Thursday, May 14, 2026 – LA Times Crossword Answers & Hints

LA Times Crossword – May 14, 2026 (Thursday)

Today’s crossword puzzle is fun and a little tricky.

If you are stuck, don’t worry!

Here you can find the answers and help.

Crossword puzzles help us:

• Learn new words
• Improve spelling
• Think smart

Theme Answer: WOODCUT

Clue: Artistic printing method, and a feature of rows 2, 5, 11, and 14 in this puzzle

Answer: WOODCUT

Explanation:

A woodcut is a way of printing pictures. The artist carves a design into wood, puts ink on it, and prints it on paper. Today’s puzzle hides types of wood in four rows.

Across Clues

6A. Thurman of “Pretty Lethal”

Answer: UMA

Explanation: Uma Thurman is a famous actress.

13A. Moral principle

Answer: ETHIC

Explanation: An ethic is a rule about what is right or wrong.

14A. “MAS*H” setting, for short

Answer: KOR

Explanation: MASH takes place in Korea (KOR = short form).

15A. “Butterfly Dance” artist

Answer: YANNI

Explanation: Yanni is a music composer.

19A. College where Robert Frost taught English

Answer: AMHERST

Explanation: Robert Frost was a famous poet who taught at Amherst College.

22A. NYC home of Matisse’s “Landscape at Collioure”

Answer: MOMA

Explanation: MoMA is the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

25A. Taylor-Joy of “The Northman”

Answer: ANYA

Explanation: Anya Taylor-Joy is a movie actress.

34A. “Downton Abbey” cook

Answer: DAISY

Explanation: Daisy is a character in the TV show Downton Abbey.

38A. Here, in Honduras

Answer: ACA

Explanation: In Spanish, “aca” means “here.”

41A. Mod About You polish maker

Answer: OPI

Explanation: OPI is a brand that makes nail polish.

42A. Mexican sandwich

Answer: TORTA

Explanation: A torta is a Mexican sandwich.

50A. Electrically adaptable

Answer: AC/DC

Explanation: AC/DC means it can work with both types of electric current.

55A. Sazerac options

Answer: RYES

Explanation: Rye is a type of grain used in drinks.

58A. Abu Dhabi, e.g.

Answer: EMIRATE

Explanation: Abu Dhabi is one of the Emirates in the UAE.

61A. Expanse crossed by Odysseus

Answer: IONIAN SEA

Explanation: In Greek stories, Odysseus crossed the Ionian Sea.

65A. Like van Gogh and Vermeer

Answer: DUTCH

Explanation: Both artists were from the Netherlands (Dutch).

70A. Blades for some Olympians

Answer: EPEES

Explanation: An épée is a type of fencing sword used in the Olympics.

Down Clues

1D. Super Mario Bros. console

Answer: NES

Explanation: NES is a Nintendo gaming system.

2D. Jazzy James

Answer: ETTA

Explanation: Etta James was a famous singer.

3D. Guitar accessory that may create vibrato

Answer: WHAMMY BAR

Explanation: A whammy bar is used on guitars to change sound.

4D. Knights’ neighbors

Answer: BISHOPS

Explanation: In chess, bishops sit next to knights.

5D. Blueprint

Answer: SCHEMA

Explanation: A schema is a plan or design.

9D. Prehistoric supercontinent

Answer: PANGAEA

Explanation: Pangaea was one giant land before continents split.

11D. Moriarty, to Holmes

Answer: ENEMY

Explanation: Moriarty is the enemy of Sherlock Holmes.

18D. Latvian capital

Answer: RIGA

Explanation: Riga is the capital city of Latvia.

36D. Hormel product

Answer: SPAM

Explanation: Spam is a canned meat product.

43D. Elements of a strategy

Answer: TACTICS

Explanation: Tactics are small actions used in a plan.

51D. Easy part of a sky in a jigsaw puzzle

Answer: CLOUD

Explanation: Puzzle sky areas are often blue with clouds.

54D. Oscar winner Witherspoon

Answer: REESE

Explanation: Reese Witherspoon is an actress.

60D. Brontë orphan

Answer: EYRE

Explanation: Jane Eyre is a famous novel character.

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 30, 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
• Across Clues Table (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (40 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. Grammy-winning singer who's had both a "Farewell Tour" and a "Here We Go Again Tour"	4
2A	5. Carry out orders	4
3A	9. Some images carved in Egyptian tombs	4
4A	13. Class that might be all play and no work?	5
5A	14. "Seriously, dude ..."	9
6A	16. One robed in a kittel, maybe	5
7A	17. Part of an evacuation plan	9
8A	18. Former carrier over Mauna Kea	9
9A	20. References as references	5
10A	21. It ends "But the way of the ungodly shall perish"	8
11A	22. Sin/cos	3
12A	23. Billy goat's cry	3
13A	24. Vulpine	3
14A	26. Revealing statement?	4
15A	30. First movie to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature	5
16A	33. Telegram enders	5
17A	35. Setting for "Biohackers" and "Bones"	3
18A	36. Tag line	7
19A	38. Mocking name for failed businesses of the early 2000s	7
20A	40. Catch	3
21A	41. What "R" might stand for on an envelope	5
22A	43. Company named after a volcano	5
23A	44. Loves of the past	4
24A	46. Be left at a loss?	3
25A	47. Objectivist Rand	3
26A	48. Kind of rally	3
27A	50. Hit list	8
28A	55. "There it is!"	5
29A	58. Seafood dish known as the King of Salads	9
30A	59. Film angling for awards ... or what's depicted three times in this puzzle?	9
31A	61. Utah's ___ Canyon Waterfall	5
32A	62. "Well, I never!"	9
33A	63. Leaves the slip, perhaps	5
34A	64. Comic ___	4
35A	65. Some informal wear	4
36A	66. Tonsillectomy specialists, for short	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Grammy-winning singer who's had both a "Farewell Tour" and a "Here We Go Again Tour""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Carry out orders"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be obedient to
• Opposite of: disobey
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OBEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some images carved in Egyptian tombs"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
• Similar words include: Egyptian cobra, asp viper, asp
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Class that might be all play and no work?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• Similar words include: dramatic event, play, dramatic play
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. "Seriously, dude ...""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: COMEONMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. One robed in a kittel, maybe"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that spiritual leader of a jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply jewish law
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RABBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Part of an evacuation plan"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXITROUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Former carrier over Mauna Kea"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISLANDAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. References as references"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
• Similar words include: advert, adduce, cite
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. It ends "But the way of the ungodly shall perish""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSALMONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Sin/cos"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
• Similar words include: suntan, tangent, bronze
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Billy goat's cry"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Vulpine"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: foxy, slick, crafty
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Revealing statement?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. First movie to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHREK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Telegram enders"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a gambling card game in which chips are placed on the ace and king and queen and jack of separate suits (taken from a separate deck); a player plays the lowest card of a suit in his hand and successively higher cards are played until the sequence stops; the player who plays a card matching one in the layout wins all the chips on that card
• Similar words include: stopover, blockage, stop consonant
• Opposite of: start, continuant consonant

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Setting for "Biohackers" and "Bones""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• Similar words include: science lab, science laboratory, research lab
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Tag line"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YOUREIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Mocking name for failed businesses of the early 2000s"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOTBOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Catch"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
• Similar words include: apprehend, pick up, nail
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. What "R" might stand for on an envelope"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RHODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Company named after a volcano"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AETNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Loves of the past"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
• Similar words include: X, ex, ex-wife
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Be left at a loss?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Objectivist Rand"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AYN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Kind of rally"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that liveliness and energy
• Similar words include: peppiness, ginger
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Hit list"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPCHART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "There it is!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VOILA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Seafood dish known as the King of Salads"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRABLOUIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Film angling for awards ... or what's depicted three times in this puzzle?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OSCARBAIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Utah's ___ Canyon Waterfall"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that english psychologist who collaborated with i. a. richards in designing basic english (1889-1957)
• Similar words include: Charles Kay Ogden, C. K. Ogden
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OGDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. "Well, I never!""

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHATNERVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Leaves the slip, perhaps"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
• Similar words include: navigate, sail, canvas
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Comic ___"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Some informal wear"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: tee up, tee, golf tee
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Tonsillectomy specialists, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Vulgar	5
2D	2. "___ español?"	5
3D	3. Funeral home professional	8
4D	4. Hotshot lawyer	9
5D	5. Holder of a large bed	5
6D	6. Least aerodynamic, maybe	7
7D	7. Qatari title	4
8D	8. "And ___, here we are"	3
9D	9. Rub with oil	6
10D	10. Graphic novels?	4
11D	11. What am I, chopped liver?	4
12D	12. Super Mario World console, in brief	4
13D	13. Gen Z slang for awesome style	4
14D	15. Largest of the dolphin family	4
15D	19. ___ good turn	3
16D	22. Toys for tots, perhaps	4
17D	25. 49er's score	4
18D	27. Heaps	4
19D	28. Pulitzer-winning Kendrick Lamar album	4
20D	29. 1974 Eurovision winners	4
21D	30. "Auld Lang ___"	4
22D	31. Chess-playing Mechanical Turk of 1770, for one	4
23D	32. Cartoonist and inventor Goldberg	4
24D	33. Put away	4
25D	34. Tour guide's admonition	9
26D	37. Company that bought out Applebee's in 2007	4
27D	39. Golf Hall-of-Famer who was honored with a 1953 ticker-tape parade in New York	8
28D	42. Shortchange	7
29D	45. Green icons on Rotten Tomatoes	6
30D	47. Station announcement, in brief	3
31D	49. Take in	4
32D	51. Hall's former partner	5
33D	52. Fear for a launderer	5
34D	53. Bank notes featuring the temple of Angkor Wat	5
35D	54. Hamiltons	4
36D	55. Exchanged words?	4
37D	56. Org. in some company lawsuits	4
38D	57. Little Engine's belief	4
39D	58. Word with giver or taker	4
40D	60. "You ___!" ("I agree!")	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Vulgar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (of persons) so unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "___ español?""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HABLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Funeral home professional"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mortician who treats corpses with preservatives
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMBALMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Hotshot lawyer"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that executive who is very successful in bringing in business to his company or firm
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAINMAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Holder of a large bed"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
• Similar words include: sea
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Least aerodynamic, maybe"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOXIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Qatari title"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
• Similar words include: ameer, emeer, amir
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "And ___, here we are""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that up to the present time
• Similar words include: nevertheless, notwithstanding, in time
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Rub with oil"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that choose by or as if by divine intervention
• Similar words include: inunct, oil, embrocate
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANOINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Graphic novels?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
• Similar words include: lampblack, soot, vulgarism
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SMUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. What am I, chopped liver?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned
• Similar words include: crown, poll
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Super Mario World console, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Gen Z slang for awesome style"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid
• Similar words include: dripping, trickle, dribble
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Largest of the dolphin family"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
• Similar words include: killer, Orcinus orca, sea wolf
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. ___ good turn"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Toys for tots, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
• Similar words include: typographical error, misprint, literal
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TYPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. 49er's score"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
• Similar words include: load
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Heaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Pulitzer-winning Kendrick Lamar album"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something of little value
• Similar words include: curse, blame, infernal
• Opposite of: bless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. 1974 Eurovision winners"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. "Auld Lang ___""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SYNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Chess-playing Mechanical Turk of 1770, for one"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
• Similar words include: dupery, put-on, pull someone's leg
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Cartoonist and inventor Goldberg"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is not very intelligent or interested in culture
• Similar words include: bumpkin, hayseed, chawbacon
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Put away"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fill by packing tightly
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Tour guide's admonition"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAYCLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Company that bought out Applebee's in 2007"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IHOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Golf Hall-of-Famer who was honored with a 1953 ticker-tape parade in New York"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BENHOGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Shortchange"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that take away possessions from someone
• Similar words include: strip, impoverish, divest
• Opposite of: enrich

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEPRIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Green icons on Rotten Tomatoes"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a single splash
• Similar words include: splat
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPLATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Station announcement, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Take in"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Similar words include: take in, gain, garner
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Hall's former partner"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that english conspirator who claimed that there was a jesuit plot to assassinate charles ii (1649-1705)
• Similar words include: Titus Oates, Joyce Carol Oates
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Fear for a launderer"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an inspection of the accounting procedures and records by a trained accountant or cpa
• Similar words include: audited account, scrutinize, scrutinise
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AUDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Bank notes featuring the temple of Angkor Wat"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the basic unit of money in cambodia; equal to 100 sen
• Similar words include: riel
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Hamiltons"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Similar words include: ten-spot, decade, X
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Exchanged words?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
• Similar words include: consecrate, vow
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Org. in some company lawsuits"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a government agency in the department of labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
• Similar words include: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OSHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Little Engine's belief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Word with giver or taker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
• Similar words include: concern, like, give care
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. "You ___!" ("I agree!")"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
• Similar words include: play, depend, calculate
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues

40 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.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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: April 30, 2026 at 06:16 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 28, 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
• Across Clues Table (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. Sore	4
2A	5. Nail polish brand	3
3A	8. Some cantina fare	5
4A	13. "Hip hip hooray!," e.g.	5
5A	15. Sink-or-swim competition?	9
6A	17. Handles a few unresolved issues	15
7A	19. Like tears	6
8A	20. Site to build on	3
9A	21. Gossip, slangily	3
10A	22. Build on	5
11A	24. Welcome at the door, say	5
12A	27. Linguist's concern	7
13A	30. Serious in manner	5
14A	31. Bagel topping	3
15A	32. Not perfect, but acceptable	11
16A	36. Bickering	4
17A	38. Blade that's pulled	3
18A	39. Casual farewell often used outside its language of origin	4
19A	40. Station set up in a kitchen	11
20A	45. Bit of intel	3
21A	46. Coins of Cuba	5
22A	47. Ingredients in some tropical smoothies	7
23A	49. Foreign Service assignments	5
24A	50. Madrid mister	5
25A	51. Church seat	3
26A	52. Promise to pay	3
27A	54. Journalist, informally	6
28A	58. Like children, ideally, in an old adage ... or a hint to a four-letter word hidden in 17-, 32- and 40-Across	15
29A	62. Rigorous	9
30A	63. Astronomer Carl	5
31A	64. Irritable	5
32A	65. [As written]	3
33A	66. Civil rights activist Parks	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sore"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that causing a dull and steady pain
• Similar words include: aching
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Nail polish brand"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Some cantina fare"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Similar words include: greaser, wetback, taco
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TACOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Hip hip hooray!," e.g."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cry or shout of approval
• Similar words include: sunshine, barrack, jolly up
• Opposite of: complain, dishearten

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Sink-or-swim competition?"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WATERPOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Handles a few unresolved issues"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIESUPLOOSEENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Like tears"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and distilled water
• Similar words include: saline solution
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Site to build on"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
• Similar words include: quite a little, sight, band
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Gossip, slangily"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Similar words include: Camellia sinensis, tea leaf, teatime
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Build on"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADDTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Welcome at the door, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Linguist's concern"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics)
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRAMMAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Serious in manner"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the rear part of a ship
• Similar words include: posterior, unforgiving, exacting
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bagel topping"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Similar words include: liquid oxygen
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Not perfect, but acceptable"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOSEENOUGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "36. Bickering"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Blade that's pulled"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Casual farewell often used outside its language of origin"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Similar words include: aloha
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Station set up in a kitchen"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MISEENPLACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Bit of intel"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
• Similar words include: steer, bakshish, summit
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Coins of Cuba"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the basic unit of money in uruguay; equal to 100 centesimos
• Similar words include: Uruguayan peso, Dominican peso, Mexican peso
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PESOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Ingredients in some tropical smoothies"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tropical american shrub or small tree having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves and large oblong yellow fruit
• Similar words include: papaya, Carica papaya, papaya tree
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAPAYAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Foreign Service assignments"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand
• Similar words include: station, military post, billet
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Madrid mister"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the english `mr' or `sir'
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Church seat"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation
• Similar words include: church bench
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Promise to pay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Journalist, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that french playwright (1791-1861)
• Similar words include: penman, scrivener, scriber
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCRIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Like children, ideally, in an old adage ... or a hint to a four-letter word hidden in 17-, 32- and 40-Across"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEENANDNOTHEARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Rigorous"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
• Similar words include: tight, rigorous
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRINGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Astronomer Carl"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Irritable"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that easily irritated or annoyed
• Similar words include: cranky, nettlesome, irritable
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TESTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. [As written]"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that urge to attack someone
• Similar words include: set
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Civil rights activist Parks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses
• Similar words include: genus Rosa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Play parts	4
2D	2. Kind of seed or pet	4
3D	3. Sometimes-raised part of a shoe	4
4D	4. Emphatic confirmation	6
5D	5. Nocturnal hooter	3
6D	6. Painter Veronese	5
7D	7. Langston Hughes poem	4
8D	8. Due + 1	3
9D	9. Mimic	3
10D	10. Script supervisor's concern	10
11D	11. ___ days	5
12D	12. Slugger Sammy	4
13D	14. "Raising Hell" rap trio	6
14D	16. Council ___ (British equivalent of a housing project)	6
15D	18. Part of a piano or loom	5
16D	23. Boots on the ground	6
17D	25. Rep.'s counterpart	3
18D	26. Ray of McDonald's	4
19D	27. Genre for Ziggy Stardust, informally	4
20D	28. Naan alternative	4
21D	29. Coalition that opposed the Allies in W.W. II	10
22D	30. Mexican wrap	6
23D	33. Kid-lit girl with a blueberry pail	3
24D	34. Greek goddess of the earth	4
25D	35. Brewing need	4
26D	37. They help you drive farther	4
27D	41. Ballpark fig.	3
28D	42. Snooping (around)	6
29D	43. "___ thou not minister to a mind diseased ...?": Macbeth	5
30D	44. Significant periods	6
31D	48. Overdue debt	6
32D	49. Golfer Calvin or QB Rodney	5
33D	50. Islam's largest branch	5
34D	51. Alternative to a tap on the shoulder	4
35D	53. Works of praise	4
36D	55. "Othello" villain	4
37D	56. Some supports	4
38D	57. ___ Lewis, the "Grande Dame of Southern Cooking"	4
39D	59. Minor complaint	3
40D	60. Unspecified amount	3
41D	61. Not Rx	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Play parts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
• Similar words include: play, pretend, deed
• Opposite of: refrain

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Kind of seed or pet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Sometimes-raised part of a shoe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
• Similar words include: bounder, reheel, hound
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Emphatic confirmation"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YESIAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nocturnal hooter"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Similar words include: bird of night, bird of Minerva, hooter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Painter Veronese"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Langston Hughes poem"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Due + 1"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Mimic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Similar words include: copycat, imitator, caricature
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Script supervisor's concern"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that uninterrupted connection or union
• Similar words include: persistence
• Opposite of: discontinuity

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CONTINUITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. ___ days"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Slugger Sammy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. "Raising Hell" rap trio"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUNDMC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Council ___ (British equivalent of a housing project)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
• Similar words include: land, the three estates, demesne
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESTATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Part of a piano or loom"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sustained bass note
• Similar words include: foot lever, cycle, wheel
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEDAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Boots on the ground"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that soldiers collectively
• Similar words include: scout troop, scout group, military personnel
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TROOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Rep.'s counterpart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of japan and indonesia and cambodia; equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Ray of McDonald's"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KROC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Genre for Ziggy Stardust, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Naan alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Coalition that opposed the Allies in W.W. II"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AXISPOWERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Mexican wrap"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long brightly colored shawl; worn mainly by mexican men
• Similar words include: sarape
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Kid-lit girl with a blueberry pail"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Greek goddess of the earth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
• Similar words include: Gaea, Ge
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Brewing need"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes; the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer
• Similar words include: skip, hop-skip, hop
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. They help you drive farther"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: golf tee, football tee, tee up
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Ballpark fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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 Time, Eastern Standard Time
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Snooping (around)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that search or inquire in a meddlesome way
• Similar words include: horn in, intrude, nuzzle
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOSING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. "___ thou not minister to a mind diseased ...?": Macbeth"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CANST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Significant periods"

6 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: date of reference, era, epoch
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPOCHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Overdue debt"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARREAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Golfer Calvin or QB Rodney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Islam's largest branch"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of the branch of islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to muhammad
• Similar words include: Sunnite, Sunni Muslim, Sunni Islam
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUNNI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Alternative to a tap on the shoulder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Works of praise"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• Similar words include: ode
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "Othello" villain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IAGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Some supports"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere, bra
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. ___ Lewis, the "Grande Dame of Southern Cooking""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Minor complaint"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Unspecified amount"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
• Similar words include: whatsoever, whatever
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. Not Rx"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (of securities) not traded on a stock exchange
• Similar words include: over-the-counter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTC

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

33 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

74 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.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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: April 28, 2026 at 06:18 AM