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

Monday, June 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 22, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. The "S" of N.S.F.W. 4
2A 5. Invite to enter 5
3A 10. Artist Salvador 4
4A 14. "___ Your Enthusiasm" 4
5A 15. Totally sus, say 5
6A 16. Scholarly "same" 4
7A 17. Wave of antigovernment protests in the early 2010s 10
8A 19. Old name of Thailand 4
9A 20. What's rolled out for yoga 3
10A 21. Pint in a pub, maybe 3
11A 22. Performance at Lincoln Center 5
12A 23. Heading back to where one lives 13
13A 28. Sitting on 4
14A 30. Shows signs of hunger 6
15A 31. Harsh, as a takedown 6
16A 34. Hollywood workplace 8
17A 38. Some undergrad degs. 3
18A 39. Low-tech cooler on a hot day 3
19A 41. Container at a beer blast 3
20A 42. "Wha-a-at?" 3
21A 43. "___ Got Talent" 8
22A 46. Madame : France :: ___ : Spain 6
23A 48. Playground denial 6
24A 50. Golf club often numbered 3 to 9 4
25A 51. Repository of seeds from all corners of the globe, informally 13
26A 56. What volcanoes do 5
27A 57. Pie ___ mode 3
28A 58. What the light from a lighthouse may pierce 3
29A 61. Singer James 4
30A 62. Track-and-field event with a sandpit ... or a hint to the ends of 17-, 23- and 51-Across 10
31A 66. "But ___ again ..." 4
32A 67. "Fingers crossed" 5
33A 68. Area east of the Urals 4
34A 69. Group 4
35A 70. Light brown and dull, as hair 5
36A 71. Actions at the Bellagio or Encore 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. The "S" of N.S.F.W."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  • Similar words include: secure, good, safety
  • Opposite of: dangerous, out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Invite to enter"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Artist Salvador"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Similar words include: Salvador Dali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "___ Your Enthusiasm""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
  • Similar words include: curb bit, subdue, control
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Totally sus, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
  • Similar words include: dissembler, pretender, bogus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Scholarly "same""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Wave of antigovernment protests in the early 2010s"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Old name of Thailand"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

9A: "20. What's rolled out for yoga"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
  • Similar words include: Master of Arts in Teaching, matte, entangle
  • Opposite of: unsnarl, disentangle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Pint in a pub, maybe"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

11A: "22. Performance at Lincoln Center"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Heading back to where one lives"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Sitting on"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Shows signs of hunger"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pretentious or silly talk or writing
  • Similar words include: twaddle, drool, slabber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Harsh, as a takedown"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
  • Similar words include: roughshod, unrelenting, vicious
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Hollywood workplace"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Some undergrad degs."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Artium Baccalaurens, atomic number 56, Ba
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Low-tech cooler on a hot day"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: buff, devotee, lover
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Container at a beer blast"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quantity contained in a keg
  • Similar words include: kegful
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. "Wha-a-at?""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. "___ Got Talent""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
  • Similar words include: US, United States, the States
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMERICAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Madame : France :: ___ : Spain"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a married woman; similar to the english `mrs' or `madam'
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Playground denial"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Golf club often numbered 3 to 9"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Repository of seeds from all corners of the globe, informally"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. What volcanoes do"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start abruptly
  • Similar words include: come out, catch fire, ignite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Pie ___ mode"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. What the light from a lighthouse may pierce"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
  • Similar words include: befog, murkiness, murk
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Singer James"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Track-and-field event with a sandpit ... or a hint to the ends of 17-, 23- and 51-Across"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. "But ___ again ...""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that that time; that moment
  • Similar words include: and then, so, and so
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. "Fingers crossed""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Area east of the Urals"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Group"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
  • Similar words include: class, variety, sort out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Light brown and dull, as hair"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quiet and timid and ineffectual
  • Similar words include: mousey, mouselike, mouse-colored
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Actions at the Bellagio or Encore"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: wager, count, stake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Hoodwink 4
2D 2. Vibe 4
3D 3. Beer pong venue, maybe 9
4D 4. Flow out 3
5D 5. Garden of Eden fruit 5
6D 6. Brilliant at negotiating 6
7D 7. Ornamental fish in a pond 3
8D 8. Holiday ___ 3
9D 9. MetLife Stadium team, on scoreboards 3
10D 10. Get rid (of) 7
11D 11. "Goodbye, mes amis" 5
12D 12. "Live and ___" 5
13D 13. What the "face with steam from nose" emoji suggests 5
14D 18. Piano player in "Casablanca" 3
15D 22. Compel 6
16D 24. Pick, with "for" 3
17D 25. Elbow's place 3
18D 26. King's partner in castling 4
19D 27. Birds of peace 5
20D 28. Group whose "Gold: Greatest Hits" is the second-best-selling album in U.K. history 4
21D 29. Disneyland transport 4
22D 32. Unprecedented 6
23D 33. Fastened, as a corset or shoe 5
24D 35. Explosive personality trait 9
25D 36. Continental money 4
26D 37. Greater ___ 4
27D 40. Grandma, affectionately 4
28D 44. Spreading unchecked 7
29D 45. Miso bean 3
30D 47. Zero, in soccer 3
31D 49. The Roku Channel, Hulu and others 6
32D 51. Little specifics, in slang 5
33D 52. One dental specialty, informally 5
34D 53. ___ Banks (barrier islands of North Carolina) 5
35D 54. Narrow backstreet 5
36D 55. Abu Dhabi's land, for short 3
37D 59. Leave out 4
38D 60. Transcript figs. 4
39D 62. ___ Cook, longtime tech C.E.O. 3
40D 63. Letter before sigma 3
41D 64. Debtor's note 3
42D 65. Boxing punch 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Hoodwink"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fraudulent business scheme
  • Similar words include: mulct, hornswoggle, con
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Vibe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: aureole, atmosphere, glory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Beer pong venue, maybe"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Flow out"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Similar words include: wane, ebb down, ebb out
  • Opposite of: tide
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Garden of Eden fruit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Similar words include: orchard apple tree, Malus pumila
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Brilliant at negotiating"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  • Similar words include: conniving, astute, sharp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREWD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ornamental fish in a pond"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Holiday ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: lodge, auberge, hostel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. MetLife Stadium team, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Get rid (of)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give, sell, or transfer to another
  • Similar words include: throw out, toss out, discard
  • Opposite of: indispose, disqualify
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISPOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Goodbye, mes amis""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: au revoir, bye, goodbye
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Live and ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gain knowledge or skills
  • Similar words include: con, watch, pick up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. What the "face with steam from nose" emoji suggests"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Piano player in "Casablanca""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Compel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force somebody to do something
  • Similar words include: obligate, hold, bind
  • Opposite of: disoblige
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBLIGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Pick, with "for""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, prefer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Elbow's place"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. King's partner in castling"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard
  • Similar words include: mulct, hornswoggle, con
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Birds of peace"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous small pigeons
  • Similar words include: Columba, Dove, dove
  • Opposite of: hawk
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Group whose "Gold: Greatest Hits" is the second-best-selling album in U.K. history"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Disneyland transport"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
  • Similar words include: tramway, trolley car, ropeway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Unprecedented"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Fastened, as a corset or shoe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spin,wind, or twist together
  • Similar words include: twine, spike, fortify
  • Opposite of: unlaced, untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Explosive personality trait"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Continental money"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

26D: "37. Greater ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Grandma, affectionately"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Spreading unchecked"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unrestrained and violent
  • Similar words include: rearing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMPANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Miso bean"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
  • Similar words include: soya, soya bean, soybean plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Zero, in soccer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: nothing, nada, zippo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. The Roku Channel, Hulu and others"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Little specifics, in slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. One dental specialty, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. ___ Banks (barrier islands of North Carolina)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Narrow backstreet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
  • Similar words include: skittle alley, bowling alley, alleyway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Abu Dhabi's land, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Leave out"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Similar words include: except, neglect, pretermit
  • Opposite of: attend to, include
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Transcript figs."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
  • Similar words include: GPA, grade point average
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. ___ Cook, longtime tech C.E.O."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Letter before sigma"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Debtor's note"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "65. Boxing punch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: poke, dig, stab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues
42 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: June 22, 2026 at 09:27 AM

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers March 03, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend) 6
2A 7. Historic tree in Boston Common 3
3A 10. Stinging, as an odor 5
4A 15. Notices 6
5A 16. Not worth a ___ 3
6A 17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister 5
7A 18. Intentionally cause drama 10
8A 20. Classical Indian stringed instrument 5
9A 21. Painting and sculpture 4
10A 22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto 3
11A 23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally 7
12A 25. "Come to our rescue!" 3
13A 26. Learn all the latest info 12
14A 28. Image problem? 4
15A 30. "Say it ___ so!" 4
16A 31. Is awesome, in slang 5
17A 33. Online connection 4
18A 34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often 3
19A 37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across 16
20A 42. Word after photo or covert 3
21A 43. Regrets 4
22A 44. Defeats going away 5
23A 45. Cheeky attitude 4
24A 46. Southern cornbread 4
25A 47. Promgoers' luxurious rides 12
26A 53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short 3
27A 56. "They already left" 7
28A 57. Scorching 3
29A 58. Black bits in cookies and cream 4
30A 59. Beneath 5
31A 60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be 10
32A 63. Brother's daughter 5
33A 64. Caller of balls and strikes 3
34A 65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively 6
35A 66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow 5
36A 67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author 3
37A 68. Sounds from baby robins 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Historic tree in Boston Common"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

3A: "10. Stinging, as an odor"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong and sharp
  • Similar words include: acid, blistering, virulent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Notices"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that catch sight of
  • Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Not worth a ___"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former french coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Intentionally cause drama"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Classical Indian stringed instrument"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Painting and sculpture"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. "Come to our rescue!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

13A: "26. Learn all the latest info"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Image problem?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hazy or indistinct representation
  • Similar words include: glaze over, confuse, obnubilate
  • Opposite of: focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "Say it ___ so!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Is awesome, in slang"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: smacking, slap, smack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Online connection"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the means of connection between things linked in series
  • Similar words include: linkup, nexus, link up
  • Opposite of: disconnectedness, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: football tee, tee up, teeing ground
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRSTTHINGSFIRST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Word after photo or covert"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

21A: "43. Regrets"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Defeats going away"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
  • Similar words include: rout, gouge, rabble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Cheeky attitude"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: back talk, sassing, lip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Southern cornbread"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cornbread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried (southern)
  • Similar words include: cornpone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Promgoers' luxurious rides"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. "They already left""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Scorching"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Similar words include: raging, blistering, red-hot
  • Opposite of: cold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Black bits in cookies and cream"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Beneath"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that located below or beneath something else
  • Similar words include: below, nether
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Brother's daughter"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Opposite of: nephew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Caller of balls and strikes"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official at a baseball game
  • Similar words include: umpire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dialect of english used in scotland
  • Similar words include: Scotch, Scottish, Scotsman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
  • Similar words include: Edgar Allan Poe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Sounds from baby robins"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a weak chirping sound as of a small bird
  • Similar words include: twirp, twinge, tweet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Flat-topped hills 5
2D 2. Houston ballplayer 5
3D 3. Raps freestyle, in slang 9
4D 4. Broadcasts 4
5D 5. Allow to 3
6D 6. Less rosy-cheeked 6
7D 7. Channel for collegiate sports fans 5
8D 8. Where to go in the U.K.? 3
9D 9. Changing genetically 8
10D 10. Basketball datum 6
11D 11. Cricket's call 5
12D 12. Knot again 5
13D 13. Absolutely steaming 5
14D 14. Showed some courage 5
15D 19. Have a meal 3
16D 24. Abbey residents 5
17D 26. Sudden burst of wind 4
18D 27. Advil targets 5
19D 29. Vinyl records, familiarly 3
20D 31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight 3
21D 32. Stiff upper ___ 3
22D 33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music" 5
23D 34. Genre for wannabe sleuths 9
24D 35. Winter setting in D.C. 3
25D 36. Sci-fi space travelers 3
26D 38. Plot of land 5
27D 39. Keeps from being publicly known 8
28D 40. Some natural hairstyles, informally 4
29D 41. + or – particle 3
30D 45. Looks slack-jawed (at) 6
31D 46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot 6
32D 47. Leaves shocked 5
33D 48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge 5
34D 49. Event with cowboys and clowns 5
35D 50. Vote into office 5
36D 51. "With any luck ..." 5
37D 52. Cut the grass 3
38D 54. Prove appropriate for 5
39D 55. Lavishes love (on) 5
40D 58. Shrek, e.g. 4
41D 61. Type of medical network, for short 3
42D 62. Part of a seat assignment 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Flat-topped hills"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
  • Similar words include: mesa, table, Mesa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Houston ballplayer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Raps freestyle, in slang"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Broadcasts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
  • Similar words include: publicise, send, aura
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Allow to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, get, net ball
  • Opposite of: prevent, disallow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Less rosy-cheeked"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-gray, ashy, ash-grey
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Channel for collegiate sports fans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Where to go in the U.K.?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toilet in britain
  • Similar words include: W.C., closet, water closet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Changing genetically"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that undergo mutation
  • Similar words include: mutate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUTATING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Basketball datum"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
  • Similar words include: serve, assistance, help
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cricket's call"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
  • Similar words include: tweedle, chirrup, cheep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIRP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Knot again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tie again or anew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Absolutely steaming"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
  • Similar words include: ireful
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Showed some courage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
  • Similar words include: make bold, presume, dare
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Have a meal"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: consume, run through, corrode
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Abbey residents"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work
  • Similar words include: Thelonious Sphere Monk, monastic, Thelonious Monk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sudden burst of wind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong current of air
  • Similar words include: blow, blast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Advil targets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an effortful attempt to attain a goal
  • Similar words include: trouble, pain in the neck, anguish
  • Opposite of: pleasure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Vinyl records, familiarly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long-playing phonograph record; designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
  • Similar words include: LP, L-P
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Stiff upper ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
  • Similar words include: back talk, sassing, backtalk
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Genre for wannabe sleuths"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Winter setting in D.C."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Sci-fi space travelers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Plot of land"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended area of land
  • Similar words include: nerve tract, parcel, nerve pathway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Keeps from being publicly known"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Some natural hairstyles, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. + or – particle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Looks slack-jawed (at)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
  • Similar words include: gaze, stare, asterisk
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having great influence
  • Similar words include: virile, strong, stiff
  • Opposite of: impotent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Leaves shocked"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
  • Similar words include: sandbag, stupefy, stun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
  • Similar words include: brisk, pop, quinine water
  • Opposite of: atonic
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Event with cowboys and clowns"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Vote into office"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exclusive group of people
  • Similar words include: elite, chosen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. "With any luck ...""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "52. Cut the grass"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Similar words include: haymow, hayloft, cut down
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOW

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38D: "54. Prove appropriate for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accord or comport with
  • Similar words include: suit, beseem
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFIT

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39D: "55. Lavishes love (on)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be foolish or senile due to old age
  • Similar words include: dust, disperse, dot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOTES

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40D: "58. Shrek, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: fiend, monster, devil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

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41D: "61. Type of medical network, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
  • Similar words include: health maintenance organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HMO

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42D: "62. Part of a seat assignment"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: words, rowing, quarrel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROW

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

37 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: March 03, 2026 at 04:59 AM