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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 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. Retro kind of hairstyle 5
2A 6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short 4
3A 10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals 4
4A 14. Ancient Greek marketplace 5
5A 15. Symphony site 4
6A 16. Singer Tori 4
7A 17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?" 10
8A 19. Son of Seth 4
9A 20. Ingested 3
10A 21. Like cotton candy 4
11A 22. Tolerate 5
12A 23. Not notice 4
13A 25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?" 10
14A 28. Confused 5
15A 30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool 3
16A 31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s 3
17A 32. Stubborn beast 3
18A 34. Uplifting coverage? 3
19A 35. Liberal ___ 4
20A 36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers? 13
21A 40. Amps (up) 4
22A 41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit) 3
23A 42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris 3
24A 43. Teacher's pest 3
25A 44. Fish with a Kohaku variety 3
26A 45. They're cover-ups! 5
27A 49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?" 10
28A 54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge 4
29A 55. "See ya!" 5
30A 56. Look before you do this 4
31A 58. Deg. for an entrepreneur 3
32A 59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star) 4
33A 60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?" 10
34A 63. What postseason games can't end in 4
35A 64. ___ bean 4
36A 65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine 5
37A 66. Big name in e-commerce 4
38A 67. Sign of things to come 4
39A 68. Wow 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Retro kind of hairstyle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ancient Greek marketplace"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Symphony site"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
  • Similar words include: Charles Francis Hall, vestibule, mansion house
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Singer Tori"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Son of Seth"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Ingested"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat on, wipe out, deplete
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Like cotton candy"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
  • Similar words include: spin around, spin out, whirl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Tolerate"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put up with something or somebody unpleasant
  • Similar words include: bear, tolerate, stand
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Not notice"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: drop, overlook, young woman
  • Opposite of: attend to, hit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Confused"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

17A: "32. Stubborn beast"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: piece of tail, nates, backside
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Uplifting coverage?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Liberal ___"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: fine art, artistry, liberal arts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers?"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Amps (up)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, peppiness, pep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
  • Similar words include: Mr., Mister, Mrs.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Teacher's pest"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, brownie, scallywag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Fish with a Kohaku variety"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. They're cover-ups!"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterproofed canvas
  • Similar words include: tarp, tarpaulin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. "See ya!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: good day, goodby, goodbye
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Look before you do this"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Deg. for an entrepreneur"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in business
  • Similar words include: Master in Business, Master in Business Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. What postseason games can't end in"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: association, tie, link
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. ___ bean"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Big name in e-commerce"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Sign of things to come"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: portent, Oman, auspicate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Wow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affect with wonder
  • Similar words include: nonplus, puzzle, mystify
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps 6
2D 2. "Aha!" 6
3D 3. Equally 6
4D 4. Link letters 3
5D 5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps 4
6D 6. Storied graverobber 5
7D 7. ___ cum laude 5
8D 8. World Cup cheer 3
9D 9. Camera type, for short 3
10D 10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports 5
11D 11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda) 8
12D 12. A satisfying meal, informally 8
13D 13. Claims 7
14D 18. D&D or WoW 3
15D 22. Lemon add-on 3
16D 24. Important creatures in Inuit culture 5
17D 26. Popular fast-fashion brand 4
18D 27. Glorify 5
19D 29. Hit up 3
20D 33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 5
21D 34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" 3
22D 35. Put in the cross hairs 5
23D 36. "Whew! Our journey is over!" 8
24D 37. Makes aware (of) 8
25D 38. Children's author Carle 4
26D 39. A little foxy? 3
27D 40. Very spicy 7
28D 44. Goals for boxers, in brief 3
29D 46. Sportswriter Shelburne 6
30D 47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally 6
31D 48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one 6
32D 50. Like a commanding lead? 5
33D 51. Dark yellowish-green 5
34D 52. Thanksgiving pie nut 5
35D 53. One in a Himalayan herd 3
36D 57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group 4
37D 60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief 3
38D 61. One who's yukking it up 3
39D 62. French identification 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair of loose trousers tied by a drawstring around the waist; worn by men and women in some asian countries
  • Similar words include: pyjama, jammies, pj's
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAJAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Aha!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Equally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Link letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that remunerates
  • Similar words include: compensate, pay, remuneration
  • Opposite of: default
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Storied graverobber"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who takes bodies from graves and sells them for anatomical dissection
  • Similar words include: graverobber, body snatcher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHOUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. ___ cum laude"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. World Cup cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Camera type, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who eats all kinds of foods
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMNIVORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. A satisfying meal, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Claims"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state categorically
  • Similar words include: assert, avow, swan
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSERTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. D&D or WoW"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Lemon add-on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Important creatures in Inuit culture"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealing wax, Navy SEAL, stamp
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Popular fast-fashion brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Glorify"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: inebriate, inspire, exhilarate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Hit up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the twelve apostles (first century)
  • Similar words include: St. Simon, Marvin Neil Simon, Neil Simon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Put in the cross hairs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "Whew! Our journey is over!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Makes aware (of)"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inform (somebody) of something
  • Similar words include: advise, send word, give notice
  • Opposite of: depreciate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPRISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Children's author Carle"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. A little foxy?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a case for containing a set of articles
  • Similar words include: outfit, kit out, kit up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Very spicy"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Goals for boxers, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (in india) a unit of length having different values in different localities
  • Similar words include: coss, knockout, KO
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Sportswriter Shelburne"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
  • Similar words include: Salvia officinalis, common sage
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sculpture representing a human or animal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Like a commanding lead?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
  • Similar words include: high-and-mighty, peremptory, dominating
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOSSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Dark yellowish-green"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: European olive tree, Olea europaea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Thanksgiving pie nut"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of a pecan tree
  • Similar words include: Carya illinoinsis, pecan tree, Carya illinoensis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. One in a Himalayan herd"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yack, cackle, chatter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. One who's yukking it up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. French identification"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: June 24, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Monday, April 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 20, 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. Solicit with a goodie 5
2A 6. School support grps. 4
3A 10. Egyptian cobra 3
4A 13. Well-informed 5
5A 14. Teaser, for short 5
6A 15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names 3
7A 16. Low red card in a deck 11
8A 18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother 3
9A 19. Window shades 6
10A 20. Follow orders 4
11A 21. Locomotives, to kids 14
12A 25. Comic figure at a circus 5
13A 26. "Impressive!" 3
14A 27. Stir up, as waters 4
15A 28. "The worst!" 9
16A 34. ___-backward 3
17A 35. Walk wearily 7
18A 37. ___-Magnon (early human) 3
19A 38. City and its surroundings 9
20A 40. German refusal 4
21A 41. Alternative to .com or .edu 3
22A 42. Ridiculous 5
23A 43. "Don't mention it — it was easy" 14
24A 50. "Just doin' my job" 4
25A 51. Insect with pincers 6
26A 52. X, for a sorority 3
27A 53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell? 11
28A 58. Skirt feature 3
29A 59. Decorations around the United Nations 5
30A 60. "Sauer" hot dog topping 5
31A 61. Triage sites, for short 3
32A 62. Mascara coats one 4
33A 63. Full of know-how 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Solicit with a goodie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dispose or incline or entice to
  • Similar words include: charm, influence, entice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. School support grps."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Egyptian cobra"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: Vipera aspis, Egyptian cobra, Naja haje
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Well-informed"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Teaser, for short"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Low red card in a deck"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: Provisional Irish Republican Army, Irish Republican Army, ire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Window shades"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
  • Similar words include: subterfuge, screen, blind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLINDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Follow orders"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Opposite of: disobey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Locomotives, to kids"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Comic figure at a circus"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rude or vulgar fool
  • Similar words include: goofball, clown around, goof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. "Impressive!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: aah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Stir up, as waters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be agitated
  • Similar words include: moil, rile, boil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. "The worst!""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. ___-backward"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: derriere, backside, tail end
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Walk wearily"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk or tramp about
  • Similar words include: shlep
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAIPSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. ___-Magnon (early human)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
  • Similar words include: scope, oscilloscope, cathode-ray oscilloscope
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. City and its surroundings"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. German refusal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Alternative to .com or .edu"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Ridiculous"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a word used for misbehaving children
  • Similar words include: punch-drunk, light-headed, empty-headed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. "Don't mention it — it was easy""

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. "Just doin' my job""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Insect with pincers"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous insects of the order dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. X, for a sorority"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Skirt feature"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
  • Similar words include: ahem
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Decorations around the United Nations"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
  • Similar words include: fleur-de-lis, ease off, pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. "Sauer" hot dog topping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensive term for a person of german descent
  • Similar words include: Jerry, Krauthead, Hun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Triage sites, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: Er, ER, atomic number 68
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Mascara coats one"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
  • Similar words include: strap, slash, flog
  • Opposite of: unlash
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Full of know-how"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cognitive condition of someone who understands
  • Similar words include: understanding, comprehend, dig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAVVY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally 3
2D 2. "Gross!" 3
3D 3. Chinese revolutionary 3
4D 4. Football all-star game 7
5D 5. Cookware coating 6
6D 6. National museum in Madrid 5
7D 7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt 5
8D 8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM? 3
9D 9. ...---... in Morse 3
10D 10. Cover story, in court 5
11D 11. Sound that warns of a tornado 5
12D 12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade 5
13D 14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital 4
14D 17. Kool-Aid rival 3
15D 20. Site of Pearl Harbor 4
16D 21. Not far away 5
17D 22. Lift 5
18D 23. Throw (out) 4
19D 24. Valentine's Day flower 4
20D 25. Stow tightly, with "in" 4
21D 28. Cigarette substance 3
22D 29. Move in a hurry, old-style 3
23D 30. Craft brew designation letters 3
24D 31. Medium-sized battery 5
25D 32. Filtered food for whales 5
26D 33. PlayStation maker 4
27D 35. Matador charger 4
28D 36. Pasta sauce brand 4
29D 39. Golfer McIlroy 4
30D 40. Big U.S./Canada falls 7
31D 42. (The) boondocks 6
32D 43. Specialty 5
33D 44. Catchall survey option 5
34D 45. Cuts at the margins 5
35D 46. Apps undergoing testing 5
36D 47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___" 5
37D 48. Flubs 4
38D 49. Slack-jawed feeling 3
39D 53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars 3
40D 54. In the style of 3
41D 55. Bathroom, informally 3
42D 56. Sweetie, to Brits 3
43D 57. Total dump 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Chinese revolutionary"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Similar words include: monoamine oxidase, Mao Zedong, Mao Tsetung
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Football all-star game"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cookware coating"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided
  • Similar words include: polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEFLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. National museum in Madrid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • Similar words include: trunk, body
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ...---... in Morse"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: sol, so, soh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Cover story, in court"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  • Similar words include: exculpation, excuse, self-justification
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sound that warns of a tornado"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
  • Similar words include: work, sport, drama
  • Opposite of: tightness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Kool-Aid rival"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Site of Pearl Harbor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Similar words include: Oahu Island
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAHU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Not far away"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: close-fitting, conclusion, secretive
  • Opposite of: open, distant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Lift"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
  • Similar words include: wind, lift, run up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Throw (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of flipping a coin
  • Similar words include: cast out, jactitate, discard
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Valentine's Day flower"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
  • Similar words include: climb up, rose wine, roseate
  • Opposite of: set, wane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "25. Stow tightly, with "in""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that crowd or pack to capacity
  • Similar words include: ram, mug up, drum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Cigarette substance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: mariner, seaman, sea dog
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Move in a hurry, old-style"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: rush, race, rush along
  • Opposite of: linger
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Craft brew designation letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Medium-sized battery"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "32. Filtered food for whales"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans; major source of food for e.g. baleen whales
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "33. PlayStation maker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "35. Matador charger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "36. Pasta sauce brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "39. Golfer McIlroy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "40. Big U.S./Canada falls"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterfall in canada is the horseshoe falls; in the united states it is the american falls
  • Similar words include: Niagara Falls, Niagara River
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIAGARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. (The) boondocks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement consisting of a length of wood
  • Similar words include: bond, marijuana cigarette, stay
  • Opposite of: move, dislodge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STICKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Specialty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
  • Similar words include: recession, corner, ecological niche
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "44. Catchall survey option"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
  • Similar words include: former, early
  • Opposite of: same
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "45. Cuts at the margins"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of arrangement or appearance
  • Similar words include: trim down, crop, prune
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "46. Apps undergoing testing"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 2nd letter of the greek alphabet
  • Similar words include: beta, genus Beta, Beta
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of laughing
  • Similar words include: joke, express joy, express mirth
  • Opposite of: cry
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAUGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "48. Flubs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "49. Slack-jawed feeling"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: fear, veneration, reverence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "54. In the style of"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "55. Bathroom, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • Similar words include: can, lavatory, toilet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "56. Sweetie, to Brits"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "57. Total dump"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: pigpen, hordeolum, eye infection
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

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
43 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.

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Last updated: April 20, 2026 at 06:00 AM