Search Clues

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

Thursday, June 25, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 25, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Some terminals 6
2A 7. Gamer's state of invincibility enabled by a cheat code 7
3A 14. Listens to, as a radio station 7
4A 16. Achieves success for the first time 7
5A 17. *They may result in people wrongly being sent to jail 7
6A 18. *Bonny young girl 7
7A 19. Spanner of 11 time zones 4
8A 20. Klondike territory 5
9A 22. Copacabana locale 3
10A 23. *Exercise experts 8
11A 26. Bit of improv 4
12A 28. One end of a playground "telephone" 6
13A 30. Wish for a romantic pairing between, in modern lingo 4
14A 33. "Thor: Ragnarok" actress Thompson 5
15A 35. *Advocate of women's equality 8
16A 38. Tower in the water 3
17A 39. Hi-fi spinners 3
18A 41. Ewe said it! 3
19A 42. School org. 3
20A 43. *"Let's pick up the pace!" 8
21A 46. Preschooler's wheels 5
22A 48. Trivia contest venues 4
23A 49. Restaurant icon McDonald 6
24A 51. Breakfast that may be prepared overnight 4
25A 54. *Some online courses 8
26A 58. "The Matrix" character 3
27A 60. N.C.A.A. basketball powerhouse, informally 5
28A 62. Cantina freebie 4
29A 63. With 65-Across, market no-no ... or a hint to entering the answers to the starred clues 7
30A 65. See 63-Across 7
31A 68. Simply taboo 7
32A 69. Melted adhesive 7
33A 70. Categorizes 7
34A 71. Removes a curse? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Some terminals"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • Similar words include: anode
  • Opposite of: cathode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANODES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Gamer's state of invincibility enabled by a cheat code"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Listens to, as a radio station"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Achieves success for the first time"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
  • Similar words include: make it, come, get in
  • Opposite of: leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARRIVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. *They may result in people wrongly being sent to jail"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. *Bonny young girl"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Spanner of 11 time zones"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Klondike territory"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a north american river that flows westward from the yukon territory through central alaska to the bering sea
  • Similar words include: Yukon River, Yukon Territory
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YUKON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Copacabana locale"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. *Exercise experts"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who trains other persons or animals
  • Similar words include: flight simulator, trainer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAINERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Bit of improv"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short theatrical episode
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. One end of a playground "telephone""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Wish for a romantic pairing between, in modern lingo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. "Thor: Ragnarok" actress Thompson"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. *Advocate of women's equality"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a supporter of feminism
  • Similar words include: women's liberationist, libber, women's rightist
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEMINIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. Tower in the water"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden abrupt pull
  • Similar words include: labor, tugboat, drive
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Hi-fi spinners"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long-playing phonograph record; designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
  • Similar words include: LP, L-P
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "41. Ewe said it!"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cry made by sheep
  • Similar words include: blate, blat, bleat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. School org."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. *"Let's pick up the pace!""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Preschooler's wheels"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle with three wheels that is moved by foot pedals
  • Similar words include: velocipede, tricycle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Trivia contest venues"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms; often provides light meals
  • Similar words include: gin mill, pothouse, pub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Restaurant icon McDonald"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "51. Breakfast that may be prepared overnight"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Similar words include: oat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. *Some online courses"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. "The Matrix" character"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "60. N.C.A.A. basketball powerhouse, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Cantina freebie"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that largest known toad species; native to central america; valuable destroyer of insect pests
  • Similar words include: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. With 65-Across, market no-no ... or a hint to entering the answers to the starred clues"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an officer of a corporation or others who have access to private information about the corporation's operations
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSIDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. See 63-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that buying or selling securities or commodities
  • Similar words include: sell, switch, trade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "68. Simply taboo"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Melted adhesive"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Categorizes"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that keep company with; hang out with
  • Similar words include: classify, class, affiliate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Removes a curse?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short high tone produced as a signal or warning
  • Similar words include: beep, bleep
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLEEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Up 5
2D 2. Front-line hero during the 2020 pandemic 5
3D 3. "We're live!" studio sign 5
4D 4. Goes 7
5D 5. Spanish pronoun 3
6D 6. The Science Kid, in children's television 3
7D 7. Get an eyeful 4
8D 8. Some McFlurry ingredients 5
9D 9. Knocked back a few 5
10D 10. Bad start? 3
11D 11. Analyze excessively 9
12D 12. Slicer's place 4
13D 13. ExxonMobil brand 4
14D 15. "Bye Bye Bye" boy band 5
15D 21. Falcons' grp. 4
16D 24. Congressional divide 5
17D 25. Like purchases made while playing freemium games 5
18D 27. Distinctive doctrine 3
19D 29. Point of writing 3
20D 31. "So that's how it is" 4
21D 32. Organizer of an after-school event, in brief 3
22D 33. You might go on tiptoe in this 4
23D 34. Consequences of compliments 9
24D 36. Sharansky who wrote the memoir "Fear No Evil" 5
25D 37. Country rocker Steve with the album "Exit 0" 5
26D 38. Medicinal amt. 3
27D 40. Paul McCartney, for one 3
28D 44. Org. that hires cryptanalysts 3
29D 45. Minor municipality 4
30D 47. Conventioneer's passport 7
31D 50. First grade of high school, typically 5
32D 52. Old royal house 5
33D 53. Lilac, e.g. 5
34D 55. Twinkle-toed 5
35D 56. Preceding time 5
36D 57. Solomonic figures 5
37D 58. 1492 caravel 4
38D 59. Grandson of Eve 4
39D 61. Get a lode of these! 4
40D 64. Words sealed with a kiss 3
41D 66. ___ blind 3
42D 67. W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Front-line hero during the 2020 pandemic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
  • Similar words include: entertain, suckle, hold
  • Opposite of: bottlefeed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "We're live!" studio sign"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Goes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move away from a place into another direction
  • Similar words include: deviate, start, pull up stakes
  • Opposite of: conform, stay
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spanish pronoun"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. The Science Kid, in children's television"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Get an eyeful"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: clod, lump, goon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAWK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Some McFlurry ingredients"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie, oreo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Knocked back a few"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in liquids
  • Similar words include: toast, salute, drink
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Bad start?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
  • Similar words include: stat mi, Military Intelligence Section 5, knot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Analyze excessively"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Slicer's place"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: food shop, delicatessen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ExxonMobil brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. "Bye Bye Bye" boy band"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Falcons' grp."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the airforce of the united states of america; the agency that defends the united states through control and exploitation of air and space
  • Similar words include: Air Force, U. S. Air Force, United States Air Force
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Congressional divide"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
  • Similar words include: gangway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Like purchases made while playing freemium games"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Distinctive doctrine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
  • Similar words include: philosophical system, philosophy, doctrine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Point of writing"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. "So that's how it is""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Organizer of an after-school event, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. You might go on tiptoe in this"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that south african prelate and leader of the antiapartheid struggle (born in 1931)
  • Similar words include: ballet skirt, Desmond Tutu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Consequences of compliments"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Sharansky who wrote the memoir "Fear No Evil""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Country rocker Steve with the album "Exit 0""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Medicinal amt."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Paul McCartney, for one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Org. that hires cryptanalysts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Minor municipality"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
  • Similar words include: townsfolk, Ithiel Town, township
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Conventioneer's passport"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. First grade of high school, typically"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that position nine in a countable series of things
  • Similar words include: 9th, one-ninth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Old royal house"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english dynasty descended from henry tudor; tudor monarchs ruled from henry vii to elizabeth i (from 1485 to 1603)
  • Similar words include: House of Tudor, Antony Tudor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUDOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Lilac, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive odor that is pleasant
  • Similar words include: odour, fragrance, odorize
  • Opposite of: deodorize, deodourise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Twinkle-toed"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moving quickly and lightly
  • Similar words include: nimble, quick, spry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Preceding time"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substantial increase over a relatively short period of time
  • Similar words include: run-up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUNUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Solomonic figures"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: swag, salvia, sag
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. 1492 caravel"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Grandson of Eve"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Get a lode of these!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Words sealed with a kiss"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. ___ blind"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Similar words include: surcharge, hook, overcharge
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "67. W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
42 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: June 25, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Saturday, May 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 23, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. They might be settled atop stools 7
2A 8. Shell, say 5
3A 13. Places to put fliers 8
4A 15. Surgical specialty, informally 5
5A 16. A boxer's might knock you out 9
6A 18. Substitute for "etc." 5
7A 19. Begrudges 6
8A 20. Old auto company based in Lansing, Mich. 3
9A 22. Jazz drummer DeRosa 4
10A 23. One of the seven depicted in the 1995 thriller "Se7en" 5
11A 24. Daytime regulars 9
12A 26. What some prisoners earn, in brief 4
13A 27. Old black-and-white police autos, to Brits 9
14A 28. ___ weekend 3
15A 29. Walk on water? 9
16A 30. Top that screams "Look at me!" 9
17A 31. Clay-and-calcium-carbonate mix used in cement making 9
18A 32. "Lovely!" 3
19A 35. Chess puzzle challenge, maybe 9
20A 36. Make do 4
21A 37. Many an epithet 9
22A 38. Common con game 5
23A 39. Petite ___ (certain French partner) 4
24A 40. Epithet lead-in 3
25A 41. Bit of back-and-forth 6
26A 42. Farrow with a Pulitzer for his investigative journalism 5
27A 44. Eerie substance faked in 19th-century ghost hoaxes 9
28A 46. Bygone leaders 5
29A 47. Tourist nickname for a Southern mecca, to the chagrin of many locals 8
30A 48. Until, in Uruguay 5
31A 49. Destination for wagons, once 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. They might be settled atop stools"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small brightly colored stout-billed tropical bird having short weak wings
  • Similar words include: barbet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARBETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Shell, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Places to put fliers"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a building where birds are kept
  • Similar words include: volary, aviary, bird sanctuary
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVIARIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Surgical specialty, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. A boxer's might knock you out"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Substitute for "etc.""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Begrudges"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
  • Similar words include: begrudge, enviousness, envy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Old auto company based in Lansing, Mich."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Jazz drummer DeRosa"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. One of the seven depicted in the 1995 thriller "Se7en""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves
  • Similar words include: avaritia, avarice, rapacity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Daytime regulars"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. What some prisoners earn, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Old black-and-white police autos, to Brits"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. ___ weekend"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: health club, watering hole, health spa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Walk on water?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside
  • Similar words include: gangboard, gangway
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANGPLANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Top that screams "Look at me!""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Clay-and-calcium-carbonate mix used in cement making"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metamorphic rock with approximately the same composition as marl
  • Similar words include: marlite
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARLSTONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. "Lovely!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extremely pleasing
  • Similar words include: fabulous
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Chess puzzle challenge, maybe"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Make do"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall
  • Similar words include: header, make out, get by
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Many an epithet"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Common con game"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gambling card game of spanish origin; 3 or 4 cards are dealt face up and players bet that one of them will be matched before the others as the cards are dealt from the pack one at a time
  • Similar words include: four-card monte, three-card monte
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Petite ___ (certain French partner)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "40. Epithet lead-in"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "41. Bit of back-and-forth"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that light teasing repartee
  • Similar words include: jolly, josh, kid
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "42. Farrow with a Pulitzer for his investigative journalism"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "44. Eerie substance faked in 19th-century ghost hoaxes"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (spiritualism) a substance supposed to emanate from the body of the medium during a trance
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECTOPLASM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Bygone leaders"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar, tsar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "47. Tourist nickname for a Southern mecca, to the chagrin of many locals"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "48. Until, in Uruguay"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "49. Destination for wagons, once"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. No-goodniks 7
2D 2. Sales job that Forbes magazine once dubbed "the original side hustle," informally 7
3D 3. Ancient collection of Hindu hymns 7
4D 4. Pampers 6
5D 5. Handled something poorly, say 5
6D 6. Gets even with? 4
7D 7. Tac preceder 3
8D 8. At least one 3
9D 9. Substance that undergoes change, as in a lab 8
10D 10. Magpie lookalike with black-and-white plumage 7
11D 11. Bosses (around) 6
12D 12. Gads about 5
13D 14. Figurative ability to withstand almost anything 13
14D 17. Canal blocker? 9
15D 21. Milky and iridescent 7
16D 24. Lizard predator of Africa 9
17D 25. Close call 5
18D 27. Swedish American model Porizkova 7
19D 29. Edward who wrote and illustrated "The Gashlycrumb Tinies" 5
20D 30. Foam designs, perhaps 8
21D 31. Berth places 7
22D 32. 19th-century German novelist Theodor 7
23D 33. Stressors for some H.S. seniors 7
24D 34. Accessory on a pub counter 7
25D 35. Brunch beverage 6
26D 36. Standard 1L course, informally 6
27D 37. Title for some fictional lords 5
28D 38. Sugar ___ 5
29D 41. Choice for the undecided 4
30D 43. Org. with a "Cryptographic Support Services" page on its website 3
31D 45. Little squirt 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. No-goodniks"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Sales job that Forbes magazine once dubbed "the original side hustle," informally"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ancient collection of Hindu hymns"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pampers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
  • Similar words include: baby, child, babe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Handled something poorly, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: stray, slip, drift
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Gets even with?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: connect, wed, link
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tac preceder"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. At least one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Substance that undergoes change, as in a lab"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACTANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Magpie lookalike with black-and-white plumage"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Bosses (around)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: society, regulate, orderliness
  • Opposite of: deregulate, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Gads about"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: rove, stray, wander
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Figurative ability to withstand almost anything"

13 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Canal blocker?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electro-acoustic transducer for converting electric signals into sounds; it is held over or inserted into the ear
  • Similar words include: earphone, earpiece, phone
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADPHONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Milky and iridescent"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a play of lustrous rainbow colors
  • Similar words include: opalescent, nacreous, iridescent
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPALINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Lizard predator of Africa"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Close call"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
  • Similar words include: daunt, scare off, dash
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Swedish American model Porizkova"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Edward who wrote and illustrated "The Gashlycrumb Tinies""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Foam designs, perhaps"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Berth places"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fancy dock for small yachts and cabin cruisers
  • Similar words include: marina
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. 19th-century German novelist Theodor"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Stressors for some H.S. seniors"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Accessory on a pub counter"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Brunch beverage"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that evergreen australasian tree having white or silvery bark and young leaves and yellow flowers
  • Similar words include: silver wattle, buck's fizz, Acacia dealbata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIMOSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Standard 1L course, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Title for some fictional lords"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "38. Sugar ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of any of various maple trees; especially the hard close-grained wood of the sugar maple; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. Choice for the undecided"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Org. with a "Cryptographic Support Services" page on its website"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Little squirt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: tot up, bambino, add
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

31 Across Clues
31 Down Clues
62 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: May 23, 2026 at 06:22 AM