e.g. 10
19D 26. Blade runner? 10
20D 27. Before, in olden times 3
21D 32. "Lord, have mercy!" 9
22D 35. One attracted to all gender identities, for short 4
23D 37. Tilling aid 3
24D 40. The Indianapolis 500 has 200 of them 4
25D 44. President who married one of his kindergarten classmates 6
26D 46. Membership categories 5
27D 48. Loggers' competition 5
28D 50. Former French president ___ Coty 4
29D 52. Weather phenomenon often appearing in the evening 4
30D 53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish) 4
31D 54. List header 4
32D 55. List ender 4
33D 57. Some notebooks, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. One of the Starks on "Game of Thrones""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Berry spelled with a cedilla"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Small smack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: mickle, slew, muckle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Brown, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
  • Similar words include: broil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Milky Way's nearest major galaxy"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broad-leaved evergreen asiatic shrub with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of white flowers
  • Similar words include: lily-of-the-valley tree, Pieris japonica, Japanese andromeda
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANDROMEDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. #MeToo movement activist Burke"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Expanse"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended area of land
  • Similar words include: piece of ground, nerve tract, pamphlet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Observation by Oscar Wilde about the relationship between reality and creativity"

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Mangia!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: consume, deplete, wipe out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Not 21-Across"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: recent, former, belated
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Elysia"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: Eden, nirvana, heaven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. False idol in the Old Testament"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Where students learn about congress"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "___ Sancte Spiritus" (medieval Latin hymn)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Things often refilled, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in education
  • Similar words include: Master of Education, MEd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Cardiac exam on a treadmill"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Gochujang, e.g."

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Blade runner?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
  • Similar words include: eggbeater, chopper, whirlybird
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELICOPTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Before, in olden times"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. "Lord, have mercy!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. One attracted to all gender identities, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Tilling aid"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. The Indianapolis 500 has 200 of them"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: lap covering, wash, circuit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "44. President who married one of his kindergarten classmates"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elected vice president in roosevelt's 4th term; became 33rd president of the united states on roosevelt's death in 1945 and was elected president in 1948; authorized the use of atomic bombs against japan (1884-1972)
  • Similar words include: Harry S Truman, President Truman, Harry Truman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "46. Membership categories"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • Similar words include: tier, tier up, level
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "48. Loggers' competition"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "50. Former French president ___ Coty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "52. Weather phenomenon often appearing in the evening"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: mist over, cloud, befog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "54. List header"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. List ender"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Some notebooks, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
  • Similar words include: microcomputer, PC, personal computer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCS

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

35 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: July 04, 2026 at 06:32 AM

Saturday, May 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 09, 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. Gold meddlers? 10
2A 11. One making calls on the fly? 4
3A 15. You or me, e.g. 10
4A 16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread) 4
5A 17. Exclamation of surprise from a host 10
6A 18. Place for a post 4
7A 19. Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career 5
8A 20. Perspective 4
9A 21. Husky hellos? 4
10A 22. Reached new heights 4
11A 24. Low-level clouds 6
12A 26. Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council 6
13A 30. Storage unit 4
14A 32. Portable retirement option 3
15A 33. Black-and-white debut of 1912 4
16A 34. Like something no money can buy 4
17A 36. Accomplished 5
18A 38. List of qualifications? 15
19A 41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation 5
20A 42. Pomegranate morsel 4
21A 43. Certain razorback 4
22A 44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names 3
23A 45. Still active after all these years 4
24A 47. Looks all over 6
25A 49. ___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread) 6
26A 51. Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it 4
27A 53. Things to let: Abbr. 4
28A 54. "I could be wrong, but ...," for short 4
29A 56. Tropical ring 5
30A 61. Hoot 4
31A 62. 2000 parody of a 62-Across 10
32A 64. "That's for sure" 4
33A 65. Postponed court date? 10
34A 66. No time like the present 4
35A 67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Gold meddlers?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who was versed in the practice of alchemy and who sought an elixir of life and a panacea and an alkahest and the philosopher's stone
  • Similar words include: alchemist
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALCHEMISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. One making calls on the fly?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
  • Similar words include: shuttle, chick, shuttlecock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIRD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. You or me, e.g."

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Exclamation of surprise from a host"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Place for a post"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies
  • Similar words include: web log
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sestet, sextet, sextuplet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIXER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Perspective"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
  • Similar words include: require, take aim, subscribe to
  • Opposite of: disclaim, give
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Husky hellos?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Reached new heights"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
  • Similar words include: uprise, develop, grow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Low-level clouds"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large dark low cloud
  • Similar words include: stratus, stratus cloud
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the pawnee nation formerly living in nebraska and kansas but now largely in oklahoma
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAWNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Storage unit"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BYTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Portable retirement option"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: camp bed, crib, fingerstall
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Black-and-white debut of 1912"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Like something no money can buy"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are free
  • Similar words include: barren, unloosen, liberal
  • Opposite of: freeze, block
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Accomplished"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: wiz, skilful, wizard
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. List of qualifications?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Pomegranate morsel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Certain razorback"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: wild boar, Sus scrofa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Still active after all these years"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moving quickly and lightly
  • Similar words include: agile, nimble, quick
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Looks all over"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diarrhea in livestock
  • Similar words include: purge, scour, abrade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. ___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Things to let: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. "I could be wrong, but ...," for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Tropical ring"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Hoot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public act of violence by an unruly mob
  • Similar words include: public violence, thigh-slapper, wow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. 2000 parody of a 62-Across"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. "That's for sure""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
  • Similar words include: avowedly, reliable, dead on target
  • Opposite of: untruthful, false
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Postponed court date?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. No time like the present"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time long past
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987 4
2D 2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped 4
3D 3. Central point 4
4D 4. "This is for you" 4
5D 5. Spring up 6
6D 6. One of the Three Stooges 3
7D 7. Extra hot 5
8D 8. Parlor treat typically served with the first five letters of its name 15
9D 9. Lecture 4
10D 10. Least straightforward, say 6
11D 11. Weighty subject of some children's books 5
12D 12. Statement that may be followed by a dash 10
13D 13. Where spirits are high? 10
14D 14. Vacationers' hires, perhaps 10
15D 23. Makes some calls 4
16D 25. Kings of Los Angeles, e.g. 4
17D 26. Event at which you hope to get good deals? 10
18D 27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening" 10
19D 28. Traveled to perform 10
20D 29. Central point 4
21D 31. Legendary Himalayan climber 4
22D 35. Sound made by many fans 4
23D 37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history) 4
24D 39. Bath seat? 4
25D 40. Setup for an extra point 4
26D 46. Color separators 6
27D 48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon 6
28D 50. Perfume with an accent on its fourth letter 5
29D 52. Won land 5
30D 55. What some bio majors do prep work for 4
31D 57. Garment that once indicated citizenship 4
32D 58. A zero is one 4
33D 59. Kilo follower 4
34D 60. Certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, in brief 4
35D 63. New ___ University of Knuckleheads (fictional institution where Leslie Nielsen lectured about the Three Stooges) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere in the milky way near centaurus
  • Similar words include: Crux Australis, crux of the matter, Southern Cross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRUX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "This is for you""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: hither, Hera
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spring up"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come out into view, as from concealment
  • Similar words include: issue, egress, come forth
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMERGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. One of the Three Stooges"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Extra hot"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
  • Similar words include: ireful
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Parlor treat typically served with the first five letters of its name"

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exchange of ideas via conversation
  • Similar words include: spill, blab out, blab
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Least straightforward, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricksy, foxy, dodgy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLYEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Weighty subject of some children's books"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imaginary elephant that appears in a series of french books for children
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Statement that may be followed by a dash"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Where spirits are high?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Vacationers' hires, perhaps"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Makes some calls"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Similar words include: referee, ref
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Kings of Los Angeles, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
  • Similar words include: squad, team up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Event at which you hope to get good deals?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Traveled to perform"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a connecting point at which several lines come together
  • Similar words include: client, lymph gland, guest
  • Opposite of: antinode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Legendary Himalayan climber"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Similar words include: abominable snowman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Sound made by many fans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged loud noise
  • Similar words include: roaring, holloa, boom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Bath seat?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: prat, posterior, arsehole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Setup for an extra point"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: as well, too, likewise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

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26D: "46. Color separators"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a polyhedron with two congruent and parallel faces (the bases) and whose lateral faces are parallelograms
  • Similar words include: optical prism, prism
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRISMS

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27D: "48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
  • Similar words include: hamper, spasm, muscle spasm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAMPS

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28D: "50. Perfume with an accent on its fourth letter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "52. Won land"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an asian peninsula (off manchuria) separating the yellow sea and the sea of japan; the korean name is dae-han-min-gook or han-gook
  • Similar words include: Dae-Han-Min-Gook, Korean Peninsula, Han-Gook
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOREA

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30D: "55. What some bio majors do prep work for"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "57. Garment that once indicated citizenship"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

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32D: "58. A zero is one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Similar words include: prolate, egg-shaped, ovoid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVAL

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33D: "59. Kilo follower"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital and largest city and economic center of peru; located in western peru; was capital of the spanish empire in the new world until the 19th century
  • Similar words include: capital of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIMA

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34D: "60. Certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "63. New ___ University of Knuckleheads (fictional institution where Leslie Nielsen lectured about the Three Stooges)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 09, 2026 at 06:03 AM