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

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Uber alternative 4
2A 5. The class of '26, at the beginning of '26 3
3A 8. Hosp. triage specialists 6
4A 14. One acting on impulse? 4
5A 15. Wasabi-coated tidbit, maybe 3
6A 16. Pittsburgh Pirates mascot 6
7A 17. *Peers 8
8A 19. Order to relax 6
9A 20. Group of reps 3
10A 21. Back-comb, in a way 5
11A 23. ___ mater 4
12A 24. *Number of years between Summer Olympics 12
13A 27. Brews 6
14A 30. Heated competition? 4
15A 31. Kilauea output 4
16A 32. Some porcelain pieces 5
17A 34. Shiba ___ (dog breed) 3
18A 37. *Number of Supreme Court justices 15
19A 41. Ethane or methane 3
20A 42. Belittle 5
21A 43. Conscious of systemic societal problems 4
22A 44. Big inits. in frozen desserts 4
23A 45. They're adjusted when truing a bicycle wheel 6
24A 47. *Guns N' Roses guitarist 12
25A 52. Beauty supply chain 4
26A 53. "Swell!" 5
27A 54. Under the weather 3
28A 57. Jackal-headed Egyptian deity 6
29A 60. What you'd need to press to make the starred clues and their answers match 8
30A 62. It was discovered by the Curies 6
31A 63. Kind of line at the beach 3
32A 64. Try a new course, say 4
33A 65. TikTok phenomena 6
34A 66. Guileful 3
35A 67. Drink with junmai and nigori variants 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Uber alternative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
  • Similar words include: cab, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAXI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. The class of '26, at the beginning of '26"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group; turns yellow in air; occurs in celestite and strontianite
  • Similar words include: atomic number 38, strontium, Sr
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Hosp. triage specialists"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. One acting on impulse?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
  • Similar words include: axone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Wasabi-coated tidbit, maybe"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Pittsburgh Pirates mascot"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *Peers"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Order to relax"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Group of reps"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Back-comb, in a way"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
  • Similar words include: razz, coquette, vamper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. ___ mater"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. *Number of years between Summer Olympics"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLLARSYMBOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Brews"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a steep place (as on a hill)
  • Similar words include: steep, engross, infuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Heated competition?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: play, contact, get together
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Kilauea output"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Some porcelain pieces"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern asia; the most populous country in the world
  • Similar words include: Red China, Nationalist China, mainland China
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Shiba ___ (dog breed)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. *Number of Supreme Court justices"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Ethane or methane"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  • Similar words include: boast, gun, accelerator pedal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Belittle"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  • Similar words include: humiliate, mortify, humble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Conscious of systemic societal problems"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be awake, be alert, be there
  • Similar words include: stir up, awake, wake
  • Opposite of: fall asleep, cause to sleep
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Big inits. in frozen desserts"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. They're adjusted when truing a bicycle wheel"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
  • Similar words include: wheel spoke, spoke, radius
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. *Guns N' Roses guitarist"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUESTIONMARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Beauty supply chain"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. "Swell!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Under the weather"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Similar words include: badly, complaint, sick
  • Opposite of: well
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Jackal-headed Egyptian deity"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian god of tombs and ruler of the underworld; usually depicted as a man with the head of a jackal
  • Similar words include: Anpu
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANUBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. What you'd need to press to make the starred clues and their answers match"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. It was discovered by the Curies"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores
  • Similar words include: Ra, atomic number 88
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Kind of line at the beach"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: tangent, suntan, topaz
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Try a new course, say"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn sharply; change direction abruptly
  • Similar words include: swerve, trend, slue
  • Opposite of: back
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. TikTok phenomena"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general direction in which something tends to move
  • Similar words include: drift, veer, trend
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Guileful"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Drink with junmai and nigori variants"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reason for wanting something done
  • Similar words include: rice beer, interest, saki
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Array behind the counter at a tavern 4
2D 2. Wheel assembly component 4
3D 3. Strike from a list 4
4D 4. Important contacts 3
5D 5. Many fast pitches 6
6D 6. Majestic 5
7D 7. Stark daughter played by Sophie Turner on "Game of Thrones" 5
8D 8. Fuel economy org. 3
9D 9. Tattletale 3
10D 10. Imagined while sleeping 6
11D 11. Toothbrush handle? 5
12D 12. Cranberry-tinged cocktail 5
13D 13. Criminally good deal 5
14D 18. "Quit it!" 4
15D 22. Its fur might trim a royal robe 6
16D 24. College faculty head 4
17D 25. Email status 4
18D 26. Opposite of "nah" 4
19D 27. Real grind 4
20D 28. Seville snack 4
21D 29. Holiday preceders 4
22D 32. Handout with a kids' menu 6
23D 33. Bulls and bucks 3
24D 34. Avoids injury, say 4
25D 35. Personification of victory 4
26D 36. Wields 4
27D 38. Formal accord 4
28D 39. Actress Jacobson of "Broad City" 4
29D 40. Furry "Star Wars" creature 4
30D 44. Container at an airport checkpoint, for short 6
31D 45. Smooth and glossy 6
32D 46. Seminar head, informally 4
33D 47. Ice cream purchase 5
34D 48. Forearm-related, in a way 5
35D 49. Practice piece 5
36D 50. Tree "houses" 5
37D 51. Palace, in Hindi 5
38D 54. Retail outlet with a store map at its entrance 4
39D 55. Garlic relative 4
40D 56. Strings of yore 4
41D 58. T-shaped birth control insert 3
42D 59. Texting inits. 3
43D 61. Fixtures at sports bars 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Array behind the counter at a tavern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) signal to turn the lights out
  • Similar words include: beg, hydrant, tap
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Wheel assembly component"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shaft on which a wheel rotates
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Strike from a list"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Important contacts"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
  • Similar words include: In, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Hoosier State
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Many fast pitches"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • Similar words include: patter, spiel, play
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Majestic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
  • Similar words include: royal, imperial, majestic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REGAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Stark daughter played by Sophie Turner on "Game of Thrones""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Fuel economy org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
  • Similar words include: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Tattletale"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Imagined while sleeping"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a daydream; indulge in a fantasy
  • Similar words include: woolgather, dream, stargaze
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREAMT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Toothbrush handle?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Cranberry-tinged cocktail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Criminally good deal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantageous purchase
  • Similar words include: slip, bargain, buy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. "Quit it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Its fur might trim a royal robe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the expensive white fur of the ermine
  • Similar words include: shorttail weasel, Mustela erminea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERMINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. College faculty head"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
  • Similar words include: James Byron Dean, James Dean, doyen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Email status"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
  • Similar words include: get off, charge, send off
  • Opposite of: unsent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Opposite of "nah""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not only so, but
  • Similar words include: yea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Real grind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work doggedly or persistently
  • Similar words include: slug, pad, keep one's shoulder to the wheel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Seville snack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
  • Similar words include: tapa bark, tappa bark, tappa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Holiday preceders"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Handout with a kids' menu"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that writing implement consisting of a colored stick of composition wax used for writing and drawing
  • Similar words include: wax crayon
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAYON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Bulls and bucks"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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, helium, he
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Avoids injury, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Personification of victory"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) winged goddess of victory; identified with roman victoria
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Wields"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Formal accord"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Actress Jacobson of "Broad City""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "40. Furry "Star Wars" creature"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Container at an airport checkpoint, for short"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Smooth and glossy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light
  • Similar words include: silky, sleek, slick
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Seminar head, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Ice cream purchase"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united states liquid unit equal to 32 fluid ounces; four quarts equal one gallon
  • Similar words include: dry quart
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Forearm-related, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relating to or near the ulna
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ULNAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "49. Practice piece"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Tree "houses""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: nestle, draw close, nest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "51. Palace, in Hindi"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. Retail outlet with a store map at its entrance"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Garlic relative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves; used in cooking; believed derived from the wild allium ampeloprasum
  • Similar words include: Allium porrum, scallion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. Strings of yore"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a harp used by ancient greeks for accompaniment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "58. T-shaped birth control insert"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus
  • Similar words include: intrauterine device
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "59. Texting inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a grey lustrous metallic element of the rare earth group; is used in special alloys; occurs in monazite and bastnasite
  • Similar words include: Sm, samarium, Master of Science
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "61. Fixtures at sports bars"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broadcasting visual images of stationary or moving objects; ; - ernie kovacs
  • Similar words include: telly, television set, TV
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TVS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
43 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: May 13, 2026 at 06:37 AM

Thursday, April 2, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 02, 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. Fanatical groups 5
2A 6. Dish often topped with lime and cilantro 3
3A 9. Sci-fi warrior 4
4A 13. One of 22 works by Mozart, but just one work by Beethoven 5
5A 14. Team behind the cameras 4
6A 15. Actor Epps of "House" 4
7A 16. Question after "Well, well, well ..." 14
8A 18. Jerk 4
9A 19. "Family Guy" character with a nasal voice 4
10A 20. Exec who manages a company's day-to-day affairs 3
11A 21. Word with market or list 5
12A 22. "Too late to do anything about it now" 17
13A 26. One who has a lot to show? 7
14A 28. Bungee jumping requirement 4
15A 29. First name in beauty products 5
16A 30. Egg carton? 3
17A 31. Holders of hammers and anvils 4
18A 35. One cause of deterioration 3
19A 36. Marine creatures that can grow to the size of double-decker buses 11
20A 40. Genre for DMX or DMC 3
21A 41. Coffee maker inserts 4
22A 43. Actor Somerhalder of "Lost" 3
23A 44. Gas company with a triangular logo 5
24A 46. One side in a "Holy War" rivalry in college football 4
25A 48. Player on the bench? 7
26A 50. Sarcastic response to an unwanted offer 17
27A 54. Oodles 5
28A 55. Member of a Tolkien army 3
29A 56. Object in Pixar's logo 4
30A 59. Demolish 4
31A 60. Facial wrinkles ... or what's present in 16-, 22-, 36- and 50-Across? 10
32A 63. School with a larger-than-life bronze statue of Henry VI 4
33A 64. Fun-size 4
34A 65. Irritating "cloud" 5
35A 66. Beech or birch 4
36A 67. Ernie who has won the British Open twice 3
37A 68. Shoelace protector 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Fanatical groups"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
  • Similar words include: furor, religious cult, rage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CULTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Dish often topped with lime and cilantro"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Sci-fi warrior"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. One of 22 works by Mozart, but just one work by Beethoven"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Team behind the cameras"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
  • Similar words include: gang, crowd, work party
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Actor Epps of "House""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Question after "Well, well, well ...""

14 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Jerk"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an american who lives in the north (especially during the american civil war)
  • Similar words include: jerk, Yankee, Northerner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. "Family Guy" character with a nasal voice"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Exec who manages a company's day-to-day affairs"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a pigeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Word with market or list"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
  • Similar words include: Mary Leontyne Price, Leontyne Price, terms
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. "Too late to do anything about it now""

17 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THATSHIPHASSAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. One who has a lot to show?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a real estate agent who is a member of the national association of realtors
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REALTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Bungee jumping requirement"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line made of twisted fibers or threads
  • Similar words include: electric cord, corduroy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. First name in beauty products"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Egg carton?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enclosed space
  • Similar words include: pouch, sack, pocket
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Holders of hammers and anvils"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: ear, auricle, pinna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. One cause of deterioration"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Marine creatures that can grow to the size of double-decker buses"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Genre for DMX or DMC"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Coffee maker inserts"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: cod, seedcase, pod
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Actor Somerhalder of "Lost""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Gas company with a triangular logo"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. One side in a "Holy War" rivalry in college football"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
  • Similar words include: Ute
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Player on the bench?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who plays the piano
  • Similar words include: piano player
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIANIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Sarcastic response to an unwanted offer"

17 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THANKSBUTNOTHANKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Oodles"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: scores, lashings, peck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Member of a Tolkien army"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Object in Pixar's logo"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial source of visible illumination
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Demolish"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tear down so as to make flat with the ground
  • Similar words include: dismantle, rase, tear down
  • Opposite of: raise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Facial wrinkles ... or what's present in 16-, 22-, 36- and 50-Across?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. School with a larger-than-life bronze statue of Henry VI"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Fun-size"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: bantam, midget, petite
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Irritating "cloud""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Similar words include: gnat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Beech or birch"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
  • Similar words include: Sir Henry Wood, woodwind, Grant Wood
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Ernie who has won the British Open twice"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: el, elevated railroad, overhead railway
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Shoelace protector"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon
  • Similar words include: aiglet, aiguilette
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Part of a Batman costume 4
2D 2. Until 4
3D 3. Had an uplifting experience? 9
4D 4. Bridge framework 7
5D 5. Shop item with teeth 3
6D 6. Before surgery, in brief 5
7D 7. "Let ___ Go" (2012 Passenger hit) 3
8D 8. Be shy 3
9D 9. Some kicks on Route 66, maybe 7
10D 10. Bit of info on a résumé 5
11D 11. Ball 5
12D 12. Teed off 5
13D 14. Group in a loft 5
14D 17. Sound in a cave 4
15D 21. Course standard 3
16D 23. Gumbo, e.g. 4
17D 24. Disney villain based on Shakespeare's King Claudius 4
18D 25. Punch in the face, say 4
19D 26. Extend a tour of duty 4
20D 27. The first letter in this gas brand's logo resembles a backward 3 4
21D 30. It's often identified by its last four digits, in brief 3
22D 32. Made in a nonmechanized way, as food products 9
23D 33. Cloths for custodians 4
24D 34. TV ad 4
25D 37. Stead 4
26D 38. Like Alabama vis-à-vis Mississippi 4
27D 39. Create a PDF of, maybe 4
28D 42. Hang 7
29D 45. Slightest idea 7
30D 47. Airer of the game show "Wipeout" 3
31D 48. Bess's beau on Broadway 5
32D 49. Eczema symptom 4
33D 50. Pitched 5
34D 51. "Cool beans!" 5
35D 52. Instrument once known as a "toy trumpet" 5
36D 53. Followers of articles 5
37D 57. Parcel (out) 4
38D 58. Whisper that might accompany a tap 4
39D 60. Broadband letters 3
40D 61. Need a day off, say 3
41D 62. Big Apple airport code 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Part of a Batman costume"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine
  • Similar words include: cowling, bonnet, hood
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Until"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Had an uplifting experience?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to rise in the air and float, as if in defiance of gravity
  • Similar words include: levitate, hover
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVITATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Bridge framework"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a supporting tower used to support a bridge
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRESTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Shop item with teeth"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  • Similar words include: construe, assure, run into
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Before surgery, in brief"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Let ___ Go" (2012 Passenger hit)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Be shy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Some kicks on Route 66, maybe"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ride in a car taken solely for pleasure
  • Similar words include: tool around, tool
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOYRIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Bit of info on a résumé"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
  • Similar words include: netmail, e-mail, electronic mail
  • Opposite of: snail mail
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ball"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Teed off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irritate or vex
  • Similar words include: irk, gall
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Group in a loft"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
  • Similar words include: consort, chorus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Sound in a cave"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: repeat, reverberation, reverberate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Course standard"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equality, equivalence, equation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Gumbo, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: lather, sweat, swither
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Disney villain based on Shakespeare's King Claudius"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Punch in the face, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hosiery consisting of a cloth covering for the foot; worn inside the shoe; reaches to between the ankle and the knee
  • Similar words include: whop, bonk, drogue
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Extend a tour of duty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. The first letter in this gas brand's logo resembles a backward 3"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. It's often identified by its last four digits, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Made in a nonmechanized way, as food products"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Cloths for custodians"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
  • Similar words include: cod, lecture, call down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. TV ad"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: smirch, position, spy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Stead"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
  • Similar words include: place, stead, position
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Like Alabama vis-à-vis Mississippi"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: due east, E, eastern United States
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Create a PDF of, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: run down, rake, skim
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Hang"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hang freely
  • Similar words include: debar, set aside, freeze
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSPEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Slightest idea"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight suggestion or vague understanding
  • Similar words include: intimation, glimmering, glimmer
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INKLING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Airer of the game show "Wipeout""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metallic element of the rare earth group; used in lasers; occurs in apatite and monazite and xenotime and ytterbite
  • Similar words include: terabit, TiB, tuberculosis
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Bess's beau on Broadway"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lean flesh of fish found in warm waters of southern atlantic coast of the united states
  • Similar words include: scup
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Eczema symptom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: scabies, urge, itching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Pitched"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that propel through the air
  • Similar words include: throw off, befuddle, confound
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "Cool beans!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Instrument once known as a "toy trumpet""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toy wind instrument that has a membrane that makes a sound when you hum into the mouthpiece
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAZOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Followers of articles"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action
  • Similar words include: noun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOUNS

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37D: "57. Parcel (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line that indicates a boundary
  • Similar words include: delimitation, boundary line, borderline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METE

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38D: "58. Whisper that might accompany a tap"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "60. Broadband letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "61. Need a day off, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic bulb used as seasoning
  • Similar words include: trouble, garlic, pain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIL

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41D: "62. Big Apple airport code"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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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
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 02, 2026 at 05:19 AM