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Monday, September 21, 2026

Trivia Week 3 Manual for NYT Mini September 21, 2026

Today's Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini Crossword September 21, 2026 Answers

Here's today's NYT Mini — 20 clues in total, and we've got hints plus answers for every one of them.

Popular Puzzles: July 03 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | January 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Crossword Down November 19 2025 All |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 21, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, September 21, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 21, 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 3 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Today's layout is the usual 5x5: five columns, five rows.

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 One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 44. Draped Indian garment
2 Across 67. What a paper airplane icon may indicate
3 Across 29. Took a chair
4 Across 15. Berry at a smoothie shop
5 Across 64. Modern note-taking aid
6 Across 39. Decade of W.W. II ... or a homophonic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 57-Across
7 Across 9. Leafs (through)
8 Across 57. "A fight requires more than one person"
9 Across 30. Eager
10 Across 63. "I'm available to help"

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "44. Draped Indian garment"

Hints:

  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'I'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SARI

2 Across: "67. What a paper airplane icon may indicate"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'D'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S__D

Answer:

Click to reveal SEND

3 Across: "29. Took a chair"

Hints:

  • 'sit' points in the same direction.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAT

4 Across: "15. Berry at a smoothie shop"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'I'.
  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • Blank it out and you get: A__I

Answer:

Click to reveal ACAI

5 Across: "64. Modern note-taking aid"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal IPAD

6 Across: "39. Decade of W.W. II ... or a homophonic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 57-Across"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "1940s."
  • You're looking for 7 letters.
  • Blank it out and you get: F_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal FORTIES

7 Across: "9. Leafs (through)"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: P___S
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal PAGES

8 Across: "57. "A fight requires more than one person""

Hints:

  • Count on 15 letters here.
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'O'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TAKESTWOTOTANGO

9 Across: "30. Eager"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'D'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: A__D

Answer:

Click to reveal AVID

10 Across: "63. "I'm available to help""

Hints:

  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Starts with 'U', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal USEME

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 10. Any Olympian
2 Down 33. Hardwood whose bark is sometimes used as paper
3 Down 25. It may have a hard or soft shell
4 Down 61. "Golly!"
5 Down 2. ___ Paulo, Brazil
6 Down 27. Paves the way?
7 Down 23. Barter
8 Down 47. Place to put a coin
9 Down 13. Worshiper in a turban
10 Down 45. Dashboard or bumper

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "10. Any Olympian"

Hints:

  • It's a 7-letter word.
  • Close enough in meaning: jock.
  • Blank it out and you get: A_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal ATHLETE

2 Down: "33. Hardwood whose bark is sometimes used as paper"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: B___H
  • Close enough in meaning: birchen.

Answer:

Click to reveal BIRCH

3 Down: "25. It may have a hard or soft shell"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'O'.
  • Close enough in meaning: greaser.
  • If that helps, the shape is: T__O

Answer:

Click to reveal TACO

4 Down: "61. "Golly!""

Hints:

  • Starts with 'G', ends with 'E'.
  • 'g-force' points in the same direction.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal GEE

5 Down: "2. ___ Paulo, Brazil"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 3 letters.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'O'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAO

6 Down: "27. Paves the way?"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "seaman."
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'S'.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal TARS

7 Down: "23. Barter"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: T___E
  • You could also think of it as "deal."

Answer:

Click to reveal TRADE

8 Down: "47. Place to put a coin"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: S__T
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'T'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SLOT

9 Down: "13. Worshiper in a turban"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'H'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SIKH

10 Down: "45. Dashboard or bumper"

Hints:

  • It's a 7-letter word.
  • Starts with 'C', ends with 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CARPART

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Some habits that speed things up over time:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Scan before you solve: One quick read-through of all the clues before you commit to anything usually pays off.
  2. Short words first: The 2-3 letter answers are almost always the low-hanging fruit.
  3. Let crossings guide you: Harder answers get much easier once a couple of crossing letters are locked in.
  4. Puns hide behind question marks: If a clue ends in "?", expect wordplay, not a straight answer.
  5. A few words repeat a lot: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE show up more than you'd expect — keep them in mind.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When does the Trivia Week 3 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 3 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 3 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 3?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 3 get harder as the week goes on?

It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 21, 2026 at 09:09 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 21 2026 mini crossword

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 21, 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

September 21, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Where Mongolia is 4
2A 5. Scaredy-cat 4
3A 9. Leafs (through) 5
4A 14. Album for which Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Prize 4
5A 15. Berry at a smoothie shop 4
6A 16. Company behind the game Pong 5
7A 17. Mentally pooped 15
8A 20. 1960s service site, informally 3
9A 21. Common injury site for a basketball player, informally 3
10A 22. Thick, as plant growth 4
11A 23. Deliberately give instruction in a way that targets an exam 14
12A 28. Commercial that may come with a jingle 7
13A 29. Took a chair 3
14A 30. Eager 4
15A 31. Hair parter 4
16A 34. Continue a subscription 5
17A 38. Barely passing grade 3
18A 39. Decade of W.W. II ... or a homophonic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 57-Across 7
19A 41. Around 18, typically, for a high school graduate 3
20A 42. Sometimes-floral organic compound 5
21A 44. Draped Indian garment 4
22A 45. ___-X (computer command to cut text) 4
23A 46. Crosses (out) 3
24A 48. Conjures up, say 7
25A 50. "If I'm being honest ..." 14
26A 54. Cook, in a way, as ahi tuna 4
27A 55. Opposite of 'neath 3
28A 56. Fools' mo. 3
29A 57. "A fight requires more than one person" 15
30A 63. "I'm available to help" 5
31A 64. Modern note-taking aid 4
32A 65. Plant in a marsh 4
33A 66. Spanish babies 5
34A 67. What a paper airplane icon may indicate 4
35A 68. Thing in a grove 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Where Mongolia is"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

2A: "5. Scaredy-cat"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
  • Similar words include: chicken, weakly interacting massive particle, crybaby
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Leafs (through)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
  • Similar words include: varlet, foliate, Thomas Nelson Page
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Album for which Kendrick Lamar won a Pulitzer Prize"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something of little value
  • Similar words include: darn, curse, infernal
  • Opposite of: bless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Berry at a smoothie shop"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Company behind the game Pong"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Mentally pooped"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. 1960s service site, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Common injury site for a basketball player, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Thick, as plant growth"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
  • Similar words include: alky, boozer, alcoholic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Deliberately give instruction in a way that targets an exam"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Commercial that may come with a jingle"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Took a chair"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: Sabbatum, posture, pose
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Eager"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: zealous, esurient, greedy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Hair parter"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge; disentangles or arranges hair
  • Similar words include: comb out, disentangle, ransack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Continue a subscription"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
  • Similar words include: regenerate, reincarnate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Barely passing grade"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Decade of W.W. II ... or a homophonic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 57-Across"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time of life between 40 and 50
  • Similar words include: 40, mid-forties, 1940s
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORTIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Around 18, typically, for a high school graduate"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: long time, maturate, geezerhood
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Sometimes-floral organic compound"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Draped Indian garment"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. ___-X (computer command to cut text)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Crosses (out)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
  • Similar words include: xenon, disco biscuit, cristal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Conjures up, say"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make or cause to be or to become
  • Similar words include: produce, create, make
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. "If I'm being honest ...""

14 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Cook, in a way, as ahi tuna"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make very hot and dry
  • Similar words include: blacken, singe, char
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Opposite of 'neath"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Fools' mo."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. "A fight requires more than one person""

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. "I'm available to help""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Modern note-taking aid"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. Plant in a marsh"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: vibrating reed, John Reed, beating-reed instrument
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Spanish babies"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. What a paper airplane icon may indicate"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go somewhere
  • Similar words include: air, transmit, send off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. Thing in a grove"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Similar words include: shoetree, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, tree diagram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Big letters in home security 3
2D 2. ___ Paulo, Brazil 3
3D 3. Comment that might follow "None for me, thanks" 9
4D 4. Relief for an upset stomach 7
5D 5. Simple two-player card game 3
6D 6. Drink cooler 3
7D 7. Angry with 5
8D 8. Throw from a mound 5
9D 9. Butter square 3
10D 10. Any Olympian 7
11D 11. First name of Julius Caesar 5
12D 12. Artist Max 5
13D 13. Worshiper in a turban 4
14D 18. Texter's qualifier 4
15D 19. Cries in a fútbol stadium 4
16D 23. Barter 5
17D 24. Roof overhangs 5
18D 25. It may have a hard or soft shell 4
19D 26. Things indicated by squiggly lines in cartoons 5
20D 27. Paves the way? 4
21D 32. N.Y.C. subway letters 3
22D 33. Hardwood whose bark is sometimes used as paper 5
23D 35. Leader of an 1831 revolt against slavery 9
24D 36. Spearfishing bird 5
25D 37. People of SW Britain 5
26D 39. Without charge 4
27D 40. The Emerald Isle 4
28D 43. Like skydiving or cliff-diving 7
29D 45. Dashboard or bumper 7
30D 47. Place to put a coin 4
31D 49. Coup d'___ 4
32D 50. Joke with 5
33D 51. Like some wine barrels 5
34D 52. ___ and Clark 5
35D 53. Familiar narrative device 5
36D 54. Leave dumbfounded 4
37D 58. French possessive 3
38D 59. Catch some rays 3
39D 60. Bizarre 3
40D 61. "Golly!" 3
41D 62. Poetic tribute 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Big letters in home security"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. ___ Paulo, Brazil"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Comment that might follow "None for me, thanks""

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Relief for an upset stomach"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agent that counteracts or neutralizes acidity (especially in the stomach)
  • Similar words include: alkalizer, gastric antacid, antiacid
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Simple two-player card game"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
  • Similar words include: warfare, state of war
  • Opposite of: make peace, peace
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Drink cooler"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: frappe, methamphetamine hydrochloride, glass
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Angry with"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Throw from a mound"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: cant over, flip, cant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Butter square"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Any Olympian"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person trained to compete in sports
  • Similar words include: jock
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHLETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. First name of Julius Caesar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman emperor who succeeded tiberius and whose uncontrolled passions resulted in manifest insanity; noted for his cruelty and tyranny; was assassinated (12-41)
  • Similar words include: Caligula, Gaius Caesar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAIUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Artist Max"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that painter (born in germany, resident of france and the united states) who was a cofounder of dadaism; developed the technique of collage (1891-1976)
  • Similar words include: Max Ernst
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERNST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Worshiper in a turban"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adherent of sikhism
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIKH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Texter's qualifier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Cries in a fútbol stadium"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Barter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
  • Similar words include: trade in, switch, craft
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Roof overhangs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the overhang at the lower edge of a roof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. It may have a hard or soft shell"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Similar words include: greaser, wetback
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Things indicated by squiggly lines in cartoons"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Similar words include: smell, olfactory property, aroma
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Paves the way?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: seaman, pitch, tar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. N.Y.C. subway letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Hardwood whose bark is sometimes used as paper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood
  • Similar words include: birchen, birken, birch tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIRCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Leader of an 1831 revolt against slavery"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Spearfishing bird"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various usually white herons having long plumes during breeding season
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. People of SW Britain"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of wales
  • Similar words include: Cambrian, welch, Cymric
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Without charge"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are free
  • Similar words include: relinquish, gratis, liberate
  • Opposite of: confine, lodge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. The Emerald Isle"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Republic of Ireland, Irish Republic, Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Like skydiving or cliff-diving"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the furthest or highest degree of something
  • Similar words include: utmost, extremum, extreme point
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTREME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Dashboard or bumper"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Place to put a coin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: time slot, expansion slot, one-armed bandit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Coup d'___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Joke with"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
  • Similar words include: cod, fluff, pester
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Like some wine barrels"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. ___ and Clark"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states rock star singer and pianist (born in 1935)
  • Similar words include: Frederick Carleton Lewis, Carl Lewis, C. S. Lewis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEWIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Familiar narrative device"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
  • Similar words include: figure of speech, image, figure
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Leave dumbfounded"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. French possessive"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)
  • Similar words include: sulfur, reciprocal ohm, southward
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Catch some rays"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: sunburn, suntan, burn
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Bizarre"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not divisible by two
  • Similar words include: uneven, unmatched, queer
  • Opposite of: even
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. "Golly!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g, g-force
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Poetic tribute"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

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

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: September 21, 2026 at 09:08 AM

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 19, 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

September 19, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. It didn't come with a calculator until 2024 4
2A 5. Goes down in estimation 9
3A 14. Rod ___, 1977 A.L. M.V.P. with the Twins 5
4A 16. End of a rant, perhaps 9
5A 17. Geological period 5
6A 18. Instrument also known as a ukitar 9
7A 19. Siva ___ (traditional dance named for its country of origin) 5
8A 20. Runner's goal, maybe 9
9A 21. Good-for-nothings 6
10A 23. The very first one was won by a ventriloquist 4
11A 24. Like much Ikea furniture 8
12A 26. "You'll ___ the day!" 3
13A 27. Inhale, so to speak 3
14A 28. Youngest congressional appointees 11
15A 33. Some strenuous athletic events, informally 4
16A 35. "Dog Day Afternoon" director 5
17A 36. Tibetan title 4
18A 37. One might be cut off by an orchestra 11
19A 40. U.S. : reps :: Canada : ___ 3
20A 41. Little 3
21A 42. Rattled, humorously 8
22A 44. Not see 4
23A 46. It's a whole thing 6
24A 47. Request for assistance from a higher-up? 9
25A 51. Build up 5
26A 53. "Sure ... that's true ..." 9
27A 54. Saturate 5
28A 55. "That's good thinking" 9
29A 56. Fired up again 5
30A 57. Speak rationally 9
31A 58. "I'm in!" 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. It didn't come with a calculator until 2024"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Goes down in estimation"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Rod ___, 1977 A.L. M.V.P. with the Twins"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that englishman and cavalier poet whose lyric poetry was favored by charles i (1595-1639)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Carew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. End of a rant, perhaps"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Geological period"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: date of reference, era
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPOCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Instrument also known as a ukitar"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Siva ___ (traditional dance named for its country of origin)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a constitutional monarchy on the western part of the islands of samoa in the south pacific
  • Similar words include: Samoan Islands, Western Samoa, Samoa i Sisifo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Runner's goal, maybe"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Good-for-nothings"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. The very first one was won by a ventriloquist"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an annual award by the academy of television arts and sciences for outstanding achievements in television
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Like much Ikea furniture"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cover with veneer
  • Similar words include: veneer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENEERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. "You'll ___ the day!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: herb of grace, ruefulness, repent
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Inhale, so to speak"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: eat up, wipe out, feed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Youngest congressional appointees"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Some strenuous athletic events, informally"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. "Dog Day Afternoon" director"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Tibetan title"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tibetan or mongolian priest of lamaism
  • Similar words include: genus Lama
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. One might be cut off by an orchestra"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. U.S. : reps :: Canada : ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system of free and fixed macrophages derived from bone marrow
  • Similar words include: military policeman, system of macrophages, military police
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Little"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short time
  • Similar words include: teentsy, bittie, pass water
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Rattled, humorously"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Not see"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. It's a whole thing"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that that which is perceived or known or inferred to have its own distinct existence (living or nonliving)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Request for assistance from a higher-up?"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Build up"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that collect or gather
  • Similar words include: collect, gather, pile up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. "Sure ... that's true ...""

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Saturate"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spread or diffuse through
  • Similar words include: pervade, hue, permeate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMBUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "That's good thinking""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Fired up again"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Speak rationally"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. "I'm in!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: Army of the Righteous, lease, rent
  • Opposite of: disallow, prevent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Decorates, say 4
2D 2. Certain father figures 9
3D 3. Like a person who might prefer platonic relationships 9
4D 4. Make more understandable 6
5D 5. "Just relax!" 9
6D 6. Ijeoma ___, "Be a Revolution" author 4
7D 7. Chance level right above none 4
8D 8. 90° from norte 4
9D 9. "Behave!" 7
10D 10. Not just a snack 8
11D 11. Ones who start 5
12D 12. Following the leader too closely, say 5
13D 13. Blade that doesn't cut 4
14D 15. Players who account for a disproportionate amount of a mobile game's revenue, in lingo 6
15D 22. Intimidating words 6
16D 24. One might necessitate an override 4
17D 25. Helen Mirren and Emma Thompson, for two 5
18D 26. Storytelling device that revises previously established facts, informally 6
19D 29. [Giggle] 9
20D 30. One might be felt 9
21D 31. No-talent boss 9
22D 32. Common sight at a bachelorette party 4
23D 34. Ocean predator with external teeth 8
24D 38. Has bad feelings toward 7
25D 39. Windbag's output 6
26D 43. Big name in late night 6
27D 44. Mell Lazarus comic strip that ran for 46 years 5
28D 45. Preferred, say 5
29D 47. Heart 4
30D 48. Connecticut town that lent its name to a tick-borne disease 4
31D 49. Nobody, say 4
32D 50. Squad for 14-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, to fans 4
33D 52. Goes down 4

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Decorates, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: deoxyephedrine, crank, frosting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Certain father figures"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Like a person who might prefer platonic relationships"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Make more understandable"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that convert code into ordinary language
  • Similar words include: decrypt, decipher
  • Opposite of: encode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Just relax!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Ijeoma ___, "Be a Revolution" author"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Chance level right above none"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take off weight
  • Similar words include: thin, svelte, lose weight
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. 90° from norte"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Behave!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Not just a snack"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ones who start"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Following the leader too closely, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Blade that doesn't cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Players who account for a disproportionate amount of a mobile game's revenue, in lingo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very large person; impressive in size or qualities
  • Similar words include: hulk, giant, whale
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Intimidating words"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. One might necessitate an override"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vote that blocks a decision
  • Similar words include: interdict, negative, nix
  • Opposite of: permit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Helen Mirren and Emma Thompson, for two"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a (young) woman
  • Similar words include: wench, madam, dam up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMES

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18D: "26. Storytelling device that revises previously established facts, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "29. [Giggle]"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "30. One might be felt"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "31. No-talent boss"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "32. Common sight at a bachelorette party"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
  • Similar words include: cincture, girdle, waistband
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASH

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23D: "34. Ocean predator with external teeth"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "38. Has bad feelings toward"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feel bitter or indignant about
  • Similar words include: begrudge, resent
  • Opposite of: wish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESENTS

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25D: "39. Windbag's output"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "43. Big name in late night"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "44. Mell Lazarus comic strip that ran for 46 years"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: mom, mama, mammy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOMMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Preferred, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
  • Similar words include: apotheosis, nonpareil, nonesuch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEAL

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29D: "47. Heart"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  • Similar words include: essence, nub, nitty-gritty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIST

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30D: "48. Connecticut town that lent its name to a tick-borne disease"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "49. Nobody, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
  • Similar words include: galley slave, navvy, drudge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEON

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32D: "50. Squad for 14-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, to fans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "52. Goes down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: define, set, curing
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETS

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

31 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
64 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 19, 2026 at 08:10 AM

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