Search Clues

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

Saturday, May 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 09, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Gold meddlers? 10
2A 11. One making calls on the fly? 4
3A 15. You or me, e.g. 10
4A 16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread) 4
5A 17. Exclamation of surprise from a host 10
6A 18. Place for a post 4
7A 19. Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career 5
8A 20. Perspective 4
9A 21. Husky hellos? 4
10A 22. Reached new heights 4
11A 24. Low-level clouds 6
12A 26. Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council 6
13A 30. Storage unit 4
14A 32. Portable retirement option 3
15A 33. Black-and-white debut of 1912 4
16A 34. Like something no money can buy 4
17A 36. Accomplished 5
18A 38. List of qualifications? 15
19A 41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation 5
20A 42. Pomegranate morsel 4
21A 43. Certain razorback 4
22A 44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names 3
23A 45. Still active after all these years 4
24A 47. Looks all over 6
25A 49. ___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread) 6
26A 51. Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it 4
27A 53. Things to let: Abbr. 4
28A 54. "I could be wrong, but ...," for short 4
29A 56. Tropical ring 5
30A 61. Hoot 4
31A 62. 2000 parody of a 62-Across 10
32A 64. "That's for sure" 4
33A 65. Postponed court date? 10
34A 66. No time like the present 4
35A 67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Gold meddlers?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Place for a post"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Perspective"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Husky hellos?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Reached new heights"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Low-level clouds"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Storage unit"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Portable retirement option"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Accomplished"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. List of qualifications?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Pomegranate morsel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Certain razorback"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Looks all over"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Tropical ring"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Hoot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Postponed court date?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spring up"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Extra hot"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Least straightforward, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Makes some calls"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Traveled to perform"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Legendary Himalayan climber"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Bath seat?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "46. Color separators"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "52. Won land"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "58. A zero is one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "59. Kilo follower"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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
35 Down Clues
70 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 09, 2026 at 06:03 AM

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword May 09, 2026 Answers

Trivia Week 2 May 09, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

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

Popular Puzzles: March 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 21 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for May 09, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, May 09, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date May 09, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

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

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)
2 Across 24. Low-level clouds
3 Across 21. Husky hellos?
4 Across 42. Pomegranate morsel
5 Across 45. Still active after all these years
6 Across 22. Reached new heights
7 Across 18. Place for a post
8 Across 67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps
9 Across 44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names
10 Across 41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ALOO


2 Across: "24. Low-level clouds"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STRATI


3 Across: "21. Husky hellos?"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ARFS


4 Across: "42. Pomegranate morsel"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ARIL


5 Across: "45. Still active after all these years"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SPRY


6 Across: "22. Reached new heights"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GREW


7 Across: "18. Place for a post"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal BLOG


8 Across: "67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S________D

Answer:

Click to reveal STEAKSALAD


9 Across: "44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal RHO


10 Across: "41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ESTER

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped
2 Down 11. Weighty subject of some children's books
3 Down 55. What some bio majors do prep work for
4 Down 4. "This is for you"
5 Down 59. Kilo follower
6 Down 1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987
7 Down 48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon
8 Down 27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening"
9 Down 40. Setup for an extra point
10 Down 37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history)

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LEOI


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal BABAR


3 Down: "55. What some bio majors do prep work for"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MCAT


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HERE


5 Down: "59. Kilo follower"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LIMA


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AMYS


7 Down: "48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CRAMPS


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

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A________O

Answer:

Click to reveal ARISHAPIRO


9 Down: "40. Setup for an extra point"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ALSO


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DABO

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

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

Letter Tips That Really Help

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

Time Goals to Aim For

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

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

The Trivia Week 2 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 2?

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

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

No! The Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

Good Trivia Week 2 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

Trivia Week 2 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


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

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

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, May 09 2026 mini crossword

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 29, 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. *Failed internet company? 10
2A 8. Rinse with water, as grain in the brewing process 6
3A 14. Exaggerated the merits of 8
4A 16. "That's actually pretty neat!" 6
5A 17. Trait for a good waiter? 8
6A 18. Ingredient in shepherd's pie 6
7A 19. Strange 3
8A 20. Pirate's booty 4
9A 22. Swabbie's tool 3
10A 23. In the ___ (intensely focused) 4
11A 25. *Assurance from an internet company? 13
12A 28. "Your pick" 3
13A 29. Lightly strike, as a windowpane 5
14A 30. Many a 24-hour eatery 5
15A 31. *Puzzling question for an internet company? 11
16A 33. Some épéeists' moves 6
17A 34. Had remorse for 4
18A 35. Trial version 4
19A 36. One-___ (pithy jokes) 6
20A 39. *Exposure for an internet company? 11
21A 43. Ancient theater 5
22A 44. Assuages 5
23A 45. Status ___ 3
24A 46. *Illustrative story from an internet company? 13
25A 48. What a track athlete may do three times in one attempt 4
26A 49. World War I Flying ___ (Snoopy alter ego) 3
27A 50. Just 4
28A 51. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao Zedong 3
29A 52. Samples 6
30A 54. Rose up 8
31A 59. Get situated 6
32A 60. Shoe with a "kitten" variety 8
33A 61. Zeroes 6
34A 62. *Blog message from an internet company? 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. *Failed internet company?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Rinse with water, as grain in the brewing process"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of sprinkling or splashing water
  • Similar words include: besprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Exaggerated the merits of"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. "That's actually pretty neat!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Trait for a good waiter?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
  • Similar words include: longanimity, forbearance, solitaire
  • Opposite of: impatience
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATIENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Ingredient in shepherd's pie"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: tater, white potato vine, Solanum tuberosum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Strange"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not divisible by two
  • Similar words include: singular, unmatched, unmated
  • Opposite of: even
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Pirate's booty"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goods or money obtained illegally
  • Similar words include: scratch, ransack, dirty money
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Swabbie's tool"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: wipe up, mop up, swab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. In the ___ (intensely focused)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
  • Similar words include: geographical zone, district, partition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. *Assurance from an internet company?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. "Your pick""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Lightly strike, as a windowpane"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Many a 24-hour eatery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person eating a meal (especially in a restaurant)
  • Similar words include: dining car, dining compartment, buffet car
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. *Puzzling question for an internet company?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Some épéeists' moves"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of moving forward suddenly
  • Similar words include: lurch, passado, straight thrust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Had remorse for"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
  • Similar words include: rue, repent, regret
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Trial version"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: demonstrate, exhibit, present
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. One-___ (pithy jokes)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. *Exposure for an internet company?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Ancient theater"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Assuages"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steadiness of mind under stress
  • Similar words include: quiet, sedate, equanimity
  • Opposite of: stimulate, discomposure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Status ___"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. *Illustrative story from an internet company?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. What a track athlete may do three times in one attempt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden and decisive increase
  • Similar words include: climb up, jumpstart, start
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. World War I Flying ___ (Snoopy alter ego)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: first-rate, superstar, sweep through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Just"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small pond of standing water
  • Similar words include: bare, simple
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao Zedong"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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: Al Faran, Harkat-ul-Mujahidin, Movement of Holy Warriors
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Samples"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
  • Similar words include: sample, appreciation, perceptiveness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Rose up"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
  • Similar words include: arise, renegade, rise up
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBELLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Get situated"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the countries of asia
  • Similar words include: point, East, eastern hemisphere
  • Opposite of: disorient
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Shoe with a "kitten" variety"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small dagger with a tapered blade
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILETTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Zeroes"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust, reset
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. *Blog message from an internet company?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Robber's pursuer 3
2D 2. Reproductive cells 3
3D 3. "Wall Street," for the U.S. financial industry 7
4D 4. Half of many a union-to-be 5
5D 5. Secondhand 4
6D 6. Recipient of many dad jokes 3
7D 7. "Little People, Big World" network 3
8D 8. Deep sleep 5
9D 9. Uncurated Instagram collections 10
10D 10. Do something 3
11D 11. On a different network, say 7
12D 12. Visit 7
13D 13. They usually get no reception 7
14D 15. Coastal resort city in southern California 6
15D 21. Select, with "for" 3
16D 23. Actor Efron 3
17D 24. "Mrs. Lennon" writer 3
18D 25. They're on the docket 5
19D 26. Paper view? 4
20D 27. Student's subspecialty 5
21D 29. Where seeds might be placed 10
22D 32. Before surgery, for short 5
23D 33. "___ at 'em!" 5
24D 35. Cabbage Patch Kid, e.g. 4
25D 36. Part of URL 7
26D 37. "Actually, this matters to me a lot!" 7
27D 38. The Road Runner, to Wile E. Coyote 7
28D 39. Poles tossed in a Highland competition 6
29D 40. On par with 7
30D 41. Total 3
31D 42. Soak (up), as gravy 3
32D 44. Elevator part 3
33D 47. Takes a breather 5
34D 48. Derby drink 5
35D 51. Spot for a ship's captain 4
36D 53. Control center? 3
37D 55. ... and so on 3
38D 56. Life story, for short 3
39D 57. Trisolarans in "The Three-Body Problem," e.g., informally 3
40D 58. Preceder of the answer to each of this puzzle's starred clues 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Robber's pursuer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Reproductive cells"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: egg cell, ovum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Wall Street," for the U.S. financial industry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METONYM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Half of many a union-to-be"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman who has recently been married
  • Similar words include: Bridget, St. Brigid, Saint Brigid
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Secondhand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • Similar words include: practice, secondhand, utilise
  • Opposite of: misused
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Recipient of many dad jokes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, Word, boy
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Little People, Big World" network"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that considerate and solicitous care
  • Similar words include: tender loving care
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TLC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Deep sleep"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a torpid state resembling deep sleep
  • Similar words include: sleep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOPOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Uncurated Instagram collections"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Do something"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
  • Similar words include: behave, bit, play
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. On a different network, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: stray, ramble, tramp
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAMING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Visit"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. They usually get no reception"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Coastal resort city in southern California"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Select, with "for""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Actor Efron"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. "Mrs. Lennon" writer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. They're on the docket"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Paper view?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Student's subspecialty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young person of either sex
  • Similar words include: underage, venial, kid
  • Opposite of: major
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Where seeds might be placed"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner
  • Similar words include: tourney
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOURNAMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Before surgery, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. "___ at 'em!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Cabbage Patch Kid, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Similar words include: dolly, chick, skirt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Part of URL"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
  • Similar words include: locater
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. "Actually, this matters to me a lot!""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. The Road Runner, to Wile E. Coyote"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance
  • Similar words include: bane, curse, scourge
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEMESIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Poles tossed in a Highland competition"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk of a young fir) that is tossed as a test of strength (in the highlands of northern scotland)
  • Similar words include: caber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "40. On par with"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Total"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of money
  • Similar words include: join, summarize, total
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Soak (up), as gravy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
  • Similar words include: soak, sops, drench
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "44. Elevator part"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: gondola, railroad car, railway car
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Takes a breather"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something left after other parts have been taken away
  • Similar words include: rest period, breathe, residue
  • Opposite of: be active, change
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Derby drink"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
  • Similar words include: mint julep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JULEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Spot for a ship's captain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Control center?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. ... and so on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Life story, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. Trisolarans in "The Three-Body Problem," e.g., informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Preceder of the answer to each of this puzzle's starred clues"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small circular shape
  • Similar words include: point, sprinkle, disperse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOT

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

34 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
74 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: April 29, 2026 at 10:38 AM