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Showing posts sorted by date for query DAE. 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.

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 10, 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. Pep in one's step 3
2A 4. Model airplane material 5
3A 9. ___ de los Muertos 3
4A 12. Picture it! 5
5A 15. Become less intense 5
6A 16. "Holiday ___" (1942 film with Irving Berlin songs) 3
7A 17. Certain casino regular 11
8A 19. Vessel that might hold dye 3
9A 20. Online commerce 5
10A 21. First Oscar winner to be born in the 21st century (for Best Original Song) 6
11A 23. $$$ execs 4
12A 25. Psychic who examines lifelines and heart lines 10
13A 28. Leader of the Chipmunks, in an old novelty group 5
14A 30. "Lost" actor Daniel ___ Kim 3
15A 31. Art ___ (geometric architectural style) 4
16A 32. Viral dance of the 2010s 6
17A 34. 20-ounce Starbucks size 5
18A 37. "Toy Story 2" character who says "I'm packing you an extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes, just in case" 13
19A 41. Invites for a nightcap, say 5
20A 42. Prohibit from practicing law 6
21A 44. "Don't Tell ___" ("Cabaret" song) 4
22A 47. Partner of the C.D.C. and F.D.A. 3
23A 49. Sound sometimes written as Z's 5
24A 50. Device measuring audience approval 10
25A 54. Denisovich or Ilyich of Russian literature 4
26A 55. "You Pick Two" bakery chain 6
27A 56. Word after mountain or vocal 5
28A 58. QVC alternative 3
29A 59. "I could use some help here" ... or hint to 17-, 25-, 37- and 50-Across 11
30A 64. Squeak (out) 3
31A 65. One terminal on a battery 5
32A 66. Catholic university whose mascot is a lion, aptly 5
33A 67. Body part that may have a ring or a stud 3
34A 68. Program for expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada 5
35A 69. Section of a journey 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Pep in one's step"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a healthy capacity for vigorous activity
  • Similar words include: vitality, vigour, energy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Model airplane material"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats
  • Similar words include: balsa wood, Ochroma lagopus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ de los Muertos"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intelligence agency of the united states in the department of defense; is responsible for providing intelligence in support of military planning and operations and weapons acquisition
  • Similar words include: Defense Intelligence Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Picture it!"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: see, epitome, effigy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Become less intense"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make less active or intense
  • Similar words include: slake, let up, slack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Holiday ___" (1942 film with Irving Berlin songs)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: hostel, auberge, hostelry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Certain casino regular"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Vessel that might hold dye"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
  • Similar words include: value-added tax, tub, ad valorem tax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Online commerce"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. First Oscar winner to be born in the 21st century (for Best Original Song)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. $$$ execs"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer, CFO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Psychic who examines lifelines and heart lines"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Leader of the Chipmunks, in an old novelty group"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. "Lost" actor Daniel ___ Kim"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Art ___ (geometric architectural style)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
  • Similar words include: art deco
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Viral dance of the 2010s"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. 20-ounce Starbucks size"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "Toy Story 2" character who says "I'm packing you an extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes, just in case""

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Invites for a nightcap, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Prohibit from practicing law"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from the bar; expel from the practice of law by official action
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. "Don't Tell ___" ("Cabaret" song)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: ma, mummy, mammy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Partner of the C.D.C. and F.D.A."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of health and human services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
  • Similar words include: National Institutes of Health
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Sound sometimes written as Z's"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rattling noise produced when snoring
  • Similar words include: saw logs, snoring, saw wood
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Device measuring audience approval"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. Denisovich or Ilyich of Russian literature"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. "You Pick Two" bakery chain"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Word after mountain or vocal"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
  • Similar words include: browse, chain of mountains, roll
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. QVC alternative"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. "I could use some help here" ... or hint to 17-, 25-, 37- and 50-Across"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Squeak (out)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. One terminal on a battery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • Opposite of: cathode
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Catholic university whose mascot is a lion, aptly"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Body part that may have a ring or a stud"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Program for expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the means of connection between things linked in series
  • Similar words include: link
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEXUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Section of a journey"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
  • Similar words include: peg, wooden leg, stage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. One who gets special treatment, for short 3
2D 2. "if u ask me ..." 3
3D 3. One might involve a drastic haircut and new clothes 8
4D 4. Song suitable for a slow dance 6
5D 5. Legal org. 3
6D 6. Set (down) 3
7D 7. Part of a cattle herd 5
8D 8. American Eagle subbrand 5
9D 9. Do the splits? 6
10D 10. "One moment!" 6
11D 11. Margaret Mead's subject, informally 6
12D 13. Regularly hits the gym, say 11
13D 14. Reputation or Lover, to a Swiftie 3
14D 18. One of three in the Domino's logo 3
15D 22. Occasion for some girl talk 11
16D 23. Common food shelf donation 3
17D 24. Flim-___ 4
18D 26. Pool from a volcanic eruption 7
19D 27. Cross paths 4
20D 29. California wine valley 4
21D 33. Goddess of daybreak 3
22D 35. Land of ___ (Genesis locale) 3
23D 36. Public radio's "___ American Life" 4
24D 38. Something to whistle 4
25D 39. First and foremost 8
26D 40. Swimmer Torres with 12 Olympic medals 4
27D 43. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" antagonist 3
28D 44. John ___, longtime writer for The New Yorker 6
29D 45. State that's the subject of 44-Down's book "Coming Into the Country" 6
30D 46. Way of doing things 6
31D 48. Birkin bag maker 6
32D 51. "The Phantom of the Opera" instrument 5
33D 52. Only U.S. state with a monosyllabic name 5
34D 53. Emmy-nominated Issa 3
35D 57. Rapper Lil ___ X 3
36D 60. News website with a Latin name 3
37D 61. Email suffix once required to use Facebook 3
38D 62. Formerly named 3
39D 63. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. One who gets special treatment, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important or influential (and often overbearing) person
  • Similar words include: high-up, high muckamuck, panjandrum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "if u ask me ...""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. One might involve a drastic haircut and new clothes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overall beauty treatment (involving a person's hair style and cosmetics and clothing) intended to change or improve a person's appearance
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAKEOVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Song suitable for a slow dance"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: lay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALLAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Legal 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!

6D: "6. Set (down)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: put, repose, set
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Part of a cattle herd"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indication of potential opportunity
  • Similar words include: channelize, channelise, hint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. American Eagle subbrand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
  • Similar words include: eyry, eyrie, aery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Do the splits?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
  • Similar words include: disunite, fraction, separate
  • Opposite of: unite, multiply
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIVIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "One moment!""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Margaret Mead's subject, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Regularly hits the gym, say"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Reputation or Lover, to a Swiftie"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: geological era, epoch, earned run average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One of three in the Domino's logo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: rack up, worst, hit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Occasion for some girl talk"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Common food shelf donation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: john, send away, butt
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Flim-___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Pool from a volcanic eruption"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Cross paths"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: run across, see, fulfil
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. California wine valley"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east asia
  • Similar words include: celery cabbage, pe-tsai, Brassica rapa pekinensis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Goddess of daybreak"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Land of ___ (Genesis locale)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Public radio's "___ American Life""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Something to whistle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: melodic line, melody, strain
  • Opposite of: untune
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. First and foremost"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Swimmer Torres with 12 Olympic medals"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" antagonist"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. John ___, longtime writer for The New Yorker"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. State that's the subject of 44-Down's book "Coming Into the Country""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern north america; the 49th state admitted to the union
  • Similar words include: Last Frontier, AK
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALASKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Way of doing things"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how something is done or how it happens
  • Similar words include: mode, style, way
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Birkin bag maker"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with roman mercury
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "The Phantom of the Opera" instrument"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function
  • Similar words include: electronic organ, Hammond organ, pipe organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Only U.S. state with a monosyllabic name"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in new england
  • Similar words include: Pine Tree State, ME
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Emmy-nominated Issa"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Rapper Lil ___ X"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: sodium, atomic number 11, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. News website with a Latin name"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract
  • Similar words include: vocalization, vocalisation, vocalism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Email suffix once required to use Facebook"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Formerly named"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
  • Similar words include: cad, firedog, wiener
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOG

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
39 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: February 10, 2026 at 05:15 AM