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

Monday, October 19, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 19, 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. Center of the solar system, with "the" 3
2A 4. "A Fish Called ___" 5
3A 9. Tiny terror 3
4A 12. "Where the Wild Things ___" 3
5A 13. Cafe overhang 6
6A 15. Hotel booking 4
7A 17. Supermarket franchise inits. 3
8A 18. Giving excessive praise and flattery 11
9A 20. Second-in-command 6
10A 22. Will of "Arrested Development" 6
11A 23. Gives the nod 3
12A 24. Dutch beer brand 6
13A 27. Bundle of hay 4
14A 29. Branch plant? 4
15A 30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes 5
16A 34. Used goods disclaimer 4
17A 35. Urban casual fashion 10
18A 37. Sombrero or fedora 3
19A 38. Lout 3
20A 39. U.K. thank-yous 3
21A 40. Alias letters 3
22A 41. "You are correct" 10
23A 44. Perfect tennis serves 4
24A 45. Muscle-bone connector 5
25A 46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's 4
26A 47. Philosopher Descartes 4
27A 48. Made some waves? 6
28A 50. See 61-Across 3
29A 51. "Is it OK for me to leave?" 6
30A 54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling 6
31A 57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle 11
32A 61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick 3
33A 62. Giveaway, in poker 4
34A 63. Like a meditation retreat 6
35A 64. Letter between phi and psi 3
36A 65. Month with Mother's Day 3
37A 66. Law school class 5
38A 67. "You ___ to be there!" 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Center of the solar system, with "the""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Lord's Day, Dominicus, sunlight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. "A Fish Called ___""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tiny terror"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, elf, hob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. "Where the Wild Things ___""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: represent, cost, embody
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Cafe overhang"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
  • Similar words include: sunshade, sunblind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWNING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Hotel booking"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
  • Similar words include: board, way, elbow room
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Supermarket franchise inits."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
  • Similar words include: immunoglobulin A
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Giving excessive praise and flattery"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Second-in-command"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
  • Similar words include: lieutenant, deputy sheriff, surrogate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPUTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Will of "Arrested Development""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Gives the nod"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, Oklahoma
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Dutch beer brand"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Bundle of hay"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bundle bound for storage or transport
  • Similar words include: Basle, Basel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Branch plant?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Similar words include: Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, shoetree, tree diagram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Used goods disclaimer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Urban casual fashion"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Sombrero or fedora"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
  • Similar words include: chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Lout"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lout, lummox, stumblebum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. U.K. thank-yous"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
  • Similar words include: tantalum, atomic number 73, Ta
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Alias letters"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "You are correct""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Perfect tennis serves"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: pass with flying colors, angiotensin-converting enzyme, sensation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Muscle-bone connector"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: heftiness, brawniness, brawn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
  • Similar words include: Robert Edward Lee, Bruce Lee, Richard Henry Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Philosopher Descartes"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Made some waves?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a permanent wave to
  • Similar words include: perm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. See 61-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "Is it OK for me to leave?""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nation in northern north america; the french were the first europeans to settle in mainland canada
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go through boxing motions without an opponent
  • Similar words include: shadowbox
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADOWBOXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
  • Similar words include: read-only storage, fixed storage, read-only memory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Giveaway, in poker"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: order, recite, separate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Like a meditation retreat"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not agitated; without losing self-possession
  • Similar words include: calm, tranquil, unagitated
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Letter between phi and psi"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the circulating life energy that in chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
  • Similar words include: ki, ch'i, qi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Month with Mother's Day"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following april and preceding june
  • Similar words include: whitethorn, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Law school class"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
  • Similar words include: tort, civil wrong
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. "You ___ to be there!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: hold, throw, have got
  • Opposite of: lack, abstain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Uttered 4
2D 2. Strong desire 4
3D 3. Tricolored ice cream flavor 10
4D 4. Floats in the breeze 5
5D 5. Not home 4
6D 6. 180° from SSE 3
7D 7. Cacophony 3
8D 8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname 3
9D 9. Rule with no exceptions 7
10D 10. Change places 4
11D 11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium" 4
12D 14. Little annoyance you might swat at 4
13D 16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk 3
14D 19. Waves to, e.g. 6
15D 21. Luau strings, informally 4
16D 24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema 7
17D 25. Debussy's "La ___" 3
18D 26. Was fuming mad 7
19D 27. Thai currency units 5
20D 28. Sapporo rival 5
21D 29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat 4
22D 31. Antiwar protest 10
23D 32. Like some wine casks 5
24D 33. Clear, as a chalkboard 5
25D 36. Uber ___ 4
26D 38. New York city, county or river 6
27D 42. Without enthusiasm 7
28D 43. "Golly!" 3
29D 44. Elvis Presley's middle name 4
30D 49. Uses oars 4
31D 50. Assignments for lawyers and judges 5
32D 51. Winter hrs. in Wichita 3
33D 52. Attention-getting sound 4
34D 53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King" 4
35D 54. Penny 4
36D 55. Capital of Qatar 4
37D 56. In amongst 4
38D 58. Wager 3
39D 59. Gold, in Granada 3
40D 60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Uttered"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: order, enunciate, allege
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Strong desire"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: urge on, press, impulse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tricolored ice cream flavor"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of naples
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAPOLITAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Floats in the breeze"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long flag; often tapering
  • Similar words include: pennon, pennant, streamer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Not home"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not present; having left
  • Similar words include: forth, by, outside
  • Opposite of: home
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. 180° from SSE"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point that is midway between north and northwest
  • Similar words include: north northwest, nor'-nor'-west
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NNW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cacophony"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: rumpus, cacophony, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Rule with no exceptions"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Change places"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: prompt, displace, impress
  • Opposite of: stay, rest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "14. Little annoyance you might swat at"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Waves to, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express greetings upon meeting someone
  • Similar words include: recognise, recognize, greet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Luau strings, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small guitar having four strings
  • Similar words include: uke, ukulele
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Debussy's "La ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
  • Similar words include: m, one thousand, thousand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Was fuming mad"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Thai currency units"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in thailand
  • Similar words include: tical, baht
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAHTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Sapporo rival"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Antiwar protest"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Like some wine casks"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Clear, as a chalkboard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: rub out, score out, delete
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Uber ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a meal
  • Similar words include: grub, consume, eat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. New York city, county or river"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Without enthusiasm"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in an unenthusiastically lukewarm manner
  • Similar words include: lukewarmly
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEPIDLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. "Golly!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g-force, g
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Elvis Presley's middle name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Uses oars"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: wrangle, row, quarrel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Assignments for lawyers and judges"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of something
  • Similar words include: typesetter's case, case, instance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Winter hrs. in Wichita"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 6th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian; used in the central united states
  • Similar words include: Central Standard Time, Central Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Attention-getting sound"

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!

34D: "53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Penny"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of several countries
  • Similar words include: penny, centime
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Capital of Qatar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and chief port of qatar
  • Similar words include: Bida, El Beda, capital of Qatar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. In amongst"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Wager"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Gold, in Granada"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being one more than nine
  • Similar words include: x, 10, ten
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XER

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

38 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
78 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.

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Last updated: October 19, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 28, 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. Insolence 4
2A 5. Scott ___, author of "Island of the Blue Dolphins" 5
3A 10. Be in need of ibuprofen, say 4
4A 14. Word with cap or socks 4
5A 15. Diet that eschews processed food 5
6A 16. In a minute 4
7A 17. With 58-Across, dad-joke response to the answers for each of this puzzle's starred clues 10
8A 19. Massage gun target 4
9A 20. Wyoming mountain range 6
10A 21. "Out with ya now!" 3
11A 23. Tax pro 3
12A 24. Primer mes del año 5
13A 25. *Essential oil with a musky scent 9
14A 28. Myrmecology subject 3
15A 29. Bonfire remains 3
16A 30. Concerning hearing 5
17A 31. *Home of the lowest town-level ZIP code in the continental U.S. (01001) 13
18A 36. Ruminant's mouthful 3
19A 37. Secondary social media account 3
20A 38. *"Until next time!" 13
21A 45. United 5
22A 47. Preposition in "The Star-Spangled Banner" 3
23A 48. Palindromic kitchen brand 3
24A 49. *Academy Award, e.g. 9
25A 51. ___ Taco (ice cream treat) 5
26A 53. The "S" of macOS: Abbr. 3
27A 54. Beam 3
28A 55. Bubble tea bubbles 6
29A 56. Some first responders, for short 4
30A 58. See 17-Across 10
31A 61. Director Johnson of the "Knives Out" movies 4
32A 62. Once more 5
33A 63. Spot to huddle under during a rainstorm 4
34A 64. Rat (on) 4
35A 65. Packs (down), as tobacco in a pipe 5
36A 66. Iditarod conveyance 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Insolence"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Scott ___, author of "Island of the Blue Dolphins""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Be in need of ibuprofen, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: suffer, smart, aching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Word with cap or socks"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: knee joint, stifle, articulatio genus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Diet that eschews processed food"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. In a minute"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the near future
  • Similar words include: presently, shortly, before long
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. With 58-Across, dad-joke response to the answers for each of this puzzle's starred clues"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Massage gun target"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tight cluster of people or things
  • Similar words include: nautical mile, naut mi, mi
  • Opposite of: unknot, unravel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Wyoming mountain range"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the large western branch of sioux people which was made up of several groups that lived on the plains
  • Similar words include: Teton, Teton Dakota, Teton Sioux
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TETONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. "Out with ya now!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
  • Similar words include: lowlife, dirty dog, rat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Tax pro"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

12A: "24. Primer mes del año"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. *Essential oil with a musky scent"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small east indian shrubby mint; fragrant oil from its leaves is used in perfumes
  • Similar words include: pachouli, Pogostemon cablin, patchouly
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATCHOULI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Myrmecology subject"

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!

15A: "29. Bonfire remains"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Concerning hearing"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to hearing or the ear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. *Home of the lowest town-level ZIP code in the continental U.S. (01001)"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in new england; one of the original 13 colonies
  • Similar words include: Old Colony, Massachuset, MA
  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASSACHUSETTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Ruminant's mouthful"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  • Similar words include: chew, chaw, plug
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Secondary social media account"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: altitude, EL, elevation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. *"Until next time!""

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. United"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Preposition in "The Star-Spangled Banner""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Palindromic kitchen brand"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. *Academy Award, e.g."

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small carved or molded figure
  • Similar words include: figurine
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATUETTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. ___ Taco (ice cream treat)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. The "S" of macOS: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Beam"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a column of light (as from a beacon)
  • Similar words include: beam, electron beam, ray of light
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Bubble tea bubbles"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
  • Similar words include: bead, ivory, drop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEARLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Some first responders, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. See 17-Across"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Director Johnson of the "Knives Out" movies"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Once more"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: over again, once again, once more
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Spot to huddle under during a rainstorm"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Rat (on)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: recount, state, differentiate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Packs (down), as tobacco in a pipe"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool for tamping (e.g., for tamping tobacco into a pipe bowl or a charge into a drill hole etc.)
  • Similar words include: tamp down, pack, tamper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Iditarod conveyance"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sledge, sleigh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Sporting group at a cold-weather school 7
2D 2. Insect's feeler 7
3D 3. Six-line poems 7
4D 4. Honorific for many Spanish teachers 5
5D 5. Finishes deliberating 4
6D 6. "Well, lah-di-___!" 3
7D 7. Name that's an anagram of an untruth 3
8D 8. Units in horse racing 7
9D 9. Skill needed to solve a sudoku puzzle 5
10D 10. Query 3
11D 11. Plays the yes-man 7
12D 12. Muss and fuss 6
13D 13. Involve 6
14D 18. 1969 "bed-in" participant 3
15D 22. "___ be the day!" 6
16D 25. Expression of disgust that sounds like a family member 3
17D 26. Sun Devils' sch. 3
18D 27. "Straight ___ Compton" (1989 N.W.A album) 5
19D 32. Triflingly little 5
20D 33. Artistic visionary 6
21D 34. Org. mentioned in many zombie movies 3
22D 35. Evian, Perrier or Badoit 3
23D 38. Along a gulf, say 7
24D 39. Sweaty stretching session 7
25D 40. Up to this point 3
26D 41. Mined find 3
27D 42. "Oof, painfully true" 7
28D 43. Part of a country located entirely within another country 7
29D 44. Landed for the night 7
30D 45. Claim to be true 6
31D 46. Hinder 6
32D 50. Bother, as one's conscience 5
33D 51. Letter that can take a cedilla 3
34D 52. Puts through a harsh initiation 5
35D 55. Items sometimes chained to a desk 4
36D 57. Its alums include Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, in brief 3
37D 59. Rock singer ___ Fender 3
38D 60. Alcoholic equivalent of a fun-size candy bar 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Sporting group at a cold-weather school"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Insect's feeler"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical device that sends or receives radio or television signals
  • Similar words include: transmitting aerial, feeler, aerial
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTENNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Six-line poems"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sextette, VI, sixer
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESTETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Honorific for many Spanish teachers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the english `mr' or `sir'
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Finishes deliberating"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: prefer, opt, choose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Well, lah-di-___!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Name that's an anagram of an untruth"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Units in horse racing"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
  • Similar words include: duration, distance, length
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENGTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Skill needed to solve a sudoku puzzle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference
  • Similar words include: logical system, system of logic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Query"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: expect, need, take
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Plays the yes-man"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be in accord; be in agreement
  • Similar words include: agree, hold, concur
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONCURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Muss and fuss"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blatant or sensational promotion
  • Similar words include: ballyhoo, plug, hype
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOPLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Involve"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that land received by fee tail
  • Similar words include: imply, mean, fee-tail
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. 1969 "bed-in" participant"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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!

15D: "22. "___ be the day!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Expression of disgust that sounds like a family member"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sun Devils' sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. "Straight ___ Compton" (1989 N.W.A album)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "32. Triflingly little"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
  • Similar words include: short, stint, light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Artistic visionary"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a filmmaker who has a personal style and keeps creative control over his or her works
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUTEUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Org. mentioned in many zombie movies"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services; located in atlanta; investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)
  • Similar words include: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CDC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Evian, Perrier or Badoit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. Along a gulf, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to a coast
  • Opposite of: inland
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COASTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Sweaty stretching session"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Up to this point"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that up to the present time
  • Similar words include: til now, in time, so far
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Mined find"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. "Oof, painfully true""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Part of a country located entirely within another country"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Landed for the night"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sit, as on a branch
  • Similar words include: roost, rest, perch
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOSTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Claim to be true"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state categorically
  • Similar words include: swan, asseverate, avow
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Hinder"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a situation in golf where an opponent's ball blocks the line between your ball and the hole
  • Similar words include: embarrass, hinder, obstruct
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYMIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Bother, as one's conscience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Letter that can take a cedilla"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Puts through a harsh initiation"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
  • Similar words include: haze, daze, fog
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Items sometimes chained to a desk"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
  • Similar words include: penitentiary, playpen, pen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Its alums include Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Rock singer ___ Fender"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Alcoholic equivalent of a fun-size candy bar"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink of liquor
  • Similar words include: shot, flavour, tanginess
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 28, 2026 at 06:06 AM