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

Monday, June 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 08, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Deer sir? 4
2A 5. Free trial version 4
3A 9. Caspian or Mediterranean 3
4A 12. Designer ___ Boss 4
5A 13. Typographical embellishment 5
6A 14. Go across 4
7A 15. "Su-u-ure" 4
8A 16. Something green in a greenhouse 5
9A 17. Half ___ (when the minute hand points down) 4
10A 18. Popular board game adapted from India [1] 9
11A 20. They quickly spread online 5
12A 21. "Soldier, stop!" 4
13A 22. Page (through) 4
14A 23. Challenge for student drivers [2] 15
15A 30. Metals in mines 4
16A 31. Actor Stonestreet of "Modern Family" 4
17A 32. Apt zodiac sign for Bert Lahr, who played the Cowardly Lion 3
18A 33. Vitality 3
19A 34. Scoundrel's deeds 7
20A 37. A pair 3
21A 38. Card game whose name is something players cry 3
22A 39. Assistant 4
23A 40. Anthropologist Margaret 4
24A 41. Never stop having fun [3] 15
25A 46. "___ the night before Christmas ..." 4
26A 47. Word repeated in "___ ye, ___ ye!" 4
27A 48. Cube maker Erno 5
28A 50. Of the highest importance ... or, when parsed differently, what each bracketed number in the clues indicates? 9
29A 55. World's largest country with a four-letter name 4
30A 56. Underpinning 5
31A 57. Home of Columbus 4
32A 58. A single time 4
33A 59. Up in the air 5
34A 60. Zero 4
35A 61. "What a shame!" 3
36A 62. Test the weight of 4
37A 63. Backyard storage space 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Deer sir?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male deer, especially an adult male red deer
  • Similar words include: hart, betray, grass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Free trial version"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: exhibit, demonstration, demonstrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Caspian or Mediterranean"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Designer ___ Boss"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french poet and novelist and dramatist; leader of the romantic movement in france (1802-1885)
  • Similar words include: Victor Hugo, Victor-Marie Hugo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Typographical embellishment"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
  • Similar words include: seriph
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERIF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "14. Go across"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the complete duration of something
  • Similar words include: couple, sweep, cross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "15. "Su-u-ure""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "16. Something green in a greenhouse"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that buildings for carrying on industrial labor
  • Similar words include: engraft, implant, flora
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "17. Half ___ (when the minute hand points down)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time that has elapsed
  • Similar words include: by, past tense, preceding
  • Opposite of: present, future
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "18. Popular board game adapted from India [1]"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. They quickly spread online"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
  • Similar words include: meme
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. "Soldier, stop!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Similar words include: check, game, hold
  • Opposite of: start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "22. Page (through)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  • Similar words include: flick, foliage, folio
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "23. Challenge for student drivers [2]"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Metals in mines"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Actor Stonestreet of "Modern Family""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Apt zodiac sign for Bert Lahr, who played the Cowardly Lion"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
  • Similar words include: Lion, Leo the Lion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Vitality"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, peppiness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Scoundrel's deeds"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of honesty; acts of lying or cheating or stealing
  • Similar words include: dishonesty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNAVERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. A pair"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: 2, deuce, ii
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Card game whose name is something players cry"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Assistant"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
  • Similar words include: auxiliary, adjutant, aide-de-camp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. Anthropologist Margaret"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in polynesian cultures (1901-1978)
  • Similar words include: Margaret Mead, George Herbert Mead
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Never stop having fun [3]"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. "___ the night before Christmas ...""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Word repeated in "___ ye, ___ ye!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
  • Similar words include: try, learn, listen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Cube maker Erno"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Of the highest importance ... or, when parsed differently, what each bracketed number in the clues indicates?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having superior power and influence
  • Similar words include: preponderant, predominate, preponderating
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARAMOUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. World's largest country with a four-letter name"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Underpinning"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relation that provides the foundation for something
  • Similar words include: cornerstone, base, fundament
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Home of Columbus"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: Buckeye State, Ohio River, OH
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. A single time"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: erstwhile, formerly, in one case
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Up in the air"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Zero"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. "What a shame!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Similar words include: tut, tut-tut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. Test the weight of"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of being large in mass
  • Similar words include: heave up, ponderousness, heftiness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Backyard storage space"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: slough, throw off, cast
  • Opposite of: persistent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Steamer or cruiser 4
2D 2. Oom-pah instrument 4
3D 3. Follower of New or teen 4
4D 4. Hidden snags 7
5D 5. Key to the right of "+" and "=" on a Mac keyboard 6
6D 6. What Taylor Swift calls the stages of her career 4
7D 7. 5x5-square crossword 4
8D 8. Frequently, in poetry 3
9D 9. Email winnower 10
10D 10. Effortlessness 4
11D 11. Tiny hill builders 4
12D 13. Characterize? 5
13D 14. Orate 5
14D 19. Nickname akin to Harry 3
15D 20. Compassion 5
16D 22. Den 4
17D 23. Short-term kind of store 5
18D 24. Sports locale 5
19D 25. Give a debriefing (to) 10
20D 26. Prime use for a crowbar 5
21D 27. Opposite of post- 3
22D 28. Starting to learn 5
23D 29. "Oh boy!" 5
24D 34. Watercraft for an Inuit 5
25D 35. Small bites 4
26D 36. Accessibility law inits. 3
27D 40. Leaves stranded 7
28D 42. Strong string 5
29D 43. What misers take to an extreme 6
30D 44. Bread maker's supply 5
31D 45. ___ Beesly, character who has the last line in the finale of "The Office" 3
32D 48. Civil uprising 4
33D 49. Caterer's containers 4
34D 50. Whitish 4
35D 51. Starting, timewise 4
36D 52. "This looks like trouble!" 4
37D 53. Number in a nonet 4
38D 54. Follower of pointy or pigeon 4
39D 56. Expression of contempt 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Steamer or cruiser"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vessel that carries passengers or freight
  • Similar words include: embark, transport, send
  • Opposite of: disembark
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oom-pah instrument"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest brass wind instrument
  • Similar words include: bass horn, sousaphone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Follower of New or teen"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Hidden snags"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Key to the right of "+" and "=" on a Mac keyboard"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove or make invisible
  • Similar words include: cancel, blue-pencil, edit
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. What Taylor Swift calls the stages of her career"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: geological era, epoch, earned run average
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. 5x5-square crossword"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very short skirt
  • Similar words include: miniskirt
  • Opposite of: midi
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Frequently, in poetry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that many times at short intervals
  • Similar words include: frequently, ofttimes, often
  • Opposite of: infrequently, rarely
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Email winnower"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Effortlessness"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • Similar words include: still, relieve, alleviate
  • Opposite of: difficulty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Tiny hill builders"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: ant, pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Characterize?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
  • Similar words include: turn, magical spell, spell out
  • Opposite of: unspell
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Orate"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in speech
  • Similar words include: verbalize, address, mouth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Nickname akin to Harry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Compassion"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
  • Similar words include: mercifulness, clemency
  • Opposite of: mercilessness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERCY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Den"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Short-term kind of store"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Sports locale"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: stadium, orbit, sphere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "25. Give a debriefing (to)"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Prime use for a crowbar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
  • Similar words include: prise, pry, jimmy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "27. Opposite of post-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "28. Starting to learn"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "29. "Oh boy!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: kickshaw, dainty, treat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOODY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Watercraft for an Inuit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small canoe consisting of a light frame made watertight with animal skins; used by eskimos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAYAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Small bites"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink of liquor
  • Similar words include: squeeze, twinge, tanginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Accessibility law inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
  • Similar words include: adenosine deaminase
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Leaves stranded"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is stranded (as on an island)
  • Similar words include: strand, maroon
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAROONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Strong string"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight cord
  • Similar words include: entwine, enlace, interlace
  • Opposite of: untwine, untwist
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. What misers take to an extreme"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: parsimony, parsimoniousness, penny-pinching
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THRIFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Bread maker's supply"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a commercial leavening agent containing yeast cells; used to raise the dough in making bread and for fermenting beer or whiskey
  • Similar words include: barm
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. ___ Beesly, character who has the last line in the finale of "The Office""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Civil uprising"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public act of violence by an unruly mob
  • Similar words include: howler, debauchery, orgy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Caterer's containers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
  • Similar words include: urn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Whitish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden strip forming part of a fence
  • Similar words include: picket, wan, pallid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Starting, timewise"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. "This looks like trouble!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. Number in a nonet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Similar words include: niner, club, IX
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. Follower of pointy or pigeon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction
  • Similar words include: toe, toenail
  • Opposite of: toeless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Expression of contempt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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
39 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: June 08, 2026 at 08:28 AM

NYT Mini Trivia Week 2 June 08, 2026 - Hints & Answers

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword June 08, 2026 Answers

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

Popular Puzzles: Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 07 | July 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | October 18 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for June 08, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, June 08, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date June 08, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

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

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 62. Test the weight of
2 Across 61. "What a shame!"
3 Across 33. Vitality
4 Across 5. Free trial version
5 Across 57. Home of Columbus
6 Across 40. Anthropologist Margaret
7 Across 34. Scoundrel's deeds
8 Across 47. Word repeated in "___ ye, ___ ye!"
9 Across 48. Cube maker Erno
10 Across 46. "___ the night before Christmas ..."

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "62. Test the weight of"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HEFT


2 Across: "61. "What a shame!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TSK


3 Across: "33. Vitality"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'P'
  • Another word like this: ginger

Answer:

Click to reveal PEP


4 Across: "5. Free trial version"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DEMO


5 Across: "57. Home of Columbus"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OHIO


6 Across: "40. Anthropologist Margaret"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MEAD


7 Across: "34. Scoundrel's deeds"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: K_____Y

Answer:

Click to reveal KNAVERY


8 Across: "47. Word repeated in "___ ye, ___ ye!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HEAR


9 Across: "48. Cube maker Erno"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal RUBIK


10 Across: "46. "___ the night before Christmas ...""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TWAS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 26. Prime use for a crowbar
2 Down 48. Civil uprising
3 Down 3. Follower of New or teen
4 Down 45. ___ Beesly, character who has the last line in the finale of "The Office"
5 Down 20. Compassion
6 Down 11. Tiny hill builders
7 Down 10. Effortlessness
8 Down 52. "This looks like trouble!"
9 Down 22. Den
10 Down 40. Leaves stranded

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "26. Prime use for a crowbar"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LEVER


2 Down: "48. Civil uprising"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal RIOT


3 Down: "3. Follower of New or teen"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AGER


4 Down: "45. ___ Beesly, character who has the last line in the finale of "The Office""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PAM


5 Down: "20. Compassion"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: M___Y

Answer:

Click to reveal MERCY


6 Down: "11. Tiny hill builders"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ANTS


7 Down: "10. Effortlessness"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EASE


8 Down: "52. "This looks like trouble!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal UHOH


9 Down: "22. Den"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L__R

Answer:

Click to reveal LAIR


10 Down: "40. Leaves stranded"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MAROONS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

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

Letter Tips That Really Help

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

Time Goals to Aim For

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

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

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

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

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

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

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

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

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


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

Last Updated: June 08, 2026 at 08:26 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, June 08 2026 mini crossword

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 10, 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. Pep in one's step 3
2A 4. Model airplane material 5
3A 9. ___ de los Muertos 3
4A 12. Picture it! 5
5A 15. Become less intense 5
6A 16. "Holiday ___" (1942 film with Irving Berlin songs) 3
7A 17. Certain casino regular 11
8A 19. Vessel that might hold dye 3
9A 20. Online commerce 5
10A 21. First Oscar winner to be born in the 21st century (for Best Original Song) 6
11A 23. $$$ execs 4
12A 25. Psychic who examines lifelines and heart lines 10
13A 28. Leader of the Chipmunks, in an old novelty group 5
14A 30. "Lost" actor Daniel ___ Kim 3
15A 31. Art ___ (geometric architectural style) 4
16A 32. Viral dance of the 2010s 6
17A 34. 20-ounce Starbucks size 5
18A 37. "Toy Story 2" character who says "I'm packing you an extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes, just in case" 13
19A 41. Invites for a nightcap, say 5
20A 42. Prohibit from practicing law 6
21A 44. "Don't Tell ___" ("Cabaret" song) 4
22A 47. Partner of the C.D.C. and F.D.A. 3
23A 49. Sound sometimes written as Z's 5
24A 50. Device measuring audience approval 10
25A 54. Denisovich or Ilyich of Russian literature 4
26A 55. "You Pick Two" bakery chain 6
27A 56. Word after mountain or vocal 5
28A 58. QVC alternative 3
29A 59. "I could use some help here" ... or hint to 17-, 25-, 37- and 50-Across 11
30A 64. Squeak (out) 3
31A 65. One terminal on a battery 5
32A 66. Catholic university whose mascot is a lion, aptly 5
33A 67. Body part that may have a ring or a stud 3
34A 68. Program for expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada 5
35A 69. Section of a journey 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Pep in one's step"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a healthy capacity for vigorous activity
  • Similar words include: vitality, vigour, energy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Model airplane material"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats
  • Similar words include: balsa wood, Ochroma lagopus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ de los Muertos"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intelligence agency of the united states in the department of defense; is responsible for providing intelligence in support of military planning and operations and weapons acquisition
  • Similar words include: Defense Intelligence Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Picture it!"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: see, epitome, effigy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Become less intense"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make less active or intense
  • Similar words include: slake, let up, slack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Holiday ___" (1942 film with Irving Berlin songs)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Certain casino regular"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Vessel that might hold dye"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
  • Similar words include: value-added tax, tub, ad valorem tax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Online commerce"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. First Oscar winner to be born in the 21st century (for Best Original Song)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. $$$ execs"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer, CFO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Psychic who examines lifelines and heart lines"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Leader of the Chipmunks, in an old novelty group"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. "Lost" actor Daniel ___ Kim"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Art ___ (geometric architectural style)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
  • Similar words include: art deco
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Viral dance of the 2010s"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. 20-ounce Starbucks size"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "Toy Story 2" character who says "I'm packing you an extra pair of shoes, and your angry eyes, just in case""

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Invites for a nightcap, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Prohibit from practicing law"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from the bar; expel from the practice of law by official action
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. "Don't Tell ___" ("Cabaret" song)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: ma, mummy, mammy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Partner of the C.D.C. and F.D.A."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of health and human services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
  • Similar words include: National Institutes of Health
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Sound sometimes written as Z's"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rattling noise produced when snoring
  • Similar words include: saw logs, snoring, saw wood
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Device measuring audience approval"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. Denisovich or Ilyich of Russian literature"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. "You Pick Two" bakery chain"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Word after mountain or vocal"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
  • Similar words include: browse, chain of mountains, roll
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. QVC alternative"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. "I could use some help here" ... or hint to 17-, 25-, 37- and 50-Across"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Squeak (out)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. One terminal on a battery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • Opposite of: cathode
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Catholic university whose mascot is a lion, aptly"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Body part that may have a ring or a stud"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Program for expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the means of connection between things linked in series
  • Similar words include: link
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEXUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Section of a journey"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
  • Similar words include: peg, wooden leg, stage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. One who gets special treatment, for short 3
2D 2. "if u ask me ..." 3
3D 3. One might involve a drastic haircut and new clothes 8
4D 4. Song suitable for a slow dance 6
5D 5. Legal org. 3
6D 6. Set (down) 3
7D 7. Part of a cattle herd 5
8D 8. American Eagle subbrand 5
9D 9. Do the splits? 6
10D 10. "One moment!" 6
11D 11. Margaret Mead's subject, informally 6
12D 13. Regularly hits the gym, say 11
13D 14. Reputation or Lover, to a Swiftie 3
14D 18. One of three in the Domino's logo 3
15D 22. Occasion for some girl talk 11
16D 23. Common food shelf donation 3
17D 24. Flim-___ 4
18D 26. Pool from a volcanic eruption 7
19D 27. Cross paths 4
20D 29. California wine valley 4
21D 33. Goddess of daybreak 3
22D 35. Land of ___ (Genesis locale) 3
23D 36. Public radio's "___ American Life" 4
24D 38. Something to whistle 4
25D 39. First and foremost 8
26D 40. Swimmer Torres with 12 Olympic medals 4
27D 43. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" antagonist 3
28D 44. John ___, longtime writer for The New Yorker 6
29D 45. State that's the subject of 44-Down's book "Coming Into the Country" 6
30D 46. Way of doing things 6
31D 48. Birkin bag maker 6
32D 51. "The Phantom of the Opera" instrument 5
33D 52. Only U.S. state with a monosyllabic name 5
34D 53. Emmy-nominated Issa 3
35D 57. Rapper Lil ___ X 3
36D 60. News website with a Latin name 3
37D 61. Email suffix once required to use Facebook 3
38D 62. Formerly named 3
39D 63. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. One who gets special treatment, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important or influential (and often overbearing) person
  • Similar words include: high-up, high muckamuck, panjandrum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "if u ask me ...""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. One might involve a drastic haircut and new clothes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overall beauty treatment (involving a person's hair style and cosmetics and clothing) intended to change or improve a person's appearance
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAKEOVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Song suitable for a slow dance"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: lay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALLAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Legal org."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Set (down)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: put, repose, set
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Part of a cattle herd"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indication of potential opportunity
  • Similar words include: channelize, channelise, hint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. American Eagle subbrand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
  • Similar words include: eyry, eyrie, aery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Do the splits?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
  • Similar words include: disunite, fraction, separate
  • Opposite of: unite, multiply
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIVIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "One moment!""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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11D: "11. Margaret Mead's subject, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "13. Regularly hits the gym, say"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "14. Reputation or Lover, to a Swiftie"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: geological era, epoch, earned run average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

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14D: "18. One of three in the Domino's logo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: rack up, worst, hit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIP

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15D: "22. Occasion for some girl talk"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "23. Common food shelf donation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: john, send away, butt
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

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17D: "24. Flim-___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "26. Pool from a volcanic eruption"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "27. Cross paths"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: run across, see, fulfil
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

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20D: "29. California wine valley"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east asia
  • Similar words include: celery cabbage, pe-tsai, Brassica rapa pekinensis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPA

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21D: "33. Goddess of daybreak"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EOS

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22D: "35. Land of ___ (Genesis locale)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

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23D: "36. Public radio's "___ American Life""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "38. Something to whistle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: melodic line, melody, strain
  • Opposite of: untune
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNE

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25D: "39. First and foremost"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "40. Swimmer Torres with 12 Olympic medals"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "43. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" antagonist"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "44. John ___, longtime writer for The New Yorker"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "45. State that's the subject of 44-Down's book "Coming Into the Country""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern north america; the 49th state admitted to the union
  • Similar words include: Last Frontier, AK
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALASKA

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30D: "46. Way of doing things"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how something is done or how it happens
  • Similar words include: mode, style, way
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNER

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31D: "48. Birkin bag maker"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with roman mercury
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERMES

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32D: "51. "The Phantom of the Opera" instrument"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function
  • Similar words include: electronic organ, Hammond organ, pipe organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORGAN

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33D: "52. Only U.S. state with a monosyllabic name"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in new england
  • Similar words include: Pine Tree State, ME
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAINE

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34D: "53. Emmy-nominated Issa"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "57. Rapper Lil ___ X"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: sodium, atomic number 11, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

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36D: "60. News website with a Latin name"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by the vibration of vocal folds modified by the resonance of the vocal tract
  • Similar words include: vocalization, vocalisation, vocalism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOX

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37D: "61. Email suffix once required to use Facebook"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "62. Formerly named"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEE

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39D: "63. Snoopy or Scooby-Doo"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
  • Similar words include: cad, firedog, wiener
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOG

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 10, 2026 at 05:15 AM