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Sunday, October 18, 2026

NYT Mini Crossword Trivia Week 3 October 18, 2026 - Daily Answers

Today's Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini Crossword October 18, 2026 Answers

Here's today's NYT Mini — 20 clues in total, and we've got hints plus answers for every one of them.

Popular Puzzles: October 09 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | Todays Down Crossword NYT October 21 | NYT Across Crossword December 11 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 18, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, October 18, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 18, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 down.

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

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 94. Figure, informally
2 Across 28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection
3 Across 72. Bond
4 Across 44. View spoiler
5 Across 84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop
6 Across 78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants
7 Across 120. Analogue of a delete key
8 Across 32. "What"
9 Across 76. Apt name for a thief
10 Across 75. Small + or –

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "94. Figure, informally"

Hints:

  • In plain terms: alternative names for the body of a human being.
  • Starts with 'B', ends with 'D'.
  • You're looking for 3 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOD

2 Across: "28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • If that helps, the shape is: M___S
  • 'thawing' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal MELTS

3 Across: "72. Bond"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: linkup.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TIE

4 Across: "44. View spoiler"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'E'.
  • Basically, something very ugly and offensive.
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal EYESORE

5 Across: "84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'O'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ESSO

6 Across: "78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants"

Hints:

  • This one runs 6 letters long.
  • Starts with 'B', ends with 'B'.
  • Blank it out and you get: B____B

Answer:

Click to reveal BAOBAB

7 Across: "120. Analogue of a delete key"

Hints:

  • Basically, an implement used to erase something.
  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • Blank it out and you get: E____R

Answer:

Click to reveal ERASER

8 Across: "32. "What""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'T'.
  • You're looking for 12 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal ITELLYOUWHAT

9 Across: "76. Apt name for a thief"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "plume."
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'B'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ROB

10 Across: "75. Small + or –"

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ION

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 87. Ousted, democratically
2 Down 35. Weak, as an excuse
3 Down 7. Novel form of summer escapism?
4 Down 47. Like Amazon forests, typically
5 Down 36. "Ibis" poet
6 Down 74. Big bang source
7 Down 77. Like London's Kew Gardens
8 Down 42. Gawker
9 Down 1. Short cut
10 Down 62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked"

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "87. Ousted, democratically"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 8 letters.
  • Starts with 'V', ends with 'T'.
  • Blank it out and you get: V______T

Answer:

Click to reveal VOTEDOUT

2 Down: "35. Weak, as an excuse"

Hints:

  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • 'halt' points in the same direction.
  • Basically, someone who doesn't understand what is going on.

Answer:

Click to reveal LAME

3 Down: "7. Novel form of summer escapism?"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: P______D
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'D'.
  • You're looking for 8 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal POOLREAD

4 Down: "47. Like Amazon forests, typically"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: R___Y
  • Think of it this way — (of weather) wet by periods of rain.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'Y'.

Answer:

Click to reveal RAINY

5 Down: "36. "Ibis" poet"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal OVID

6 Down: "74. Big bang source"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: cap.
  • Blank it out and you get: D_______R
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DETONATOR

7 Down: "77. Like London's Kew Gardens"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'B', last letter's a 'C'.
  • Blank it out and you get: B_____C
  • You're looking for 7 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOTANIC

8 Down: "42. Gawker"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: L______O
  • Count on 8 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'O'.

Answer:

Click to reveal LOOKYLOO

9 Down: "1. Short cut"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'P'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal SNIP

10 Down: "62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked""

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'C', last letter's a 'U'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CHU

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Scan before you solve: One quick read-through of all the clues before you commit to anything usually pays off.
  2. Short words first: The 2-3 letter answers are almost always the low-hanging fruit.
  3. Let crossings guide you: Harder answers get much easier once a couple of crossing letters are locked in.
  4. Puns hide behind question marks: If a clue ends in "?", expect wordplay, not a straight answer.
  5. A few words repeat a lot: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE show up more than you'd expect — keep them in mind.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When does the Trivia Week 3 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 3 take me?

Anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes is typical. Don't stress if you're on the slower end at first.

Is Trivia Week 3 free to play?

Nope, it's free — no subscription needed like the full-size crossword.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 3?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 3 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 18, 2026 at 08:11 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, October 18 2026 mini crossword

on No comments:

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Complete Solutions for NYT Mini Trivia Week 3 October 17, 2026

Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini October 17, 2026 Solutions & Guide

20 clues today. If you're stuck on any of them, scroll down — hints first, answers hidden underneath.

Popular Puzzles: February 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Sundays NYT Mini Dec 21 All 10 Across | December 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 17, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, October 17, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 17, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 down.

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

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Read through all the clues before filling in a single square.
  2. Start with anything three letters or shorter.
  3. Crossing letters are your best friend for the trickier answers.
  4. Question mark clues (?) almost always mean wordplay, not a literal answer.
  5. Watch for the usual suspects: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 37. Give credit to
2 Across 42. It's meant to be believed
3 Across 43. Rich
4 Across 34. "One ___" (Elizabeth Bishop poem that repeats the line "The ___ of losing isn't hard to master")
5 Across 31. Party leader?
6 Across 21. Silicon Valley V.I.P.
7 Across 50. ___ bowl
8 Across 54. ___ mess (British dessert)
9 Across 55. Traditional Passover dish
10 Across 19. Mothers in cotes

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "37. Give credit to"

Hints:

  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CITE

2 Across: "42. It's meant to be believed"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'I', ends with 'M'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Count on 3 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ISM

3 Across: "43. Rich"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "monied."
  • If that helps, the shape is: M_____D
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal MONEYED

4 Across: "34. "One ___" (Elizabeth Bishop poem that repeats the line "The ___ of losing isn't hard to master")"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ART

5 Across: "31. Party leader?"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'T'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal HOST

6 Across: "21. Silicon Valley V.I.P."

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'O'.
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal TECHCEO

7 Across: "50. ___ bowl"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'I'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal ACAI

8 Across: "54. ___ mess (British dessert)"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'N'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETON

9 Across: "55. Traditional Passover dish"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S________E
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'E'.
  • You're looking for 10 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal SEDERPLATE

10 Across: "19. Mothers in cotes"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'S'.
  • Blank it out and you get: E__S

Answer:

Click to reveal EWES

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 47. Material theorized as a possible cause of ancient Rome's decline, given its widespread use
2 Down 26. Plant parts that develop as a seedling grows
3 Down 14. Just gets (by)
4 Down 2. Line of passengers?
5 Down 35. Relative of turquoise
6 Down 1. Academy figure
7 Down 12. Tunnel (into)
8 Down 40. Like the herbs on a 55-Across
9 Down 31. Poison classification
10 Down 9. Like someone performing a monologue, maybe

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "47. Material theorized as a possible cause of ancient Rome's decline, given its widespread use"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: L__D
  • In plain terms: an advantage held by a competitor in a race.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal LEAD

2 Down: "26. Plant parts that develop as a seedling grows"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'S'.
  • It's a 10-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal TRUELEAVES

3 Down: "14. Just gets (by)"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: E__S
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal EKES

4 Down: "2. Line of passengers?"

Hints:

  • Count on 10 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'E'.
  • Blank it out and you get: A________E

Answer:

Click to reveal AREWETHERE

5 Down: "35. Relative of turquoise"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: C__N

Answer:

Click to reveal CYAN

6 Down: "1. Academy figure"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "plebe."
  • Think of it this way — a military trainee (as at a military academy).
  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CADET

7 Down: "12. Tunnel (into)"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: B__E
  • Basically, a person who evokes boredom.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal BORE

8 Down: "40. Like the herbs on a 55-Across"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "acrid."
  • First letter's a 'B', last letter's a 'R'.
  • This one runs 6 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal BITTER

9 Down: "31. Poison classification"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: H_______L
  • You're looking for 9 letters.
  • Starts with 'H', ends with 'L'.

Answer:

Click to reveal HAIRMETAL

10 Down: "9. Like someone performing a monologue, maybe"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: S_____T
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'T'.
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SPOTLIT

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 45 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When does the Trivia Week 3 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 3 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 3 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 3?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 3 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 17, 2026 at 07:56 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, October 17 2026 mini crossword

on No comments:

Thursday, October 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 15, 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

October 15, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. Creator of Beats Electronics, familiarly 3
2A 4. Key of Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" 5
3A 9. ___ ball 5
4A 14. Classic cartoon dog with the catchphrase "You eediot!" 3
5A 15. Prefix with Roman 5
6A 16. Ancient calculation tools 5
7A 17. Bygone org. for the Houston Oilers 3
8A 18. Lacks 5
9A 19. Her Majesty, for one 5
10A 20. Sure ___ 10
11A 23. Rogue 3
12A 24. Frighteningly monstrous sorts 5
13A 25. More than a chart-topper 7
14A 28. What "!" is used for, in coding 8
15A 32. Political rival of Mark Antony 6
16A 33. Genesis 4
17A 34. Southern California city with a Spanish name 4
18A 36. Some undergrad conferrals, in brief 3
19A 37. Put under ___ 9
20A 40. One who's left, for short? 3
21A 41. Overzealous fan, in modern slang 4
22A 42. Paradise 4
23A 46. Big fuss 6
24A 49. Make the most of 8
25A 51. Useful tips for writers? 7
26A 53. What's close to the bone? 5
27A 54. Possible translation of "y" 3
28A 55. One way to start a race ... or a hint to understanding seven clues in this puzzle 10
29A 59. Clear molding material 5
30A 62. Aquarium fish with "neon" and "emperor" varieties 5
31A 63. Ramadan's end 3
32A 64. Cease ___ 5
33A 65. Have leftovers, say 5
34A 66. Actor Stephen of "V for Vendetta" 3
35A 67. Promotes 5
36A 68. Tempo 5
37A 69. Foxy 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Creator of Beats Electronics, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Key of Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ ball"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Classic cartoon dog with the catchphrase "You eediot!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Prefix with Roman"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spanish painter (born in greece) remembered for his religious works characterized by elongated human forms and dramatic use of color (1541-1614)
  • Similar words include: Domenikos Theotocopoulos, El Greco
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ancient calculation tools"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave
  • Similar words include: abacus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABACI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Bygone org. for the Houston Oilers"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federation of north american labor unions that merged with the congress of industrial organizations in 1955
  • Similar words include: American Federation of Labor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Lacks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Her Majesty, for one"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Sure ___"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give surety or assume responsibility
  • Similar words include: assure, vouch, insure
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUARANTEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Rogue"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is morally reprehensible
  • Similar words include: bounder, computer-aided design, heel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Frighteningly monstrous sorts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: ogre, monster, devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. More than a chart-topper"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel)
  • Similar words include: blockbuster, smash hit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEGAHIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What "!" is used for, in coding"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a negative statement; a statement that is a refusal or denial of some other statement
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEGATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Political rival of Mark Antony"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a linear unit of the size of type slightly larger than an em
  • Similar words include: Tully, Marcus Tullius Cicero
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CICERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Genesis"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hard fruit
  • Similar words include: semen, come, cum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Southern California city with a Spanish name"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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18A: "36. Some undergrad conferrals, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Artium Baccalaurens, barium, Bachelor of Arts
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

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19A: "37. Put under ___"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat with a cane
  • Similar words include: scold, bawl out, lecture
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMBASTED

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20A: "40. One who's left, for short?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "41. Overzealous fan, in modern slang"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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22A: "42. Paradise"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: paradise, heaven, Shangri-la
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

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23A: "46. Big fuss"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blatant or sensational promotion
  • Similar words include: plug, ballyhoo, hype
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOPLA

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24A: "49. Make the most of"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make optimal; get the most out of; use best
  • Similar words include: optimise
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTIMIZE

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25A: "51. Useful tips for writers?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to erase something
  • Similar words include: eraser
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASERS

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26A: "53. What's close to the bone?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: heftiness, muscularity, brawniness
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

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27A: "54. Possible translation of "y""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "55. One way to start a race ... or a hint to understanding seven clues in this puzzle"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "59. Clear molding material"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
  • Similar words include: rosin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Aquarium fish with "neon" and "emperor" varieties"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TETRA

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31A: "63. Ramadan's end"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "64. Cease ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
  • Similar words include: cease-fire, armistice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUCE

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33A: "65. Have leftovers, say"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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34A: "66. Actor Stephen of "V for Vendetta""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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35A: "67. Promotes"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blatant or sensational promotion
  • Similar words include: plug, hoopla, ballyhoo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYPES

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36A: "68. Tempo"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distance travelled per unit time
  • Similar words include: cannonball along, fastness, belt along
  • Opposite of: decelerate, linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEED

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37A: "69. Foxy"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ breathers 7
2D 2. Asylum seeker 7
3D 3. Swell 7
4D 4. Shocked 6
5D 5. "Metropolitan Life" author Lebowitz 4
6D 6. In case 4
7D 7. Possible puberty problem 4
8D 8. Emblem with an Ojibwe name 5
9D 9. Hipster of times past 3
10D 10. Belt with a kimono 3
11D 11. ___ starters 7
12D 12. Pastry whose name is French for "lightning" 6
13D 13. Associated with 6
14D 21. Eavesdrop from afar, maybe 8
15D 22. When N.Y.C. tourism is typically high 3
16D 26. Taunt 4
17D 27. Professor's world 8
18D 29. Tech co. that was integral to early computer science 3
19D 30. Bubbles, e.g. 4
20D 31. "Groovy!" 5
21D 35. "Hurry!" 4
22D 38. Proficient 4
23D 39. Boom sticks? 3
24D 40. Fills, as a buffet plate 7
25D 43. Things that might be provided with grace? 7
26D 44. Book after Lamentations 7
27D 45. Tabloid that's one of the 10 highest-circulation papers in the U.S. 7
28D 46. ___ place 6
29D 47. Cantankerous 6
30D 48. Rover's sound 3
31D 50. Card that's the source for "blue mana" in Magic: The Gathering 6
32D 52. Plots 5
33D 56. Gather from the field 4
34D 57. Suffix with kitchen 4
35D 58. Wheel that comes apart easily? 4
36D 60. Treatment for a bruise 3
37D 61. Platform for Duck Hunt, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ breathers"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a creature of teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
  • Similar words include: Draco, Dragon, firedrake
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAGONS

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2D: "2. Asylum seeker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exile who flees for safety
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFUGEE

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3D: "3. Swell"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make larger
  • Similar words include: expatiate, flesh out, expand
  • Opposite of: reduce, contract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENLARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Shocked"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that struck with fear, dread, or consternation
  • Similar words include: shocked, dismayed, appalled
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGHAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Metropolitan Life" author Lebowitz"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. In case"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being ten more than forty
  • Similar words include: l, 50, fifty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEST

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7D: "7. Possible puberty problem"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACNE

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8D: "8. Emblem with an Ojibwe name"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Hipster of times past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: hombre, computerized tomography, true cat
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Belt with a kimono"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

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11D: "11. ___ starters"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
  • Similar words include: catch, twin, equalise
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATCHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Pastry whose name is French for "lightning""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oblong cream puff
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECLAIR

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13D: "13. Associated with"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "21. Eavesdrop from afar, maybe"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "22. When N.Y.C. tourism is typically high"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the last (12th) month of the year
  • Similar words include: declination, celestial latitude, December
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEC

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16D: "26. Taunt"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Similar words include: dig, barrack, flout
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Professor's world"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the academic world
  • Similar words include: academe
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACADEMIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Tech co. that was integral to early computer science"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "30. Bubbles, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
  • Similar words include: revolve, ball, globe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORBS

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20D: "31. "Groovy!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "35. "Hurry!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "38. Proficient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: able-bodied, capable
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "39. Boom sticks?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. Fills, as a buffet plate"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "43. Things that might be provided with grace?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
  • Similar words include: dinner party, dinner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Book after Lamentations"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew prophet of the 6th century bc who was exiled to babylon in 587 bc
  • Similar words include: Book of Ezekiel, Ezechiel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EZEKIEL

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27D: "45. Tabloid that's one of the 10 highest-circulation papers in the U.S."

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. ___ place"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
  • Similar words include: open fireplace, fireside, fireplace
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEARTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Cantankerous"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a difficult and contrary disposition; - dorothy sayers
  • Similar words include: cantankerous, crotchety
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORNERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Rover's sound"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Card that's the source for "blue mana" in Magic: The Gathering"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Plots"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)
  • Similar words include: pose, seat, website
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Gather from the field"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: harvest, draw, glean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Suffix with kitchen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Wheel that comes apart easily?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. Treatment for a bruise"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: internal-combustion engine, frosting, sparkler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Platform for Duck Hunt, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: Cornhusker State, neon, nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NES

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
37 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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Last updated: October 15, 2026 at 08:27 AM

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