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Monday, October 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 12, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Let's not forget ..." 4
2A 5. Singer/actress Bareilles 4
3A 9. First part of a musical 4
4A 13. Close by 4
5A 14. Post-bath wrap 5
6A 15. Vegetable on a cob 4
7A 16. Electric vehicle from Japan 10
8A 18. God with a bow and arrow 4
9A 19. Brief 5
10A 20. Investment option for old age, in brief 3
11A 22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr. 3
12A 23. Signaling, as a performer 5
13A 24. Total mess 9
14A 27. Contents of a sleeve 3
15A 28. Birthstones for some Libras 5
16A 30. Quick kiss 4
17A 31. Movie princess with "space buns" 4
18A 33. Rapper ___ Kim 3
19A 34. Mercury, Venus or Mars 5
20A 35. Unpredictable emotional shift 9
21A 38. Striped kitty 5
22A 40. Main element in pewter 3
23A 41. "No ___, no foul" 4
24A 45. Olympic sword with a guarded tip 4
25A 46. Thick heads of hair 5
26A 48. Furious 3
27A 49. Celtics legend nicknamed "The Hick from French Lick" 9
28A 51. Kicks off, as a concert 5
29A 53. Singer Grande, informally 3
30A 54. Part of the Holy Trinity 3
31A 55. Tony winner Menzel 5
32A 56. ___-Cola 4
33A 58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found 10
34A 62. Those, in Spanish 4
35A 63. Lollipop holder 5
36A 64. Great Plains tribe 4
37A 65. "Late Night" host Meyers 4
38A 66. ___ off (miffed) 4
39A 67. Little kid 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Let's not forget ...""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: as well, likewise, besides
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Singer/actress Bareilles"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. First part of a musical"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Close by"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: most, cheeseparing, close
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Post-bath wrap"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Vegetable on a cob"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in america in many varieties; the principal cereal in mexico and central and south america since pre-columbian times
  • Similar words include: corn whiskey, Zea mays, edible corn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Electric vehicle from Japan"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. God with a bow and arrow"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Brief"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the location on a baseball field where the shortstop is stationed
  • Similar words include: myopic, poor, curtly
  • Opposite of: retentive, long
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Investment option for old age, in brief"

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: Irish Republican Army, Provos, Provisional IRA
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Signaling, as a performer"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Total mess"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Contents of a sleeve"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
  • Similar words include: build up, fortify, branch
  • Opposite of: disarm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Birthstones for some Libras"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
  • Similar words include: opal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Quick kiss"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Movie princess with "space buns""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Rapper ___ Kim"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Mercury, Venus or Mars"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
  • Similar words include: immortal, god, divinity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Unpredictable emotional shift"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Striped kitty"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black
  • Similar words include: tabby cat, brindle, brinded
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Main element in pewter"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Similar words include: cannister, atomic number 50, tin can
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. "No ___, no foul""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
  • Similar words include: scathe, hurt, impairment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Olympic sword with a guarded tip"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Thick heads of hair"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a persian prophet who founded manichaeism (216-276)
  • Similar words include: head of hair, mane, man
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Furious"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
  • Similar words include: demented, disturbed, delirious
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Celtics legend nicknamed "The Hick from French Lick""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Kicks off, as a concert"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: unfold, spread out, out-of-doors
  • Opposite of: close, fold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Singer Grande, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Part of the Holy Trinity"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, boy, Word
  • Opposite of: girl, daughter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Tony winner Menzel"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. ___-Cola"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a south american shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the andes; a source of cocaine
  • Similar words include: Imogene Coca, coca plant, Erythroxylon coca
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Those, in Spanish"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Lollipop holder"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement consisting of a length of wood
  • Similar words include: wedge, baffle, pin
  • Opposite of: dislodge, move
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Great Plains tribe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Oto
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. "Late Night" host Meyers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "66. ___ off (miffed)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place on a tee
  • Similar words include: tee up, tee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "67. Little kid"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native of yorkshire
  • Similar words include: nestling, shaver, tike
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Tom Lake" novelist Patchett 3
2D 2. It isn't working 7
3D 3. Raw fish dish at a Japanese restaurant 7
4D 4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles 5
5D 5. Sun, in Spanish 3
6D 6. Astounded state 3
7D 7. Shows again, as a broadcast 6
8D 8. "Clemency" actress Woodard 5
9D 9. Card that may be hidden "up one's sleeve" 3
10D 10. "You're right!" 7
11D 11. Russian revolutionary Leon 7
12D 12. City map next to a state map, e.g. 5
13D 14. Explosive block in Minecraft 3
14D 17. Mythical Greek ship 4
15D 21. Tree with "quaking" leaves 5
16D 23. Baseball great Ripken 3
17D 24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved 4
18D 25. Outstanding athlete 7
19D 26. Sound from the horse's mouth 5
20D 29. Cunning tactic 4
21D 32. "Jurassic Park" insect casing 5
22D 34. Eat by candlelight, say 4
23D 36. Follows an order 5
24D 37. Sailboat propeller 4
25D 38. Hybrid flower named after a drink 7
26D 39. Kind of jam in a Sacher torte 7
27D 42. In-room safe or a chocolate on the pillow, say 7
28D 43. Went hog wild 7
29D 44. Some E.R. workers 3
30D 46. Time piece? 6
31D 47. Sweet, fizzy drink 4
32D 49. Roller skate strings 5
33D 50. Give a leg up 5
34D 52. Amelia Earhart, for one 5
35D 55. Squid's defensive output 3
36D 57. Residue on a grill 3
37D 59. Reason for overtime 3
38D 60. Anxious condition, in brief 3
39D 61. Hive occupant 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "Tom Lake" novelist Patchett"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. It isn't working"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time available for ease and relaxation
  • Similar words include: leisure time
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEISURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Raw fish dish at a Japanese restaurant"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thinly sliced raw fish
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASHIMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Sun, in Spanish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Similar words include: soh, so, colloidal suspension
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Astounded state"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Shows again, as a broadcast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Clemency" actress Woodard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Card that may be hidden "up one's sleeve""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: 1, wizard, super
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "You're right!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make right or correct
  • Similar words include: make up, objurgate, counterbalance
  • Opposite of: incorrect, wrong
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORRECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Russian revolutionary Leon"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that russian revolutionary and communist theorist who helped lenin and built up the army; he was ousted from the communist party by stalin and eventually assassinated in mexico (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Lev Davidovich Bronstein, Leon Trotsky
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROTSKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. City map next to a state map, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Explosive block in Minecraft"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Mythical Greek ship"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly a large constellation in the southern hemisphere between canis major and the southern cross; now divided into carina and pyxis and puppis and vela
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Tree with "quaking" leaves"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Baseball great Ripken"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female domestic
  • Similar words include: maidservant, amah, housemaid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Outstanding athlete"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Sound from the horse's mouth"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the characteristic sounds made by a horse
  • Similar words include: whinny, nicker, whicker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Cunning tactic"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker
  • Similar words include: stratagem, gambit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. "Jurassic Park" insect casing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep yellow color
  • Similar words include: gold, brownish-yellow, yellow-brown
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Eat by candlelight, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Follows an order"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Similar words include: obey
  • Opposite of: disobey
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Sailboat propeller"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
  • Similar words include: wind instrument, wrap, twist
  • Opposite of: unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hybrid flower named after a drink"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Kind of jam in a Sacher torte"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
  • Similar words include: peach, yellowish pink, apricot tree
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APRICOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. In-room safe or a chocolate on the pillow, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions
  • Similar words include: agreeableness
  • Opposite of: disagreeableness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Went hog wild"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Some E.R. workers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (md is the current symbol for mendelevium but mv was formerly the symbol)
  • Similar words include: Free State, atomic number 101, Mv
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Time piece?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  • Similar words include: minute of arc, infinitesimal, instant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Sweet, fizzy drink"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: soda ash, sal soda, sodium carbonate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Roller skate strings"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Similar words include: intertwine, plait, twine
  • Opposite of: untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Give a leg up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of giving hope or support to someone
  • Similar words include: rise, hike up, encourage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Amelia Earhart, for one"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
  • Similar words include: pilot burner, buffer, pilot program
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Squid's defensive output"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Residue on a grill"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Reason for overtime"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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: link up, wed, splice
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Anxious condition, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Hive occupant"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEE

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

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 12, 2026 at 11:07 AM

Thursday, September 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Buds 4
2A 5. Concealer for the face 4
3A 9. Pre-K building blocks 4
4A 13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot 4
5A 14. Stick it to your rival! 4
6A 15. Bring in 4
7A 16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment 4
8A 17. Fix, in a way 4
9A 18. Purple bubble tea flavor 4
10A 19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief 3
11A 20. Short sidekick? 4
12A 21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball" 5
13A 22. Dub over? 6
14A 24. Cuatro y dos 4
15A 26. Business magnate Condé 4
16A 28. Promising places? 6
17A 32. Ferry or wherry 4
18A 35. Start of an incantation 4
19A 37. Pastoral sound 3
20A 38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme 14
21A 42. Inspired stuff 3
22A 43. Pro device 4
23A 44. ___ out a win 4
24A 45. Bond alternatives 6
25A 47. "... ___ no one ever" 4
26A 50. Edge jump in figure skating 4
27A 52. Scenes on Black Friday 6
28A 56. Kaitlin of "Hacks" 5
29A 59. Pawn 4
30A 61. Addendum to the five W's 3
31A 62. Female antelopes 4
32A 63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem) 4
33A 64. Woodsy scent 4
34A 65. Top of a mosque, often 4
35A 66. Column in decimal notation 4
36A 67. Central Plains people 4
37A 68. Losing streak 4
38A 69. Column in decimal notation 4
39A 70. Cheeky 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mac, mack, macintosh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Concealer for the face"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
  • Similar words include: dissemble, disguise, masquerade
  • Opposite of: unmask
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Pre-K building blocks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: first principle, alphabet, first rudiment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Stick it to your rival!"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Bring in"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: draw, glean, harvest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the highlands of northern scotland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Fix, in a way"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Purple bubble tea flavor"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: Colocasia esculenta, edda, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Short sidekick?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "22. Dub over?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a new name to
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "24. Cuatro y dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "26. Business magnate Condé"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Nast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Promising places?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the table in christian churches where communion is given
  • Similar words include: Lord's table, altar, communion table
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Ferry or wherry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vessel for travel on water
  • Similar words include: gravy boat, sauceboat, gravy holder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Start of an incantation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Pastoral sound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
  • Similar words include: low
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Inspired stuff"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: melodic line, strain, aura
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Pro device"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. ___ out a win"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Bond alternatives"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
  • Similar words include: breed, livestock, ancestry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "... ___ no one ever""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: tell, articulate, aforesaid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Edge jump in figure skating"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: loop-the-loop, intertwine, eyelet
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Scenes on Black Friday"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number of things or people considered together
  • Similar words include: herd, crowd, bunch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROWDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Kaitlin of "Hacks""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Pawn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several white wines from the rhine river valley in germany (`hock' is british usage)
  • Similar words include: hock-joint, pawn, Rhine wine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Addendum to the five W's"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Female antelopes"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: answer, cause, practise
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a specific instance of feeling hopeful
  • Similar words include: promise, trust, go for
  • Opposite of: despair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Woodsy scent"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: languish, yen, pine tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Top of a mosque, often"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
  • Similar words include: noodle, domed stadium, covered stadium
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ace, single, unity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Central Plains people"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Oto
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Losing streak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
  • Similar words include: slew, slide, slip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: 10, tenner, decade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Cheeky"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
  • Similar words include: irreverent, impertinent, saucy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 20. Reddit Q&A sesh 3
2D 21. Purple shade 5
3D 23. Prefix with body or bacterial 4
4D 25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically 4
5D 27. "Toodle-oo!" 4
6D 29. One way to run 4
7D 30. Actors like biting into a juicy one 4
8D 31. On board, say 4
9D 32. Pollster's concern 4
10D 33. "Handling this as we speak" 4
11D 34. Hairstyle that you've picked out? 4
12D 36. Kings and queens, e.g. 4
13D 39. Canon competitor 5
14D 40. ___ facto 4
15D 41. Makeover 4
16D 46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps 9
17D 48. Digital security credential 9
18D 49. Get to 3
19D 51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two 9
20D 53. Cannellini, e.g. 9
21D 54. Organ-related item in a wallet 9
22D 55. Perfect place 9
23D 56. Expert employed by a sportsbook 9
24D 57. "Show me some real effort!" 9
25D 58. It's not a full stop 9
26D 60. Room in the audience up for grabs 9
27D 63. Absolute train wrecks 9
28D 64. Andy Warhol, e.g. 9

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "20. Reddit Q&A sesh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "21. Purple shade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various plants of the genus syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
  • Similar words include: lilac-colored, lavender
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LILAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "23. Prefix with body or bacterial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
  • Opposite of: pro
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "27. "Toodle-oo!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "29. One way to run"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that frenzied as if possessed by a demon
  • Similar words include: murderously, berserk, demoniac
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "30. Actors like biting into a juicy one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: function, persona, character
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "31. On board, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: trade, deal, sell
  • Opposite of: unsold, buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "32. Pollster's concern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
  • Similar words include: predetermine, diagonal, preconception
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "33. "Handling this as we speak""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "34. Hairstyle that you've picked out?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Similar words include: Afro hairdo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "36. Kings and queens, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: go to bed, turn in, love
  • Opposite of: get up, turn out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "39. Canon competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "40. ___ facto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "41. Makeover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "48. Digital security credential"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "49. Get to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "53. Cannellini, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "54. Organ-related item in a wallet"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "55. Perfect place"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "56. Expert employed by a sportsbook"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "57. "Show me some real effort!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "58. It's not a full stop"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a punctuation mark (`;') used to connect independent clauses; indicates a closer relation than does a period
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMICOLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "60. Room in the audience up for grabs"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "63. Absolute train wrecks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "64. Andy Warhol, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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
28 Down Clues
67 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: September 17, 2026 at 08:47 AM