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Tuesday, August 11, 2026

NYT Mini Trivia Week 2 August 11, 2026 - Hints & Answers

Complete Solutions for NYT Mini Trivia Week 2 August 11, 2026

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: November 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | May 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 21 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 11, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 11, 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 6. Big name in food wholesale
2 Across 64. First Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy ... or a hint to 17-, 30- and 47-Across
3 Across 22. Red denizen of Sesame Street
4 Across 70. Stash away
5 Across 40. Goat's bleat
6 Across 41. Scold
7 Across 47. Hip-hop group that wrote "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck"
8 Across 19. Sam-___ (Seuss character)
9 Across 46. Tender spots
10 Across 1. Popular tablets

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: "6. Big name in food wholesale"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SYSCO


2 Across: "64. First Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy ... or a hint to 17-, 30- and 47-Across"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S_________Y

Answer:

Click to reveal SONGDYNASTY


3 Across: "22. Red denizen of Sesame Street"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ELMO


4 Across: "70. Stash away"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STORE


5 Across: "40. Goat's bleat"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MAA


6 Across: "41. Scold"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CHIDE


7 Across: "47. Hip-hop group that wrote "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: W________N

Answer:

Click to reveal WUTANGCLAN


8 Across: "19. Sam-___ (Seuss character)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IAM


9 Across: "46. Tender spots"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SORES


10 Across: "1. Popular tablets"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IPADS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 32. Patronize, as a hotel
2 Down 27. "I'll ___ it"
3 Down 28. Island that's the world's third-smallest country, after Vatican City and Monaco
4 Down 54. What icicles do
5 Down 45. Got too old
6 Down 6. Droop
7 Down 48. Pub drink
8 Down 60. Cuba, por ejemplo
9 Down 1. Deets
10 Down 34. Angel ___, holder of the W.N.B.A. single-season record for offensive rebounds

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "32. Patronize, as a hotel"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S____T

Answer:

Click to reveal STAYAT


2 Down: "27. "I'll ___ it""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: A___W

Answer:

Click to reveal ALLOW


3 Down: "28. Island that's the world's third-smallest country, after Vatican City and Monaco"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: N___U

Answer:

Click to reveal NAURU


4 Down: "54. What icicles do"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: D__P

Answer:

Click to reveal DRIP


5 Down: "45. Got too old"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AGEDOUT


6 Down: "6. Droop"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Another word like this: flag

Answer:

Click to reveal SAG


7 Down: "48. Pub drink"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ALE


8 Down: "60. Cuba, por ejemplo"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ISLA


9 Down: "1. Deets"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal INFO


10 Down: "34. Angel ___, holder of the W.N.B.A. single-season record for offensive rebounds"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal REESE

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 58 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 11, 2026 at 04:46 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 11 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 11, 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. Popular tablets 5
2A 6. Big name in food wholesale 5
3A 11. "Exit full screen" key 3
4A 14. Still in bed 5
5A 15. Just peachy 5
6A 16. By way of 3
7A 17. Psychedelic rock band with the 2003 tune "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1," with "the" 11
8A 19. Sam-___ (Seuss character) 3
9A 20. No rookie 6
10A 21. Missions, in brief 3
11A 22. Red denizen of Sesame Street 4
12A 23. Problem for a plumber 4
13A 25. Lollygag 4
14A 27. Against 4
15A 30. German film composer who wrote "Cornfield Chase" and "Time" 10
16A 35. Things to be mowed 5
17A 37. Passage ceremonies 5
18A 38. Word with cutie or sweetie 3
19A 39. Mario's video game brother 5
20A 40. Goat's bleat 3
21A 41. Scold 5
22A 43. Hosp. areas with gurneys 3
23A 44. In a cheery manner 5
24A 46. Tender spots 5
25A 47. Hip-hop group that wrote "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck" 10
26A 50. Trifling 4
27A 51. "... or ___!" (threat) 4
28A 52. Opinion, informally 4
29A 54. Alternative to truth 4
30A 56. "Abso-freakin-lutely!" 3
31A 59. Big export of Myanmar 6
32A 63. Ingredient in a Dark 'n' Stormy 3
33A 64. First Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy ... or a hint to 17-, 30- and 47-Across 11
34A 66. Portfolio portion, in brief 3
35A 67. Peripheral 5
36A 68. Religion of the Maldives 5
37A 69. "There, there" accompanier 3
38A 70. Stash away 5
39A 71. Prey for polar bears 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Popular tablets"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Big name in food wholesale"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. "Exit full screen" key"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Still in bed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Just peachy"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. By way of"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Psychedelic rock band with the 2003 tune "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1," with "the""

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Sam-___ (Seuss character)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. No rookie"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Missions, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Red denizen of Sesame Street"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Problem for a plumber"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
  • Similar words include: leakage, leak out, making water
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Lollygag"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Similar words include: out of work, laze, stagnate
  • Opposite of: busy, work
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Against"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

15A: "30. German film composer who wrote "Cornfield Chase" and "Time""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Things to be mowed"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a field of cultivated and mowed grass
  • Similar words include: lawn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAWNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Passage ceremonies"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
  • Similar words include: rite, ritual, religious rite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Word with cutie or sweetie"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Mario's video game brother"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Goat's bleat"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Scold"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that censure severely or angrily
  • Similar words include: lambaste, berate, chew up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Hosp. areas with gurneys"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: Oregon, OR, operating theater
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. In a cheery manner"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a gay manner
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAILY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Tender spots"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open skin infection
  • Similar words include: sore
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Hip-hop group that wrote "C.R.E.A.M." and "Protect Ya Neck""

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Trifling"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small pond of standing water
  • Similar words include: simple, bare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. "... or ___!" (threat)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Opinion, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
  • Similar words include: require, subscribe, have
  • Opposite of: give, abstain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Alternative to truth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: daring, make bold, presume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. "Abso-freakin-lutely!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849
  • Similar words include: Department of the Interior, Interior, Interior Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Big export of Myanmar"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
  • Similar words include: crimson, ruby, deep red
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUBIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Ingredient in a Dark 'n' Stormy"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liquor distilled from fermented molasses
  • Similar words include: curious, odd, funny
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. First Chinese government to establish a permanent standing navy ... or a hint to 17-, 30- and 47-Across"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Portfolio portion, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Peripheral"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being on the outside or further from a center
  • Similar words include: taboo, stunned, tabu
  • Opposite of: safe, inner
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Religion of the Maldives"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the civilization of muslims collectively which is governed by the muslim religion
  • Similar words include: Muhammadanism, Islamism, Muslimism
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. "There, there" accompanier"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: chuck, rap, tap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Stash away"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
  • Similar words include: memory, storage, put in
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "71. Prey for polar bears"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Deets 4
2D 2. Opinion survey 4
3D 3. Ever so slightly 4
4D 4. Bit of Chinese food 8
5D 5. Steeple topper 5
6D 6. Droop 3
7D 7. "This is probably dumb but I'm doing it anyway" hashtag 4
8D 8. Go past 4
9D 9. Flip over, as a boat 7
10D 10. Yiddish laments 3
11D 11. The Soviet Union, to Reagan 10
12D 12. Thailand, before 1939 4
13D 13. Military wear, for short 4
14D 18. Head of a noted animal rescue project 4
15D 22. Stately tree 3
16D 24. Like a comeuppance, perhaps 6
17D 26. LPs and 45s 5
18D 27. "I'll ___ it" 5
19D 28. Island that's the world's third-smallest country, after Vatican City and Monaco 5
20D 29. People hold complicated positions on it 10
21D 31. Singer Horan of One Direction 5
22D 32. Patronize, as a hotel 6
23D 33. Duck down 5
24D 34. Angel ___, holder of the W.N.B.A. single-season record for offensive rebounds 5
25D 36. Stop and Yield 5
26D 42. Headquarters 8
27D 45. Got too old 7
28D 48. Pub drink 3
29D 49. ___ a soul 4
30D 53. Mila of "That '70s Show" 5
31D 54. What icicles do 4
32D 55. Field you can feel, maybe 4
33D 57. "You're ___ something!" 4
34D 58. Longtime Disney boss Bob 4
35D 60. Cuba, por ejemplo 4
36D 61. And other authors: Abbr. 4
37D 62. Jazz singer Sylvia 4
38D 64. Castaway's call 3
39D 65. "Dr." from Compton 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Deets"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message received and understood
  • Similar words include: information
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Opinion survey"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
  • Similar words include: pollard, public opinion poll, poll parrot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ever so slightly"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Bit of Chinese food"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small balls or strips of boiled or steamed dough
  • Similar words include: dumplings
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUMPLING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Steeple topper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top
  • Similar words include: steeple
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Droop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "This is probably dumb but I'm doing it anyway" hashtag"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Go past"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gait in which steps and hops alternate
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, decamp, bound off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Flip over, as a boat"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overturn accidentally
  • Similar words include: turn turtle, turtle
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAPSIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Yiddish laments"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The Soviet Union, to Reagan"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Thailand, before 1939"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a country of southeastern asia that extends southward along the isthmus of kra to the malay peninsula
  • Similar words include: Kingdom of Thailand, Thailand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Military wear, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
  • Similar words include: camouflage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Head of a noted animal rescue project"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Stately tree"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Like a comeuppance, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. LPs and 45s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove
  • Similar words include: phonograph recording, phonograph record, disc
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. "I'll ___ it""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
  • Similar words include: grant, tolerate, earmark
  • Opposite of: forbid, deny
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Island that's the world's third-smallest country, after Vatican City and Monaco"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island republic on nauru island; phosphate exports support the economy
  • Similar words include: Pleasant Island, Republic of Nauru, Nauru Island
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAURU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. People hold complicated positions on it"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Singer Horan of One Direction"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Patronize, as a hotel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Duck down"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that duck of the northern hemisphere much valued for the fine soft down of the females
  • Similar words include: eider duck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Angel ___, holder of the W.N.B.A. single-season record for offensive rebounds"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Stop and Yield"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
  • Similar words include: subscribe, signalise, sign of the zodiac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Headquarters"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Got too old"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Pub drink"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. ___ a soul"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never a'
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "53. Mila of "That '70s Show""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "54. What icicles do"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid
  • Similar words include: drip mould, dripping, drip mold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Field you can feel, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
  • Similar words include: halo, atmosphere, air
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. "You're ___ something!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Longtime Disney boss Bob"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "60. Cuba, por ejemplo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "61. And other authors: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Jazz singer Sylvia"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. Castaway's call"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. "Dr." from Compton"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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: August 11, 2026 at 04:45 AM

Sunday, May 31, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 31, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Sacsayhuamán fortress builders 5
2A 6. Literary forerunner of Captain Hook 4
3A 10. Many an Alpha Beta in "Revenge of the Nerds" 4
4A 14. Help-wanted letters 3
5A 17. Fermented vegan protein 6
6A 19. Wrestler/actor John 4
7A 20. Coin with 12 stars around the border 4
8A 21. Align 4
9A 22. Home of the legendary folk hero at 116-Across 11
10A 24. One involved with checks and balances 9
11A 26. Without 4
12A 27. Green spaces 8
13A 29. Hero of Arabian tales 7
14A 30. In the past 3
15A 31. ___ Mahal 3
16A 32. Expertise demonstrated by 116-Across in a fabled feat of precision 12
17A 34. Home Run ___ (annual M.L.B. event) 5
18A 36. D.O.J. agency 3
19A 39. Fuel-efficient Toyota 5
20A 40. Main ideas 5
21A 41. Athletic skill mastered by 116-Across 7
22A 44. W-9 fig. 3
23A 45. Banned substance, in sports lingo 3
24A 46. Diego Rivera project 5
25A 48. Apt name for a lawyer 3
26A 49. Laughed loudly 6
27A 52. N.C.A.A. hoops powerhouse 3
28A 53. Like the Statue of Liberty at night 5
29A 55. Beatle who sang "Yellow Submarine" 5
30A 57. Sailor's septet 4
31A 60. Go-getter's opposite 8
32A 62. Through 3
33A 63. "Drat!," in Dortmund 3
34A 65. "The Situation Room" airer 3
35A 66. Chirruping bird 7
36A 67. Pat down 5
37A 69. City sobriquet that might describe the target for 116-Across, as depicted in this puzzle 11
38A 71. Stuff in a puff 3
39A 72. She-ep? 3
40A 73. Home to the Burj Khalifa, in brief 3
41A 74. Appointments that may lead to better contacts 8
42A 76. Dampens 4
43A 78. "Whoa, ___!" 5
44A 80. Bel ___ cheese 5
45A 81. Instinctive 3
46A 82. Religious dissent 6
47A 84. $5 bill, slangily 3
48A 85. Actress Spacek 5
49A 87. Negative logic gate in electrical engineering 3
50A 88. Cartesian conclusion 3
51A 91. Composer of an overture dedicated to 116-Across 7
52A 93. Gets lost 5
53A 96. Came to a conclusion 5
54A 98. "Doctor ___" 3
55A 99. Start of an encrypted URL 5
56A 103. Streaker in the night sky ... or a punny description of 116-Across 12
57A 106. Acid 3
58A 108. Unprocessed, as data 3
59A 109. Inspiration for many seasonal festivals 7
60A 110. Oscar-winning 2019 film directed by Bong Joon Ho 8
61A 113. Smoke, perhaps 4
62A 114. What may begin at the end 9
63A 116. Legendary figure who's the subject of this puzzle 11
64A 118. Orchard selection 4
65A 119. Lot calculation 4
66A 120. "All's well with me" 4
67A 121. Human 6
68A 122. Masthead figs. 3
69A 123. Timid 4
70A 124. Quibbles 4
71A 125. Ruses 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sacsayhuamán fortress builders"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Incan, Inca, Inka
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Literary forerunner of Captain Hook"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Many an Alpha Beta in "Revenge of the Nerds""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person trained to compete in sports
  • Similar words include: jockstrap, supporter, athlete
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Help-wanted letters"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Fermented vegan protein"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Wrestler/actor John"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Coin with 12 stars around the border"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EURO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Align"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make synchronous and adjust in time or manner
  • Similar words include: synchronize, synchronise
  • Opposite of: desynchronize, desynchronise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYNC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Home of the legendary folk hero at 116-Across"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a landlocked federal republic in central europe
  • Similar words include: Svizzera, Swiss Confederation, Schweiz
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWITZERLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. One involved with checks and balances"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an officer charged with receiving and disbursing funds
  • Similar words include: financial officer
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREASURER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Without"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Green spaces"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by livestock
  • Similar words include: browse, grazing land, range
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTURES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Hero of Arabian tales"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. In the past"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. ___ Mahal"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Expertise demonstrated by 116-Across in a fabled feat of precision"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that skill in shooting
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARKSMANSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Home Run ___ (annual M.L.B. event)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a felt hat that is round and hard with a narrow brim
  • Similar words include: plug hat, bowler hat, bowler
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. D.O.J. agency"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the law enforcement and tax collection agency of the treasury department that enforces federal laws concerning alcohol and tobacco products and firearms and explosives and arson
  • Similar words include: Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Fuel-efficient Toyota"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Main ideas"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  • Similar words include: heart, meat, sum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Athletic skill mastered by 116-Across"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sport of shooting arrows with a bow
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCHERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. W-9 fig."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Banned substance, in sports lingo"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Diego Rivera project"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a painting that is applied to a wall surface
  • Similar words include: wall painting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MURAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Apt name for a lawyer"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
  • Similar words include: action, Eugene Sue, process
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Laughed loudly"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
  • Similar words include: howl, yawl, bellow
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. N.C.A.A. hoops powerhouse"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Like the Statue of Liberty at night"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Beatle who sang "Yellow Submarine""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock star and drummer for the beatles (born in 1940)
  • Similar words include: Richard Starkey, Starkey, Ringo Starr
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Sailor's septet"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: sea, ocean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Go-getter's opposite"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who fails to meet a financial obligation
  • Similar words include: defaulter
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEADBEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Through"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. "Drat!," in Dortmund"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. "The Situation Room" airer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Chirruping bird"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
  • Similar words include: Prunella modularis, dunnock, hedge sparrow
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Pat down"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of searching someone for concealed weapons or illegal drugs
  • Similar words include: rollick, run around, frisking
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRISK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. City sobriquet that might describe the target for 116-Across, as depicted in this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "71. Stuff in a puff"

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: send, air travel, melody
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "72. She-ep?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "73. Home to the Burj Khalifa, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "74. Appointments that may lead to better contacts"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "76. Dampens"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wetness caused by water
  • Similar words include: moisture, wet
  • Opposite of: dry
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "78. "Whoa, ___!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "80. Bel ___ cheese"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "81. Instinctive"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
  • Similar words include: intestine, bowel, catgut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "82. Religious dissent"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position
  • Similar words include: heterodoxy, unorthodoxy
  • Opposite of: orthodoxy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERESY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "84. $5 bill, slangily"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "85. Actress Spacek"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
  • Similar words include: sissyish, cissy, emasculate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SISSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "87. Negative logic gate in electrical engineering"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "88. Cartesian conclusion"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "91. Composer of an overture dedicated to 116-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian composer remembered for his operas (1792-1868)
  • Similar words include: Giloacchino Antonio Rossini
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSSINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "93. Gets lost"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Similar words include: scat, bunk, scarper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "96. Came to a conclusion"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have an end, in a temporal, spatial, or quantitative sense; either spatial or metaphorical
  • Similar words include: terminate, over, terminated
  • Opposite of: begin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "98. "Doctor ___""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
  • Similar words include: World Health Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "99. Start of an encrypted URL"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protocol (utilizing tcp) to transfer hypertext requests and information between servers and browsers
  • Similar words include: HTTP, hypertext transfer protocol
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HTTPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "103. Streaker in the night sky ... or a punny description of 116-Across"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOOTINGSTAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "106. Acid"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "108. Unprocessed, as data"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for nakedness
  • Similar words include: in the raw, bleak, crude
  • Opposite of: cooked
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "109. Inspiration for many seasonal festivals"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the yield from plants in a single growing season
  • Similar words include: harvest time, harvesting, crop
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARVEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "110. Oscar-winning 2019 film directed by Bong Joon Ho"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
  • Similar words include: sponge, leech, sponger
  • Opposite of: host
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARASITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "113. Smoke, perhaps"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
  • Similar words include: heal, curative, therapeutic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "114. What may begin at the end"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that life after death
  • Similar words include: hereafter
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFTERLIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "116. Legendary figure who's the subject of this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "118. Orchard selection"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
  • Similar words include: Pyrus communis, pear tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "119. Lot calculation"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: country, expanse, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "120. "All's well with me""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "121. Human"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human being
  • Similar words include: somebody, person, deadly
  • Opposite of: immortal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "122. Masthead figs."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69A: "123. Timid"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  • Similar words include: spiritless, mild, modest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70A: "124. Quibbles"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
  • Similar words include: nit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71A: "125. Ruses"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "What a bummer" 6
2D 2. À la Enya 6
3D 3. Key with three flats 6
4D 4. Studios and penthouses: Abbr. 4
5D 5. "___ me!" 3
6D 6. Knee parts, for short 4
7D 7. Part of a track meet 4
8D 8. Per ___ (accounting term) 5
9D 9. Undeserved condemnation 6
10D 10. Watercraft that leave "rooster tails" in their wakes 7
11D 11. "___ home and native land!" 3
12D 12. Absolutely whomps, in sports lingo 6
13D 13. "Bear" that's not a bear 5
14D 14. Some red wines 6
15D 15. Smallest quantity of digital data 6
16D 16. Abandons, as a project 6
17D 18. Purifying filter acronym 4
18D 21. Eases 8
19D 23. Jasmine's tiger companion in "Aladdin" 5
20D 25. Big name in sewing machines 6
21D 28. Messes up 4
22D 31. TV host Banks 4
23D 33. Longtime jazz bandleader with an Egyptian-inspired name 5
24D 35. Where Cary Grant orders a Gibson in a classic scene from "North by Northwest" 6
25D 37. Magnetic unit named for an inventor 5
26D 38. Productive ... or a punny description of the feat performed by 116-Across? 8
27D 42. Many a liquor license applicant 9
28D 43. As of now 3
29D 45. Board game with ancient origins 9
30D 46. Gooey chocolate dessert 6
31D 47. Discover 7
32D 50. Holds forth 6
33D 51. Tenth, in Latin 7
34D 54. Small flycatchers named for their call, not their size 6
35D 55. Bro kin 3
36D 56. What 116-Across did before and after this puzzle's feat? 8
37D 58. Dread-full? 6
38D 59. Popular beverage brand 7
39D 61. Dr. ___ 3
40D 62. Compete 3
41D 64. Bad spelling? 3
42D 66. Lead-in to bones or bucks 3
43D 68. Sunbeam 3
44D 70. Abandons a project, slangily 6
45D 75. "Oy!" 5
46D 77. Forwarded 8
47D 79. Full of tall tales 5
48D 80. It's better than a bogey 3
49D 83. Team lineup 6
50D 86. Like most modern TV broadcasts 4
51D 89. "Money-back guarantee" and "Limited-time offer" 7
52D 90. Self-referential 4
53D 92. Conductor Georg 5
54D 93. Snaky double curve 6
55D 94. Really irritated 6
56D 95. Main lines 6
57D 96. Full 6
58D 97. Australian city named for a scientist 6
59D 100. Closely following 6
60D 101. Gambler's combo bet 6
61D 102. Waves sought by surfers 6
62D 104. Five Pillars religion 5
63D 105. "Spider-Man" director Sam 5
64D 107. Stitcher's line 4
65D 111. Tee time or airtime, e.g. 4
66D 112. Sorts 4
67D 113. Corner key 4
68D 115. Toll 3
69D 117. Bucket list item? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "What a bummer""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. À la Enya"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Key with three flats"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Studios and penthouses: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "___ me!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Knee parts, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Part of a track meet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
  • Similar words include: oestrus, heating, rut
  • Opposite of: coldness, cool
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Per ___ (accounting term)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (latin) year
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Undeserved condemnation"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Watercraft that leave "rooster tails" in their wakes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "___ home and native land!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Absolutely whomps, in sports lingo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the best people or things in a group
  • Similar words include: clobber, drub, lick
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Bear" that's not a bear"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
  • Similar words include: kangaroo bear, koala bear, native bear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Some red wines"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Smallest quantity of digital data"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Abandons, as a project"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
  • Similar words include: fighting, combat, altercate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "18. Purifying filter acronym"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "21. Eases"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wear off or die down
  • Similar words include: subside, lessen, sink
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUBSIDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "23. Jasmine's tiger companion in "Aladdin""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prince or king in india
  • Similar words include: raja
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAJAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "25. Big name in sewing machines"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who sings
  • Similar words include: Isaac Merrit Singer, Isaac M. Singer, vocalizer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Messes up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. TV host Banks"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Longtime jazz bandleader with an Egyptian-inspired name"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Where Cary Grant orders a Gibson in a classic scene from "North by Northwest""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Magnetic unit named for an inventor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Productive ... or a punny description of the feat performed by 116-Across?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that productive or conducive to producing in abundance
  • Opposite of: unfruitful
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRUITFUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Many a liquor license applicant"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. As of now"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that up to the present time
  • Similar words include: notwithstanding, even so, nonetheless
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Board game with ancient origins"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a modern board game based on pachisi
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARCHEESI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Gooey chocolate dessert"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Discover"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bring to light
  • Similar words include: excavate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNEARTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Holds forth"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Similar words include: orate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Tenth, in Latin"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Small flycatchers named for their call, not their size"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small olive-colored woodland flycatchers of eastern north america
  • Similar words include: pewit, wood pewee, peewit
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEWEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Bro kin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: International System, SI, sister
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. What 116-Across did before and after this puzzle's feat?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Dread-full?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Popular beverage brand"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Dr. ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Compete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  • Similar words include: contend, compete
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Bad spelling?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: enchant, glamour, curse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Lead-in to bones or bucks"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  • Similar words include: get wind, view, fancy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "68. Sunbeam"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a column of light (as from a beacon)
  • Similar words include: beam of light, shaft, irradiate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "70. Abandons a project, slangily"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "75. "Oy!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "77. Forwarded"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "79. Full of tall tales"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the deliberate act of deviating from the truth
  • Similar words include: fabrication, lie, lie down
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "80. It's better than a bogey"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equivalence, equality, equation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "83. Team lineup"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a list of names
  • Similar words include: roll
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "86. Like most modern TV broadcasts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "89. "Money-back guarantee" and "Limited-time offer""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "90. Self-referential"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "92. Conductor Georg"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "93. Snaky double curve"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "94. Really irritated"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become or make sore by or as if by rubbing
  • Similar words include: annoy, galled, get at
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAFED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "95. Main lines"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
  • Similar words include: aorta
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AORTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "96. Full"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncastrated adult male horse
  • Similar words include: total, full, intact
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "97. Australian city named for a scientist"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882)
  • Similar words include: Charles Robert Darwin, Charles Darwin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARWIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "100. Closely following"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "101. Gambler's combo bet"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a series of wagers in which the winnings from one wager are used as a stake for the subsequent wagers
  • Similar words include: double up
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARLAY

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61D: "102. Waves sought by surfers"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
  • Similar words include: dude, fop, crestless wave
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWELLS

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62D: "104. Five Pillars religion"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the civilization of muslims collectively which is governed by the muslim religion
  • Similar words include: Muhammadanism, Muslimism, Mohammedanism
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLAM

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63D: "105. "Spider-Man" director Sam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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64D: "107. Stitcher's line"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
  • Similar words include: wrinkle, furrow, crinkle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAM

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65D: "111. Tee time or airtime, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
  • Similar words include: expansion slot, time slot, one-armed bandit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOT

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66D: "112. Sorts"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of person
  • Similar words include: ilk, like
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILKS

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67D: "113. Corner key"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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68D: "115. Toll"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed charge for a privilege or for professional services
  • Similar words include: tip, bung
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEE

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69D: "117. Bucket list item?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: swob, pout, mop up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

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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

71 Across Clues
69 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 31, 2026 at 07:09 AM