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

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 06, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. What a leaky faucet has 4
2A 5. Hands, informally ... or coverings for hands 5
3A 10. "Not another peep out of you!" 4
4A 14. Classical Persian poet 4
5A 15. Nebraska home of Creighton University 5
6A 16. Between cruise ports, say 4
7A 17. Intl. oil group 4
8A 18. Like streakers 5
9A 19. Deep blue 4
10A 20. Pale and sickly 5
11A 22. Have an "aha" moment about 3
12A 23. Urged (on) 5
13A 24. One of six, supposedly, for a seer 5
14A 25. "___ Were a Rich Man" 3
15A 26. Rear of a boat 5
16A 27. Lifeless 9
17A 30. Who said "Revolutions are the locomotives of history" 4
18A 33. Video game section 5
19A 34. Pen points 4
20A 38. Number on a dating profile 3
21A 39. Gallops into the sunset, say 7
22A 41. "I've seen better" 3
23A 42. Attend without a date 6
24A 44. Sound in polka music 6
25A 46. Strategic disk game played on a vertical board 11
26A 50. Music genre for James Brown 4
27A 51. Device once used with a Blockbuster rental 3
28A 52. Mission-driven grps., often 4
29A 54. "___ you listening?" 3
30A 55. Who said "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" 5
31A 57. May honoree 3
32A 59. Animal with a "mask" 7
33A 62. A step above amateur 7
34A 65. Peeved 7
35A 66. Like italic type 7
36A 67. With 68-Across, posable plaything ... or a verbal hint to each half of 4-, 7- and 10-Down and 46-Across 6
37A 68. See 67-Across 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. What a leaky faucet has"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Hands, informally ... or coverings for hands"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
  • Similar words include: baseball mitt, manus, glove
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "Not another peep out of you!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Classical Persian poet"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Nebraska home of Creighton University"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Between cruise ports, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seawards, seaward
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Intl. oil group"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
  • Similar words include: Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Like streakers"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that completely unclothed
  • Similar words include: au naturel, bare, defenseless
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Deep blue"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
  • Similar words include: US Navy, naval forces, United States Navy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Pale and sickly"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or as if having especially high-pitched spots
  • Similar words include: spiky
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Have an "aha" moment about"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
  • Similar words include: beget, stimulate, puzzle
  • Opposite of: leave, take away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Urged (on)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that throw eggs at
  • Similar words include: egg
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. One of six, supposedly, for a seer"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general conscious awareness
  • Similar words include: mother wit, signified, horse sense
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. "___ Were a Rich Man""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "26. Rear of a boat"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rear part of a ship
  • Similar words include: behind, keister, grim
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "27. Lifeless"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to the class of nouns denoting nonliving things
  • Similar words include: nonliving, non-living, pulseless
  • Opposite of: animate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INANIMATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Who said "Revolutions are the locomotives of history""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states comedian; one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1901-1979)
  • Similar words include: Julius Marx, Chico, Arthur Marx
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Video game section"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
  • Similar words include: plane, tier, level off
  • Opposite of: raise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Pen points"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the writing point of a pen
  • Similar words include: beak, pen nib, pecker
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Number on a dating profile"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Gallops into the sunset, say"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "I've seen better""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Attend without a date"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Sound in polka music"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Strategic disk game played on a vertical board"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Music genre for James Brown"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of nervous depression
  • Similar words include: cringe, recoil, Casimir Funk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUNK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Device once used with a Blockbuster rental"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnetic tape recorder for recording (and playing back) tv programs
  • Similar words include: videocassette recorder
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VCR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Mission-driven grps., often"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: NGO, nongovernmental organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. "___ you listening?""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: be, embody, ar
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Who said "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a teacher and prophet born in bethlehem and active in nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for christianity (circa 4 bc - ad 29)
  • Similar words include: Savior, Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JESUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. May honoree"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: mommy, mama, mummy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Animal with a "mask""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fur of the north american racoon
  • Similar words include: racoon
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACCOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. A step above amateur"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an athlete who plays for pay on a part-time basis
  • Similar words include: semiprofessional
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMIPRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Peeved"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Like italic type"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lie obliquely
  • Similar words include: biased, coloured, colored
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. With 68-Across, posable plaything ... or a verbal hint to each half of 4-, 7- and 10-Down and 46-Across"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something done (usually as opposed to something said)
  • Similar words include: carry through, activity, accomplish
  • Opposite of: inactivity, inactiveness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. See 67-Across"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
  • Similar words include: project, compute, work out
  • Opposite of: ground
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIGURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Is released, as an album 5
2D 2. Currency in Mumbai 5
3D 3. Clarifying phrase 5
4D 4. Interception returned for a touchdown 7
5D 5. Start of the workweek: Abbr. 3
6D 6. Saw in one's mind's eye 8
7D 7. Break for a few minutes 8
8D 8. Newspaper in New York, L.A. or Seattle, colloquially 8
9D 9. Bummed out 3
10D 10. Surf with one's toes off the front of the board 7
11D 11. What an electric meter measures 5
12D 12. Cut completely 5
13D 13. Joseph called "Father of the Symphony" 5
14D 21. Coin dated with the year of its country's imperial era 3
15D 23. Latin "is" 3
16D 28. Put in a row 5
17D 29. Unapproachable 5
18D 30. Newsstand purchase, informally 3
19D 31. In the past 3
20D 32. Feline adoption option 9
21D 35. Spur-of-the-moment 9
22D 36. Arthur of "The Golden Girls" 3
23D 37. "Zip it!" 3
24D 39. Place in a hierarchy 4
25D 40. Midnight's opposite 4
26D 43. Suffix in the names of many U.S. cities 3
27D 45. Starbucks keepsake, perhaps 3
28D 47. Hurdles or high jump, e.g. 5
29D 48. Loops in, digitally 3
30D 49. Secure tightly 5
31D 50. Swiss currency 5
32D 53. How you may feel after a workout vis-à-vis before 5
33D 54. Operatic solo 4
34D 55. Become a member of 4
35D 56. Subject of introspection 4
36D 58. Preset camera option 4
37D 60. ___ effect (purported influence of police shows on juries' expectations for forensics) 3
38D 61. Yoko who participated in a bed-in 3
39D 63. ___ tai 3
40D 64. Bank with a lion in its logo 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Is released, as an album"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that is spherical and small
  • Similar words include: swing, degenerate, sink
  • Opposite of: sharpen, attend to
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Currency in Mumbai"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in sri lanka; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: Indian rupee, Nepalese rupee, Pakistani rupee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Clarifying phrase"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Interception returned for a touchdown"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Start of the workweek: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the second day of the week; the first working day
  • Similar words include: Monday
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Saw in one's mind's eye"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
  • Similar words include: envisage, opine, suppose
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGINED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Break for a few minutes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Newspaper in New York, L.A. or Seattle, colloquially"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Bummed out"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness; ; - christina rossetti
  • Similar words include: pitiful, deplorable, lamentable
  • Opposite of: glad
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Surf with one's toes off the front of the board"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. What an electric meter measures"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: utilisation, custom, utilization
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Cut completely"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that set or keep apart
  • Similar words include: discerp, lop, break up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Joseph called "Father of the Symphony""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prolific austrian composer who influenced the classical form of the symphony (1732-1809)
  • Similar words include: Franz Joseph Haydn, Joseph Haydn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAYDN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Coin dated with the year of its country's imperial era"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a yearning for something or to do something
  • Similar words include: pine, hankering, yearn
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Latin "is""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

16D: "28. Put in a row"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight
  • Similar words include: adjust, coordinate, ordinate
  • Opposite of: skew
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "29. Unapproachable"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remote in manner
  • Similar words include: upstage, distant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. Newsstand purchase, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
  • Similar words include: magazine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. In the past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Feline adoption option"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Spur-of-the-moment"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extemporaneous speech or remark
  • Similar words include: off-the-cuff, extemporary, ad lib
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPROMPTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. Arthur of "The Golden Girls""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. "Zip it!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Place in a hierarchy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
  • Similar words include: social station, glaring, social rank
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Midnight's opposite"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the middle of the day
  • Similar words include: twelve noon, high noon, noontide
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Suffix in the names of many U.S. cities"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
  • Similar words include: long ton, net ton, short ton
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Starbucks keepsake, perhaps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quantity that can be held in a mug
  • Similar words include: smiler, fool, patsy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. Hurdles or high jump, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that happens at a given place and time
  • Similar words include: consequence, result, outcome
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Loops in, digitally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
  • Similar words include: millilitre, cubic centimeter, milliliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Secure tightly"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (medicine) a bandage consisting of a pad and belt; worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure
  • Similar words include: bind, tie up, tie down
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Swiss currency"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 centimes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRANC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. How you may feel after a workout vis-à-vis before"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing misery or pain or distress
  • Similar words include: painful, mad, sensitive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. Operatic solo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Become a member of"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
  • Similar words include: link, junction, articulation
  • Opposite of: disjoin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Subject of introspection"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that your consciousness of your own identity
  • Similar words include: ego
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Preset camera option"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how something is done or how it happens
  • Similar words include: modal value, manner, musical mode
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. ___ effect (purported influence of police shows on juries' expectations for forensics)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Yoko who participated in a bed-in"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. ___ tai"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Bank with a lion in its logo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
40 Down Clues
77 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: October 06, 2026 at 10:34 AM

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 23, 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. Meh 4
2A 5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs 5
3A 10. Looped in via email 4
4A 14. Covid-19, colloquially 4
5A 15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998 5
6A 16. Mauna Loa output 4
7A 17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings 4
8A 18. Start of a counting rhyme 5
9A 19. Slightly 4
10A 20. Honorable conduct on the field 13
11A 23. Recluses 7
12A 24. On-schedule 6
13A 27. Musician's gift 3
14A 28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head 4
15A 30. Fish eggs 3
16A 31. Kid around 4
17A 34. When hunting restrictions are lifted 10
18A 37. Epic poem originally passed down orally 5
19A 39. CPR expert 3
20A 40. Pretense 5
21A 41. Carnival diversion requiring precision 10
22A 44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle 4
23A 45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux 3
24A 46. "Hmm ... I pass" 4
25A 47. Word before data or deal 3
26A 49. Peak in the Alaska Range 6
27A 51. Slender e-cig 7
28A 55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 13
29A 58. Genderqueer identity, informally 4
30A 60. Windowside perches 5
31A 61. "Back in my day ..." 4
32A 62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion" 4
33A 63. Greek salad morsel 5
34A 64. Gave the green light 4
35A 65. Catches red-handed 4
36A 66. "Duly ___" 5
37A 67. They go for bucks 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Meh"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: claptrap, rant, fustian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
  • Similar words include: mine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Looped in via email"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Covid-19, colloquially"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Mauna Loa output"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Start of a counting rhyme"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Slightly"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Honorable conduct on the field"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fairness in following the rules of the game
  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORTSMANSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Recluses"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one retired from society for religious reasons
  • Similar words include: troglodyte, solitary, hermit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERMITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. On-schedule"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that before a time limit expires
  • Similar words include: well-timed, seasonably, seasonable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Musician's gift"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
  • Similar words include: frog, salientian, anuran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fish eggs"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kid around"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: jocularity, laugh, joke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. When hunting restrictions are lifted"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Epic poem originally passed down orally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a greek epic poem (attributed to homer) describing the siege of troy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. CPR expert"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Pretense"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the side that is forward or prominent
  • Similar words include: battlefront, front line, straw man
  • Opposite of: rear, back
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRONT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Carnival diversion requiring precision"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. "Hmm ... I pass""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Word before data or deal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for nakedness
  • Similar words include: stark naked, naked as a jaybird, new
  • Opposite of: cooked
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Peak in the Alaska Range"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain in south central alaska; the highest peak in north america (20,300 feet high)
  • Similar words include: Mount McKinley, Mt. McKinley, McKinley
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Slender e-cig"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Genderqueer identity, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Windowside perches"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states operatic soprano (born in 1929)
  • Similar words include: Beverly Sills, sill, Belle Miriam Silverman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. "Back in my day ...""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: one time, at one time, erst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Greek salad morsel"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: Olea europaea, European olive tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Gave the green light"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Catches red-handed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: cop, nail, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. "Duly ___""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make mention of
  • Similar words include: far-famed, take down, remark
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. They go for bucks"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Brazen 5
2D 2. Jeweler's magnifying glass 5
3D 3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna 5
4D 4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos 9
5D 5. Distinguished conductor 7
6D 6. Agenda topics 5
7D 7. Nickname for grandma 4
8D 8. Environmental activist Brockovich 4
9D 9. Naps, in Nicaragua 7
10D 10. ___ to fame 5
11D 11. One preferring purrs to pooches 9
12D 12. Actress Mendes 3
13D 13. "Old man" 3
14D 21. Spanish aunt 3
15D 22. 720p+ resolution, informally 5
16D 25. Bonkers 5
17D 26. Gossip, from the Yiddish 5
18D 28. It's kept by a metronome 5
19D 29. Not fooled by 4
20D 31. Meshed (with) 5
21D 32. Thrill 5
22D 33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom 9
23D 35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally 4
24D 36. "Is everything cool between us?" 9
25D 38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant 5
26D 42. "Them's fightin' words!" 7
27D 43. Talked up 7
28D 48. Arbor Day mo. 3
29D 50. "Now I remember" 5
30D 51. Part of a heart or faucet 5
31D 52. Japanese bread crumbs 5
32D 53. Host with a mic 5
33D 54. More than wants 5
34D 56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph 4
35D 57. Dart (about) 4
36D 58. Seemingly for-EH-ver 3
37D 59. Thunder setting, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Brazen"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively bold
  • Similar words include: cheeky, nervy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Jeweler's magnifying glass"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small magnifying glass (usually set in an eyepiece) used by jewelers and horologists
  • Similar words include: jeweler's loupe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOUPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Distinguished conductor"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artist of consummate skill
  • Similar words include: master
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAESTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Agenda topics"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: item, particular, token
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Nickname for grandma"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Environmental activist Brockovich"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Naps, in Nicaragua"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
  • Similar words include: siesta
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIESTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___ to fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
  • Similar words include: call, exact, title
  • Opposite of: forfeit, disclaim
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One preferring purrs to pooches"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Actress Mendes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Old man""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: papa, pa, daddy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Spanish aunt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. 720p+ resolution, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Bonkers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone deranged and possibly dangerous
  • Similar words include: round the bend, crackers, nuts
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Gossip, from the Yiddish"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YENTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. It's kept by a metronome"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
  • Similar words include: pacing, pace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Not fooled by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Meshed (with)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
  • Similar words include: correspond, change course, tally
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JIBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Thrill"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, intoxicate, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that englishman and quaker who founded the colony of pennsylvania (1644-1718)
  • Similar words include: Pennsylvania, William Penn, University of Pennsylvania
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "Is everything cool between us?""

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
  • Similar words include: monitrice, labor coach, birthing coach
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOULA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. "Them's fightin' words!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Talked up"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express approval of
  • Similar words include: praise
  • Opposite of: criticize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAISED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Arbor Day 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!

29D: "50. "Now I remember""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Part of a heart or faucet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VALVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Japanese bread crumbs"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Host with a mic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. More than wants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: demand, necessitate, postulate
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cylindrical tower used for storing silage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Dart (about)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden quick movement
  • Similar words include: fleet, dart, flutter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Seemingly for-EH-ver"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longest division of geological time
  • Similar words include: aeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Thunder setting, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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
37 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 23, 2026 at 08:42 AM