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

Thursday, October 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 01, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip" 4
2A 5. "Thank You for the Music" group 4
3A 9. Some instructors, for short 5
4A 14. Gator's relative 4
5A 15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly 4
6A 16. Features of gathering clouds? 5
7A 17. Patriotic recitation since 1892 18
8A 20. Concoct, with "up" 4
9A 21. It may include toms and a snare 7
10A 22. Abbr. on a scale 3
11A 25. First lady 3
12A 26. Tagging symbols 3
13A 27. Expresses support without meaning it 14
14A 31. Bit of ink 3
15A 34. Quite the stir 6
16A 35. Bygone "before" 3
17A 36. Means of self-defense 4
18A 37. Joan of Arc, for one 5
19A 38. It's just a state of mind, to some 3
20A 39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa" 5
21A 40. Some midflight announcements, in brief 4
22A 41. Molecule in protein synthesis 3
23A 42. Disposes of securely, in a way 6
24A 43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities 3
25A 44. Obsolescent credit card feature 14
26A 46. Term of affection in the U.K. 3
27A 47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ..." 3
28A 48. Is long ago? 3
29A 49. Chickpeas, e.g. 7
30A 53. "Uh-huh, sure it is" 4
31A 55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle 15
32A 60. Lost 5
33A 61. Identify 4
34A 62. Goddess of the earth 4
35A 63. All together, in music 5
36A 64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing 4
37A 65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. "Thank You for the Music" group"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some instructors, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
  • Similar words include: professor, prof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Gator's relative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Features of gathering clouds?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Patriotic recitation since 1892"

18 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Concoct, with "up""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who cooks food
  • Similar words include: manipulate, Captain Cook, prepare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. It may include toms and a snare"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Abbr. on a scale"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. First lady"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, astatine, at
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Expresses support without meaning it"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAYSLIPSERVICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bit of ink"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Similar words include: Thematic Apperception Test, sleaze, cheapness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Quite the stir"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • Similar words include: garboil, katzenjammer, tumultuousness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Bygone "before""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Means of self-defense"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: macer, macebearer, Chemical Mace
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Joan of Arc, for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
  • Similar words include: nonesuch, apotheosis, paragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. It's just a state of mind, to some"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: old age, geezerhood, mature
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Some midflight announcements, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Molecule in protein synthesis"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Disposes of securely, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: tear up, whit, iota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Obsolescent credit card feature"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGNETICSTRIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Term of affection in the U.K."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ...""

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: atomic number 11, sodium, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Is long ago?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chickpeas, e.g."

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family leguminosae
  • Similar words include: legume, leguminous plant
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGUMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. "Uh-huh, sure it is""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Lost"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Identify"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: describe, identify, make
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Goddess of the earth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Ge, Gaea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. All together, in music"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of atlantic coast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
  • Similar words include: United States Army, regular army, US Army
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Doc seen for an annual checkup 3
2D 2. Address letters 3
3D 3. A Stooge 3
4D 4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt 4
5D 5. Came by for dinner 7
6D 6. Word with power or pawn 6
7D 7. Happen to 6
8D 8. Cut 4
9D 9. Great Basin tribe 6
10D 10. Chews (out) 5
11D 11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald 4
12D 12. Central points 4
13D 13. Woodpecker food 4
14D 18. Attacks 6
15D 19. Words that might come before a meal 5
16D 22. Major works of art 6
17D 23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano 6
18D 24. Resident of Aleppo 6
19D 28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g. 7
20D 29. Free of animal products 5
21D 30. Wrath 3
22D 31. Writer Gay 6
23D 32. Hallucinatory experiences 9
24D 33. It comes with cups and saucers 6
25D 36. Chicago exchange, in brief 4
26D 38. Director Lee 3
27D 39. Sculptor's tool 6
28D 41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920 5
29D 42. Skewered 7
30D 44. Gateway of India locale 6
31D 45. Tough nut to crack 6
32D 46. "Network" director Sidney 5
33D 49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty. 4
34D 50. Words of reproach following a betrayal 4
35D 51. Big blow 4
36D 52. Things confessed 4
37D 54. Ancient wrap 4
38D 56. "I don't wanna" 3
39D 57. It might be on a lot 3
40D 58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series) 3
41D 59. Perchance 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Doc seen for an annual checkup"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: phencyclidine hydrochloride, primary care provider, angel dust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Address letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. A Stooge"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Came by for dinner"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Word with power or pawn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
  • Similar words include: stone-broke, skint, bust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BROKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Happen to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become of; happen to
  • Similar words include: happen, bechance, betide
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chop or split with an ax
  • Similar words include: axe, ax
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Great Basin tribe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of either of two shoshonean peoples (northern paiute and southern paiute) related to the aztecs and living in the southwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Piute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chews (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large quantity of written matter
  • Similar words include: ream
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Central points"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of attention or energy on something
  • Similar words include: direction, stress, centering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Woodpecker food"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words that might come before a meal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christian theology) a state of sanctification by god; the state of one who is under such divine influence
  • Similar words include: saving grace, adorn, embellish
  • Opposite of: unseemliness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Major works of art"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical work that has been created
  • Similar words include: piece, opus, piece of music
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919)
  • Similar words include: Emiliano Zapata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZAPATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Resident of Aleppo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Free of animal products"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Wrath"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: wrath, ira, choler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Writer Gay"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Hallucinatory experiences"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. It comes with cups and saucers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Chicago exchange, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Director Lee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a civilian reserve component of the united states air force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies
  • Similar words include: Air National Guard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sculptor's tool"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  • Similar words include: cheat, rip off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHISEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french composer and exponent of impressionism (1875-1937)
  • Similar words include: ladder, ravel out, Maurice Ravel
  • Opposite of: unknot, unravel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Skewered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use a knife on
  • Similar words include: stab, poke, jab
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STABBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Gateway of India locale"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western india just off the coast of the arabian sea; india's 2nd largest city (after calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western india
  • Similar words include: Bombay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUMBAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Tough nut to crack"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  • Similar words include: riddle, closed book, conundrum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. "Network" director Sidney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Words of reproach following a betrayal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Big blow"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong current of air
  • Similar words include: blow, blast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Things confessed"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Ancient wrap"

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!

38D: "56. "I don't wanna""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. It might be on a lot"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Perchance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: allege, order, enjoin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAY

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

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: October 01, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Friday, September 25, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 25, 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. Olympic slalom equipment 5
2A 6. Spanish sparkling wine 4
3A 10. First, second or third 4
4A 14. "For real!" 10
5A 16. Fictional company famous for its duds 4
6A 17. Outcome of a match, maybe 10
7A 18. Forum setting 4
8A 19. U2 producer Brian 3
9A 20. Stew on it! 5
10A 21. Like a whodunit in which the butler did it [duh!] 5
11A 22. Device seen on a front desk 4
12A 23. Ho Chi Minh City's former name 6
13A 25. Exploit a loophole, e.g. 13
14A 29. Disinclined 6
15A 30. Supermodel Alek 3
16A 31. ___ one's time 4
17A 34. Procedure after which you might wear flip-flops, informally 4
18A 35. Off 5
19A 37. ___ Minor 4
20A 38. Pen that isn't used for writing, in brief 4
21A 39. "Karma is a cat / Purring in my ___ 'cause it loves me" (Taylor Swift lyric) 3
22A 40. Port on the Loire 6
23A 42. "Speaking of which ..." 13
24A 45. Like an earworm 6
25A 46. Play group 4
26A 47. Not bother 5
27A 48. Rapper and actor Smith 5
28A 50. Go-to doc 3
29A 53. Actress Shawkat 4
30A 54. Ones providing brief assistance? 10
31A 56. Alliance 4
32A 57. Invasive plants? 10
33A 58. One might be meat-only or dairy-only in a kosher household 4
34A 59. Morsels often found in fried rice 4
35A 60. The Devil's domain 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Olympic slalom equipment"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Spanish sparkling wine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. First, second or third"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion
  • Similar words include: appurtenance, paraphernalia, gear wheel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "For real!""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Fictional company famous for its duds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: meridian, vertex, summit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Outcome of a match, maybe"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Forum setting"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital and largest city of italy; on the tiber; seat of the roman catholic church; formerly the capital of the roman republic and the roman empire
  • Similar words include: capital of Italy, Eternal City, Roma
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. U2 producer Brian"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Stew on it!"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Like a whodunit in which the butler did it [duh!]"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  • Similar words include: commonplace, old-hat, timeworn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Device seen on a front desk"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
  • Similar words include: campana, Alexander Melville Bell, toll
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Ho Chi Minh City's former name"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in south vietnam; formerly (as saigon) it was the capital of french indochina
  • Similar words include: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAIGON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Exploit a loophole, e.g."

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Disinclined"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
  • Similar words include: antipathetic, loath, loth
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVERSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Supermodel Alek"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. ___ one's time"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: stay, abide
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Procedure after which you might wear flip-flops, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not functioning properly
  • Similar words include: haywire, wrong, awry
  • Opposite of: perfectly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. ___ Minor"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Pen that isn't used for writing, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. "Karma is a cat / Purring in my ___ 'cause it loves me" (Taylor Swift lyric)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: lave, lick, circuit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Port on the Loire"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city in western france on the loire estuary
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NANTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. "Speaking of which ...""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Like an earworm"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having concealed difficulty
  • Similar words include: attention-getting, tricky
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATCHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Play group"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: human activity, deed, human action
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Not bother"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Rapper and actor Smith"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Go-to doc"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: angel dust, health professional, phencyclidine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Actress Shawkat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Ones providing brief assistance?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person with specialized training who assists lawyers
  • Similar words include: legal assistant, paralegal
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARALEGALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Alliance"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of countries in special alliance
  • Similar words include: axis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Invasive plants?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. One might be meat-only or dairy-only in a kosher household"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe
  • Similar words include: slide down, drop down, pass
  • Opposite of: float, source
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Morsels often found in fried rice"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
  • Similar words include: pea plant, pea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. The Devil's domain"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
  • Similar words include: tarot card
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Give credit to, in a way 4
2D 2. Analogous 4
3D 3. ___ Sarratore, "My Brilliant Friend" character 4
4D 4. "How ___" 3
5D 5. Certain loopholes 7
6D 6. Spoon, e.g. 6
7D 7. Second Freudian stage 4
8D 8. Gives one's approval, in a way 8
9D 9. Past-tense verb that becomes its present tense when you move its last letter to the front 3
10D 10. Sources of some rock 11
11D 11. Some experts of interest? 10
12D 12. World capital once known as Philadelphia 5
13D 13. Instagram : ___ :: YouTube : Short 4
14D 15. Focus for the foul-mouthed? 10
15D 21. Skosh 3
16D 22. "Hang on a sec" 11
17D 24. Says "please," say 10
18D 25. Look stunned 4
19D 26. "___ plaisir" ("You're welcome," in French) 4
20D 27. Breathtaking activity? 10
21D 28. Take without paying ... or a motion made while paying 5
22D 32. Per ___ 4
23D 33. Slip (into) 4
24D 36. Ganja 8
25D 41. Residence that can have thousands of chambers 7
26D 43. Unreturnable pickleball shot 3
27D 44. Polite titles 6
28D 45. Instruments in chamber groups 5
29D 47. Discovery sites 4
30D 49. What's distorted in a Mercator projection 4
31D 50. Part of a full house 4
32D 51. Ptolemaic royal, familiarly 4
33D 52. Poke alternative 4
34D 54. Vim 3
35D 55. Transcript fig. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Give credit to, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
  • Similar words include: mention, acknowledgment, quotation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Analogous"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. ___ Sarratore, "My Brilliant Friend" character"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "How ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Certain loopholes"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hole (usually round and finished around the edges) in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord or hook or bar
  • Similar words include: grommet, cringle, eyelet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYELETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Spoon, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
  • Similar words include: nest, snuggle, nestle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUDDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Second Freudian stage"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to the anus
  • Similar words include: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Gives one's approval, in a way"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Past-tense verb that becomes its present tense when you move its last letter to the front"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat up, eat on, wipe out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Sources of some rock"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Some experts of interest?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expert in the science of economics
  • Similar words include: economic expert, economist
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECONOMISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. World capital once known as Philadelphia"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of jordan
  • Similar words include: capital of Jordan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Instagram : ___ :: YouTube : Short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Focus for the foul-mouthed?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Skosh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: burn, piece, chip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. "Hang on a sec""

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Says "please," say"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Look stunned"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expression of openmouthed astonishment
  • Similar words include: gawk, gawp, goggle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. "___ plaisir" ("You're welcome," in French)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Breathtaking activity?"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
  • Similar words include: speculation
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDITATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Take without paying ... or a motion made while paying"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweeping stroke or blow
  • Similar words include: abstract, filch, pinch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Per ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Slip (into)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • Similar words include: easiness, informality, facilitate
  • Opposite of: difficulty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Ganja"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "41. Residence that can have thousands of chambers"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Unreturnable pickleball shot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Polite titles"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman of refinement
  • Similar words include: dame, madam, gentlewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Instruments in chamber groups"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Discovery sites"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
  • Similar words include: lab, science lab, research laboratory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. What's distorted in a Mercator projection"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Part of a full house"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of two similar things considered as a unit
  • Similar words include: couplet, partner off, twain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Ptolemaic royal, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Poke alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Vim"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Transcript fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
  • Similar words include: grade point average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: September 25, 2026 at 08:58 AM