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

Monday, May 11, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 11, 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. ___ Spiegel (German magazine) 3
2A 4. Animal that ranges around Peru 5
3A 9. Pointed, as a weapon 5
4A 14. Lumberjack's tool 3
5A 15. Cameroon neighbor 5
6A 16. Yell "#$%!" 5
7A 17. Rankings of song popularity used as the music industry standard 15
8A 20. Swells up 6
9A 21. Number in a septet 5
10A 22. Pb, in chemistry 4
11A 23. Own (up) 4
12A 24. Freeze's opposite 4
13A 28. Whirling water 4
14A 29. Up to, as a certain time 3
15A 30. Take fowl foully 5
16A 31. Canapé or deviled egg, for example 11
17A 34. Clears of charges 7
18A 38. A million gazillion 7
19A 39. Movie production facilities with controlled acoustics 11
20A 41. Leave stunned 5
21A 42. Monk's counterpart 3
22A 43. Cut of pork or lamb 4
23A 47. Spa service on the toes, in brief 4
24A 48. "Please, no more!" 4
25A 50. "That is so funny" 4
26A 51. Braid 5
27A 53. Helping for someone very, very hungry 6
28A 55. Insignificant amount 15
29A 59. Tired from overexposure 5
30A 60. "It was the ___ I could do" 5
31A 61. Big part of an elephant 3
32A 62. Storage places for lawn mowers 5
33A 63. Go kaboom, as a volcano 5
34A 64. Deadpan 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ Spiegel (German magazine)"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 500 items or units
  • Similar words include: five hundred, d, 500
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Animal that ranges around Peru"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Pointed, as a weapon"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
  • Similar words include: purpose, point, aim
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Lumberjack's tool"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Cameroon neighbor"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the west coast of africa
  • Similar words include: Gabun, Gabonese Republic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GABON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Yell "#$%!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter obscenities or profanities
  • Similar words include: curse, affirm, depose
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Rankings of song popularity used as the music industry standard"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Swells up"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swelling of the rumen or intestinal tract of domestic animals caused by excessive gas
  • Similar words include: bloat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Number in a septet"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
  • Similar words include: sevener, 7, septet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Pb, in chemistry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantage held by a competitor in a race
  • Similar words include: atomic number 82, tether, pass
  • Opposite of: follow, deficit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Own (up)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Freeze's opposite"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: unfreeze, melting, dethaw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Whirling water"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that founder of christian science in 1866 (1821-1910)
  • Similar words include: Mary Baker Eddy, swirl, Mary Morse Baker Eddy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Up to, as a certain time"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Take fowl foully"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hunt illegally
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Canapé or deviled egg, for example"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Clears of charges"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
  • Similar words include: behave, carry, acquit
  • Opposite of: convict
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACQUITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. A million gazillion"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that innumerable but many
  • Similar words include: umteen
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMPTEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Movie production facilities with controlled acoustics"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Leave stunned"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affect with wonder
  • Similar words include: flummox, puzzle, beat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Monk's counterpart"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman religious
  • Similar words include: nun buoy, conical buoy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Cut of pork or lamb"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the irregular motion of waves (usually caused by wind blowing in a direction opposite to the tide)
  • Similar words include: chopper, hack, chop up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Spa service on the toes, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. "Please, no more!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something ending
  • Similar words include: full point, cease, block off
  • Opposite of: begin, start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. "That is so funny""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Braid"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: tress, braid, pleat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Helping for someone very, very hungry"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
  • Similar words include: tierce, third base, third gear
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THIRDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Insignificant amount"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Tired from overexposure"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
  • Similar words include: weary, fag, jade
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. "It was the ___ I could do""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is of no importance
  • Similar words include: to the lowest degree
  • Opposite of: most
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Big part of an elephant"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, pinna, capitulum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Storage places for lawn mowers"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: throw off, drop, moult
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Go kaboom, as a volcano"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start abruptly
  • Similar words include: push through, irrupt, ignite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Deadpan"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Practice casually, with "in" 6
2D 2. Kicked out, as from a country 6
3D 3. Fill with more ammunition 6
4D 4. Pride letters 4
5D 5. Vientiane is its capital 4
6D 6. Lawyers' org. 3
7D 7. Tasty little bites 7
8D 8. Peruvian mountains 5
9D 9. Tennis star Arthur 4
10D 10. "Don't involve me anymore" 8
11D 11. French for "sea" 3
12D 12. Gobble down 3
13D 13. Medical pros: Abbr. 3
14D 18. Noblewoman 4
15D 19. Rival of Walgreens 3
16D 23. Winning a blue ribbon 5
17D 25. Possess 4
18D 26. Unit initially conceived as the amount of land that can be plowed in a day 4
19D 27. "___ in doubt ..." 4
20D 29. Pre-K enrollees 4
21D 30. Enlivens, with "up" 4
22D 31. ___-and-seek 4
23D 32. Unearthed 5
24D 33. Rain clouds, to some 4
25D 34. Rapper ___ Rocky 4
26D 35. "___ as you are" 4
27D 36. College courtyard 4
28D 37. Opened, as a fly 8
29D 40. Request from someone craving more 7
30D 43. Fashionable 4
31D 44. Listened, poetically 6
32D 45. "Goodness me!" ... or a phonetic hint to 17-, 31-, 39- and 55-Across 6
33D 46. Croissant, éclair or Danish 6
34D 48. The "S" of S.F. 3
35D 49. Mr., Ms. or Mrs. 5
36D 52. Tube tops? 4
37D 53. Recipe amt. 4
38D 54. Jabba the ___ ("Star Wars" villain) 4
39D 55. Party pros playing tunes 3
40D 56. "Go team!" 3
41D 57. Poem of praise 3
42D 58. Contents of l'océan 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Practice casually, with "in""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dip a foot or hand briefly into a liquid
  • Similar words include: smatter, paddle, splash around
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DABBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Kicked out, as from a country"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel from a country
  • Similar words include: exile, expatriate, deport
  • Opposite of: repatriate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Fill with more ammunition"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place a new load on
  • Similar words include: recharge
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pride letters"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Vientiane is its capital"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Laotian, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lao
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Lawyers' org."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tasty little bites"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small quantity of anything
  • Similar words include: morsel, bit, bite
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORSELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Peruvian mountains"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain range in south america running 5000 miles along the pacific coast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Tennis star Arthur"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states tennis player who was the first black to win united states and english singles championships (1943-1993)
  • Similar words include: Arthur Ashe, Arthur Robert Ashe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Don't involve me anymore""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. French for "sea""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
  • Similar words include: one thousand, thousand, 1000
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Gobble down"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: feed, run through, exhaust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Medical pros: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Noblewoman"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a polite name for any woman
  • Similar words include: noblewoman, ma'am, madam
  • Opposite of: Lord, nobleman
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Rival of Walgreens"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a summary of your academic and work history
  • Similar words include: resume, CV, curriculum vitae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CVS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Winning a blue ribbon"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the first or highest in an ordering or series
  • Similar words include: offset, first of all, world-class
  • Opposite of: middle, last
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Possess"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who possesses great material wealth
  • Similar words include: make, give, birth
  • Opposite of: abstain, refuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Unit initially conceived as the amount of land that can be plowed in a day"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Akko, Akka, Accho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. "___ in doubt ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Pre-K enrollees"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Enlivens, with "up""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: peppiness, pep, ginger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. ___-and-seek"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
  • Similar words include: obliterate, hide out, enshroud
  • Opposite of: show
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Unearthed"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Rain clouds, to some"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: presage, predict, forecast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Rapper ___ Rocky"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "35. "___ as you are""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
  • Similar words include: descend, ejaculate, fare
  • Opposite of: go, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "36. College courtyard"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of four children born at the same time from the same pregnancy
  • Similar words include: quadriceps, musculus quadriceps femoris, quadrangle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "37. Opened, as a fly"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open the zipper of
  • Similar words include: unzip
  • Opposite of: zip up
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNZIPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "40. Request from someone craving more"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various alternatives; some other
  • Similar words include: some other
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANOTHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Fashionable"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elegance by virtue of being fashionable
  • Similar words include: chichi, stylishness, last word
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. Listened, poetically"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that listen; used mostly in the imperative
  • Similar words include: harken, hearken, hark
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "45. "Goodness me!" ... or a phonetic hint to 17-, 31-, 39- and 55-Across"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "46. Croissant, éclair or Danish"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dough of flour and water and shortening
  • Similar words include: pastry dough
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. The "S" of S.F."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "49. Mr., Ms. or Mrs."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
  • Similar words include: entitle, deed of conveyance, claim
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Tube tops?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
  • Similar words include: palpebra, chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. Recipe amt."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. Jabba the ___ ("Star Wars" villain)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Party pros playing tunes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who announces and plays popular recorded music
  • Similar words include: dj, disk-jockey, disc jockey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DJS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. "Go team!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "57. Poem of praise"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

42D: "58. Contents of l'océan"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
42 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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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 11, 2026 at 06:54 AM

Friday, May 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 08, 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. Criticizes, in modern lingo 7
2A 8. Unruffled 6
3A 14. "Not to worry ..." 8
4A 16. Chichi 6
5A 17. One away from one's duties? 8
6A 18. French exit 6
7A 19. Hollywood is on it: Abbr. 3
8A 20. Secures, in a way 5
9A 22. Flubs 5
10A 23. Create a crispy crust for, say 7
11A 25. Coolers, for short 3
12A 26. "Jeez!" 5
13A 29. Touchy topic 8
14A 31. One of two in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" 6
15A 33. Cartoonist who popularized the Democratic donkey 4
16A 34. "Bad hair day" hair 3
17A 36. Address no longer than 18 minutes 7
18A 38. Prepares for company, maybe 7
19A 40. Networking assets 3
20A 41. Second City district, with "the" 4
21A 43. Plumbing and welding, e.g. 6
22A 44. Really nasty fall? 8
23A 47. Date unlikely to be on a calendar 5
24A 48. Mammoth's home, for short 3
25A 49. Where to go for a run 7
26A 51. Peabody-winning journalist Steve 5
27A 53. Many a Chilango 5
28A 54. Formula 1 fig. 3
29A 57. "I'm this-a way!" 6
30A 59. Great depression? 8
31A 61. "Would you look at the time?!" 6
32A 62. Scrumdiddlyumptious 8
33A 63. Like some interests and stocks 6
34A 64. Feeds the kitty, say 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Criticizes, in modern lingo"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Unruffled"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. "Not to worry ...""

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Chichi"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imposingly fashionable and elegant
  • Similar words include: swank
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWANKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. One away from one's duties?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. French exit"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
  • Similar words include: sally
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Hollywood is on it: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 8th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the united states
  • Similar words include: Pacific Time, Pacific Standard Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Secures, in a way"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the muslim people of north africa; of mixed arab and berber descent; converted to islam in the 8th century; conqueror of spain in the 8th century
  • Similar words include: moor, moorland, wharf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Flubs"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a socially awkward or tactless act
  • Similar words include: slipperiness, skid, chemise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Create a crispy crust for, say"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Coolers, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive element of the actinide series; found in uranium ores
  • Similar words include: alternating current, atomic number 89, actinium
  • Opposite of: direct current
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. "Jeez!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Touchy topic"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. One of two in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet innocent baby
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHERUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Cartoonist who popularized the Democratic donkey"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Nast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. "Bad hair day" hair"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Address no longer than 18 minutes"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Prepares for company, maybe"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put (things or places) in order
  • Similar words include: tidy up, neaten, groom
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEATENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Networking assets"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
  • Similar words include: Indiana, atomic number 49, IN
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Second City district, with "the""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: grummet, loop topology, intertwine
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Plumbing and welding, e.g."

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
  • Similar words include: trade in, sell, craft
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Really nasty fall?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Date unlikely to be on a calendar"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a date; usually with a member of the opposite sex
  • Similar words include: assignation, rendezvous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRYST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Mammoth's home, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Where to go for a run"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Peabody-winning journalist Steve"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Many a Chilango"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Formula 1 fig."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ratio of the distance traveled (in kilometers) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
  • Similar words include: kilometres per hour, kilometers per hour, km/h
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KPH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. "I'm this-a way!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Great depression?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a depression in the ground communicating with a subterranean passage (especially in limestone) and formed by solution or by collapse of a cavern roof
  • Similar words include: sink, swallow hole
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINKHOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. "Would you look at the time?!""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Scrumdiddlyumptious"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Like some interests and stocks"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with power and authority
  • Similar words include: vest, invest, robe
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VESTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Feeds the kitty, say"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. It's usually followed by an "s" 4
2D 2. Indicators of awareness 4
3D 3. Ding thing? 4
4D 4. Bygone "before" 3
5D 5. Books that go into intimate detail? 10
6D 6. It might bring you to tears 5
7D 7. "Good riddance" 6
8D 8. Jerk 3
9D 9. All slam dunks 4
10D 10. Accessory turned down on a cap 6
11D 11. Humor without a traditional punch line 10
12D 12. Create ripple effects, in a way 10
13D 13. Scallops can have hundreds of tiny blue ones 4
14D 15. "It's a date!" 6
15D 21. It's a wrap! 5
16D 23. Hairstylist's concern 4
17D 24. Go back to the beginning 5
18D 26. Whence the line "Beware the ides of March" in "Julius Caesar" 4
19D 27. Comment from one who's going along 10
20D 28. Where to see fresh coats of white? 10
21D 30. First gear? 10
22D 32. Rorschach patterns 5
23D 35. "I'm this-a way!" 4
24D 37. Goofballs 5
25D 39. ___ Theatre, Atlanta art house named for a fictional estate 4
26D 42. White-collar figure 6
27D 45. Pointy-topped red-and-green headwear 6
28D 46. Tuber that's the source of tapioca 6
29D 50. ___ Rousey, first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo 5
30D 51. National capital that's home to Mykhailivska Square 4
31D 52. Schlep 4
32D 54. ___ Annan, former U.N. secretary general 4
33D 55. Something that's hatched 4
34D 56. Half of some matching sets 4
35D 58. Work that traces the evolution of lang. over 1,000 years 3
36D 60. "And ___ long gone when ___ next to me" (Taylor Swift lyric) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. It's usually followed by an "s""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protocol (utilizing tcp) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers
  • Similar words include: hypertext transfer protocol
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HTTP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Indicators of awareness"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ding thing?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the words of something written
  • Similar words include: text edition, textual matter, textbook
  • Opposite of: trade edition
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEXT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Bygone "before""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Books that go into intimate detail?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. It might bring you to tears"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: Allium cepa, onion plant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Good riddance""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: fucking, piece of tail, Eastern Samoa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. All slam dunks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: deuce, two, 2
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Accessory turned down on a cap"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of two flaps attached to a cap to keep the ears warm
  • Similar words include: earflap
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Humor without a traditional punch line"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Create ripple effects, in a way"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Scallops can have hundreds of tiny blue ones"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: center, middle, optic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. "It's a date!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. It's a wrap!"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Hairstylist's concern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something determined in relation to something that includes it
  • Similar words include: parting, percentage, take off
  • Opposite of: wholly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Go back to the beginning"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Whence the line "Beware the ides of March" in "Julius Caesar""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Comment from one who's going along"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Where to see fresh coats of white?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. First gear?"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Rorschach patterns"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blemish made by dirt
  • Similar words include: stain, smirch, slur
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. "I'm this-a way!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Goofballs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone regarded as eccentric or crazy and standing out from a group
  • Similar words include: queer bird, odd fellow, odd man out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOOKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. ___ Theatre, Atlanta art house named for a fictional estate"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a village in eastern ireland (northwest of dublin); seat of irish kings until 6th century
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. White-collar figure"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clergyman in christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the holy orders
  • Similar words include: non-Christian priest
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Pointy-topped red-and-green headwear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Tuber that's the source of tapioca"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a starch made by leaching and drying the root of the cassava plant; the source of tapioca; a staple food in the tropics
  • Similar words include: gari, tapioca plant, bitter cassava
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANIOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "50. ___ Rousey, first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. National capital that's home to Mykhailivska Square"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Schlep"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: tote bag, tug, holdall
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. ___ Annan, former U.N. secretary general"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Something that's hatched"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
  • Similar words include: game, diagram, plot of land
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Half of some matching sets"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Work that traces the evolution of lang. over 1,000 years"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unabridged dictionary constructed on historical principles
  • Similar words include: O.E.D., Oxford English Dictionary
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. "And ___ long gone when ___ next to me" (Taylor Swift lyric)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; the most difficult gas to liquefy; occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in texas and kansas)
  • Similar words include: helium, he, atomic number 2
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HES

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
36 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: May 08, 2026 at 05:39 AM