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 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
• Across Clues Table (34 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (36 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. Phrase said indignantly before a citation	9
2A	10. Place with flasks and alcohol	3
3A	13. Nested birds?	9
4A	14. "___ Atardecer," Bad Bunny song whose name means "Another Sunset"	4
5A	16. "Argh! What is happening?"	15
6A	19. Philosopher Descartes	4
7A	20. Worried	6
8A	21. French word in the middle of a name	3
9A	22. Annoy	3
10A	23. The flying fox is a type of one	3
11A	24. Site with a monument that gets around 7 million ticketed visitors a year	4
12A	25. Totally down (for)	4
13A	27. Topical application	4
14A	29. Like the glass in many a Dale Chihuly sculpture	5
15A	30. Win-win	6
16A	32. California's San ___ Island	6
17A	33. Drift off	7
18A	35. Beatles song with the lyric "I tried to telephone / They said you were not home / That's a lie"	7
19A	36. Privileged groups	6
20A	37. Hot spot	6
21A	38. Unacceptable	5
22A	39. Remove, as from a cluttered container, with "out"	4
23A	40. Title derived from the Persian for "king"	4
24A	43. Anora's husband in "Anora"	4
25A	44. Sat ___ (GPS, to Brits)	3
26A	45. History unit	3
27A	46. One that's hard to catch	3
28A	47. Church congresses	6
29A	50. Foe of Wonder Woman	4
30A	51. Cold shoulder, so to speak	15
31A	54. ___ bar	4
32A	55. Get used to it	9
33A	56. Backup for a trapeze artist	3
34A	57. Popular antibiotic ointment	9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Phrase said indignantly before a citation"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANDIQUOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Place with flasks and alcohol"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Nested birds?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TURDUCKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "___ Atardecer," Bad Bunny song whose name means "Another Sunset""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. "Argh! What is happening?""

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMILOSINGMYMIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Philosopher Descartes"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Worried"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
• Similar words include: venerate, dread, fear
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FEARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. French word in the middle of a name"

3 letters Category: Common Word

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Annoy"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that irritate or vex
• Similar words include: gall
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. The flying fox is a type of one"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
• Similar words include: flutter, lick, cricket bat
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Site with a monument that gets around 7 million ticketed visitors a year"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Totally down (for)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Topical application"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
• Similar words include: unction, ointment, unguent
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Like the glass in many a Dale Chihuly sculpture"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that mix together different elements
• Similar words include: commingle, immix, meld
• Opposite of: defuse

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FUSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Win-win"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. California's San ___ Island"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MIGUEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Drift off"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lose clarity or turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking
• Similar words include: sidetrack, depart, divagate
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIGRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Beatles song with the lyric "I tried to telephone / They said you were not home / That's a lie""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOREPLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Privileged groups"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
• Similar words include: elite group, elite
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Hot spot"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that arid land with little or no vegetation
• Similar words include: abandon, defect, forsake
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DESERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Unacceptable"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOTOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Remove, as from a cluttered container, with "out""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
• Similar words include: angle, Pisces the Fishes, Pisces
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. Title derived from the Persian for "king""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
• Similar words include: Shah of Iran
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Anora's husband in "Anora""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IVAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Sat ___ (GPS, to Brits)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. History unit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: geological era, epoch, earned run average
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "46. One that's hard to catch"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "47. Church congresses"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a council convened to discuss ecclesiastical business
• Similar words include: synod
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SYNODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "50. Foe of Wonder Woman"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Similar words include: ar, are
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Cold shoulder, so to speak"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SILENTTREATMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "54. ___ bar"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "55. Get used to it"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that get used to a certain climate
• Similar words include: acclimatise, acclimatize
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACCLIMATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. Backup for a trapeze artist"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Similar words include: final, mesh, clear
• Opposite of: gross

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Popular antibiotic ointment"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that trade name for a topical drug containing several antibacterials; used as an ointment for skin irritations and in the form of eyedrops for minor eye infections
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEOSPORIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Pop-punk band named after a video game company, with "The"	6
2D	2. Once, e.g.	6
3D	3. Fully appreciating something	15
4D	4. Wait for a passenger, perhaps	4
5D	5. Status ___	3
6D	6. Bay Area sch.	4
7D	7. "___ From Muskogee" (Merle Haggard song)	4
8D	8. Within the realm of reason	7
9D	9. "Storage unit" of memory in the brain	6
10D	10. W.N.B.A. star Jewell ___	4
11D	11. C-store offering	3
12D	12. Comes in last	15
13D	15. Like the original Looney Tunes shorts, lengthwise	7
14D	17. Linked up with	3
15D	18. Like assassins and some sins	6
16D	24. Helical tools	6
17D	26. Actor Edward of "A Complete Unknown"	6
18D	27. Big cheese	4
19D	28. Nincompoop	3
20D	29. Awesome, in slang	4
21D	31. Key ingredient in Bridget's blue soup, in "Bridget Jones's Diary"	4
22D	32. Dance wildly, in a way	4
23D	33. Ixnays	6
24D	34. "Yas queen!"	7
25D	35. Legend of Zelda console inits.	3
26D	37. Split decision?	7
27D	39. Chinese gambling game invented during the Northern and Southern dynasties	6
28D	41. "That's true about me, right?"	6
29D	42. Expedite	6
30D	44. Big Apple media inits.	3
31D	47. Mini-tantrum	4
32D	48. Empire State Building's style, informally	4
33D	49. Pizza shop in "Do the Right Thing"	4
34D	50. Snowballs, sometimes	4
35D	52. Squeeze (out)	3
36D	53. Q follower	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Pop-punk band named after a video game company, with "The""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATARIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Once, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NUMERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Fully appreciating something"

15 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRINKINGITALLIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Wait for a passenger, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Similar words include: unfounded, jobless, groundless
• Opposite of: work, busy

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Status ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QUO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bay Area sch."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UCSF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "___ From Muskogee" (Merle Haggard song)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OKIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Within the realm of reason"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that based on sound reasoning or evidence
• Similar words include: well-founded
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TENABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Storage unit" of memory in the brain"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a postulated biochemical change (presumably in neural tissue) that represents a memory
• Similar words include: memory trace
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENGRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. W.N.B.A. star Jewell ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOYD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. C-store offering"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Similar words include: automated teller machine, standard atmosphere, atmosphere
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Comes in last"

15 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRINGSUPTHEREAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Like the original Looney Tunes shorts, lengthwise"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONEREEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Linked up with"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that come together
• Similar words include: play, assemble, satisfy
• Opposite of: diverge

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Like assassins and some sins"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that causing or capable of causing death
• Similar words include: lifelessly, deathly, mortal
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEADLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Helical tools"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long flexible steel coil for dislodging stoppages in curved pipes
• Similar words include: plumber's snake, auger, wimble
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AUGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Actor Edward of "A Complete Unknown""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NORTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Big cheese"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who exercises control over workers
• Similar words include: chief, party boss, foreman
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Nincompoop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Similar words include: posterior, AS, nookie
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Awesome, in slang"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
• Similar words include: fuel, force out, flack
• Opposite of: hire

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Key ingredient in Bridget's blue soup, in "Bridget Jones's Diary""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves; used in cooking; believed derived from the wild allium ampeloprasum
• Similar words include: Allium porrum, scallion
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Dance wildly, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that dance the slam dance
• Similar words include: slam dance, thrash, slam
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Ixnays"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that declare untrue; contradict
• Similar words include: abnegate, traverse, refuse
• Opposite of: allow, admit

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DENIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. "Yas queen!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILOVEIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Legend of Zelda console inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Similar words include: northeast, neon, Cornhusker State
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Split decision?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the legal dissolution of a marriage
• Similar words include: disjoint, disassociate, divorcement
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIVORCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Chinese gambling game invented during the Northern and Southern dynasties"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a chinese gambling game; a random number of counters are placed under a bowl and you gamble on how many will be left (0, 1, 2, or 3 modulo 4)
• Similar words include: sevens, fan tan, parliament
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FANTAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "That's true about me, right?""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARENTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Expedite"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that act or move at high speed
• Similar words include: rush, bucket along, hurry
• Opposite of: linger

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HASTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Big Apple media inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Mini-tantrum"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state of agitated irritation
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Empire State Building's style, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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

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33D: "49. Pizza shop in "Do the Right Thing""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALS

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34D: "50. Snowballs, sometimes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that projectiles to be fired from a gun
• Similar words include: ammunition
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Squeeze (out)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Q follower"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
• Similar words include: baksheesh, tilt, bakshis
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIP

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

34 Across Clues

36 Down Clues

70 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.

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Last updated: April 10, 2026 at 05:37 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 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
• Across Clues Table (41 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (38 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. "I'm afraid not," quaintly	6
2A	7. Food brand for Fido	4
3A	11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr.	4
4A	15. Cash in	6
5A	16. Avocado dip, informally	4
6A	17. Take a risk	4
7A	18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale?	11
8A	20. Keenly interested	4
9A	21. Shakespearean "soon"	4
10A	22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"?	11
11A	24. Commotion	3
12A	25. Measure of college readiness, for short	4
13A	26. Knuckled rub to the scalp	6
14A	27. Publishing house workers: Abbr.	3
15A	28. Goal	3
16A	29. Wood-shaping hand tool	4
17A	31. Tagging symbols	3
18A	32. ___-Magnon	3
19A	33. Vegas opener?	3
20A	34. Perry of pop	4
21A	36. Opportunity for a choral understudy?	12
22A	39. Belgrade native	4
23A	40. "Beats me," in a text	3
24A	41. Caviar, essentially	3
25A	42. Miss Piggy, for one	3
26A	43. Assns.	4
27A	45. Extended comedic riff	3
28A	46. Hindi for "rule"	3
29A	49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot"	6
30A	51. Girl in Glasgow	4
31A	52. Alias initialism	3
32A	53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis?	11
33A	56. "Groovy, man"	4
34A	57. Popular flavor of bubble tea	4
35A	58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.?	11
36A	60. Volunteer's offer	4
37A	61. Hits hard	4
38A	62. Respond, as a pupil might	6
39A	63. Ending with kitchen	4
40A	64. Painter Paul	4
41A	65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4	6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "I'm afraid not," quaintly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALASNO

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2A: "7. Food brand for Fido"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALPO

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3A: "11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INTL

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4A: "15. Cash in"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that save from sins
• Similar words include: ransom, pay off, save
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REDEEM

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5A: "16. Avocado dip, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUAC

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6A: "17. Take a risk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
• Similar words include: make bold, defy, presume
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARE

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7A: "18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CODASILENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Keenly interested"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
• Similar words include: zealous, greedy, devouring
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVID

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9A: "21. Shakespearean "soon""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that at another time
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANON

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10A: "22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONATATHING

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11A: "24. Commotion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
• Similar words include: blaring, clamor, commotion
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Measure of college readiness, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSAT

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13A: "26. Knuckled rub to the scalp"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOOGIE

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14A: "27. Publishing house workers: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
• Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Goal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Similar words include: point, intent, direct
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Wood-shaping hand tool"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that uttering in an irritated tone
• Similar words include: rasping, wood file
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
• Similar words include: At, atomic number 85, astatine
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATS

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18A: "32. ___-Magnon"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
• Similar words include: cathode-ray oscilloscope, oscilloscope, scope
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Vegas opener?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
• Similar words include: Louisiana, lanthanum, La
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAS

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20A: "34. Perry of pop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KATY

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21A: "36. Opportunity for a choral understudy?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STANZACHANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Belgrade native"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
• Similar words include: Serbian
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. "Beats me," in a text"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Caviar, essentially"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
• Similar words include: hard roe
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. Miss Piggy, for one"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an adult female hog
• Similar words include: inseminate, seed, sow in
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "43. Assns."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORGS

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27A: "45. Extended comedic riff"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
• Similar words include: second, piece, act
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Hindi for "rule""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that british dominion over india (1757-1947)
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAJ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLEOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Girl in Glasgow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
• Similar words include: young girl, lassie, jeune fille
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Alias initialism"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis?"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FORZAMOMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. "Groovy, man""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Popular flavor of bubble tea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
• Similar words include: dasheen, Colocasia esculenta, dalo
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARIAKIDDING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Volunteer's offer"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "61. Hits hard"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
• Similar words include: Aries the Ram, ram, read/write memory
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "62. Respond, as a pupil might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that become wider
• Similar words include: exposit, elaborate, distend
• Opposite of: contract

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DILATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "63. Ending with kitchen"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "64. Painter Paul"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that swiss painter influenced by kandinsky (1879-1940)
• Similar words include: Paul Klee
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KLEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMINOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Covered passageway	6
2D	2. Meteor in a November shower	6
3D	3. Enhancing accessories	6
4D	4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films	4
5D	5. Original Super Mario Bros. console	3
6D	6. Oversight	8
7D	7. Author's representative	5
8D	8. Moon over Managua	4
9D	9. Treaty	4
10D	10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have	6
11D	11. The Gem State	5
12D	12. Find one's way	8
13D	13. Dublin college founded in 1592	7
14D	14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps	6
15D	19. Good gardening soil	4
16D	23. Traditional samurai hairstyles	8
17D	25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example	8
18D	29. Frame for a game of pool	4
19D	30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent	3
20D	32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address	3
21D	33. Dudes, in British English	4
22D	35. Big name in hardware stores	3
23D	36. Underground scurrier	8
24D	37. Half of a darting motion	3
25D	38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader	8
26D	39. One-man band, for example	7
27D	42. Sentimental sort	6
28D	44. Comment	6
29D	45. Make ___ (earn vast sums)	4
30D	46. Unit of angular measurement	6
31D	47. Like	6
32D	48. Rolling Stones frontman	6
33D	50. Absorber of UV light	5
34D	51. Charter	5
35D	54. Word with cavity or contraceptive	4
36D	55. One acting rather quiet?	4
37D	56. Savory South Asian rice cake	4
38D	59. Lower, as lights	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Covered passageway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
• Similar words include: colonnade
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARCADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Meteor in a November shower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEONID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Enhancing accessories"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADDONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Original Super Mario Bros. console"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Similar words include: Nebraska, Ne, nor'-east
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Oversight"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mistake resulting from neglect
• Similar words include: deletion, skip
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OMISSION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Author's representative"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
• Similar words include: agentive role, broker, federal agent
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Moon over Managua"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Treaty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
• Similar words include: accord, treaty
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The Gem State"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
• Similar words include: Gem State, ID
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Find one's way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
• Similar words include: pilot, sail, voyage
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAVIGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Dublin college founded in 1592"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Similar words include: deuce-ace, tercet, III
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRINITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
• Similar words include: shelf, ledge
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEDGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Good gardening soil"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Traditional samurai hairstyles"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair
• Similar words include: topknot
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOPKNOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an element of the curve
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARABOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Frame for a game of pool"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that framework for holding objects
• Similar words include: extort, scud, squeeze
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
• Similar words include: ash tree
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CTR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Dudes, in British English"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a boy or man
• Similar words include: fellow, fella, cub
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Big name in hardware stores"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: genius, single, sensation
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Underground scurrier"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEWERRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Half of a darting motion"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
• Similar words include: zigzag, zag
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARISTIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. One-man band, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOLOACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Sentimental sort"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
• Similar words include: softy
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOFTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Comment"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
• Similar words include: observe, notice, input
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REMARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Make ___ (earn vast sums)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
• Similar words include: banking company, coin bank, rely
• Opposite of: withdraw, mistrust

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Unit of angular measurement"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the unit of plane angle adopted under the systeme international d'unites; equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius (approximately 57.295 degrees)
• Similar words include: rad
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RADIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Like"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AKINTO

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32D: "48. Rolling Stones frontman"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that english rock star (born in 1943)
• Similar words include: Mick Jagger, Michael Philip Jagger
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JAGGER

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33D: "50. Absorber of UV light"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless gas (o3) soluble in alkalis and cold water; a strong oxidizing agent; can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OZONE

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34D: "51. Charter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that property that is leased or rented out or let
• Similar words include: take, rental, letting
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEASE

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35D: "54. Word with cavity or contraceptive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
• Similar words include: unwritten, viva, oral exam
• Opposite of: aboral, anal

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORAL

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36D: "55. One acting rather quiet?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
• Similar words include: dumb show, pantomime, mimer
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MIME

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37D: "56. Savory South Asian rice cake"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDLI

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38D: "59. Lower, as lights"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
• Similar words include: shadowy, wispy, blind
• Opposite of: undimmed, focus

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIM

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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

41 Across Clues

38 Down Clues

79 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 08, 2026 at 05:26 AM