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Friday, August 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 14, 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. ___ Plateau, home to the tomb of King Khufu 4
2A 5. Discovers 9
3A 14. "There's my cue" 4
4A 15. "Dios mío!" 9
5A 16. Superbright 4
6A 17. Couple's last coupling, perhaps 10
7A 18. Mounted warrior skilled in martial arts 7
8A 20. Retired pro wrestler Flair 3
9A 21. Sibling's cry of protest, maybe 6
10A 22. Guard for some time? 8
11A 27. Unit whose name derives from the Latin word for "heat" 7
12A 29. Completely lose it 6
13A 30. Bunk alternatives 4
14A 31. Leave a lasting mark on 4
15A 33. Because 5
16A 34. Self-doubter's question 3
17A 35. Huddling, as teammates 7
18A 37. Mom-and-pop group 3
19A 38. Rock musician Bob 5
20A 40. "Enough out of you!" 4
21A 41. Costco competitor, informally 4
22A 42. England's George V vis-à-vis Russia's Nicholas II 6
23A 44. Good places for a deep dive into research? 7
24A 46. Recollection, say 8
25A 48. Primates found only in and around Madagascar 6
26A 50. Slip 3
27A 51. Explode, as a paintball 7
28A 52. Enthusiastic cry when one's favorite song comes on the radio 10
29A 57. Idle 4
30A 58. Excessively greedy 9
31A 59. Berkshire town 4
32A 60. Of an indefinitely large number 9
33A 61. Spanish muralist José María ___ 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ Plateau, home to the tomb of King Khufu"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient egyptian city on the west bank of the nile opposite cairo; site of three great pyramids and the sphinx
  • Similar words include: El Giza, Gizeh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Discovers"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. "There's my cue""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Dios mío!""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Superbright"

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!

6A: "17. Couple's last coupling, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Mounted warrior skilled in martial arts"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMURAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Retired pro wrestler Flair"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Sibling's cry of protest, maybe"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception
  • Similar words include: unjust
  • Opposite of: fair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNFAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Guard for some time?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Unit whose name derives from the Latin word for "heat""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure; used by nutritionists to characterize the energy-producing potential in food
  • Similar words include: small calorie, large calorie, nutritionist's calorie
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALORIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Completely lose it"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Bunk alternatives"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: fingerstall, crib, camp bed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Leave a lasting mark on"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engrave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Self-doubter's question"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Huddling, as teammates"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surround completely
  • Similar words include: introduce, put in, shut in
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Mom-and-pop group"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Rock musician Bob"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. "Enough out of you!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poetic) tranquil silence
  • Similar words include: quiet, still, quiesce
  • Opposite of: louden
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Costco competitor, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: SAM, surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. England's George V vis-à-vis Russia's Nicholas II"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the child of your aunt or uncle
  • Similar words include: cousin-german, first cousin, full cousin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUSIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Good places for a deep dive into research?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Recollection, say"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANECDOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Primates found only in and around Madagascar"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails
  • Similar words include: lemur
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEMURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Slip"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: slip, drift, mistake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Explode, as a paintball"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Enthusiastic cry when one's favorite song comes on the radio"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Idle"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be idle; exist in a changeless situation
  • Similar words include: stagnate, idle, slug
  • Opposite of: work
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Excessively greedy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
  • Similar words include: predatory, ravening, vulturine
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAPACIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Berkshire town"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Of an indefinitely large number"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that last in an indefinitely numerous series
  • Similar words include: umptieth, umteenth
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMPTEENTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Spanish muralist José María ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kitchen brand inspired by 18-Across 5
2D 2. "Seriously?!" 11
3D 3. Issue in a modern remote work setting 11
4D 4. Corn and wheat, for two 7
5D 5. Garment worn with a bodice called a choli 4
6D 6. 365th out of 365, in brief 3
7D 7. Words of comfort 5
8D 8. Not being real about 6
9D 9. Honey is high in this 8
10D 10. Deplete 3
11D 11. Yogis' utterances 3
12D 12. Purple drink ingredient at a boba tea shop 3
13D 13. "... plus ___" 3
14D 17. Unfruitful 6
15D 19. Animated 2011 film set in Brazil 3
16D 22. Person that's best left alone 7
17D 23. Wong of Netflix's "Beef" 3
18D 24. Shoot the breeze 11
19D 25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense 11
20D 26. "How do ___ grow? They grow out of your life": Robert Penn Warren 5
21D 28. Scratch that! 4
22D 30. "Julius Caesar" role 5
23D 32. Plot device? 4
24D 35. Shimmer colorfully 8
25D 36. Hello or goodbye, abroad 6
26D 39. Computer key that might be pressed repeatedly in a panic 3
27D 41. Tastes 7
28D 43. Average Joe, in modern slang 6
29D 45. ___ Bleus, nickname for France's World Cup team 3
30D 47. Check for fit 5
31D 49. What might go straight to the heart? 5
32D 51. Deep cut 4
33D 52. Monodrama that debuted in 1989 3
34D 53. Country ___ 3
35D 54. Unwanted place for bugs 3
36D 55. Parlor offering, for short 3
37D 56. Project 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kitchen brand inspired by 18-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Seriously?!""

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Issue in a modern remote work setting"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Corn and wheat, for two"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
  • Similar words include: yearly, annual, yearbook
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Garment worn with a bodice called a choli"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. 365th out of 365, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Words of comfort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Not being real about"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make a copy of with the intent to deceive
  • Similar words include: wangle, forge, talk through one's hat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAKING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Honey is high in this"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
  • Similar words include: levulose, fruit sugar, laevulose
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRUCTOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Deplete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
  • Similar words include: tire, muggins, fool
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Yogis' utterances"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Purple drink ingredient at a boba tea shop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "... plus ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Similar words include: assess, task, revenue enhancement
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Unfruitful"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation
  • Similar words include: waste, destitute, desolate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Animated 2011 film set in Brazil"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Person that's best left alone"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who lives in solitude
  • Similar words include: troglodyte, withdrawn, reclusive
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECLUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Wong of Netflix's "Beef""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay, Cassius Marcellus Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Shoot the breeze"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unconsciously replace fact with fantasy in one's memory
  • Similar words include: natter, chatter, consult
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONFABULATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. "How do ___ grow? They grow out of your life": Robert Penn Warren"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
  • Similar words include: poem, verse form
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Scratch that!"

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: itchiness, scratch, urge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. "Julius Caesar" role"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Plot device?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
  • Similar words include: hose down, hosiery, hosepipe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Shimmer colorfully"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be iridescent
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIDESCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Hello or goodbye, abroad"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Computer key that might be pressed repeatedly in a panic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Tastes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small part of something intended as representative of the whole
  • Similar words include: taste, sample, try
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMPLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Average Joe, in modern slang"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. ___ Bleus, nickname for France's World Cup team"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Check for fit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. What might go straight to the heart?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Deep cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wound made by cutting
  • Similar words include: slice, slash, cut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Monodrama that debuted in 1989"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Country ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
  • Similar words include: overact, ham actor, gammon
  • Opposite of: underact
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Unwanted place for bugs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Parlor offering, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Similar words include: intertwine, Thematic Apperception Test, cheapness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Project"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings
  • Similar words include: project, bulge, prominence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUT

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

33 Across Clues
37 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.

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Last updated: August 14, 2026 at 05:11 AM

Sunday, July 26, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 26, 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. "Joanie Loves ___" ("Happy Days" spinoff) 6
2A 7. Peddles 5
3A 12. Chain whose merch includes mulch 5
4A 17. Encase in protection 6
5A 18. Something might disappear into it 7
6A 20. Lacking sense 5
7A 21. Darlings 6
8A 22. Yoga style in which each movement is synchronized with a breath 7
9A 23. Bag 5
10A 24. Whom this puzzle's subject must save! 13
11A 26. Source of fries, informally 4
12A 27. On 4
13A 28. Nuggets of wisdom 6
14A 33. Pizza parlor purchase 3
15A 34. Hough of "Dancing With the Stars" fame 5
16A 38. Green friend of this puzzle's subject 5
17A 42. Elitist 5
18A 43. "___ be an honor" 3
19A 44. Not say, say 5
20A 45. "___ right!" 5
21A 47. Vehicle puller 7
22A 49. Disqualifies (oneself) 7
23A 52. "Waaaah!" 5
24A 54. Union Army general who was victorious over Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg 5
25A 55. Texter's caveat 3
26A 56. How a "miracle product" is said to work 9
27A 59. Host of the 2016 Olympics 3
28A 60. Old pros 4
29A 62. Primates' realm 6
30A 63. Batman and Robin, e.g. 3
31A 65. Many a musical chord 5
32A 69. Total heat content of a thermodynamic system 8
33A 71. Platform with a "Super" popular character, in brief? 3
34A 73. "Kind of" 8
35A 75. Decorous 5
36A 76. "Scrumptious!" 3
37A 78. Way 6
38A 80. Someone who might put you on a list 4
39A 81. U.K. military branch 3
40A 83. Classic kids' toy weapon 9
41A 85. Sleepover "comfies" 3
42A 86. Bialik of "The Big Bang Theory" 5
43A 88. Antagonist of this puzzle's subject 5
44A 89. Shoe style with a small opening in the front 7
45A 92. Man whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11 7
46A 94. Salmon and coral 5
47A 96. Takes full advantage of 5
48A 97. Dot follower 3
49A 98. "Beau ___" 5
50A 100. ___ Davis, actor and eulogist for Malcolm X 5
51A 102. Until now 5
52A 103. Big name in trucks 3
53A 104. Useful 6
54A 106. Sportscaster Andrews 4
55A 108. Excessively uptight 4
56A 110. Enemy lair where 24-Across is held captive 13
57A 118. "To me, 'sexy' is a ___ with confidence": Allegra Versace 5
58A 120. Striking feature of Jessica Rabbit 7
59A 121. Achieve 6
60A 122. Brother of this puzzle's subject 5
61A 123. Author and entrepreneur Huffington 7
62A 124. Virtual animal companion popularized in the 2000s 6
63A 125. Secret supply 5
64A 126. Tabasco, for one 5
65A 127. Highlight for a QB 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Joanie Loves ___" ("Happy Days" spinoff)"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Peddles"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sell or offer for sale from place to place
  • Similar words include: hawk, peddle, vend
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Chain whose merch includes mulch"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make a low noise, characteristic of bovines
  • Similar words include: low, moo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "17. Encase in protection"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Something might disappear into it"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Lacking sense"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that devoid of intelligence
  • Similar words include: vacuous, mindless, fatuous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Darlings"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. Yoga style in which each movement is synchronized with a breath"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Bag"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
  • Similar words include: wrinkle, bag, handbag
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Whom this puzzle's subject must save!"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Source of fries, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: bourgeon, murphy, stump spud
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. On"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

13A: "28. Nuggets of wisdom"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Pizza parlor purchase"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Similar words include: Proto-Indo European
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Hough of "Dancing With the Stars" fame"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. Green friend of this puzzle's subject"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "42. Elitist"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: honker, hooter, snob
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "43. "___ be an honor""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "44. Not say, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leave or strike out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. "___ right!""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "47. Vehicle puller"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (nautical) a rope used in towing
  • Similar words include: towing line, towline, towing rope
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWROPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "49. Disqualifies (oneself)"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that disqualify oneself (as a judge) in a particular case
  • Similar words include: recuse
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "52. "Waaaah!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "54. Union Army general who was victorious over Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english economist noted for his studies of international trade and finance (1907-1995)
  • Similar words include: James Edward Meade, George Gordon Meade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. Texter's caveat"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. How a "miracle product" is said to work"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "59. Host of the 2016 Olympics"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Old pros"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
  • Similar words include: vet, veteran, veterinarian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Primates' realm"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Batman and Robin, e.g."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two items of the same kind
  • Similar words include: yoke, duette, duad
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Many a musical chord"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: leash, deuce-ace, troika
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Total heat content of a thermodynamic system"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (thermodynamics) a thermodynamic quantity equal to the internal energy of a system plus the product of its volume and pressure
  • Similar words include: total heat, H, heat content
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTHALPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. Platform with a "Super" popular character, in brief?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: nor'-east, atomic number 10, neon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "73. "Kind of""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "75. Decorous"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by dignity and propriety
  • Similar words include: sedate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "76. "Scrumptious!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "78. Way"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how something is done or how it happens
  • Similar words include: personal manner, style, fashion
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "80. Someone who might put you on a list"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "81. U.K. military branch"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the airforce of great britain
  • Similar words include: Red Army Faction, Royal Air Force
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "83. Classic kids' toy weapon"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "85. Sleepover "comfies""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "86. Bialik of "The Big Bang Theory""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "88. Antagonist of this puzzle's subject"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "89. Shoe style with a small opening in the front"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "92. Man whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the person who jesus raised from the dead after four days in the tomb; this miracle caused the enemies of jesus to begin the plan to put him to death
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAZARUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Salmon and coral"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light shade of red
  • Similar words include: garden pink, knock, pink
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "96. Takes full advantage of"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white nutritious liquid secreted by mammals and used as food by human beings
  • Similar words include: Milk River, milk, Milk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. Dot follower"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "98. "Beau ___""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "100. ___ Davis, actor and eulogist for Malcolm X"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "102. Until now"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "103. Big name in trucks"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
  • Similar words include: drive, read/write memory, force
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "104. Useful"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "106. Sportscaster Andrews"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "108. Excessively uptight"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to the anus
  • Similar words include: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "110. Enemy lair where 24-Across is held captive"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "118. "To me, 'sexy' is a ___ with confidence": Allegra Versace"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: fair sex, cleaning lady, womanhood
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "120. Striking feature of Jessica Rabbit"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "121. Achieve"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to gain with effort
  • Similar words include: discover, strike, happen upon
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "122. Brother of this puzzle's subject"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "123. Author and entrepreneur Huffington"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "124. Virtual animal companion popularized in the 2000s"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "125. Secret supply"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret store of valuables or money
  • Similar words include: hoard, hive up, lay away
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "126. Tabasco, for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
  • Similar words include: express, body politic, United States Department of State
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "127. Highlight for a QB"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Cyrillic way to write "U.S.S.R." 4
2D 2. Short hand? 4
3D 3. When "One Day More" is sung in "Les Misérables" 4
4D 4. Collectible item from the box below 4
5D 5. Fried cornbread concoctions 8
6D 6. ___ map 5
7D 7. Green transport from the box below 4
8D 8. Best-selling Irish solo musical artist 4
9D 9. Image Awards org. 5
10D 10. Spills 6
11D 11. Madrid Mrs. 3
12D 12. Word before service or sync 3
13D 13. Duty 4
14D 14. What this puzzle's subject uses to travel to a new location 8
15D 15. Like many primary bathrooms 7
16D 16. Like teams in March Madness 6
17D 18. Expensive Super Bowl purchase 6
18D 19. In 3
19D 25. ___ lecithin (food additive) 3
20D 29. Raid target, at times 3
21D 30. Space 4
22D 31. Let down 5
23D 32. Sea connectors 7
24D 34. Obtains (from) 7
25D 35. Gold or silver, but not bronze 7
26D 36. This might be stuffed inside a shell 7
27D 37. Dot follower 3
28D 39. Recoiled 5
29D 40. Jupiter ___, first African American poet published in North America 6
30D 41. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject 11
31D 46. Wilt 3
32D 48. Scented 6
33D 50. Carrier that takes its name from the Book of Hosea 4
34D 51. ___ cup 5
35D 53. Achieved 3
36D 57. Excite 5
37D 58. Job for a stage assistant, maybe 5
38D 61. Australia's most popular wine 6
39D 64. "Extra life" item from the box below 5
40D 66. How a total dummkopf might handle something 7
41D 67. In jest 7
42D 68. Like New Jersey among all U.S. states, population-wise 7
43D 70. In the very recent past 7
44D 72. Gown fabrics 6
45D 74. ___ Duncan, education secretary under Obama 4
46D 77. Razor blades? 3
47D 79. Cozy corners 5
48D 82. With 31-Down, power-up that lets this puzzle's subject throw flames 10
49D 84. Alternative to "sparkling" 3
50D 86. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject 8
51D 87. With 30-Down, power-up that supersizes this puzzle's subject 8
52D 90. Flowed (from) 8
53D 91. Some film noir figures, for short 3
54D 92. Give for a time 7
55D 93. Business address abbr. 3
56D 95. Popular GMC pickup 6
57D 97. Proceeds like congested traffic 6
58D 99. Mount ___, highest peak in the Rockies 6
59D 101. Mumbled stumbles 3
60D 105. Daises 5
61D 107. "Sorry, my calendar's full" 5
62D 109. Falls behind 4
63D 111. "?!?!?!?!" 4
64D 112. Sensible 4
65D 113. ___ für alle Mal (once and for all, in German) 3
66D 114. What a rest indicates ... or a word after rest 4
67D 115. Small bite abroad 4
68D 116. Makeup of a certain web 4
69D 117. Docs who really get in your face? 4
70D 119. Medical research ctr. 3
71D 120. Dorm leaders, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Cyrillic way to write "U.S.S.R.""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Short hand?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. When "One Day More" is sung in "Les Misérables""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Collectible item from the box below"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
  • Similar words include: strike, mint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Fried cornbread concoctions"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thin usually unleavened johnnycake made of cornmeal; originally baked on the blade of a hoe over an open fire (southern)
  • Similar words include: hoecake
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOECAKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ map"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
  • Similar words include: insert, gusset
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Green transport from the box below"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Best-selling Irish solo musical artist"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Image Awards org."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Spills"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
  • Similar words include: dish aerial, cup of tea, smasher
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Madrid Mrs."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Word before service or sync"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
  • Similar words include: sass, sassing, rim
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Duty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Similar words include: load, burden, encumbrance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. What this puzzle's subject uses to travel to a new location"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Like many primary bathrooms"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Like teams in March Madness"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go to seed; shed seeds
  • Similar words include: sow, seed, sown
  • Opposite of: unseeded
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "18. Expensive Super Bowl purchase"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "19. In"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
  • Similar words include: hip to, rosehip, articulatio coxae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIP

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19D: "25. ___ lecithin (food additive)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
  • Similar words include: soybean, soja bean, Glycine max
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOY

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20D: "29. Raid target, at times"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

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21D: "30. Space"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
  • Similar words include: elbow room, way, board
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOM

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22D: "31. Let down"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lower of two berths
  • Similar words include: low-toned, turn down, frown
  • Opposite of: raise, high
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOWER

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23D: "32. Sea connectors"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs
  • Similar words include: pass, sound, head
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRAITS

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24D: "34. Obtains (from)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reason by deduction; establish by deduction
  • Similar words include: derive, gain, educe
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERIVES

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25D: "35. Gold or silver, but not bronze"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an abstract part of something
  • Similar words include: factor, ingredient, constituent
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELEMENT

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26D: "36. This might be stuffed inside a shell"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft italian cheese like cottage cheese
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICOTTA

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27D: "37. Dot follower"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "39. Recoiled"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start suddenly, as from fright
  • Similar words include: shy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIED

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29D: "40. Jupiter ___, first African American poet published in North America"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "41. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "46. Wilt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that sags
  • Similar words include: sag down, droop, flag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAG

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32D: "48. Scented"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "50. Carrier that takes its name from the Book of Hosea"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "51. ___ cup"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "53. Achieved"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that carry out or perform an action
  • Similar words include: act, cause, make out
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DID

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36D: "57. Excite"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "58. Job for a stage assistant, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist (somebody acting or reciting) by suggesting the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned
  • Similar words include: remind, prompt, cue
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUING

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38D: "61. Australia's most popular wine"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in central southwestern iran; ruins of ancient persepolis are nearby
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIRAZ

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39D: "64. "Extra life" item from the box below"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "66. How a total dummkopf might handle something"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with ineptitude; in an incompetent manner
  • Similar words include: fecklessly
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INEPTLY

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41D: "67. In jest"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "68. Like New Jersey among all U.S. states, population-wise"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
  • Similar words include: heavy, obtuse, dumb
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENSEST

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43D: "70. In the very recent past"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "72. Gown fabrics"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
  • Similar words include: satin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATINS

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45D: "74. ___ Duncan, education secretary under Obama"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "77. Razor blades?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "79. Cozy corners"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheltered and secluded place
  • Similar words include: corner, nook
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOOKS

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48D: "82. With 31-Down, power-up that lets this puzzle's subject throw flames"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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49D: "84. Alternative to "sparkling""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: bug, water faucet, knock
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAP

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50D: "86. Catchphrase of this puzzle's subject"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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51D: "87. With 30-Down, power-up that supersizes this puzzle's subject"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that common name for an edible agaric (contrasting with the inedible toadstool)
  • Similar words include: mushroom cloud, mushroom-shaped cloud
  • Opposite of: toadstool
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUSHROOM

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52D: "90. Flowed (from)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that proceed or issue forth, as from a source
  • Similar words include: emanate, give forth, exhale
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMANATED

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53D: "91. Some film noir figures, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle; approximately equal to 3.14159265358979323846...
  • Similar words include: operative, private detective, protease inhibitor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIS

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54D: "92. Give for a time"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "93. Business address abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "95. Popular GMC pickup"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a range of mountains (usually with jagged peaks and irregular outline)
  • Similar words include: Scomberomorus sierra
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIERRA

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57D: "97. Proceeds like congested traffic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very slow movement
  • Similar words include: grovel, front crawl, creeping
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAWLS

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58D: "99. Mount ___, highest peak in the Rockies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "101. Mumbled stumbles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "105. Daises"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  • Similar words include: soapbox, stump, rostrum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODIA

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61D: "107. "Sorry, my calendar's full""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "109. Falls behind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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63D: "111. "?!?!?!?!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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64D: "112. Sensible"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
  • Similar words include: reasonable
  • Opposite of: insane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "113. ___ für alle Mal (once and for all, in German)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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66D: "114. What a rest indicates ... or a word after rest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something ending
  • Similar words include: break, bar, hold on
  • Opposite of: continue, start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOP

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67D: "115. Small bite abroad"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "116. Makeup of a certain web"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: lie down, prevarication, Trygve Lie
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIES

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69D: "117. Docs who really get in your face?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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70D: "119. Medical research ctr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of health and human services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
  • Similar words include: National Institutes of Health
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "120. Dorm leaders, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
  • Similar words include: RA, atomic number 88, celestial longitude
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAS

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

65 Across Clues
71 Down Clues
136 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 26, 2026 at 06:18 AM