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Friday, August 14, 2026

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword August 14, 2026 Answers

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword August 14, 2026 Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: August 19 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | December 10 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | April 26 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 14, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, August 14, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 14, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 61. Spanish muralist José María ___
2 Across 37. Mom-and-pop group
3 Across 46. Recollection, say
4 Across 30. Bunk alternatives
5 Across 14. "There's my cue"
6 Across 5. Discovers
7 Across 59. Berkshire town
8 Across 51. Explode, as a paintball
9 Across 33. Because
10 Across 16. Superbright

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "61. Spanish muralist José María ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T

Answer:

Click to reveal SERT


2 Across: "37. Mom-and-pop group"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'M'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal FAM


3 Across: "46. Recollection, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A______E

Answer:

Click to reveal ANECDOTE


4 Across: "30. Bunk alternatives"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C__S

Answer:

Click to reveal COTS


5 Across: "14. "There's my cue""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: I__N

Answer:

Click to reveal IMON


6 Across: "5. Discovers"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal SNIFFSOUT


7 Across: "59. Berkshire town"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N

Answer:

Click to reveal ETON


8 Across: "51. Explode, as a paintball"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G_____T

Answer:

Click to reveal GOSPLAT


9 Across: "33. Because"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E

Answer:

Click to reveal SINCE


10 Across: "16. Superbright"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: N__N

Answer:

Click to reveal NEON

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 56. Project
2 Down 25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense
3 Down 51. Deep cut
4 Down 49. What might go straight to the heart?
5 Down 41. Tastes
6 Down 17. Unfruitful
7 Down 9. Honey is high in this
8 Down 32. Plot device?
9 Down 13. "... plus ___"
10 Down 55. Parlor offering, for short

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "56. Project"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: bump

Answer:

Click to reveal JUT


2 Down: "25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: O_________R

Answer:

Click to reveal OCCAMSRAZOR


3 Down: "51. Deep cut"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: G__H

Answer:

Click to reveal GASH


4 Down: "49. What might go straight to the heart?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T

Answer:

Click to reveal STENT


5 Down: "41. Tastes"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal SAMPLES


6 Down: "17. Unfruitful"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B____N

Answer:

Click to reveal BARREN


7 Down: "9. Honey is high in this"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F______E

Answer:

Click to reveal FRUCTOSE


8 Down: "32. Plot device?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H__E

Answer:

Click to reveal HOSE


9 Down: "13. "... plus ___""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'X'
  • Another word like this: task

Answer:

Click to reveal TAX


10 Down: "55. Parlor offering, for short"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: sleaze

Answer:

Click to reveal TAT

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 45 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

The Trivia Week 2 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 2?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 2 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

No! The Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

Good Trivia Week 2 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

Trivia Week 2 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: August 14, 2026 at 05:12 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 14 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 14, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. ___ Plateau, home to the tomb of King Khufu 4
2A 5. Discovers 9
3A 14. "There's my cue" 4
4A 15. "Dios mío!" 9
5A 16. Superbright 4
6A 17. Couple's last coupling, perhaps 10
7A 18. Mounted warrior skilled in martial arts 7
8A 20. Retired pro wrestler Flair 3
9A 21. Sibling's cry of protest, maybe 6
10A 22. Guard for some time? 8
11A 27. Unit whose name derives from the Latin word for "heat" 7
12A 29. Completely lose it 6
13A 30. Bunk alternatives 4
14A 31. Leave a lasting mark on 4
15A 33. Because 5
16A 34. Self-doubter's question 3
17A 35. Huddling, as teammates 7
18A 37. Mom-and-pop group 3
19A 38. Rock musician Bob 5
20A 40. "Enough out of you!" 4
21A 41. Costco competitor, informally 4
22A 42. England's George V vis-à-vis Russia's Nicholas II 6
23A 44. Good places for a deep dive into research? 7
24A 46. Recollection, say 8
25A 48. Primates found only in and around Madagascar 6
26A 50. Slip 3
27A 51. Explode, as a paintball 7
28A 52. Enthusiastic cry when one's favorite song comes on the radio 10
29A 57. Idle 4
30A 58. Excessively greedy 9
31A 59. Berkshire town 4
32A 60. Of an indefinitely large number 9
33A 61. Spanish muralist José María ___ 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Discovers"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Dios mío!""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Superbright"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Retired pro wrestler Flair"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Completely lose it"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Bunk alternatives"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Huddling, as teammates"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Rock musician Bob"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Costco competitor, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Recollection, say"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Slip"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Idle"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Excessively greedy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Berkshire town"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Words of comfort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Not being real about"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Deplete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Yogis' utterances"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "... plus ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Unfruitful"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Shoot the breeze"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Scratch that!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: itchiness, scratch, urge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Plot device?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Shimmer colorfully"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Tastes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Check for fit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Deep cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Country ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Unwanted place for bugs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Project"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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: August 14, 2026 at 05:11 AM

Saturday, July 25, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 25, 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: Medium

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. Fashionable spots? 9
2A 10. Meeting that's been cut short? 4
3A 14. Device used in making snow cones 10
4A 16. Lead 4
5A 17. What might provide you an opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes? 10
6A 18. Group with the hits "Honey, Honey" and "Money, Money, Money" 4
7A 19. Something won by successful Olympians 5
8A 20. Alternative to caps: Abbr. 4
9A 21. Emmy winner Ann of "The Handmaid's Tale" 4
10A 22. "Awesome!" 3
11A 23. Shared fantasies? 4
12A 25. "The gloves are off!" 6
13A 27. Lab in one's house, maybe 3
14A 28. Like some high-fiber snacks 4
15A 30. Ingredient in Swedish knäckebröd 3
16A 31. "Wrong answer" 4
17A 34. Grind up, in a way 4
18A 36. Rite-of-passage events for high schoolers 5
19A 38. "You and me both" 15
20A 41. Waft fragrant smoke around 5
21A 42. Actress Taylor-Joy 4
22A 43. Tricksters 4
23A 44. Prey for a mountain lion 3
24A 45. It has its time and place: Abbr. 4
25A 47. Things that could happen 3
26A 49. Light 6
27A 51. Let on a court, say 4
28A 53. Co-founder of the A.C.L.U.'s Women's Rights Project, familiarly 3
29A 56. Plains people 4
30A 57. Second person seen in "Hamlet" 4
31A 59. Immodest outburst 5
32A 61. The so-called "hurricane bird," because of its reputation for seeking shelter from storms at the last possible moment 4
33A 62. Knockout alternative 10
34A 64. "Santa Claus in Camp" artist, 1863 4
35A 65. "This has waited long enough, yes?" 10
36A 66. Like koalas, in Australia 4
37A 67. Some craft outlets 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Fashionable spots?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Meeting that's been cut short?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Device used in making snow cones"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Lead"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight indication
  • Similar words include: clew, cue, hint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. What might provide you an opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Group with the hits "Honey, Honey" and "Money, Money, Money""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Something won by successful Olympians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of high honor
  • Similar words include: resplendence, halo, gloriole
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLORY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Alternative to caps: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Emmy winner Ann of "The Handmaid's Tale""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Awesome!""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Shared fantasies?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a german art song of the 19th century for voice and piano
  • Similar words include: lie, lie in, dwell
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. "The gloves are off!""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Lab in one's house, maybe"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
  • Similar words include: positron emission tomography, darling, deary
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Like some high-fiber snacks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Ingredient in Swedish knäckebröd"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: rye whisky, rye whiskey, Secale cereale
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. "Wrong answer""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Grind up, in a way"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wad of something chewable as tobacco
  • Similar words include: chewing, chaw, mastication
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Rite-of-passage events for high schoolers"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
  • Similar words include: promenade, prom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "You and me both""

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Waft fragrant smoke around"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perfume especially with a censer
  • Similar words include: thurify, incense
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Actress Taylor-Joy"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Tricksters"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: gremlin, imp, elf
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Prey for a mountain lion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: Cervus elaphus canadensis, moose, wapiti
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. It has its time and place: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Things that could happen"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Light"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
  • Similar words include: soft, blue, aristocratical
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Let on a court, say"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a telephone connection
  • Similar words include: phone, shout out, squall
  • Opposite of: put option
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Co-founder of the A.C.L.U.'s Women's Rights Project, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. 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!

30A: "57. Second person seen in "Hamlet""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: G, thousand, chiliad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Immodest outburst"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. The so-called "hurricane bird," because of its reputation for seeking shelter from storms at the last possible moment"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Knockout alternative"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. "Santa Claus in Camp" artist, 1863"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

35A: "65. "This has waited long enough, yes?""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Like koalas, in Australia"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of western adventure novels (1875-1939)
  • Similar words include: Second Earl Grey, Charles Grey, hoary
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Some craft outlets"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. One of a nursery rhyme quintet 5
2D 2. Seat of Marion County, Fla. 5
3D 3. Jim Croce's ___ Brown, who is "meaner than a junkyard dog" 5
4D 4. 1980s Chrysler innovation 4
5D 5. It's made of diamonds 6
6D 6. Directly 3
7D 7. Actor/playwright Davis who wrote "Purlie Victorious" 5
8D 8. "It was only a practice round!" 15
9D 9. Ward of "Sisters" 4
10D 10. A great deal 5
11D 11. Coach's lack, often 9
12D 12. Underground scheme? 9
13D 13. Providers of support for travelers 9
14D 15. Fired up again 5
15D 24. Shingles problem that a set of nails might address 4
16D 26. Word with set, cast or writer 4
17D 27. Predigital recording devices 4
18D 29. Where an annoying person might be told to go? 4
19D 31. "Good job!" 9
20D 32. A.M. station 9
21D 33. Ambient sound said to be more soothing than its "white" counterpart 9
22D 35. Whole lot (of) 4
23D 37. Tally of those driven home, for short 4
24D 39. Color of an ovarian cancer awareness ribbon 4
25D 40. One might check a box for it 4
26D 46. Kind of dish 5
27D 48. Dallies 6
28D 50. Easily set off 5
29D 52. What some sisters become 5
30D 53. Secretary of state beginning in 2025 5
31D 54. Game day sight 5
32D 55. Pool set? 5
33D 58. They might be thrown out if they run 4
34D 60. Philip with two National Book Awards 4
35D 63. Unprofessional letters? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. One of a nursery rhyme quintet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young pig
  • Similar words include: swinish, shote, piglet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIGGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Seat of Marion County, Fla."

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Jim Croce's ___ Brown, who is "meaner than a junkyard dog""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. 1980s Chrysler innovation"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's made of diamonds"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covered gravy holder of silver or other metal containing a detachable central vessel for hot water to keep the gravy warm
  • Similar words include: argyll
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGYLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Directly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that that which is deserved or owed
  • Similar words include: imputable, ascribable, referable
  • Opposite of: undue
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Actor/playwright Davis who wrote "Purlie Victorious""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "It was only a practice round!""

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ward of "Sisters""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. A great deal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: rafts, heaps, loads
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Coach's lack, often"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Underground scheme?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Providers of support for travelers"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cushion attached to the top of the back of an automobile's seat to prevent whiplash
  • Similar words include: head restraint, headrest
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADRESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Fired up again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "24. Shingles problem that a set of nails might address"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: rub, urge, scratch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Word with set, cast or writer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
  • Similar words include: eccentric, case, typecast
  • Opposite of: antitype
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Predigital recording devices"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
  • Similar words include: playpen, compose, write
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Where an annoying person might be told to go?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not present; having left
  • Similar words include: off, aside, forth
  • Opposite of: home
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. "Good job!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. A.M. station"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Ambient sound said to be more soothing than its "white" counterpart"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Whole lot (of)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of objects laid on top of each other
  • Similar words include: great deal, pot, muckle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAP

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23D: "37. Tally of those driven home, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a run that is the result of the batter's performance
  • Similar words include: rbi, run batted in
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RBIS

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24D: "39. Color of an ovarian cancer awareness ribbon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blue-green color or pigment
  • Similar words include: bluish green, cyan, blue-green
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAL

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25D: "40. One might check a box for it"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
  • Similar words include: post, chain armour, ring armour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIL

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26D: "46. Kind of dish"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "48. Dallies"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
  • Similar words include: minx, flirtation, toy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIRTS

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28D: "50. Easily set off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that easily irritated or annoyed
  • Similar words include: peevish, techy, peckish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESTY

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29D: "52. What some sisters become"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
  • Similar words include: aunt, aunty, auntie
  • Opposite of: uncle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUNTS

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30D: "53. Secretary of state beginning in 2025"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "54. Game day sight"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any elderly pompous reactionary ultranationalistic person (after the cartoon character created by sir david low)
  • Similar words include: sausage balloon, sausage, Colonel Blimp
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLIMP

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32D: "55. Pool set?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
  • Similar words include: gene, factor, cistron
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENES

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33D: "58. They might be thrown out if they run"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "60. Philip with two National Book Awards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer whose novels portray middle-class jewish life (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Philip Milton Roth, Philip Roth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTH

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35D: "63. Unprofessional letters?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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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

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 25, 2026 at 05:59 AM