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

Monday, September 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 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: Medium

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. Widespread disorder 5
2A 6. Like the exteriors of armadillos 5
3A 11. Fall behind in payments 3
4A 14. Boxing locale 5
5A 15. Classic radio song 5
6A 16. Dessert with a crust 3
7A 17. Solid baseball hit 5
8A 18. Complete shocker 9
9A 20. Bicycle built for two 6
10A 22. Round Table title 3
11A 23. "___ time will tell" 4
12A 24. Prefix with physics or thermal 3
13A 25. Make into law 5
14A 27. Alternative to French fries 9
15A 31. Skill needed to solve sudoku 5
16A 35. Suffix with fail or forfeit 3
17A 36. Apple platform 3
18A 37. "Time flies like an [50-Down]; fruit flies like a ___" 6
19A 38. With 41-Across, ball hit out of the park by the very first batter for either side ... or a hint to the starts of 18-, 27-, 46- and 60-Across 7
20A 41. See 38-Across 7
21A 42. Coconut Girl Scout cookies 6
22A 43. "La Cage ___ Folles" 3
23A 44. Frat member 3
24A 45. Liability's opposite 5
25A 46. Detonation region 9
26A 49. "___ I compare thee to a summer's day?": Shak. 5
27A 51. Before, poetically 3
28A 52. What's more 4
29A 55. Spoil 3
30A 56. Performs a stylish ballroom dance 6
31A 60. Tropical tree whose product is sometimes used as a meat substitute 9
32A 63. San Francisco ballplayer 5
33A 64. Actress de Armas 3
34A 65. "Take a look!" 5
35A 66. Helper for computer problems, informally 5
36A 67. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars" 3
37A 68. Stockholm native 5
38A 69. Pursue 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Widespread disorder"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that violent and needless disturbance
  • Similar words include: mayhem
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Like the exteriors of armadillos"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rough to the touch; covered with scales or scurf
  • Similar words include: scaled, leprose, scabrous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Fall behind in payments"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Boxing locale"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: bowl, scene of action, stadium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Classic radio song"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a song that was formerly popular
  • Similar words include: golden oldie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Dessert with a crust"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Similar words include: Proto-Indo European
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Solid baseball hit"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter
  • Similar words include: lining, ocean liner, line drive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Complete shocker"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an entertainer who has a sensational effect
  • Similar words include: thunderclap, thunderbolt
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOMBSHELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Bicycle built for two"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of two or more objects or persons one behind another
  • Similar words include: in tandem, tandem bicycle, bicycle-built-for-two
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANDEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Round Table title"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "___ time will tell""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being the only one; single and isolated from others
  • Similar words include: alone, exclusively, solitary
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Prefix with physics or thermal"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Make into law"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that order by virtue of superior authority; decree
  • Similar words include: reenact, ordain, act out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Alternative to French fries"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Skill needed to solve sudoku"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Suffix with fail or forfeit"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Apple platform"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a maiden seduced by zeus; when hera was about to discover them together zeus turned her into a white heifer
  • Similar words include: Io
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "Time flies like an [50-Down]; fruit flies like a ___""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits
  • Similar words include: banana tree
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. With 41-Across, ball hit out of the park by the very first batter for either side ... or a hint to the starts of 18-, 27-, 46- and 60-Across"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. See 38-Across"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Coconut Girl Scout cookies"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a constitutional monarchy on the western part of the islands of samoa in the south pacific
  • Similar words include: Samoa i Sisifo, Western Samoa, Samoa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMOAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. "La Cage ___ Folles""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Frat member"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Liability's opposite"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Detonation region"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "___ I compare thee to a summer's day?": Shak."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Before, poetically"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. What's more"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Spoil"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Similar words include: decompose, guff, molder
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Performs a stylish ballroom dance"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ballroom dance of latin-american origin
  • Similar words include: tango
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Tropical tree whose product is sometimes used as a meat substitute"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that east indian tree cultivated for its immense edible fruit and seeds
  • Similar words include: jak, jack, Artocarpus heterophyllus
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JACKFRUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. San Francisco ballplayer"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any creature of exceptional size
  • Similar words include: titan, gargantuan, goliath
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Actress de Armas"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. "Take a look!""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Helper for computer problems, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Stockholm native"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of sweden
  • Similar words include: rutabaga, rutabaga plant, turnip cabbage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Pursue"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
  • Similar words include: pursuit, chamfer, chase after
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Stop!" 4
2D 2. Puccini's "O mio babbino caro," e.g. 4
3D 3. Kind of diagram with overlapping circles 4
4D 4. Antsy 6
5D 5. One's employment pursuit 6
6D 6. Bawl 3
7D 7. Places to hang clothes 7
8D 8. Forum overseers 6
9D 9. The Scales, zodiacally 5
10D 10. "Definitely!" 3
11D 11. Certain golf or tennis tournament 4
12D 12. Funny Ferrell or Rogers 4
13D 13. Slippery 4
14D 19. Scorcher 6
15D 21. Recurring thematic elements 6
16D 26. Happy as a ___ 4
17D 27. City NE of Oklahoma City 5
18D 28. Fields 5
19D 29. The N.H.L. has 32 5
20D 30. Cartoon brawl sound effect 3
21D 32. Actress Greta of "Queen Christina" 5
22D 33. Store, as ashes 5
23D 34. Dugout, e.g. 5
24D 37. Complete series, maybe 6
25D 39. Gets by 6
26D 40. Solemn vow 4
27D 41. ___ Guofeng, successor of Mao Zedong 3
28D 43. Like the score going into extra innings 7
29D 46. Top to accompany a skirt 6
30D 47. Like the fate of Ophelia 6
31D 48. Peak 6
32D 50. See 37-Across 5
33D 52. Cracked slightly, as a door 4
34D 53. Word following bike or memory 4
35D 54. Look at carefully 4
36D 57. "Shallow" singer Lady ___ 4
37D 58. Burden 4
38D 59. Ailment that aptly rhymes with "eye" 4
39D 61. N.F.L. three-pointers: Abbr. 3
40D 62. Top to accompany shorts 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "Stop!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Similar words include: lame, stoppage, stem
  • Opposite of: start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Puccini's "O mio babbino caro," e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Kind of diagram with overlapping circles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english logician who introduced venn diagrams (1834-1923)
  • Similar words include: John Venn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Antsy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. One's employment pursuit"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the particular occupation for which you are trained
  • Similar words include: life history, calling, vocation
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAREER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bawl"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dyspneic condition
  • Similar words include: bastard, asshole, sobbing
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Places to hang clothes"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
  • Similar words include: W.C., closet, loo
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Forum overseers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. The Scales, zodiacally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in libra
  • Similar words include: Balance, Libra the Scales, Libra the Balance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Definitely!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Certain golf or tennis tournament"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: out-of-doors, give, heart-to-heart
  • Opposite of: closed, fold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Funny Ferrell or Rogers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention; - george meredith
  • Similar words include: testament, bequeath, volition
  • Opposite of: disinherit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Slippery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Scorcher"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Recurring thematic elements"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
  • Similar words include: theme, motive, motif
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTIFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Happy as a ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
  • Similar words include: one dollar bill, dollar, buck
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. City NE of Oklahoma City"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a major city of northeastern oklahoma on the arkansas river; once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TULSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Fields"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: arena, orbit, surface area
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. The N.H.L. has 32"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Cartoon brawl sound effect"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Actress Greta of "Queen Christina""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states film actress (born in sweden) known for her reclusiveness (1905-1990)
  • Similar words include: Greta Louisa Gustafsson, Greta Garbo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Store, as ashes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Dugout, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Complete series, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Gets by"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Solemn vow"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
  • Similar words include: swearing, curse word, curse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. ___ Guofeng, successor of Mao Zedong"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an islamic fundamentalist group in pakistan that fought the soviet union in afghanistan in the 1980s; now operates as a terrorist organization primarily in kashmir and seeks kashmir's accession by pakistan
  • Similar words include: HUM, Harkat ul-Ansar, Harkat ul-Mujahedeen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Like the score going into extra innings"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Top to accompany a skirt"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a top worn by women
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Like the fate of Ophelia"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
  • Similar words include: tragical
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Peak"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  • Opposite of: nadir
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZENITH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. See 37-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark to indicate a direction or relation
  • Similar words include: pointer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Cracked slightly, as a door"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly open
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AJAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Word following bike or memory"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Look at carefully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: skim, run down, read
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Shallow" singer Lady ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally or physically infirm with age
  • Similar words include: doddering, senile, dotty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Burden"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Similar words include: incumbrance, load, burden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Ailment that aptly rhymes with "eye""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: eye infection, hordeolum, sty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. N.F.L. three-pointers: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Top to accompany shorts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, golf tee, football tee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

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.

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: September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 22, 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. Makes a sullen face 5
2A 6. Beetle amulet in ancient Egypt 6
3A 12. Sudden and unexpected 6
4A 14. Was overprotective, in a way 7
5A 16. ___ algebra 6
6A 17. Still in its packaging 8
7A 19. 50/52-Across musician 12
8A 21. #1 hit from 50/52-Across ("You can feel it all over") 7
9A 24. Like a scratchy voice 5
10A 25. Best possible 5
11A 26. Billionaires' boats 6
12A 30. Resident of Africa's fourth-largest country 6
13A 32. Secrecy contracts, in brief 4
14A 33. Name that's a body part backward 3
15A 36. Obligation 4
16A 37. #1 hit from 50/52-Across ("Why did those days ever have to go?") 5
17A 39. Greek "I" 4
18A 40. Perched 3
19A 41. Fraudulent offer 4
20A 42. Not sinking 6
21A 44. Like pagodas and some cakes 6
22A 46. "Clemency" star Woodard 5
23A 47. ___ point (center) 5
24A 50. With 52-Across, double album released on September 28, 1976, that spent 13 straight weeks at #1 7
25A 52. See 50-Across 12
26A 56. Spy's identifier 8
27A 57. Bloc party? 6
28A 61. Whistlers in the kitchen 7
29A 62. ___ Kreme 6
30A 63. Doughnut quantities 6
31A 64. Work ___ 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Makes a sullen face"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disdainful grimace
  • Similar words include: pout, hornpout, eelpout
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Beetle amulet in ancient Egypt"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient egyptians
  • Similar words include: scarabaeus, Scarabaeus sacer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Sudden and unexpected"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by sudden changes in subject and sharp transitions
  • Similar words include: sharp, disconnected, precipitous
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABRUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Was overprotective, in a way"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
  • Similar words include: hover, loom, vibrate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOVERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. ___ algebra"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that designating or involving an equation whose terms are of the first degree
  • Similar words include: analog, additive, elongate
  • Opposite of: digital, nonlinear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Still in its packaging"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not yet opened or unsealed
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNOPENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. 50/52-Across musician"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEVIEWONDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. #1 hit from 50/52-Across ("You can feel it all over")"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Like a scratchy voice"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
  • Similar words include: gravelly, rasping, rough
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Best possible"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
  • Similar words include: nonsuch, saint, nonesuch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Billionaires' boats"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
  • Similar words include: racing yacht, yacht
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YACHTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. Resident of Africa's fourth-largest country"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of libya
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIBYAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "32. Secrecy contracts, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Name that's a body part backward"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "36. Obligation"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Similar words include: burden, incumbrance, load
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. #1 hit from 50/52-Across ("Why did those days ever have to go?")"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Greek "I""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: smidge, whit, smidgeon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Perched"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: sit, model, baby-sit
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Fraudulent offer"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fraudulent business scheme
  • Similar words include: bunco, mulct, defraud
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Not sinking"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aimlessly drifting
  • Similar words include: planless, undirected, rudderless
  • Opposite of: aground
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Like pagodas and some cakes"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or arranged in tiers
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. "Clemency" star Woodard"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. ___ point (center)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or localized centrally at a focus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. With 52-Across, double album released on September 28, 1976, that spent 13 straight weeks at #1"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. See 50-Across"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEKEYOFLIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. Spy's identifier"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Bloc party?"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a politically organized body of people under a single government
  • Similar words include: res publica, Carry Amelia Moore Nation, body politic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "61. Whistlers in the kitchen"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. ___ Kreme"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Doughnut quantities"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: 12, stacks, dozen
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOZENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Work ___"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group
  • Similar words include: ethical code, moral principle, value-system
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETHIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Buddy 3
2D 2. ___-Wan Kenobi 3
3D 3. Vase with a base 3
4D 4. Popular times for tacos 8
5D 5. Pancake-flipping tool 7
6D 6. Feng ___ 4
7D 7. Scoop holder 4
8D 8. Declare definitively 4
9D 9. Segments of news shows 7
10D 10. Venues for concerts and competitions 6
11D 11. Road curves 5
12D 13. "Star ___ II: The Wrath of Khan" 4
13D 15. Profound 4
14D 18. Like some humor and runs 3
15D 20. "Oy ___!" 3
16D 21. Grain storage structures 5
17D 22. Broadway star Menzel 5
18D 23. Argue against 5
19D 27. "Demon Slayer" or "Attack on Titan" 5
20D 28. Contents of plastic sleeves or jewel cases, informally 3
21D 29. "lol" 4
22D 31. "Love it!" 4
23D 33. They might be thatched 5
24D 34. Pioneer in arcade games 5
25D 35. Devoured 5
26D 38. "This means ___!" 3
27D 39. Cry in response to a doorbell 8
28D 41. Feature of "rendezvous" and "laissez-faire" 7
29D 43. Celebratory hoopla 7
30D 44. Start liking 6
31D 45. Broadband connection type, in brief 3
32D 47. Government agcy. founded to enforce antitrust laws 3
33D 48. "I see" 4
34D 49. Formally yielded 5
35D 51. Pig's cry 4
36D 53. Ivy League school in New Haven 4
37D 54. Sign of things to come 4
38D 55. ___ up (come clean) 4
39D 58. "... or thereabouts" 3
40D 59. Nail polish brand 3
41D 60. It has M.S.G. in it 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Buddy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. ___-Wan Kenobi"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Vase with a base"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Popular times for tacos"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the third day of the week; the second working day
  • Similar words include: Tuesday, Tues
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUESDAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Pancake-flipping tool"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a turner with a narrow flexible blade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPATULA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Feng ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Scoop holder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any cone-shaped artifact
  • Similar words include: conoid, strobile, strobilus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Declare definitively"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Similar words include: avouch, assert, affirm
  • Opposite of: disavow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Segments of news shows"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
  • Similar words include: report, written report, theme
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Venues for concerts and competitions"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: orbit, arena, sphere
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Road curves"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pain resulting from rapid change in pressure
  • Similar words include: air embolism, twist, bend dexter
  • Opposite of: straighten, unbend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. "Star ___ II: The Wrath of Khan""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Profound"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central and most intense or profound part
  • Similar words include: trench, recondite, bass
  • Opposite of: shallow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Like some humor and runs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
  • Similar words include: dry out, prohibitionist, ironical
  • Opposite of: sweet, phlegmy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "Oy ___!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Grain storage structures"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cylindrical tower used for storing silage
  • Similar words include: silo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Broadway star Menzel"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Argue against"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
  • Similar words include: controvert, refute
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. "Demon Slayer" or "Attack on Titan""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard copal derived from an african tree
  • Similar words include: Zanzibar copal, gum anime
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Contents of plastic sleeves or jewel cases, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft bluish-white ductile malleable toxic bivalent metallic element; occurs in association with zinc ores
  • Similar words include: candela, atomic number 48, standard candle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. "lol""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. "Love it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
  • Similar words include: dainty, gracious, overnice
  • Opposite of: nasty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. They might be thatched"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
  • Similar words include: ceiling, cap, roof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Pioneer in arcade games"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Devoured"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. "This means ___!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
  • Similar words include: state of war, warfare
  • Opposite of: peace, make peace
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Cry in response to a doorbell"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Feature of "rendezvous" and "laissez-faire""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Celebratory hoopla"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gaudy outward display
  • Similar words include: ostentation, flash, flourish
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FANFARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Start liking"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Broadband connection type, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a generic name for digital lines that are provided by telephone companies to their local subscribers and that carry data at high speeds
  • Similar words include: digital subscriber line
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DSL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Government agcy. founded to enforce antitrust laws"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent agency of the united states federal government that maintains fair and free competition; enforces federal antitrust laws; educates the public about identity theft
  • Similar words include: Federal Trade Commission
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FTC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. "I see""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Formally yielded"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  • Similar words include: concede, yield, grant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Pig's cry"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
  • Similar words include: grunt, squeal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Ivy League school in New Haven"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in connecticut
  • Similar words include: Yale University, Elihu Yale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Sign of things to come"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Oman, portent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. ___ up (come clean)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield
  • Similar words include: fesse, Fez, Fes
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. "... or thereabouts""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Nail polish brand"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "60. It has M.S.G. in it"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

31 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 22, 2026 at 08:40 AM