Search Clues

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

Monday, July 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 13, 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. Similar (to) 4
2A 5. Taters 5
3A 10. Whole bunch 4
4A 14. Titillating 4
5A 15. Over-the-top enthusiasm 5
6A 16. Ice cream holder 4
7A 17. Meccano offering for budding builders 10
8A 19. Taj Mahal city 4
9A 20. Catch red-handed 3
10A 21. Fairy tale fiend 4
11A 22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes 5
12A 23. Ring-shaped coral reef 5
13A 25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud 9
14A 28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover 7
15A 30. Crimebuster 3
16A 31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto" 3
17A 32. Suffix with lemon or orange 3
18A 33. "Of course!" 3
19A 34. Relieves (of) 4
20A 35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier 11
21A 38. "Deadly" transgressions 4
22A 40. Structure for hydroelectric power 3
23A 41. Hypotheticals 3
24A 42. PC exit key 3
25A 43. No-good dog 3
26A 44. Watches on Hulu, say 7
27A 48. Small aircraft for short flights 9
28A 51. Beauty maven Lauder 5
29A 52. Three-note chord 5
30A 53. Christmas Eve service 4
31A 55. Laudatory verse 3
32A 56. Not as much 4
33A 57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across? 10
34A 60. Polish for publishing 4
35A 61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh 5
36A 62. "Begone!" 4
37A 63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe 4
38A 64. Water or rust, chemically 5
39A 65. One who saves the day 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Similar (to)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that similar in quality or character
  • Similar words include: blood-related, consanguineal, cognate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Taters"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: white potato, potato, Irish potato
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Whole bunch"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Titillating"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full of zest or vigor
  • Similar words include: rich, full-bodied, gamey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Over-the-top enthusiasm"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
  • Similar words include: manic disorder, passion, cacoethes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ice cream holder"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Meccano offering for budding builders"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Taj Mahal city"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Catch red-handed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: nail, apprehend, collar
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Fairy tale fiend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: monster, fiend, demon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inka, Incan, Inca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Ring-shaped coral reef"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
  • Similar words include: aphrodisiac, sexy, aphrodisiacal
  • Opposite of: anaphrodisiac, unsexy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Crimebuster"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
  • Similar words include: copper, fuzz, thieve
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a logarithmic unit of sound intensity equal to 10 decibels
  • Similar words include: B
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Suffix with lemon or orange"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. "Of course!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

19A: "34. Relieves (of)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relieve from
  • Similar words include: free, disembarrass, rid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. "Deadly" transgressions"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: goof, Sin, boob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Structure for hydroelectric power"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Hypotheticals"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. PC exit key"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. No-good dog"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
  • Similar words include: mongrel, mutt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Watches on Hulu, say"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: well out, current, pelt
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Small aircraft for short flights"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an airplane with an external propeller that is driven by a turbojet engine
  • Similar words include: propjet, turbo-propeller plane
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURBOPROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Beauty maven Lauder"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Three-note chord"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: tierce, leash, three
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. Christmas Eve service"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
  • Similar words include: plenty, hatful, slew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Laudatory verse"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Not as much"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
  • Similar words include: to a lesser extent
  • Opposite of: more
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artifact designed to be played with
  • Similar words include: toy, plaything
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAYTHINGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Polish for publishing"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, blue-pencil, redact
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
  • Similar words include: love, dear, dearest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. "Begone!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Similar words include: take to the woods, break away, scarper
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
  • Similar words include: dot, sexually transmitted disease, dosage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "64. Water or rust, chemically"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any compound of oxygen with another element or a radical
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OXIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "65. One who saves the day"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
  • Similar words include: zep, Cuban sandwich, hero sandwich
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large venues 6
2D 2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks 6
3D 3. Refrigerator, quaintly 6
4D 4. Home of the Empire State Bldg. 3
5D 5. Unhealthy haze 4
6D 6. Mimic 6
7D 7. Indy racer Al or Bobby 5
8D 8. Yahtzee cube 3
9D 9. Was successful in musical chairs 3
10D 10. Minimal 5
11D 11. Woodsy abode 8
12D 12. Furious 7
13D 13. Sneaky types 7
14D 18. Ohio port on Lake Erie 6
15D 22. Co. with a lot of connections? 3
16D 24. Tall tale tellers 5
17D 26. Taiwanese computer giant 4
18D 27. Went ballistic 6
19D 29. Humorous parody 6
20D 33. "Dee-lish!" 3
21D 34. Expands, as dough with yeast 5
22D 35. Experiencing great difficulty 8
23D 36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys 4
24D 37. With a clean slate 6
25D 38. Avoided a trial, say 7
26D 39. Emphatic affirmative 7
27D 43. Common fish-and-chips fish 3
28D 44. Fixed at the vet 6
29D 45. Immediately 6
30D 46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College 6
31D 47. Looks after 6
32D 49. Sew loosely 5
33D 50. Saudi neighbor 5
34D 54. Eyelid affliction 4
35D 57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles 3
36D 58. Salmon on a bagel 3
37D 59. Suffix with bull or bear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large venues"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Refrigerator, quaintly"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that white goods in which food can be stored at low temperatures
  • Similar words include: refrigerator
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICEBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Home of the Empire State Bldg."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Unhealthy haze"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Mimic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Indy racer Al or Bobby"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Yahtzee cube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: decease, break, break down
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Was successful in musical chairs"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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: model, sit down, Sabbatum
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Minimal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Woodsy abode"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Furious"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into a rage; make violently angry
  • Similar words include: enrage, infuriated, angered
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRAGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sneaky types"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky
  • Similar words include: weasel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEASELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Ohio port on Lake Erie"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an industrial city in northwestern ohio on lake erie
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLEDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Co. with a lot of connections?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Tall tale tellers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • Similar words include: prevaricator, liar
  • Opposite of: square shooter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Taiwanese computer giant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Went ballistic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Humorous parody"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
  • Similar words include: parody, mockery, put-on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENDUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. "Dee-lish!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Expands, as dough with yeast"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a growth in strength or number or importance
  • Similar words include: raise, wage increase, rising
  • Opposite of: turn in, descent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Experiencing great difficulty"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. With a clean slate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that again but in a new or different way
  • Similar words include: anew
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRESH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Avoided a trial, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
  • Similar words include: locate, reconcile, settle
  • Opposite of: float, unsettled
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETTLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Emphatic affirmative"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Common fish-and-chips fish"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: put on, codfish, tantalise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Fixed at the vet"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, spay, castrate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Immediately"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Looks after"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Sew loosely"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  • Similar words include: batter, basting stitch, tack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Saudi neighbor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of oman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Eyelid affliction"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Salmon on a bagel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
  • Similar words include: liquid oxygen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Suffix with bull or bear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: July 13, 2026 at 06:35 AM

Friday, May 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 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. Guns, so to speak 6
2A 7. Prefix with American 4
3A 11. Charcuterie spread 4
4A 15. Footnote phrase 6
5A 16. Sherwood, e.g. 9
6A 18. Qualifier to an embarrassing question 16
7A 20. Location for some osteoarthritis 4
8A 21. ___-Saint-Michel (French commune on a tidal island) 4
9A 22. Saps 5
10A 23. Sign of desperation 3
11A 24. Consider as one's residence 8
12A 27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams 4
13A 29. Val who played Iceman in "Top Gun" 6
14A 30. Guimarães greeting 3
15A 33. "Neato!" 6
16A 35. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" character ___ Linetti 4
17A 36. Genre for Blackpink and Twice 4
18A 37. Counteract negativity using lavish generosity 16
19A 40. Former boy band with the members Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn, familiarly 4
20A 41. Bit of marginalia 4
21A 42. Dealt with 6
22A 43. Weight plate units: Abbr. 3
23A 44. Place to get "pawmpered," say 6
24A 46. Case for military police 4
25A 47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute 8
26A 49. Suffix with peace but not war 3
27A 51. Philosopher William of ___ 5
28A 55. Product for manscaping 4
29A 56. Assuming that 4
30A 57. More sizzle than steak 16
31A 61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves 9
32A 62. Contents of a kitchen rack 6
33A 63. Bump on a lid 4
34A 64. Thin board 4
35A 65. What some streakers are charged with? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Guns, so to speak"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any skeletal muscle having two origins (but especially the muscle that flexes the forearm)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BICEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Prefix with American"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Charcuterie spread"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Footnote phrase"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Sherwood, e.g."

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Qualifier to an embarrassing question"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Location for some osteoarthritis"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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: stifle, human knee, knee joint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. ___-Saint-Michel (French commune on a tidal island)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Saps"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is not very bright
  • Similar words include: stupe, stupid person, pudding head
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Sign of desperation"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: sol, so, soh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Consider as one's residence"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Val who played Iceman in "Top Gun""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Guimarães greeting"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in india for writing paper
  • Similar words include: olla
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Neato!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" character ___ Linetti"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Genre for Blackpink and Twice"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Counteract negativity using lavish generosity"

16 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Former boy band with the members Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn, familiarly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Bit of marginalia"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brief written record
  • Similar words include: short letter, notation, musical note
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Dealt with"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Weight plate units: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: kilogram, kg, kilo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Place to get "pawmpered," say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Case for military police"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: unresolved
  • Opposite of: solved
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSOLVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Suffix with peace but not war"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a family of languages of the fulani of west africa and used as a lingua franca in the sub-saharan regions from senegal to chad; the best known of the west african languages
  • Similar words include: Fulani, Peul, Fula
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Philosopher William of ___"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Similar words include: Ockham, William of Occam, William of Ockham
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Product for manscaping"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Assuming that"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. More sizzle than steak"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Contents of a kitchen rack"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative
  • Similar words include: zest, spice up, spicery
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPICES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Bump on a lid"

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, sty, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Thin board"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. What some streakers are charged with?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Woodpeckers' peckers 5
2D 2. "Really, my pleasure" 10
3D 3. "Sticky" birthday treats? 10
4D 4. Tahari or Saab of fashion 4
5D 5. Blame (on) 3
6D 6. Symbol used in summation 5
7D 7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu" 15
8D 8. Kepler-22b or Kepler-186f, e.g. 15
9D 9. Calypso cousin 3
10D 10. Flat, say 3
11D 11. Zest 4
12D 12. Highlight ___ 4
13D 13. ___ fussy (can be very flexible) 4
14D 14. Some airport data, in brief 4
15D 17. Carnivora or Lagomorpha 5
16D 19. Word with rock or medicine 4
17D 24. When doubled, a fluffy Chinese dog 4
18D 25. Hilton competitor 4
19D 26. Is 5
20D 28. Went (for) 4
21D 30. Workplace with few barriers 10
22D 31. Became tarnished 10
23D 32. Lhasa ___ 4
24D 33. "I heard you the first time! Geez!" 4
25D 34. Wrapping material in mummification 5
26D 36. Had no doubt 4
27D 38. Deep-fried side dish, familiarly 4
28D 39. Unexciting, as a party 4
29D 44. Catamounts 5
30D 45. Like some readers 4
31D 48. Young's partner in accounting 5
32D 50. Rich soil deposit 5
33D 51. Saps 4
34D 52. Stop the bleeding, say 4
35D 53. Sicken with sweetness 4
36D 54. Fit 4
37D 56. Sacred bird to the Egyptians 4
38D 58. Info on Zillow: Abbr. 3
39D 59. ___-El (Superman) 3
40D 60. Shout at a Greek wedding 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Woodpeckers' peckers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beaklike mouth of animals other than birds (e.g., turtles)
  • Similar words include: bill, neb, schnozzle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Really, my pleasure""

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Sticky" birthday treats?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Tahari or Saab of fashion"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Blame (on)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
  • Similar words include: tholepin, peg, bowling pin
  • Opposite of: unpin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Symbol used in summation"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 18th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu""

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Kepler-22b or Kepler-186f, e.g."

15 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Calypso cousin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Flat, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kill intentionally and with premeditation
  • Similar words include: polish off, murder, cancelled
  • Opposite of: on
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Zest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
  • Similar words include: vivification, spiritedness, invigoration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Highlight ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: stagger, bobbin, whirl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ___ fussy (can be very flexible)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Some airport data, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Similar words include: explosive trace detection, ETD
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Carnivora or Lagomorpha"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: rules of order, prescribe, ordain
  • Opposite of: disorderliness, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "19. Word with rock or medicine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people in general (often used in the plural)
  • Similar words include: common people, family line, sept
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOLK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. When doubled, a fluffy Chinese dog"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the imperial dynasty of china from 1122 to 221 bc; notable for the rise of confucianism and taoism
  • Similar words include: eats, grub, Chow dynasty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Hilton competitor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how a result is obtained or an end is achieved
  • Similar words include: entail, think, substance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Went (for)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: sell, trade, deal
  • Opposite of: buy, unsold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Workplace with few barriers"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Became tarnished"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Lhasa ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. "I heard you the first time! Geez!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Wrapping material in mummification"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  • Similar words include: linen paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Had no doubt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
  • Similar words include: know, do it, roll in the hay
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Deep-fried side dish, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: tot, yearling, bambino
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Unexciting, as a party"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are no longer living
  • Similar words include: short, bushed, all in
  • Opposite of: alive, living
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Catamounts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: mountain lion, Felis concolor, catamount
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Like some readers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: devouring, esurient, zealous
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Young's partner in accounting"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that painter (born in germany, resident of france and the united states) who was a cofounder of dadaism; developed the technique of collage (1891-1976)
  • Similar words include: Max Ernst
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERNST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Rich soil deposit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fine-grained unstratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Saps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lout, clod, gawk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Stop the bleeding, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
  • Similar words include: coagulate, coagulum, clabber
  • Opposite of: homogenize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Sicken with sweetness"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that supply or feed to surfeit
  • Similar words include: pall, surfeit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Fit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: able-bodied, capable
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Sacred bird to the Egyptians"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Info on Zillow: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. ___-El (Superman)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Shout at a Greek wedding"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
75 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: May 22, 2026 at 07:00 AM