Search Clues

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Designation for a potato 5
2A 6. Kind of party 4
3A 10. Counter, as a claim 5
4A 15. ___ Holmes, 2020s role for Millie Bobby Brown 5
5A 16. Strongly nudge 4
6A 17. In opposition to everyone else 5
7A 18. Jack ___ 5
8A 19. Position in a bridge game 4
9A 20. Covers for campers 5
10A 21. Claim on property 4
11A 22. "Really?" 6
12A 24. Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson 4
13A 25. "I should care because ...?" 3
14A 26. It's just a little bit off 8
15A 28. Little bit of life? 3
16A 29. Chocolate toffee bar since 1981 4
17A 30. Modern component in a digital display, in brief 4
18A 32. Places to stretch out 5
19A 35. What may precede a texter's two cents 4
20A 38. Mexican milk 5
21A 42. Fitting kind of exam for a dental student 4
22A 43. Least friendly 6
23A 45. Anchor, as a boat 4
24A 46. 1880s-'90s veep ___ P. Morton 4
25A 47. Kids 6
26A 48. Rightmost compartment in a till 4
27A 49. Shape of a skating rink 4
28A 51. Subtle glow 4
29A 53. Theoretical world coexisting with ours ... as depicted in this puzzle 16
30A 61. Hit musical set in Buenos Aires 5
31A 62. Ceramic collectible, maybe 4
32A 63. Adjust the price on 5
33A 64. Theoretical timeline where things play out a little differently ... as featured in this puzzle 16
34A 67. "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly ___ Jepsen 3
35A 68. How one might dress in a professional setting 8
36A 69. Just one taste 3
37A 70. Abbr. in a birth announcement 3
38A 71. That ship 3
39A 72. Family member, familiarly 3
40A 73. C7H5N3O6, for short 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Designation for a potato"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fleshy underground stem or root serving for reproductive and food storage
  • Similar words include: genus Tuber
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Kind of party"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male deer, especially an adult male red deer
  • Similar words include: tell on, snitch, denounce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Counter, as a claim"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
  • Similar words include: refute, controvert
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. ___ Holmes, 2020s role for Millie Bobby Brown"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Strongly nudge"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: barrack, press, cheer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. In opposition to everyone else"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that isolated from others
  • Similar words include: only, exclusively, solitary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Jack ___"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small fatty european fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines
  • Similar words include: brisling, Clupea sprattus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Position in a bridge game"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
  • Similar words include: tail, nates, buns
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Covers for campers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterproofed canvas
  • Similar words include: tarp, tarpaulin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Claim on property"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
  • Similar words include: spleen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Really?""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "I should care because ...?""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. It's just a little bit off"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Little bit of life?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: deoxyribonucleic acid, desoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Chocolate toffee bar since 1981"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Modern component in a digital display, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-luminous diode (it glows when an electrical field is applied to the electrodes) that does not require backlighting or diffusers
  • Similar words include: organic light-emitting diode
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Places to stretch out"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
  • Similar words include: lounge, couch, sofa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. What may precede a texter's two cents"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Mexican milk"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Fitting kind of exam for a dental student"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: oral examination, oral exam, viva
  • Opposite of: anal, aboral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Least friendly"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
  • Similar words include: gelid, wintry, polar
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Anchor, as a boat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. 1880s-'90s veep ___ P. Morton"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
  • Similar words include: Matthew, Saint Matthew, St. Matthew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Kids"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
  • Similar words include: vexer, ride, beleaguer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Rightmost compartment in a till"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: single, unity, 1
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Shape of a skating rink"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Similar words include: elliptical, ellipse, ovate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Subtle glow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
  • Similar words include: gloriole, nimbus, aureole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Theoretical world coexisting with ours ... as depicted in this puzzle"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Hit musical set in Buenos Aires"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Ceramic collectible, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Adjust the price on"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Theoretical timeline where things play out a little differently ... as featured in this puzzle"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly ___ Jepsen"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. How one might dress in a professional setting"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with modesty; in a modest manner
  • Opposite of: immodestly
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MODESTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "69. Just one taste"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "70. Abbr. in a birth announcement"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 16 ounces avoirdupois
  • Similar words include: lb, pound
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "71. That ship"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "72. Family member, familiarly"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: Si, atomic number 14, SI unit
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "73. C7H5N3O6, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Automotive giant headquartered in Austin, Tex. 5
2D 2. Detach from a bulletin board 5
3D 3. Used a drill on 5
4D 4. Spirit 4
5D 5. Chinese zodiac creature 3
6D 6. Bed for fish? 9
7D 7. Reward for a dog 5
8D 8. Marbled gemstone 5
9D 9. Escapes, as a dog 9
10D 10. Double-crosser 3
11D 11. Zip 4
12D 12. Yawning, say 5
13D 13. Shift from the top of a social media feed 5
14D 14. Pioneer in developing alternating current 5
15D 22. On the other hand, in brief 3
16D 23. Component of most salad dressings 3
17D 26. Mo. parts 3
18D 27. Lurker in a reef 3
19D 29. Get ready for dinner, say 8
20D 31. Aspiring actor's submission 8
21D 32. The sun 3
22D 33. It might be conveyed on a conveyor belt 3
23D 34. Websites whose URLs are stored, typically 9
24D 36. Lost, for short 3
25D 37. Gentlemen 3
26D 39. Trickster 9
27D 40. Garden tool 3
28D 41. Places where people are usually lying, for short 3
29D 43. "___ be fine" 4
30D 44. Taiwanese president ___ Ing-wen 4
31D 50. Clear warnings 6
32D 52. Tanning agents, informally 6
33D 53. Gemstone with biological roots 5
34D 54. H.S. media room 5
35D 55. Dodge deceptively 5
36D 56. Behind 4
37D 57. Purposes 4
38D 58. "Phooey!" 5
39D 59. Posh clothing material 5
40D 60. Site of the Ten Plagues 5
41D 65. Traditional Japanese drama 3
42D 66. QB Manning 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Automotive giant headquartered in Austin, Tex."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Detach from a bulletin board"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of
  • Opposite of: pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNPIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Used a drill on"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be bored
  • Similar words include: world-weary, bore, drill
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Spirit"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: panache, zeal, ardour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Chinese zodiac creature"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: tell on, shit, blackleg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bed for fish?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Reward for a dog"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: deal, kickshaw, regale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Marbled gemstone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Escapes, as a dog"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Double-crosser"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: tell on, shit, blackleg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Zip"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: panache, zeal, ardour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Yawning, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be bored
  • Similar words include: world-weary, bore, drill
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Shift from the top of a social media feed"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of
  • Opposite of: pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNPIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Pioneer in developing alternating current"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. On the other hand, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Component of most salad dressings"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Similar words include: inunct, anele, rock oil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Mo. parts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Lurker in a reef"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Get ready for dinner, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that produce saliva
  • Similar words include: drool
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALIVATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Aspiring actor's submission"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. The sun"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Similar words include: colloidal solution, soh, colloidal suspension
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. It might be conveyed on a conveyor belt"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Websites whose URLs are stored, typically"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something regarded with special favor or liking
  • Similar words include: favourite, front-runner, ducky
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAVORITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Lost, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Gentlemen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Trickster"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Garden tool"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Places where people are usually lying, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: erbium, Er, emergency room
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. "___ be fine""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Taiwanese president ___ Ing-wen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Clear warnings"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  • Similar words include: alarm system, consternation, alarum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALARMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Tanning agents, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Gemstone with biological roots"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
  • Similar words include: ivory, bead, off-white
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEARL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. H.S. media room"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Dodge deceptively"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • Similar words include: bilk, hedge, elude
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Behind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: deep, belatedly, tardily
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Purposes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: enjoyment, USA, purpose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. "Phooey!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Posh clothing material"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Site of the Ten Plagues"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in northeastern africa known as the united arab republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 bc
  • Similar words include: Egyptian Empire, United Arab Republic, Arab Republic of Egypt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGYPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. Traditional Japanese drama"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. QB Manning"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

40 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
82 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: July 01, 2026 at 07:52 AM

Saturday, February 7, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 07, 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. Breakfast bar item 11
2A 12. Summer picnic side dish 13
3A 14. Homo sapiens, e.g. 15
4A 16. Curio shop treasure 6
5A 17. Singer with the 2016 Grammy-winning soul ballad "Cranes in the Sky" 7
6A 18. Losing propositions? 5
7A 19. Keep-on-keeping-on quality 4
8A 21. Cause for getting stuck 4
9A 22. Not, colloquially 4
10A 23. Misdirect 4
11A 24. Airbnb inclusion, usually 5
12A 25. Some control buttons 3
13A 26. Like hand-to-hand fighting 10
14A 28. On the starting line 9
15A 29. Over/under and point spread 10
16A 31. Small squeeze from a tube 3
17A 34. Dome-shaped Buddhist shrine 5
18A 35. Fancy-schmancy 4
19A 36. Pronoun in Texas 4
20A 37. Instrument depicted in paintings by Hals and Caravaggio 4
21A 38. "OMG"-evoking deed 4
22A 39. Use for a yew 5
23A 40. As good as it gets 7
24A 42. Isle of Sappho 6
25A 43. They make low digits smaller 15
26A 46. What a pitcher tries to do 13
27A 47. Former e-book devices, until 2014 11

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Breakfast bar item"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "12. Summer picnic side dish"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Homo sapiens, e.g."

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Curio shop treasure"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that eccentricity that is not easily explained
  • Similar words include: quirk, oddment, crotchet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Singer with the 2016 Grammy-winning soul ballad "Cranes in the Sky""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Losing propositions?"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prescribed selection of foods
  • Similar words include: diet, dieting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Keep-on-keeping-on quality"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
  • Similar words include: sand, gumption, guts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Cause for getting stuck"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  • Similar words include: entangle, quag, grind to a halt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Not, colloquially"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never a'
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Misdirect"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who lacks good judgment
  • Similar words include: tomfool, mug, befool
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Airbnb inclusion, usually"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  • Similar words include: linen paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Some control buttons"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Like hand-to-hand fighting"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. On the starting line"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Over/under and point spread"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Small squeeze from a tube"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light touch or stroke
  • Similar words include: swab, splatter, swob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Dome-shaped Buddhist shrine"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dome-shaped shrine erected by buddhists
  • Similar words include: tope
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Fancy-schmancy"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - julia child
  • Similar words include: swish, classy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Pronoun in Texas"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Instrument depicted in paintings by Hals and Caravaggio"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
  • Similar words include: luting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. "OMG"-evoking deed"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a notable achievement
  • Similar words include: effort, exploit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Use for a yew"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
  • Similar words include: sidestep, hedging, elude
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. As good as it gets"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied
  • Similar words include: optimum
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTIMAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Isle of Sappho"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of eastern greece in the eastern aegean sea; in antiquity it was famous for lyric poetry
  • Similar words include: Lesvos, Mytilene
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESBOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. They make low digits smaller"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. What a pitcher tries to do"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Former e-book devices, until 2014"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Can't keep on topic 7
2D 2. Sharpshooter's asset 6
3D 3. Preps for surgery, perhaps 5
4D 4. Wear out around the edges 4
5D 5. First name in Universal horror 3
6D 6. Seldom-used PC key 3
7D 7. Long shot practice 11
8D 8. "Save me ___!" 5
9D 9. Pauline ___, former New Yorker film critic 4
10D 10. Classic Chevy model 8
11D 11. Not fair, in a way 7
12D 12. Strip down the Interstate 6
13D 13. Student's goal 6
14D 14. "That can't possibly be right!" 5
15D 15. Enjoying recognition 4
16D 19. One of many in a bee, typically 11
17D 20. Reptile with a colorful name 7
18D 23. Having lost all its fizz 4
19D 24. Isn't keeping up 4
20D 26. Michael who plays Allan in "Barbie" 4
21D 27. "Divergent" author Veronica 4
22D 28. Ensnare for, as some undertakings 8
23D 29. A heavy drinker may be found in one 6
24D 30. Woolen leggings, as worn by W.W. I soldiers 7
25D 31. Physiques that have gone a little soft 7
26D 32. Former veep with a Nobel Prize 6
27D 33. "___ This Mess" 5
28D 34. Opening for a mail carrier 4
29D 36. Private reply 6
30D 38. One of Oberon's subjects 5
31D 39. Author of "Steppenwolf' 5
32D 41. Street ending at Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle 4
33D 42. Wrote fiction? 4
34D 44. Many a professional office: Abbr. 3
35D 45. The Hornets, on scoreboards 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Can't keep on topic"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: ramble, stray, rove
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WANDERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Sharpshooter's asset"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sharpness of vision; the visual ability to resolve fine detail (usually measured by a snellen chart)
  • Similar words include: sharp-sightedness, keenness, acuteness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACUITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Preps for surgery, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that abstaining from food
  • Similar words include: fasting, fast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Wear out around the edges"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisy fight
  • Similar words include: disturbance, chafe, frazzle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. First name in Universal horror"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Seldom-used PC key"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Long shot practice"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Save me ___!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Pauline ___, former New Yorker film critic"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Classic Chevy model"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Not fair, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that precipitate as rain
  • Similar words include: rain, rain down
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAINING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Strip down the Interstate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the value below which 50% of the cases fall
  • Similar words include: average, median value, medial
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Student's goal"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
  • Similar words include: point, grade, arcdegree
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEGREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. "That can't possibly be right!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Enjoying recognition"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
  • Similar words include: visualize, meet, encounter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "19. One of many in a bee, typically"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "20. Reptile with a colorful name"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Having lost all its fizz"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a level tract of land
  • Similar words include: apartment, 2-dimensional, categorical
  • Opposite of: natural, contrasty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Isn't keeping up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of slowing down or falling behind
  • Similar words include: incarcerate, gaol, interim
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Michael who plays Allan in "Barbie""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "27. "Divergent" author Veronica"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer whose novels portray middle-class jewish life (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Philip Roth, Philip Milton Roth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "28. Ensnare for, as some undertakings"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "29. A heavy drinker may be found in one"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
  • Similar words include: grogginess, semiconsciousness, shock
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUPOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "30. Woolen leggings, as worn by W.W. I soldiers"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of cloth wound around the leg to form legging; used by soldiers in world war i
  • Similar words include: puttee
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUTTEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "31. Physiques that have gone a little soft"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "32. Former veep with a Nobel Prize"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "33. "___ This Mess""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a benediction to
  • Similar words include: sign, sanctify, consecrate
  • Opposite of: curse, desecrate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "34. Opening for a mail carrier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
  • Similar words include: one-armed bandit, expansion slot, time slot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "36. Private reply"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "38. One of Oberon's subjects"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
  • Similar words include: pansy, faggot, poof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAIRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "39. Author of "Steppenwolf'"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swiss writer (born in germany) whose novels and poems express his interests in eastern spiritual values (1877-1962)
  • Similar words include: Hermann Hesse
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HESSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "41. Street ending at Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
  • Similar words include: master, independent, chief
  • Opposite of: dependent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "42. Wrote fiction?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a german art song of the 19th century for voice and piano
  • Similar words include: lie down, lie in, lie
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "44. Many a professional office: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "45. The Hornets, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

27 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
62 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: February 07, 2026 at 04:51 AM