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

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. ___ classic ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "Pulp Fiction," e.g.) 4
2A 5. Spongy wetlands 4
3A 9. Titleholder 5
4A 14. Engrave 4
5A 15. Dirt pie ingredient 4
6A 16. Greek goddesses of the seasons 5
7A 17. Optional mission in a video game 9
8A 19. Gradually eat away 5
9A 20. Selfless sort 8
10A 21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl 6
11A 22. – 6
12A 23. Lie next to 4
13A 25. Show on which Tina Fey and Seth Meyers have worked as head writers, in brief 3
14A 26. Tropical cocktail with bananas, strawberries, rum and coconut cream 8
15A 31. Go downhill fast 3
16A 34. Feedbag contents 4
17A 36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home 5
18A 37. – 7
19A 40. Flips, say 7
20A 42. Skirt, as an issue 5
21A 43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad" 4
22A 45. Auction unit 3
23A 46. Cowboy's kerchief 8
24A 48. Show stoppers? 3
25A 51. Goes bad 4
26A 52. Shindig for someone who's about to tie the knot 6
27A 56. – 6
28A 60. Like a dish of veal or chicken dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter 8
29A 62. Surfers ride them 5
30A 63. Lunchroom 9
31A 64. Wolf in "The Jungle Book" 5
32A 65. Initials on a map until 1991 4
33A 66. Shindig for the cast and crew after filming is done ... with a hint to entering this answer and three others in the grid 4
34A 67. – 5
35A 68. Boxing stats 4
36A 69. Jazz singer Sylvia 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ classic ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "Pulp Fiction," e.g.)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
  • Similar words include: fad, rage, cultus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CULT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Spongy wetlands"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
  • Similar words include: bog, bog down, peat bog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Titleholder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who has won first place in a competition
  • Similar words include: chomp, title-holder, champion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Engrave"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

5A: "15. Dirt pie ingredient"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Greek goddesses of the seasons"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Optional mission in a video game"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Gradually eat away"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Selfless sort"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
  • Similar words include: philanthropist
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTRUIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a grammatical category in inflected languages governing the agreement between nouns and pronouns and adjectives; in some languages it is quite arbitrary but in indo-european languages it is usually based on sex or animateness
  • Similar words include: sex, sexuality, grammatical gender
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. –"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make visible
  • Similar words include: discover, let out, unwrap
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REVEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Lie next to"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
  • Similar words include: butt, butt on, adjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Show on which Tina Fey and Seth Meyers have worked as head writers, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Tropical cocktail with bananas, strawberries, rum and coconut cream"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Go downhill fast"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Feedbag contents"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Similar words include: oat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
  • Similar words include: theatre, firm, planetary house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. –"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature
  • Similar words include: heating, thaw, thawing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARMING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Flips, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sell (something) again after having bought it
  • Similar words include: resell
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Skirt, as an issue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
  • Similar words include: deflect, stave off, head off
  • Opposite of: validate, confront
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Auction unit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: hatful, spate, batch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Cowboy's kerchief"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief
  • Similar words include: bandana
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANDANNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Show stoppers?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertizing, advertisement, advertizement
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Goes bad"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Similar words include: buncombe, decomposition, molder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Shindig for someone who's about to tie the knot"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
  • Similar words include: espousal, spousal, nuptial
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIDAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. –"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
  • Similar words include: exhibitor, shower bath, rain shower
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOWER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Like a dish of veal or chicken dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of milan
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILANESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Surfers ride them"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
  • Similar words include: Wave, flourish, waving
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Lunchroom"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a restaurant where you serve yourself and pay a cashier
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAFETERIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Wolf in "The Jungle Book""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. Initials on a map until 1991"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Soviet Union, Russia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Shindig for the cast and crew after filming is done ... with a hint to entering this answer and three others in the grid"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
  • Similar words include: enwrap, twine, wrapping
  • Opposite of: unwind, unwrap
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. –"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. Boxing stats"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
  • Similar words include: TKO, technical knockout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TKOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "69. Jazz singer Sylvia"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Millan, celebrity dog trainer 5
2D 2. Handy 5
3D 3. High-def flat screen, for short 5
4D 4. "Ay, ___ the rub" 6
5D 5. Broth that might come from a dissolved cube 8
6D 6. Magnetite and bauxite 4
7D 7. Whole that's greater than the sum of its parts, from the German 7
8D 8. Barfly 3
9D 9. Spotted African sprinters 8
10D 10. Car's honker 4
11D 11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly 4
12D 12. Earned 4
13D 13. Member of a jury 4
14D 18. Ke Huy ___, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" actor 4
15D 21. Boss, in Britain 3
16D 24. Major Iraqi port city 5
17D 27. Adversary 3
18D 28. Quiet period 4
19D 29. Scandinavian capital 4
20D 30. Toward sunset 4
21D 31. Mop, as the deck 4
22D 32. Polynesian brew 4
23D 33. Smooth out, as a wrinkled shirt 4
24D 35. Talent broker 5
25D 38. Mediocre, in modern slang 3
26D 39. "'Tis entirely likely" 8
27D 41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits 8
28D 44. Item worn with a hazmat suit 7
29D 47. Negative connector 3
30D 49. "Curses!" 4
31D 50. Fibrous connecting tissues 6
32D 53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland 5
33D 54. "Take me ___" 5
34D 55. Bounds 5
35D 56. Substitute 4
36D 57. Ceremonial Maori dance 4
37D 58. Done 4
38D 59. Mark left by a whip 4
39D 61. "Should that be true ..." 4
40D 63. Word before "one's losses" or "both ways" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Millan, celebrity dog trainer"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Handy"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being of use or service
  • Similar words include: useful
  • Opposite of: useless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. High-def flat screen, for short"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Ay, ___ the rub""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location other than here; that place
  • Similar words include: there
  • Opposite of: here
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THERES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Broth that might come from a dissolved cube"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear seasoned broth
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOUILLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Magnetite and bauxite"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

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!

7D: "7. Whole that's greater than the sum of its parts, from the German"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that it cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GESTALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Barfly"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic drinker
  • Similar words include: drunk, wino, rummy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Spotted African sprinters"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long-legged spotted cat of africa and southwestern asia having nonretractile claws; the swiftest mammal; can be trained to run down game
  • Similar words include: chetah, cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHEETAHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Car's honker"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
  • Similar words include: tusk, trump, car horn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Earned"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give certain properties to something
  • Similar words include: progress to, create, cause
  • Opposite of: unmake, unmade
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Member of a jury"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
  • Similar words include: match, compeer, equal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Ke Huy ___, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" actor"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Boss, in Britain"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Major Iraqi port city"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the second largest city in iraq; an oil port in southern iraq
  • Similar words include: Basia
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Adversary"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
  • Similar words include: foeman, opposition, enemy
  • Opposite of: friend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Quiet period"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
  • Similar words include: quiet, calm down, still
  • Opposite of: agitate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LULL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Scandinavian capital"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
  • Similar words include: capital of Norway, Christiania
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Toward sunset"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the countries of (originally) europe and (now including) north america and south america
  • Similar words include: Occident, western United States, Rebecca West
  • Opposite of: east
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Mop, as the deck"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
  • Similar words include: mop, dab, swob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Polynesian brew"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic drink made from the aromatic roots of the kava shrub
  • Similar words include: kavakava
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Smooth out, as a wrinkled shirt"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Similar words include: cast-iron, Fe, atomic number 26
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Talent broker"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Mediocre, in modern slang"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. "'Tis entirely likely""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Item worn with a hazmat suit"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective mask with a filter; protects the face and lungs against poisonous gases
  • Similar words include: gas helmet, respirator
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASMASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Negative connector"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. "Curses!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Fibrous connecting tissues"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: tendon, brawniness, muscularity
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. "Take me ___""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Bounds"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
  • Similar words include: jump, jump off, bound
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Substitute"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an equal exchange
  • Similar words include: switch, barter, swop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Ceremonial Maori dance"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Done"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: concluded, complete, ended
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Mark left by a whip"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
  • Similar words include: flog, weal, strap
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. "Should that be true ...""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Word before "one's losses" or "both ways""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a share of the profits
  • Similar words include: mown, excision, cold shoulder
  • Opposite of: uncut, untrimmed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUT

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

36 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
76 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: October 13, 2026 at 10:49 AM

Thursday, September 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 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: Challenging

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. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble 2
2A 3. Make an impression 4
3A 7. Hanger-on 5
4A 12. Blunder 3
5A 14. Recital pieces 5
6A 16. "Same here," more stiffly 5
7A 17. CanapΓ© topping 3
8A 18. Traction enhancer 5
9A 19. Ships, say 5
10A 20. Cheerios grain 3
11A 21. American architect who invented Scrabble while unemployed during the Great Depression 11
12A 23. Hold tightly 5
13A 25. Like most manuscript submissions 5
14A 26. Many a Scottish native 4
15A 28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief 7
16A 33. Dish featured in Broadway's "Sweeney Todd" 7
17A 36. Decline 4
18A 37. Scrabble's name prior to its acquisition by James Brunot in 1948 15
19A 41. Ford or Lincoln 4
20A 42. Full of vivid detail, as memory 7
21A 43. Supposed sign of a healthy pooch 7
22A 45. Onesie fastener 4
23A 47. Actress Rene of "Thor" 5
24A 50. Watchdog's warning 5
25A 53. Bonus score for a bingo (using all seven of one's tiles) in Scrabble 11
26A 58. Actress Sandra or Ruby 3
27A 59. Dr. Seuss' environmentalist 5
28A 60. Open, as a toothpaste tube 5
29A 61. Like Brahms's Symphony No. 3 3
30A 62. Cognizant 5
31A 63. Home to Oral Roberts University 5
32A 64. Verizon competitor, informally 3
33A 65. Power measures 5
34A 66. Witnessed 4
35A 67. The two most valuable Scrabble tiles 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble"

2 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "3. Make an impression"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

3A: "7. Hanger-on"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
  • Similar words include: parasite, sponger, phlebotomize
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEECH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Blunder"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Recital pieces"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: solo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Same here," more stiffly"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. CanapΓ© topping"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Traction enhancer"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe); prevents slipping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Ships, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
  • Similar words include: send, mail, get off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Cheerios grain"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. American architect who invented Scrabble while unemployed during the Great Depression"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Hold tightly"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
  • Similar words include: hold on, clutches, compass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Like most manuscript submissions"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that write by means of a keyboard with types
  • Similar words include: typecast, type, typewrite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Many a Scottish native"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gaelic-speaking celt in ireland or scotland or the isle of man
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Dish featured in Broadway's "Sweeney Todd""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Decline"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Similar words include: decline, ebbing, go down
  • Opposite of: wax
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Scrabble's name prior to its acquisition by James Brunot in 1948"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Ford or Lincoln"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: motorcar, automobile, machine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Full of vivid detail, as memory"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of visual imagery of almost photographic accuracy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIDETIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Supposed sign of a healthy pooch"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Onesie fastener"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of catching an object with the hands
  • Similar words include: break down, tear, duck soup
  • Opposite of: inelasticity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Actress Rene of "Thor""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Watchdog's warning"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of growling (as made by animals)
  • Similar words include: growling, grumble, rumble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GROWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Bonus score for a bingo (using all seven of one's tiles) in Scrabble"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. Actress Sandra or Ruby"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "59. Dr. Seuss' environmentalist"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Open, as a toothpaste tube"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Like Brahms's Symphony No. 3"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Cognizant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
  • Similar words include: mindful, cognisant, cognizant
  • Opposite of: unmindful, unaware
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Home to Oral Roberts University"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a major city of northeastern oklahoma on the arkansas river; once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TULSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Verizon competitor, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Power measures"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english poet and theologian (1674-1748)
  • Similar words include: watt, Watt, Isaac Watts
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WATTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Witnessed"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. The two most valuable Scrabble tiles"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Weightless state, for short 5
2D 2. Cheering wildly 5
3D 3. Ones who have trouble finishing sentences? 8
4D 4. Ring 4
5D 5. Chin feature 5
6D 6. Old and trite 5
7D 7. Wavelength symbol 6
8D 8. Genesis twin 4
9D 9. Doctor 4
10D 10. Belmont entry 4
11D 11. Sound during a cat fight 4
12D 13. Put on sale, perhaps 5
13D 15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music 8
14D 22. Finds repugnant 7
15D 24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day? 6
16D 27. Gets ready to hit the ice 7
17D 29. Like some garages 6
18D 30. Crew need 3
19D 31. Hamburger connection? 3
20D 32. Some scale members 3
21D 34. Vies for a roster spot 8
22D 35. Group of seals 3
23D 37. Crow's cry 3
24D 38. Wish undone 3
25D 39. Addams Family cousin 3
26D 40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet 8
27D 44. Straight-horned antelopes 6
28D 46. Spots for addresses 5
29D 48. Kind of cavity 5
30D 49. Frère de la mère 5
31D 51. Forgot what you intended to say 9
32D 52. Didn't fill in, as a field on an application 9
33D 53. Design problem 4
34D 54. Part of the Corn Belt 4
35D 55. Row house? 4
36D 56. Patisserie pastry 4
37D 57. Stun, in a way 4

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Weightless state, for short"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Cheering wildly"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who escapes
  • Similar words include: run, lam, miss
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESCAPEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Ring"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
  • Similar words include: cost, bell, price
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Chin feature"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
  • Similar words include: cling, fissure, dissected
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Old and trite"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair; -coleridge
  • Similar words include: grey-headed, hoar, rusty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Wavelength symbol"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 11th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMBDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Genesis twin"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Doctor"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: blue-pencil, edit out, delete
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Belmont entry"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young male horse under the age of four
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sound during a cat fight"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
  • Similar words include: bird, sibilate, whoosh
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Put on sale, perhaps"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thing at a time
  • Similar words include: piecemeal, step-by-step, bit-by-bit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEPWISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "22. Finds repugnant"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards
  • Similar words include: hate, detest
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day?"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) a judge of israel who performed herculean feats of strength against the philistines until he was betrayed to them by his mistress delilah
  • Similar words include: bruiser, bull, strapper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "27. Gets ready to hit the ice"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "29. Like some garages"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. Crew need"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Hamburger connection?"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Some scale members"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: rhenium, atomic number 75, re
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Vies for a roster spot"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Group of seals"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Crow's cry"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by corvine birds
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Wish undone"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
  • Similar words include: herb of grace, ruefulness, sorrow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Addams Family cousin"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
  • Similar words include: wingspread
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WINGSPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Straight-horned antelopes"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large african antelope with long straight nearly upright horns
  • Similar words include: oryx, pasang
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORYXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Spots for addresses"

5 letters πŸ’­ 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: podium, rostrum, stump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Kind of cavity"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface
  • Similar words include: venous sinus, fistula
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Frère de la mère"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Forgot what you intended to say"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Didn't fill in, as a field on an application"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Design problem"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imperfection in an object or machine
  • Similar words include: defect, blemish, fault
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Part of the Corn Belt"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: IA, Ioway, Hawkeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Row house?"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a social club for male undergraduates
  • Similar words include: fraternity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Patisserie pastry"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
  • Similar words include: cyprian, woman of the street, working girl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Stun, in a way"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 24, 2026 at 08:35 AM