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

Monday, April 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 13, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Undergoes a chemical change 6
2A 7. Yosemite or Yellowstone 4
3A 11. Hairstyling stuff 3
4A 14. Send out of the country, as goods 6
5A 15. One of many in an autumn pile 4
6A 16. Alter ___ (secondary identity) 3
7A 17. Rap songs and such 11
8A 19. Certain endurance race, in brief 3
9A 20. Bowling venue 5
10A 21. Singer Tori 4
11A 22. "You got that right!" 4
12A 23. Brewski 4
13A 24. Places to stick wallets 10
14A 26. "___ of the d'Urbervilles" 4
15A 28. "There's ___ in 'team,' but there is one in 'win'" 3
16A 29. Longtime TV brand 3
17A 31. Paula of "American Idol" 5
18A 35. Something named on a license plate 5
19A 39. Risky time for beach property owners 15
20A 42. Chose 5
21A 43. Highway stopover 5
22A 44. Married 3
23A 45. Keg attachment 3
24A 47. French fashion magazine 4
25A 49. Singer with the 1961 #1 hit "Hit the Road Jack" 10
26A 55. "The Thin Man" terrier 4
27A 58. Salt Lake City's home 4
28A 59. "___, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7) 4
29A 60. Tehre are two in tihs clue 5
30A 61. ___ B, a.k.a. Scary Spice 3
31A 62. "Woo-hoo!" ... as suggested by the starts of 17-, 24-, 39- and 49-Across 11
32A 64. Slight amount 3
33A 65. The slightest amount 4
34A 66. Make fizzy, as a drink 6
35A 67. Actress de Armas 3
36A 68. Freight car weights 4
37A 69. Picnic food holder 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Undergoes a chemical change"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that show a response or a reaction to something
  • Similar words include: respond, react, oppose
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Yosemite or Yellowstone"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
  • Similar words include: green, Mungo Park, ballpark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Hairstyling stuff"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: colloidal gel, gelatin, mousse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Send out of the country, as goods"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commodities (goods or services) sold to a foreign country
  • Similar words include: exportation
  • Opposite of: import
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. One of many in an autumn pile"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  • Similar words include: foliage, riffle, riff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Alter ___ (secondary identity)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self, egotism, self-importance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Rap songs and such"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Certain endurance race, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Bowling venue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
  • Similar words include: back street, skittle alley, bowling alley
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Singer Tori"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "You got that right!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amun, Amon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Brewski"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Places to stick wallets"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. "___ of the d'Urbervilles""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. "There's ___ in 'team,' but there is one in 'win'""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Longtime TV brand"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Paula of "American Idol""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Something named on a license plate"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
  • Similar words include: nation, res publica, State Department
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Risky time for beach property owners"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Chose"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Highway stopover"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor hotel
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Married"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: marry, tie, get hitched with
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Keg attachment"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: dab, water tap, pat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. French fashion magazine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Singer with the 1961 #1 hit "Hit the Road Jack""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. "The Thin Man" terrier"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Salt Lake City's home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Mormon State, Beehive State, UT
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. "___, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
  • Similar words include: look for, attempt, search
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Tehre are two in tihs clue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
  • Similar words include: literal, typo, erratum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. ___ B, a.k.a. Scary Spice"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. "Woo-hoo!" ... as suggested by the starts of 17-, 24-, 39- and 49-Across"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Slight amount"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. The slightest amount"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Make fizzy, as a drink"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expose to fresh air
  • Similar words include: air, oxygenize, oxygenate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Actress de Armas"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Freight car weights"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: gobs, scores, stacks
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Picnic food holder"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container that is usually woven and has handles
  • Similar words include: field goal, hoop, handbasket
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASKET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Physical therapy and such, informally 5
2D 2. Send out of the country, as a disgraced leader 5
3D 3. Fruit pastry that pairs well with vanilla ice cream 9
4D 4. Stick together 6
5D 5. Land of Priam and Hector 4
6D 6. Motor oil brand 3
7D 7. Pleasingly round 5
8D 8. Author of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" 5
9D 9. ___ d'etre (justification for being) 6
10D 10. Colonel Sanders's chain 3
11D 11. "See what I mean?" 5
12D 12. Wading bird 5
13D 13. Gird one's ___ 5
14D 18. ___ tai (cocktail) 3
15D 22. Japanese dog 5
16D 24. Big banking inits. in the U.K. 4
17D 25. Sportscaster Howard who cried "Down goes Frazier!" 6
18D 27. Responded to a doctor's request 6
19D 29. Greek P 3
20D 30. Baking quantity 3
21D 32. Fish ladder locale 3
22D 33. Chicago-style pizza chain 3
23D 34. "Live and ___ live" 3
24D 36. Right now 9
25D 37. Nursery rhyme's "little piggy" 3
26D 38. Finish line 3
27D 40. [Gag!] 5
28D 41. Observes 4
29D 46. Afghan language 6
30D 48. Features of lasagna or an onion 6
31D 49. Dance from Cuba 5
32D 50. Stayed home for dinner 5
33D 51. Site where Allies met in 1945 5
34D 52. Showed again, as on TV 5
35D 53. City NE of Manchester 5
36D 54. Barely manage, with "out" 3
37D 56. Rich cake whose name comes from German 5
38D 57. Strong suit 5
39D 60. Ellington's "Take ___ Train" 4
40D 62. Tit for ___ 3
41D 63. Taxi 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Physical therapy and such, informally"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Send out of the country, as a disgraced leader"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  • Similar words include: deportation, expatriate, expatriation
  • Opposite of: repatriate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Fruit pastry that pairs well with vanilla ice cream"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Stick together"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
  • Similar words include: stick, adhere, cling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Land of Priam and Hector"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
  • Similar words include: Ilium, Ilion, troy weight
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Motor oil brand"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Pleasingly round"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of a sudden heavy fall
  • Similar words include: plummet, plop, fatten out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Author of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AESOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ___ d'etre (justification for being)"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Colonel Sanders's chain"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "See what I mean?""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Wading bird"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various usually white herons having long plumes during breeding season
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Gird one's ___"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs
  • Similar words include: lumbus, pubic region, loin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. ___ tai (cocktail)"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Japanese dog"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Big banking inits. in the U.K."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Sportscaster Howard who cried "Down goes Frazier!""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Responded to a doctor's request"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Greek P"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

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!

20D: "30. Baking quantity"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
  • Similar words include: loving cup, cupful, transfuse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Fish ladder locale"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Chicago-style pizza chain"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. "Live and ___ live""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, allow
  • Opposite of: forbid, prevent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Right now"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Nursery rhyme's "little piggy""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Similar words include: toenail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Finish line"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: last, ending, close
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. [Gag!]"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting
  • Similar words include: sick, disgorge, cast
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Observes"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: pick up, attend, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Afghan language"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iranian language spoken in afghanistan and pakistan; the official language of afghanistan
  • Similar words include: Paxto, Afghan, Pashtu
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASHTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Features of lasagna or an onion"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
  • Similar words include: level, bed, layer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAYERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Dance from Cuba"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba
  • Similar words include: rhumba
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUMBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Stayed home for dinner"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Site where Allies met in 1945"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a resort city in crimea in the southern ukraine on the black sea; site of the allied conference between roosevelt, stalin, and churchill in february 1945
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YALTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Showed again, as on TV"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broadcast again, as of a film
  • Similar words include: rerun, rebroadcast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. City NE of Manchester"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city on the river aire in west yorkshire in northern england; a center of the clothing industry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Barely manage, with "out""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Rich cake whose name comes from German"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rich cake usually covered with cream and fruit or nuts; originated in austria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Strong suit"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Ellington's "Take ___ Train""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the titaness who was mother of helios and selene and eos in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Theia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Tit for ___"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Taxi"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Similar words include: taxi, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAB

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

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Last updated: April 13, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 18, 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. Genre for James Brown or Al Green, informally 5
2A 6. Biblical name for Syria 4
3A 10. International agreements 5
4A 15. "That's ___" (Dean Martin classic) 5
5A 16. Plumb mad 4
6A 17. Ancient Greek marketplace 5
7A 18. Dwindled away 10
8A 20. ___ Aran, heroine of Nintendo's Metroid 5
9A 21. πŸ•˜⏳⏰ 15
10A 23. Gullible one 3
11A 24. Pepper that's two steps above poblano on the Scoville scale 7
12A 25. Irritated outburst 3
13A 28. Carnaval city, informally 3
14A 30. Smallish batteries 3
15A 31. Reservoir producer 3
16A 34. Bounty 9
17A 38. Favorable starting point of an auto race 4
18A 39. πŸ€™πŸ‘πŸ‘‹ 16
19A 43. The Farm Service Agcy. is part of it 4
20A 44. Some wand wielders 9
21A 45. Trident-shaped letter 3
22A 46. QB's call 3
23A 49. Write "their" for "there," say 3
24A 50. Slopping spot 3
25A 51. Offensively odorous 7
26A 55. Noted wildlife refuge 3
27A 57. πŸ’¬πŸ—£️πŸ—―️ 15
28A 62. Cara of "Fame" fame 5
29A 63. Digital capture 10
30A 65. Enchantress of Greek mythology 5
31A 66. Popular D.I.Y. website 4
32A 67. Go after 5
33A 68. Nincompoops 5
34A 69. Rackets 4
35A 70. Reduced to crumbs, say 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Genre for James Brown or Al Green, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Biblical name for Syria"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the biblical name for ancient syria
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. International agreements"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
  • Similar words include: pact, accord, treaty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "That's ___" (Dean Martin classic)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Plumb mad"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Similar words include: kooky, wacky, around the bend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Ancient Greek marketplace"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Dwindled away"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. ___ Aran, heroine of Nintendo's Metroid"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. πŸ•˜⏳⏰"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Gullible one"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
  • Similar words include: tomfool, exhaust, muggins
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Pepper that's two steps above poblano on the Scoville scale"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Irritated outburst"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Carnaval city, informally"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Smallish batteries"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an associate degree in applied science
  • Similar words include: Associate in Arts, aa, AA
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Reservoir producer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Bounty"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
  • Similar words include: teemingness, copiousness
  • Opposite of: scarcity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABUNDANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Favorable starting point of an auto race"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
  • Similar words include: terminal, rod, magnetic pole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. πŸ€™πŸ‘πŸ‘‹"

16 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. The Farm Service Agcy. is part of it"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862
  • Similar words include: Agriculture, Agriculture Department, Department of Agriculture
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Some wand wielders"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who practices magic or sorcery
  • Similar words include: thaumaturgist, magician, necromancer
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORCERERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Trident-shaped letter"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. QB's call"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that temporary military shelter
  • Similar words include: shack, army hut, hovel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Write "their" for "there," say"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: mistake, stray, drift
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Slopping spot"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Offensively odorous"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing or able to cause nausea
  • Similar words include: stinking, funky, ill-scented
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Noted wildlife refuge"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Similar words include: Ark of the Covenant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. πŸ’¬πŸ—£️πŸ—―️"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Cara of "Fame" fame"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Digital capture"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Enchantress of Greek mythology"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sorceress who detained odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIRCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. Popular D.I.Y. website"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Go after"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
  • Similar words include: pursual, tag, track
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Nincompoops"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: can, buns, butt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Rackets"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: rumpus, blaring, boom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Reduced to crumbs, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: exhaust, deplete, eat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What a fall guy has to take, with "the" 3
2D 2. Home of the Big 12's Cyclones 4
3D 3. Terse denial 4
4D 4. Remains 5
5D 5. Leader of the Sharks in "West Side Story" 8
6D 6. Gucci of fashion 4
7D 7. Locales for some urban gardens 5
8D 8. Like the accents in "dΓ©classΓ©" 5
9D 9. Godzilla foe 6
10D 10. Elbows and bow ties 6
11D 11. Once more 5
12D 12. Best-selling home computers of the 1980s 10
13D 13. On the money 4
14D 14. Freshness 4
15D 19. Observation 6
16D 22. It might be a stretch for historians 3
17D 25. Fill an automobile tank ... or boost the confidence of, in slang 5
18D 26. Deep chasm 5
19D 27. Pips 10
20D 29. Demon of Japanese folklore 3
21D 32. On guard 5
22D 33. Like some buns and bedrooms 5
23D 35. Org. for Wizards and Magic 3
24D 36. Includes, in a way 3
25D 37. One of the "six enemies of the mind," in Hinduism 3
26D 38. Big name in water filters 3
27D 40. Old-fashioned word that's a homophone of 49-Across 3
28D 41. Distressing encounter 6
29D 42. ___ Howard, Oscar-nominated actor for 2005's "Hustle & Flow" 8
30D 46. New workmates 6
31D 47. Manipulate 3
32D 48. Cast 6
33D 52. Meager measure of compassion? 5
34D 53. Traditional rice cake snack on Japanese New Year 5
35D 54. Actor Zac of "High School Musical" 5
36D 56. Singer with the 2009 #1 hit "Tik Tok" 5
37D 57. Acronym on a W-2 4
38D 58. Bluish-purple bloom 4
39D 59. Wraps (up) 4
40D 60. TΓͺte-Γ -tΓͺte 4
41D 61. Firefighting aid 4
42D 64. X 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What a fall guy has to take, with "the""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: whang, hip-hop, tap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Home of the Big 12's Cyclones"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Terse denial"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Remains"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
  • Similar words include: dreg, settlings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Leader of the Sharks in "West Side Story""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Gucci of fashion"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Locales for some urban gardens"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
  • Similar words include: roof, ceiling, cap
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Like the accents in "dΓ©classΓ©""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
  • Similar words include: ague, piercing, intense
  • Opposite of: chronic, obtuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Godzilla foe"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Elbows and bow ties"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: pasta, alimentary paste
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Once more"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: once more, over again, once again
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Best-selling home computers of the 1980s"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a captain and below a rear admiral; the lowest grade of admiral
  • Similar words include: commodore
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMMODORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. On the money"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Freshness"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: SAS, lip, back talk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Observation"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
  • Similar words include: catching, spotting, spying
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. It might be a stretch for historians"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Fill an automobile tank ... or boost the confidence of, in slang"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Deep chasm"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
  • Similar words include: abysm
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABYSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Pips"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone of remarkable excellence
  • Similar words include: humdinger
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUMDINGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Demon of Japanese folklore"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the military intelligence agency that provides for the intelligence and counterintelligence and investigative and security requirements of the united states navy
  • Similar words include: Office of Naval Intelligence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. On guard"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
  • Similar words include: lively, spanking, zippy
  • Opposite of: unalert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Like some buns and bedrooms"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dirty and disorderly
  • Similar words include: mussy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Org. for Wizards and Magic"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Includes, in a way"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
  • Similar words include: cubic centimetre, cubic centimeter, milliliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. One of the "six enemies of the mind," in Hinduism"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self-importance, self, egotism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Big name in water filters"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Old-fashioned word that's a homophone of 49-Across"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Distressing encounter"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a harsh noise made by scraping
  • Similar words include: scratch, scar, scraping
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. ___ Howard, Oscar-nominated actor for 2005's "Hustle & Flow""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. New workmates"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that engage or hire for work
  • Similar words include: engage, lease, employ
  • Opposite of: fire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIREES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Manipulate"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: consumption, usage, economic consumption
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Cast"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that throw or toss with a light motion
  • Similar words include: cast out, toss away, cast aside
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOSSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Meager measure of compassion?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a pound
  • Similar words include: troy ounce, snow leopard, Panthera uncia
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUNCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Traditional rice cake snack on Japanese New Year"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Actor Zac of "High School Musical""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Singer with the 2009 #1 hit "Tik Tok""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Acronym on a W-2"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tax on employees and employers that is used to fund the social security system
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Bluish-purple bloom"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: flag, fleur-de-lis, sword lily
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Wraps (up)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: tailor-make, sew, stitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. TΓͺte-Γ -tΓͺte"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal conversation
  • Similar words include: chew the fat, confabulate, shoot the breeze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAT

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41D: "61. Firefighting aid"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
  • Similar words include: hose down, hosepipe, hosiery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSE

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42D: "64. X"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: tenner, decade, ten-spot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEN

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
42 Down Clues
77 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 18, 2026 at 05:09 AM