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Friday, July 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 17, 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. Savory Chinese dish prepared on a griddle 15
2A 16. Ended something bad for good 15
3A 17. Had a little of this and that, say 15
4A 18. Dream setting, for short 3
5A 19. Does as a group? 4
6A 20. Air 4
7A 21. Water bearer 4
8A 23. It's a trap! 5
9A 27. Put into play 4
10A 31. Apply for an in-office job? 3
11A 32. Chase, in a way 3
12A 35. Pacifists' initiative 15
13A 40. Historical figure known to have acquired and dissected human corpses 15
14A 41. Common accompaniment to ribs 15
15A 42. It lacks a permanent host, for short 3
16A 43. Comedian Margaret 3
17A 44. Landform commonly seen in a crescent shape on Mars 4
18A 45. Phonies 5
19A 47. Candy bar similar to Heath 4
20A 51. Start of a tragedy 4
21A 54. They typically come in sets of four 4
22A 58. One who's been fleeced? 3
23A 59. French seafood topping named after another country 15
24A 64. "What on earth will you show some respect for?" 15
25A 65. Be alert 15

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Savory Chinese dish prepared on a griddle"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "16. Ended something bad for good"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "17. Had a little of this and that, say"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Dream setting, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
  • Similar words include: rapid eye movement sleep, rapid eye movement, REM sleep
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "19. Does as a group?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinguished from bovidae by the male's having solid deciduous antlers
  • Similar words include: cervid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Air"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
  • Similar words include: mode, temper, humour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Water bearer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
  • Similar words include: pitcher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "23. It's a trap!"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that equipment designed to serve a specific function
  • Similar words include: apparatus, frame-up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "27. Put into play"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • Similar words include: victimized, victimised, utilise
  • Opposite of: misused
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "31. Apply for an in-office job?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
  • Similar words include: break away, hunt down, track down
  • Opposite of: malfunction, idle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "32. Chase, in a way"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seek someone's favor
  • Similar words include: romance, court, solicit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "35. Pacifists' initiative"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "40. Historical figure known to have acquired and dissected human corpses"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "41. Common accompaniment to ribs"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "42. It lacks a permanent host, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "43. Comedian Margaret"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "44. Landform commonly seen in a crescent shape on Mars"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
  • Similar words include: sand dune
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "45. Phonies"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
  • Similar words include: sham, shammer, fake
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "47. Candy bar similar to Heath"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "51. Start of a tragedy"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "54. They typically come in sets of four"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: mitt, hand, paw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "58. One who's been fleeced?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "59. French seafood topping named after another country"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "64. "What on earth will you show some respect for?""

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "65. Be alert"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Sweet sandwich 5
2D 2. Rod whom the annual A.L. batting title is named after 5
3D 3. Google smartphone feature that edits the photographer into the group shot 5
4D 4. Pulitzer-winning author whose only two novels were published 55 years apart 3
5D 5. Pie crust ingredient 4
6D 6. Slush Puppie alternative 4
7D 7. Dated many years ago? 4
8D 8. Approaches 5
9D 9. Mate 3
10D 10. What the names of all but one continent end with 3
11D 11. Airer of the original "Star Trek" series 3
12D 12. Marathoner's woe 5
13D 13. Prefix with -nautics 4
14D 14. Kaelin of the O.J. trial 4
15D 15. Pulled (out) 4
16D 22. Spoils 5
17D 24. Unearthed? 6
18D 25. Island nation north of Fiji 6
19D 26. Rough, in a way 6
20D 28. Fabric fragment 6
21D 29. Kitt who played Catwoman 6
22D 30. Marvel antagonist who wears a metal mask 6
23D 32. Headed out 4
24D 33. Never to be repeated 4
25D 34. First name of the singer dubbed the "King of Soul" 4
26D 35. Poor gift-giving? 4
27D 36. Like some lights 4
28D 37. Grind away 4
29D 38. Cut down on greens? 3
30D 39. Small amounts 5
31D 45. Incite to attack, as a dog 5
32D 46. Exhausted 5
33D 48. Knightley of "Bend It Like Beckham" 5
34D 49. Completely defeated 5
35D 50. Like marshes 5
36D 51. Thrift store tag 4
37D 52. Something big when all the world's a stage? 4
38D 53. It might be on a roll 4
39D 55. Exasperated cry 4
40D 56. Learned 4
41D 57. Disney antagonist who rules the Pride Lands 4
42D 60. Station information, for short 3
43D 61. "I've had a breakthrough!" 3
44D 62. Sch. that releases admission decisions on Pi Day 3
45D 63. Wizard 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Sweet sandwich"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Rod whom the annual A.L. batting title is named after"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that englishman and cavalier poet whose lyric poetry was favored by charles i (1595-1639)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Carew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Google smartphone feature that edits the photographer into the group shot"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pulitzer-winning author whose only two novels were published 55 years apart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: Lee Yuen Kam, leeward, Tsung Dao Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Pie crust ingredient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft white semisolid fat obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of the hog
  • Similar words include: aggrandise, embellish, blow up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Slush Puppie alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Dated many years ago?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Approaches"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: near, draw close, come near
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Mate"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, chum up, brother
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. What the names of all but one continent end with"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Airer of the original "Star Trek" series"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Marathoner's woe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
  • Similar words include: muscle spasm, spasm, cramp iron
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Prefix with -nautics"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Kaelin of the O.J. trial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Pulled (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Spoils"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
  • Similar words include: ruin, smash, bankrupt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Unearthed?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become ground down or deteriorate
  • Similar words include: gnaw at, wear away, scoured
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERODED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Island nation north of Fiji"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island republic on the tuvalu islands; formerly part of the british colony of gilbert and ellice islands until it withdrew in 1975 and became independent of the united kingdom in 1978
  • Similar words include: Ellice Islands
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUVALU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Rough, in a way"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture
  • Similar words include: odd, mismatched, spotty
  • Opposite of: even
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNEVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Fabric fragment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sample piece of cloth
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWATCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Kitt who played Catwoman"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Marvel antagonist who wears a metal mask"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Headed out"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
  • Similar words include: depart, exit, cash in one's chips
  • Opposite of: stay in place, come
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Never to be repeated"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: at one time, in one case, erst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. First name of the singer dubbed the "King of Soul""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
  • Similar words include: Elisha Graves Otis, genus Otis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "35. Poor gift-giving?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that money or goods contributed to the poor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "36. Like some lights"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: atomic number 10, Ne
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "37. Grind away"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that productive work (especially physical work done for wages)
  • Similar words include: labour, labor, grind
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "38. Cut down on greens?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Similar words include: cut down, haymow, mop
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "39. Small amounts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight but appreciable amount
  • Similar words include: pinch, mite, hint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Incite to attack, as a dog"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Exhausted"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass time in a specific way
  • Similar words include: worn out, exhausted, expend
  • Opposite of: unexhausted
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Knightley of "Bend It Like Beckham""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Completely defeated"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have ownership or possession of
  • Similar words include: possess, own, have
  • Opposite of: unowned
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Like marshes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a tone of a reed instrument
  • Similar words include: reedlike, wheezy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. Thrift store tag"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. Something big when all the world's a stage?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actors in a play
  • Similar words include: stray, tramp, disgorge
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "53. It might be on a roll"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
  • Similar words include: Opuntia tuna, tunny, Anguilla sucklandii
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Exasperated cry"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. Learned"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a way of doing or being
  • Similar words include: wise to, fresh, impudent
  • Opposite of: foolish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "57. Disney antagonist who rules the Pride Lands"

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: pit, mark, scratch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "60. Station information, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Similar words include: explosive trace detection
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "61. "I've had a breakthrough!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "62. Sch. that releases admission decisions on Pi Day"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an engineering university in cambridge
  • Similar words include: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "63. Wizard"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: angiotensin-converting enzyme, champion, topnotch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

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

25 Across Clues
45 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: July 17, 2026 at 05:58 AM

Sunday, May 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 24, 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. Second attempt 4
2A 5. Hunk of marble, e.g. 4
3A 9. Very proficient 5
4A 14. What many plants do in the heat 4
5A 18. Neighbor of Turkmenistan 4
6A 19. Word with happy or half 4
7A 20. Unusual trinket 5
8A 21. ___ furniture 5
9A 22. Stoical British guys? 15
10A 25. Creative spark, in slang 5
11A 26. Avoid 6
12A 27. Sleepover challenge 4
13A 28. It's made with grains 7
14A 30. They twist beneath the surface 4
15A 31. Poles support this 4
16A 33. Prefix with watt 4
17A 34. "___ Miz" 3
18A 35. Assortment 5
19A 37. "The skin cream you're using must be Neutrogena or CeraVe!"? 14
20A 40. Hollywood's Johnny 4
21A 41. Stuck in the mud 5
22A 43. Fitting 3
23A 44. Baseball legend who dated J.Lo 4
24A 45. Lying on 4
25A 46. Tai ___ 3
26A 47. Filthy, in slang 5
27A 49. Like 2026, but not 2025 4
28A 51. Pined for an ex-boyfriend? 11
29A 55. Awl, for one 4
30A 57. Richard of "Pretty Woman" 4
31A 58. Grasp 3
32A 59. Muscle below a delt 3
33A 60. [Pow!] 4
34A 62. Save the Children, e.g., in brief 3
35A 63. Roughly 4
36A 64. Exasperated television producer's plea? 15
37A 68. '20s architecture style 4
38A 71. Bridal line 3
39A 72. They can be candied 4
40A 73. HVAC measure 3
41A 74. Molecule with the nucleotides G, U, A and C 3
42A 77. The Arabian Sea's Gulf of ___ 4
43A 78. Pickle type 4
44A 80. Reach out to people born between July 23 and August 22? 11
45A 83. When repeated, "Oh, please" 4
46A 84. Phrase on a Spanish candy heart 5
47A 86. ___ carte 3
48A 87. Sister of Osiris 4
49A 88. Actress Ryan of the "Star Trek" franchise 4
50A 90. "Me?!" 3
51A 91. Like milk that isn't worth crying over 5
52A 93. Warning after a slice 4
53A 94. Good name for a salon specializing in mani-pedis? 14
54A 98. Floppy hat 5
55A 99. Aromatherapist's workplace 3
56A 100. Common forecast in Portland 4
57A 101. Struggling to decide 4
58A 102. Musical group? 4
59A 103. Princess Leia or Hester Prynne 7
60A 105. Visitor center handouts 4
61A 107. City west of Montreal 6
62A 110. Worship 5
63A 111. Loading the dishes and unloading the dishes, e.g.? 15
64A 116. Agitated 5
65A 117. Selfish person 5
66A 118. Coin, commonly 4
67A 119. Stink 4
68A 120. Pen ___ (corresponding pair) 4
69A 121. Like the strawberry champagne in Bruno Mars's "That's What I Like" 5
70A 122. Neuter's partner 4
71A 123. Tibetan oxen 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Second attempt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: refashion, make over, remake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Hunk of marble, e.g."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Very proficient"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: wizard, superstar, practiced
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. What many plants do in the heat"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant disease characterized by drooping and shriveling; usually caused by parasites attacking the roots
  • Similar words include: wilting, droop, wilt disease
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Neighbor of Turkmenistan"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Islamic Republic of Iran, Persia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Word with happy or half"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
  • Similar words include: hr, 60 minutes, time of day
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Unusual trinket"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting
  • Similar words include: rarity, curiosity, peculiarity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. ___ furniture"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
  • Similar words include: terrace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Stoical British guys?"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Creative spark, in slang"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Avoid"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  • Similar words include: shun
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESCHEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Sleepover challenge"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, daring, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. It's made with grains"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. They twist beneath the surface"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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
  • Similar words include: eel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Poles support this"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
  • Similar words include: encamp, camp out, camp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Prefix with watt"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. "___ Miz""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: lupus erythematosus, LE
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Assortment"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an orderly arrangement
  • Similar words include: range, set out, lay out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. "The skin cream you're using must be Neutrogena or CeraVe!"?"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Hollywood's Johnny"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Stuck in the mud"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to get stuck as if in a mire
  • Similar words include: muck, bog down, get stuck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Fitting"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: disposed, pertinent, given
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Baseball legend who dated J.Lo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Lying on"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Tai ___"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the circulating life energy that in chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
  • Similar words include: qi, ch'i, ki
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Filthy, in slang"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Like 2026, but not 2025"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
  • Similar words include: flush, evening, regular
  • Opposite of: odd, uneven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Pined for an ex-boyfriend?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Awl, for one"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used in the practice of a vocation
  • Similar words include: creature, instrument, joyride
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Richard of "Pretty Woman""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Grasp"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: take care, visualise, meet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Muscle below a delt"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
  • Similar words include: latissimus dorsi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. [Pow!]"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: whop, wallop, whack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Save the Children, e.g., in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: nongovernmental organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Roughly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Exasperated television producer's plea?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. '20s architecture style"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
  • Similar words include: art deco
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "71. Bridal line"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "72. They can be candied"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant, yam
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "73. HVAC measure"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure; equivalent to 251.997 calories
  • Similar words include: British thermal unit, B.Th.U.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "74. Molecule with the nucleotides G, U, A and C"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "77. The Arabian Sea's Gulf of ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the arabian peninsula; the economy is dominated by oil
  • Similar words include: Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Oman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "78. Pickle type"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic old world herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning
  • Similar words include: Anethum graveolens, dill weed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "80. Reach out to people born between July 23 and August 22?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "83. When repeated, "Oh, please""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
  • Similar words include: do, ejaculate, fall
  • Opposite of: leave, go
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "84. Phrase on a Spanish candy heart"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "86. ___ carte"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "87. Sister of Osiris"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian goddess of fertility; daughter of geb; sister and wife of osiris
  • Similar words include: ISI, Inter-Services Intelligence, Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "88. Actress Ryan of the "Star Trek" franchise"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "90. "Me?!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "91. Like milk that isn't worth crying over"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container
  • Similar words include: slop, shed, disgorge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "93. Warning after a slice"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that front part of a vessel or aircraft
  • Similar words include: stem, prow, bow
  • Opposite of: aft
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "94. Good name for a salon specializing in mani-pedis?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "98. Floppy hat"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cap with no brim or bill; made of soft cloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BERET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "99. Aromatherapist's workplace"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, watering place, health spa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "100. Common forecast in Portland"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: rain down, rainwater, pelting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "101. Struggling to decide"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that separate or cause to separate abruptly
  • Similar words include: snap, deplumate, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "102. Musical group?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actors in a play
  • Similar words include: chuck, roam, rove
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "103. Princess Leia or Hester Prynne"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main good female character in a work of fiction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEROINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "105. Visitor center handouts"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
  • Similar words include: map, represent, single-valued function
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "107. City west of Montreal"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the algonquian people of southern ontario
  • Similar words include: capital of Canada, Outaouais, Ottawa river
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTTAWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "110. Worship"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "111. Loading the dishes and unloading the dishes, e.g.?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "116. Agitated"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: miffed, steamed, pissed off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "117. Selfish person"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who accepts an offer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "118. Coin, commonly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate
  • Similar words include: phonograph record, phonograph recording, saucer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "119. Stink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
  • Similar words include: stench, smell, fetor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "120. Pen ___ (corresponding pair)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum up, sidekick, chum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69A: "121. Like the strawberry champagne in Bruno Mars's "That's What I Like""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70A: "122. Neuter's partner"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: alter, castrate, neuter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71A: "123. Tibetan oxen"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yack, Bos grunniens, gab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. White bed, perhaps 4
2D 2. Love god 4
3D 3. Stance that resembles a ballerina on one leg 10
4D 4. Using Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, etc. 9
5D 5. "The Conners" and "The Jeffersons" 5
6D 6. Common palindromic text 3
7D 7. "___ Lang Syne" 4
8D 8. "Relax. Calm yourself" 7
9D 9. One of two found on résumés? 6
10D 10. "Of course!" 3
11D 11. Distinct period 3
12D 12. Domino dot 3
13D 13. Add at no extra cost 6
14D 14. Sorcerer's stick 4
15D 15. "We're toast!" 10
16D 16. Experts in body language? 10
17D 17. Foot, cutesily 6
18D 21. Something a child takes a swing at 6
19D 23. Count (on) 4
20D 24. Really not look forward to 5
21D 29. Earlier 3
22D 32. Ruler in Russian history 4
23D 33. Finished 7
24D 35. President in 1800 5
25D 36. Knot again 5
26D 37. Windy City paper, with "the" 4
27D 38. Trouble ___ 4
28D 39. Only U.S. state whose flag features a different design on each side (the back is a beaver!) 6
29D 41. N.H.L. star Connor ___ 7
30D 42. "Awful! Awful! Awful!" 8
31D 47. Relative of an alpaca 7
32D 48. Accessory used in some stretches 8
33D 50. Paleo- : old :: ___ : new 3
34D 52. Pharmacist Lilly 3
35D 53. She may have a little lamb 3
36D 54. Sailor's opener 4
37D 56. Feline that a neighbor may find 7
38D 61. Note to staff 4
39D 64. They're toast 6
40D 65. Supervillain in "Fantastic Four" comics 7
41D 66. XXX-XX-XXXX ID 3
42D 67. Away from the office 3
43D 68. OB/GYN, e.g. 3
44D 69. Online reference with many faces 10
45D 70. Miniature photo gallery 10
46D 74. Touristy destination 10
47D 75. Bête ___ 5
48D 76. Insider, in spy lingo 5
49D 79. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants" 4
50D 81. Follow closely 4
51D 82. Individual account? 9
52D 85. Spray, in a way 4
53D 89. "It was my best effort" 6
54D 91. Wrap name 5
55D 92. Parts of card-swiping machines 7
56D 94. G flat's equivalent 6
57D 95. Pink-slip 3
58D 96. Misinformed, say 6
59D 97. "Stop!" 6
60D 98. Place for miniature boats 4
61D 102. Arrogant 5
62D 104. Sources of lead or gold 4
63D 106. Cut quickly 4
64D 108. Half of a fortnight 4
65D 109. Invites 4
66D 112. "Mean Girls" character Janis ___ 3
67D 113. Jet ___ 3
68D 114. Jiff 3
69D 115. It may request that you remove your coat, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. White bed, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished
  • Similar words include: Timothy Miles Bindon Rice, Sir Tim Rice, Elmer Rice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Love god"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
  • Similar words include: sexual desire, concupiscence, physical attraction
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Stance that resembles a ballerina on one leg"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Using Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, etc."

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "The Conners" and "The Jeffersons""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
  • Similar words include: demo, evidence, render
  • Opposite of: disprove, hide
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOWS

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6D: "6. Common palindromic text"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. "___ Lang Syne""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a scottish word
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AULD

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8D: "8. "Relax. Calm yourself""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
  • Similar words include: suspire, emit, catch one's breath
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BREATHE

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9D: "9. One of two found on résumés?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive manner of oral expression
  • Similar words include: emphasis, accentuate, dialect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCENT

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10D: "10. "Of course!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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11D: "11. Distinct period"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Domino dot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: spot, whip, rack up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIP

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13D: "13. Add at no extra cost"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Sorcerer's stick"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rod used by a magician or water diviner
  • Similar words include: scepter, baton, verge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAND

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15D: "15. "We're toast!""

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Experts in body language?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. Foot, cutesily"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "21. Something a child takes a swing at"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plaything consisting of a container filled with toys and candy; suspended from a height for blindfolded children to break with sticks
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINATA

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19D: "23. Count (on)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have confidence or faith in
  • Similar words include: trust, swear, bank
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELY

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20D: "24. Really not look forward to"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fearful expectation or anticipation
  • Similar words include: dreadful, apprehension, frightening
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREAD

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21D: "29. Earlier"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

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22D: "32. Ruler in Russian history"

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: tzar, czar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

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23D: "33. Finished"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "35. President in 1800"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that american revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the boston tea party and signer of the declaration of independence (1722-1803)
  • Similar words include: ecstasy, XTC, Mount Adams
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAMS

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25D: "36. Knot again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tie again or anew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETIE

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26D: "37. Windy City paper, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "38. Trouble ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "39. Only U.S. state whose flag features a different design on each side (the back is a beaver!)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: Beaver State, OR
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREGON

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29D: "41. N.H.L. star Connor ___"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "42. "Awful! Awful! Awful!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "47. Relative of an alpaca"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: Lama guanicoe
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUANACO

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32D: "48. Accessory used in some stretches"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "50. Paleo- : old :: ___ : new"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

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34D: "52. Pharmacist Lilly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "53. She may have a little lamb"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

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36D: "54. Sailor's opener"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "56. Feline that a neighbor may find"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "61. Note to staff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written proposal or reminder
  • Similar words include: memorandum, memoranda
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMO

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39D: "64. They're toast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person in desperate straits; someone doomed
  • Similar words include: goner, toast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GONERS

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40D: "65. Supervillain in "Fantastic Four" comics"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "66. XXX-XX-XXXX ID"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "67. Away from the office"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
  • Similar words include: come out, come out of the closet, prohibited
  • Opposite of: safe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "68. OB/GYN, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Similar words include: Department of Commerce, physician, Commerce Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOC

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44D: "69. Online reference with many faces"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "70. Miniature photo gallery"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "74. Touristy destination"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "75. Bête ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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48D: "76. Insider, in spy lingo"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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49D: "79. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laotian, Lao
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

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50D: "81. Follow closely"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
  • Similar words include: backside, stern, tag
  • Opposite of: head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "82. Individual account?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "85. Spray, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: fog, obscure, haze over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIST

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53D: "89. "It was my best effort""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "91. Wrap name"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAN

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55D: "92. Parts of card-swiping machines"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "94. G flat's equivalent"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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57D: "95. Pink-slip"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: bathroom, backside, stern
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "96. Misinformed, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "97. "Stop!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "98. Place for miniature boats"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
  • Similar words include: bathtub, bathe, bathroom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "102. Arrogant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overly self-confident or self-assertive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "104. Sources of lead or gold"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "106. Cut quickly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
  • Similar words include: nip off, snippet, lop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "108. Half of a fortnight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any period of seven consecutive days
  • Similar words include: calendar week, workweek, hebdomad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "109. Invites"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: take, ask, demand
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "112. "Mean Girls" character Janis ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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67D: "113. Jet ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

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68D: "114. Jiff"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: Securities and Exchange Commission, s, unsweet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "115. It may request that you remove your coat, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

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

71 Across Clues
69 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 24, 2026 at 06:49 AM