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Thursday, September 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 03, 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: 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. Things that have icons 4
2A 5. She's possessive 3
3A 8. Sales spiel 5
4A 13. She can speak more than 20 languages 4
5A 14. Lead-in to haw 3
6A 15. Followed 6
7A 17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks" 8
8A 19. Authorize 6
9A 20. Noodle 6
10A 21. On, in French 3
11A 23. Successes for sluggers, for short 4
12A 24. Like some pants or haircuts 7
13A 27. Big laugh 3
14A 28. What dogs do the most in the spring and fall 4
15A 32. School unit 9
16A 34. Reached a payment date 7
17A 36. "Please give this high priority!" 4
18A 37. Character with a famous opening line? 7
19A 38. Like an overtired toddler 5
20A 42. Twice-told tale? 5
21A 43. Sweetums or Baby Doll 7
22A 45. March Madness org. 4
23A 48. Open, as a bottle 7
24A 49. One might feature rivers and bluffs 9
25A 52. Hastens 4
26A 53. Apple purchase 3
27A 54. Comedian Jon 7
28A 56. Its motto is "Industry" 4
29A 58. Sorta 3
30A 59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way 6
31A 64. Emergency alerts 6
32A 66. Complete fiasco, slangily 8
33A 68. Steak option 6
34A 69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey 3
35A 70. Up the ___ 4
36A 71. Words that might be seen on a docent's badge 5
37A 72. Letters found near some bars 3
38A 73. It might be paved with good intentions 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Things that have icons"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. She's possessive"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Sales spiel"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: sales pitch, gear, incline
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. She can speak more than 20 languages"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Lead-in to haw"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Followed"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
  • Similar words include: ensue, result
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENSUED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Authorize"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that render capable or able for some task
  • Opposite of: disable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Noodle"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a human head
  • Similar words include: bean, dome, attic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOGGIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. On, in French"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port in southern lebanon on the mediterranean sea; formerly a major phoenician seaport famous for silks
  • Similar words include: Tyre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Successes for sluggers, for short"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a run that is the result of the batter's performance
  • Similar words include: run batted in, rbi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Like some pants or haircuts"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diminish gradually
  • Similar words include: sharpen, tapering, narrowing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Big laugh"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What dogs do the most in the spring and fall"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: slough, cast, cast off
  • Opposite of: persistent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. School unit"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room in a school where lessons take place
  • Similar words include: schoolroom
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLASSROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Reached a payment date"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. "Please give this high priority!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

18A: "37. Character with a famous opening line?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Like an overtired toddler"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annoyed and irritable
  • Similar words include: busy, finicky, grouchy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Twice-told tale?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a program that is broadcast again
  • Similar words include: rebroadcast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Sweetums or Baby Doll"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. March Madness org."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Open, as a bottle"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that loosen something by unscrewing it
  • Opposite of: screw
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSCREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. One might feature rivers and bluffs"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Hastens"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: rush along, bucket along, pelt along
  • Opposite of: linger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Apple purchase"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mackintosh, macintosh, mack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Comedian Jon"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states film actor who portrayed incorruptible but modest heros (1908-1997)
  • Similar words include: James Maitland Stewart, Dugald Stewart, Jimmy Stewart
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEWART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Its motto is "Industry""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Sorta"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Emergency alerts"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sea nymph (part woman and part bird) supposed to lure sailors to destruction on the rocks where the nymphs lived
  • Similar words include: temptress, enchantress, femme fatale
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIRENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Complete fiasco, slangily"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Steak option"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Up the ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Words that might be seen on a docent's badge"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "72. Letters found near some bars"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "73. It might be paved with good intentions"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. The "A" in L.P.G.A.: Abbr. 4
2D 2. Slangy "mouth" found in a 20-Across 7
3D 3. Self-righteous type 4
4D 4. Confess, say 4
5D 5. Spotted youngster that might be spotted on the savanna 8
6D 6. Fish with fused fins 3
7D 7. One end of the Suez Canal 6
8D 8. Many a "Bridgerton" lady 7
9D 9. Alternative to a bed-and-breakfast 3
10D 10. Slavic title 4
11D 11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across 9
12D 12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe 6
13D 16. Place to study 4
14D 18. Factor in a clothing purchase 3
15D 22. ___ Minor 4
16D 25. Something a suspect enters 4
17D 26. Sketches 6
18D 28. Leave a mark 4
19D 29. Hearty 4
20D 30. Islamic "commander" 4
21D 31. Show to be bogus 6
22D 33. Tool found in a 32-Across 9
23D 35. What choreologists study 6
24D 39. Garment that is typically around six yards long 4
25D 40. Captain Hook's right-hand man 4
26D 41. Evergreen trees with red arils 4
27D 43. Cat that can purr but can't roar 4
28D 44. Invigorate 8
29D 46. Skilled performer 7
30D 47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g. 4
31D 49. Surface of a well-used wok 6
32D 50. Pocket rockets, e.g., found in a 49-Across 9
33D 51. "Well, shucks!" 6
34D 53. Polyhymnia or Clio 4
35D 55. Group with the 1994 12x platinum album "CrazySexyCool" 3
36D 57. "Tarnation!" 4
37D 60. Distantly 4
38D 61. Underground entrance found in a 73-Across 7
39D 62. Bread that may have a pocket 4
40D 63. Skeleton, say 4
41D 65. ___ Lock (PC key) 3
42D 67. Orchestra setting 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. The "A" in L.P.G.A.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Slangy "mouth" found in a 20-Across"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Self-righteous type"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: snot, snoot, snob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Confess, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deliver by singing
  • Similar words include: talk, blab out, spill the beans
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spotted youngster that might be spotted on the savanna"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Fish with fused fins"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

7D: "7. One end of the Suez Canal"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Many a "Bridgerton" lady"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman of the peerage in britain
  • Similar words include: Lady, noblewoman
  • Opposite of: nobleman, Lord
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEERESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Alternative to a bed-and-breakfast"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Slavic title"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small compartment
  • Similar words include: snug, cubby, pigeonhole
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUBBYHOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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: atomic number 2, He
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELIUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. Place to study"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Factor in a clothing purchase"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a display of bad temper
  • Similar words include: gibe, primed, equip
  • Opposite of: disagree, unfit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. ___ Minor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Something a suspect enters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humble request for help from someone in authority
  • Similar words include: supplication
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sketches"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
  • Similar words include: outline, tipple, enlist
  • Opposite of: discharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Leave a mark"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
  • Similar words include: scratch, pock, cicatrice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Hearty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soldier of the american revolution who was hanged as a spy by the british; his last words were supposed to have been `i only regret that i have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
  • Similar words include: force, George Ellery Hale, haul
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Islamic "commander""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
  • Similar words include: ameer, amir, emeer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Show to be bogus"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expose while ridiculing; especially of pretentious or false claims and ideas
  • Similar words include: expose
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBUNK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Tool found in a 32-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. What choreologists study"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artistic form of nonverbal communication
  • Similar words include: terpsichore, trip the light fantastic toe, saltation
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANCES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Garment that is typically around six yards long"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Captain Hook's right-hand man"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Evergreen trees with red arils"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of a yew; especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the english yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
  • Similar words include: yew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Cat that can purr but can't roar"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Invigorate"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be alert and energetic
  • Similar words include: stimulate, arouse, brace
  • Opposite of: sedate, de-energize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENERGIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Skilled performer"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public performer (a dancer or singer)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Surface of a well-used wok"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Pocket rockets, e.g., found in a 49-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. "Well, shucks!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Polyhymnia or Clio"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in ancient greek mythology any of 9 daughters of zeus and mnemosyne; protector of an art or science
  • Similar words include: contemplate, think over, ponder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Group with the 1994 12x platinum album "CrazySexyCool""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that considerate and solicitous care
  • Similar words include: tender loving care
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TLC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Tarnation!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Distantly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Underground entrance found in a 73-Across"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hole (usually with a flush cover) through which a person can gain access to an underground structure
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANHOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Bread that may have a pocket"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Similar words include: pocket bread
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Skeleton, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sledge, sleigh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. ___ Lock (PC key)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "67. Orchestra setting"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: endocarp, colliery, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIT

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

38 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
80 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: September 03, 2026 at 08:10 AM

Monday, March 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers March 09, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Constellation word before Major or Minor 4
2A 5. Something to blow off or let off 5
3A 10. "So-o-o cute!" 3
4A 13. Western defense grp. 4
5A 14. "I ___ been a contender ..." 6
6A 15. Lead-in to natal or nuptial 3
7A 16. *Outdoor sport with sticks (1979, 1984) 11
8A 18. Gentle touch 3
9A 19. Letters for a mind reader 3
10A 20. Grunt from a pigpen 4
11A 21. Athlete's representative 5
12A 23. Take weapons away from 6
13A 25. *Period for Fred, Wilma and Pebbles (2016, 2023) 8
14A 28. More in-your-business 6
15A 30. Encourages to buy a more expensive model, say 7
16A 31. Ernest Hemingway's "To Have and Have ___" 3
17A 32. Monster of folk tales 4
18A 34. Goal for collectors 3
19A 35. *Temporary guest from a canine shelter (1988, 1991) 9
20A 39. Oscars airer 3
21A 42. "Pencils down!" 4
22A 43. Double-decker, e.g. 3
23A 45. Strings along 7
24A 48. Some steaks 6
25A 51. *Popular fruit dessert (2001) 8
26A 53. Rebel as a group 6
27A 55. Zimbalist Jr. of "77 Sunset Strip" 5
28A 56. Plastic Ono Band's "Happy ___ (War Is Over)" 4
29A 58. Network for "The Wire" and "Euphoria" 3
30A 59. Birthplace of the bossa nova, informally 3
31A 60. Academy Award category ... or a hint to the starts of the answers to the starred clues 11
32A 64. Vietnamese holiday with a palindromic name 3
33A 65. Baltimore baseball pro 6
34A 66. Colorful body part ... or a colorful flower 4
35A 67. "___ gratia artis" (classic MGM motto) 3
36A 68. Chicken noodle scoop 5
37A 69. Heredity unit 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Constellation word before Major or Minor"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Something to blow off or let off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: steam clean, steamer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "So-o-o cute!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Western defense grp."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
  • Similar words include: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. "I ___ been a contender ...""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Lead-in to natal or nuptial"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. *Outdoor sport with sticks (1979, 1984)"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Gentle touch"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Letters for a mind reader"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses
  • Similar words include: E.S.P., clairvoyance, extrasensory perception
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Grunt from a pigpen"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Athlete's representative"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: agentive role, federal agent, factor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Take weapons away from"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove offensive capability from
  • Similar words include: demilitarise, demilitarize, unarm
  • Opposite of: arm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. *Period for Fred, Wilma and Pebbles (2016, 2023)"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. More in-your-business"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively curious or inquisitive
  • Similar words include: prying, nosy, snoopy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Encourages to buy a more expensive model, say"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Ernest Hemingway's "To Have and Have ___""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: non
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Monster of folk tales"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: devil, demon, fiend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Goal for collectors"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: position, correct, laid
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. *Temporary guest from a canine shelter (1988, 1991)"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Oscars airer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: ABCs, alphabet, ABC's
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. "Pencils down!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instance or single occasion for some event
  • Similar words include: clip, prison term, sentence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Double-decker, e.g."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
  • Similar words include: charabanc, omnibus, motorbus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Strings along"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Some steaks"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. *Popular fruit dessert (2001)"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Rebel as a group"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Zimbalist Jr. of "77 Sunset Strip""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Plastic Ono Band's "Happy ___ (War Is Over)""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a christian holiday celebrating the birth of christ; a quarter day in england, wales, and ireland
  • Similar words include: Christmas Day, Dec 25, Christmas
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Network for "The Wire" and "Euphoria""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Birthplace of the bossa nova, informally"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Academy Award category ... or a hint to the starts of the answers to the starred clues"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Vietnamese holiday with a palindromic name"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the new year in vietnam; observed for three days after the first full moon after january 20th
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Baltimore baseball pro"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black
  • Similar words include: Old World oriole, American oriole, New World oriole
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Colorful body part ... or a colorful flower"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. "___ gratia artis" (classic MGM motto)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless and odorless inert gas; one of the six inert gases; comprises approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere
  • Similar words include: are, argon, Arkansas
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Chicken noodle scoop"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Heredity unit"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
  • Similar words include: factor, cistron
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Like expired parking meters 5
2D 2. ___ Bran 6
3D 3. Bobby, Peter or Greg, to Carol Brady 7
4D 4. Internet pioneer 3
5D 5. "Coming ___ to a theater near you" 4
6D 6. Partner of nips 5
7D 7. Relative of a reindeer 3
8D 8. Suffix with lemon or orange 3
9D 9. Ancient Central American pyramid builders 6
10D 10. They go to a higher court 7
11D 11. Round up, as cattle 7
12D 12. Receiving the most rain 7
13D 14. Grandfather clock sound 5
14D 17. Piquant triangular chip 6
15D 22. "Gosh!" 3
16D 24. Starting on 4
17D 26. Small castle tower 6
18D 27. Guest opinion column 4
19D 29. Corkscrew-shaped pasta 6
20D 33. Opal or ruby 3
21D 36. "Enough already!" 4
22D 37. Double-reed woodwind player 6
23D 38. Biceps, boastfully 4
24D 39. Canadian province north of Montana 7
25D 40. More brawny 7
26D 41. Bugs Bunny's supply 7
27D 44. "Now, you listen to me ..." 7
28D 46. Beats by ___ (headphone brand) 3
29D 47. Word with sex or status 6
30D 49. Support for a knee or a neck 5
31D 50. Enters a game at the half, say 6
32D 52. Praise enthusiastically 5
33D 54. Group assisting a sheriff 5
34D 57. Like a bull or buck 4
35D 61. Memorable period 3
36D 62. Caesar of old comedy 3
37D 63. 18-wheeler 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Like expired parking meters"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not given support
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNFED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. ___ Bran"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dried grape
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Bobby, Peter or Greg, to Carol Brady"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the son your spouse by a former marriage
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEPSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Internet pioneer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Coming ___ to a theater near you""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the near future
  • Similar words include: shortly, presently, before long
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Partner of nips"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that eatables (especially sweets)
  • Similar words include: tuck, gather, pucker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Relative of a reindeer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: Cervus elaphus, American elk, Cervus elaphus canadensis
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Suffix with lemon or orange"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ancient Central American pyramid builders"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an american indian people of yucatan and belize and guatemala who had a culture (which reached its peak between ad 300 and 900) characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy
  • Similar words include: Mayan language, Maya, Mayan
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. They go to a higher court"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest or urgent request
  • Similar words include: appeal, prayer, entreaty
  • Opposite of: repel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Round up, as cattle"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an angry dispute
  • Similar words include: quarrel, haggle, brawl
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRANGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Receiving the most rain"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
  • Similar words include: soused, sozzled, squiffy
  • Opposite of: dry
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WETTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Grandfather clock sound"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned bells that are struck with a hammer; used as an orchestral instrument
  • Similar words include: gong, bell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Piquant triangular chip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. "Gosh!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g, g-force
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Starting on"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Small castle tower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small tower extending above a building
  • Similar words include: gun turret, gun enclosure
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Guest opinion column"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Corkscrew-shaped pasta"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Opal or ruby"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  • Similar words include: treasure, gemstone, precious stone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "36. "Enough already!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something ending
  • Similar words include: hold on, lay off, stop over
  • Opposite of: begin, continuant consonant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. Double-reed woodwind player"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musician who plays the oboe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. Biceps, boastfully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
  • Similar words include: torpedo, hit man, ordnance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Canadian province north of Montana"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the three prairie provinces in western canada; rich in oil and natural gas and minerals
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALBERTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. More brawny"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that muscular and heavily built
  • Similar words include: burly, beefy, husky
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEFIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Bugs Bunny's supply"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deep orange edible root of the cultivated carrot plant
  • Similar words include: cultivated carrot, Daucus carota sativa, carrot
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. "Now, you listen to me ...""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Beats by ___ (headphone brand)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Word with sex or status"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance
  • Similar words include: symbolisation, symbolic representation, symbolization
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYMBOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Support for a knee or a neck"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a support that steadies or strengthens something else
  • Similar words include: energize, duet, stabilize
  • Opposite of: de-energise, sedate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Enters a game at the half, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Praise enthusiastically"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: glorify, exalt, laud
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. Group assisting a sheriff"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary police force
  • Similar words include: posse comitatus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Like a bull or buck"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
  • Similar words include: virile, manly, manful
  • Opposite of: female
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "61. Memorable period"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "62. Caesar of old comedy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "63. 18-wheeler"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Similar words include: getup, fishing gear, cheat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIG

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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

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Last updated: March 09, 2026 at 05:07 AM