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Friday, July 31, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 31, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Withholding something? 3
2A 4. It'll pass! 3
3A 7. Silent type 4
4A 11. Sex work? 9
5A 14. Screen name 4
6A 15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years 10
7A 16. Grime 4
8A 17. Honey, for example 7
9A 18. Energy source for distance runners 3
10A 20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short 3
11A 21. Tripping 5
12A 22. Style secured with a scrunchie 8
13A 24. Tobiko or masago 3
14A 25. Twists of fate, say 11
15A 28. Pharyngitis docs 4
16A 30. Exuding joy 9
17A 31. Went hell for leather 4
18A 33. Cry when shaking hands 4
19A 34. "This is too much" 9
20A 37. Blind component 4
21A 41. Wiseacre 11
22A 43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L. 3
23A 44. Where to be above all the drama? 8
24A 45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian 5
25A 47. Maryland governor Moore 3
26A 48. Perspective, for short 3
27A 49. Casual Friday option 7
28A 51. Result of a shopping spree 4
29A 53. Highly flexible discipline? 10
30A 55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement 4
31A 56. Relative of a tumbler 9
32A 57. Cuisine with tom kha kai 4
33A 58. Business with lockers 3
34A 59. All good 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Withholding something?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Similar words include: assess, task, revenue enhancement
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. It'll pass!"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: cult, furor, craze
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "7. Silent type"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: mummer, pantomimer, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "11. Sex work?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) an ancient sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with hindu law
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMASUTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Screen name"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Grime"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
  • Similar words include: scandal, grease, grunge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Honey, for example"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Energy source for distance runners"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: colloidal gel, mousse, gelatin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Tripping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Style secured with a scrunchie"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONYTAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Tobiko or masago"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

14A: "25. Twists of fate, say"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Pharyngitis docs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Exuding joy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Went hell for leather"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: buck, torus, charge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Cry when shaking hands"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular instance of buying or selling
  • Similar words include: shell out, mint, administer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. "This is too much""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Blind component"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Wiseacre"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ane, unity, unmatched
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Where to be above all the drama?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Perspective, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Casual Friday option"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
  • Similar words include: canary, stoolpigeon, snitcher
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Result of a shopping spree"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of drawing or hauling something
  • Similar words include: haulage, drag, catch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Highly flexible discipline?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Accho, Akka, Akko
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Relative of a tumbler"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Cuisine with tom kha kai"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Similar words include: Siamese, Tai, Central Thai
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Business with lockers"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. All good"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: determine, readiness, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Palm-sized pastry 7
2D 2. Assenting chorus 5
3D 3. Shangri-La 6
4D 4. Make one 4
5D 5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr. 3
6D 6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank" 10
7D 7. Just OK, in modern lingo 3
8D 8. "Mind. Blown." 7
9D 9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem 7
10D 10. Glorifies 6
11D 11. Into 6
12D 12. Tech mogul Altman 3
13D 13. Change for a bill 9
14D 15. Reproductive part of a fern 5
15D 19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice" 5
16D 22. Patrick, to SpongeBob 3
17D 23. Rings 5
18D 26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend? 9
19D 27. Some all-nighters 10
20D 29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist 5
21D 32. Ready to go 5
22D 34. Censure, in a way 7
23D 35. Formal pause in a line of poetry 7
24D 36. Certain shot, colloquially 3
25D 38. "Heads up!" 7
26D 39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng 6
27D 40. ___ incognita 5
28D 41. "And ...?" 6
29D 42. Brief periods 6
30D 46. Self-congratulation 5
31D 49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms 4
32D 50. Denial in Aberdeen 3
33D 52. Chain that can symbolize friendship 3
34D 54. Genre for Logic 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Palm-sized pastry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small tart usually used as a canape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARTLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Assenting chorus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amon, Amun, Amen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Shangri-La"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Make one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded
  • Similar words include: mix, primer, commingle
  • Opposite of: defuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Just OK, in modern lingo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Mind. Blown.""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
  • Similar words include: security deposit, allowance, leeway
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARGINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Glorifies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: exalt, extol, glorify
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Into"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Tech mogul Altman"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Change for a bill"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of amending or correcting
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENDMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Reproductive part of a fern"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient region on the coast of western asia minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the persians in 546 bc
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYDIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Patrick, to SpongeBob"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, crony, pal up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Rings"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
  • Similar words include: toll, bell, cost
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Some all-nighters"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occasion of spending a night away from home or having a guest spend the night in your home (especially as a party for children)
  • Similar words include: sleepover
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEPOVERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock star and drummer for the beatles (born in 1940)
  • Similar words include: Ringo Starr, Starkey, Richard Starkey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Ready to go"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Censure, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that challenge the honesty or veracity of
  • Similar words include: criminate, accuse, incriminate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPEACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Formal pause in a line of poetry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAESURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Certain shot, colloquially"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Heads up!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
  • Similar words include: watch, observation post, spotter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOKOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. ___ incognita"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "And ...?""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Brief periods"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Self-congratulation"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon
  • Similar words include: Shiva
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Denial in Aberdeen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Chain that can symbolize friendship"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: garland, chaplet, wreath
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Genre for Logic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: blame, whang, strike
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

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
34 Down Clues
68 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: July 31, 2026 at 06:27 AM

Friday, February 6, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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. Tiny feature of a spork 5
2A 6. Certain computer picture files 4
3A 10. Isn't oneself? 4
4A 14. Reds' fandom? 10
5A 16. Like a pointless point 4
6A 17. Nick of time 10
7A 18. Digging 4
8A 19. Manning who threw the "Helmet Catch" 3
9A 20. Finishes a season, say 5
10A 21. Tavern menu header 5
11A 22. Iconic Disneyland ride 14
12A 25. Muscle by the rotator cuff, for short 4
13A 26. Popular font 5
14A 27. Sweetwater 420 is a "pale" one 3
15A 28. "That's awful!" 3
16A 30. Minecraft block crafted using gunpowder and sand 3
17A 31. Org. created by the National Security Act of 1947 3
18A 32. Mason, e.g. 7
19A 36. Suddenly quit texting, say 7
20A 39. Estádio do Maracanã cheer 3
21A 40. Edge of a snifter 3
22A 42. "___ Luna," Isabel Allende novel 3
23A 43. Played out 3
24A 44. "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" grouping 5
25A 46. First name in soul music 4
26A 49. Phenomenon through which luxuries become necessities 14
27A 52. Embedded design 5
28A 53. Reach out to 5
29A 54. Crime ring, for short? 3
30A 56. Simone Biles or Tom Brady, acronymically 4
31A 57. Challenge for a gamer 10
32A 59. Home improvement site, after a 2021 rebranding 4
33A 60. Sarcastic reply to a threat 10
34A 61. Settle into a new home 4
35A 62. Word with wax or butter 4
36A 63. Bantu ___ (hairstyle) 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tiny feature of a spork"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pointed projection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Certain computer picture files"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Isn't oneself?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: act as, roleplay, deed
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Reds' fandom?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Like a pointless point"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • Similar words include: debate, deliberate, debatable
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOT

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6A: "17. Nick of time"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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7A: "18. Digging"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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8A: "19. Manning who threw the "Helmet Catch""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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9A: "20. Finishes a season, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
  • Similar words include: envelop, wrap, wrapping
  • Opposite of: unwrap, unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRAPS

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10A: "21. Tavern menu header"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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11A: "22. Iconic Disneyland ride"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITSASMALLWORLD

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12A: "25. Muscle by the rotator cuff, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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13A: "26. Popular font"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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14A: "27. Sweetwater 420 is a "pale" one"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALE

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15A: "28. "That's awful!""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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16A: "30. Minecraft block crafted using gunpowder and sand"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Org. created by the National Security Act of 1947"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
  • Similar words include: Central Intelligence Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIA

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18A: "32. Mason, e.g."

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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19A: "36. Suddenly quit texting, say"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move like a ghost
  • Similar words include: obsess, haunt, ghostwrite
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHOSTED

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20A: "39. Estádio do Maracanã cheer"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "40. Edge of a snifter"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
  • Similar words include: lip, brim, flange
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIM

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22A: "42. "___ Luna," Isabel Allende novel"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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23A: "43. Played out"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: honest-to-god, quondam, previous
  • Opposite of: young, new
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

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24A: "44. "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" grouping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
  • Similar words include: dialog box, control board, impanel
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANEL

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25A: "46. First name in soul music"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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26A: "49. Phenomenon through which luxuries become necessities"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIFESTYLECREEP

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27A: "52. Embedded design"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (dentistry) a filling consisting of a solid substance (as gold or porcelain) fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INLAY

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28A: "53. Reach out to"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "54. Crime ring, for short?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30A: "56. Simone Biles or Tom Brady, acronymically"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
  • Similar words include: Capricorn, stooge, caprine animal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOAT

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31A: "57. Challenge for a gamer"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "59. Home improvement site, after a 2021 rebranding"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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33A: "60. Sarcastic reply to a threat"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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34A: "61. Settle into a new home"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, nuzzle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

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35A: "62. Word with wax or butter"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
  • Similar words include: dome, bean plant, attic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAN

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36A: "63. Bantu ___ (hairstyle)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tight cluster of people or things
  • Similar words include: naut mi, tangle, mi
  • Opposite of: unravel, unknot
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNOTS

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Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Piece of equipment for some dancers 4
2D 2. U.S. travel requirement starting in 2025 6
3D 3. Opposite of remote 6
4D 4. "Kidding!" 3
5D 5. What gives you the time and place? 8
6D 6. Vegetable also known as a Mexican turnip 6
7D 7. Derisive term for unattractive public sculptures 7
8D 8. Classic mixed drink developed in Singapore 8
9D 9. Lachrymose 3
10D 10. Kind of acid 5
11D 11. Shrink 8
12D 12. Whopper 8
13D 13. Suddenly conk out 8
14D 15. "Hearts are ___ for the breakin'" (Taylor Swift lyric) 4
15D 21. Parliament constituent 3
16D 23. Entered a bear market, say 4
17D 24. Woodworking tool 5
18D 29. Jeweler's unit 5
19D 32. Rowdy 8
20D 33. Like a Swiss Army knife 8
21D 34. Relationship warning signs 8
22D 35. Dwelling that epitomizes simple living 8
23D 37. Bring three suitcases to a weekend trip, say 8
24D 38. Quench 4
25D 41. Actress McCarthy of "Bridesmaids" 7
26D 44. Stage name of South Korean rapper Park Jae-sang 3
27D 45. Divulges 6
28D 47. Commedia dell'arte setting 6
29D 48. Auxiliary program 6
30D 50. Fail spectacularly 5
31D 51. Modern name of the first National League champions (1876) 4
32D 55. Places for clams and oysters 4
33D 57. Tie one on at dinner 3
34D 58. Earn a bronze? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Piece of equipment for some dancers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
  • Similar words include: celestial pole, punt, terminal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. U.S. travel requirement starting in 2025"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Opposite of remote"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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4D: "4. "Kidding!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: non
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. What gives you the time and place?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Vegetable also known as a Mexican turnip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Derisive term for unattractive public sculptures"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Classic mixed drink developed in Singapore"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lachrymose"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Kind of acid"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the radical -nh2
  • Similar words include: amino group, aminic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Shrink"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
  • Similar words include: declaration, sign, sign up
  • Opposite of: stretch, expand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONTRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Whopper"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Suddenly conk out"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "15. "Hearts are ___ for the breakin'" (Taylor Swift lyric)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "21. Parliament constituent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: bird of night, hooter, bird of Minerva
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Entered a bear market, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
  • Similar words include: slue, slide, slip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Woodworking tool"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that machine tool for shaping metal or wood; the workpiece turns about a horizontal axis against a fixed tool
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Jeweler's unit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold
  • Similar words include: kt, carat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "32. Rowdy"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel and brutal fellow
  • Similar words include: ruffian, tough, roughneck
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOLIGAN

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20D: "33. Like a Swiss Army knife"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "34. Relationship warning signs"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Dwelling that epitomizes simple living"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "37. Bring three suitcases to a weekend trip, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "38. Quench"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill to satisfaction
  • Similar words include: satiate, fill, replete
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "41. Actress McCarthy of "Bridesmaids""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a genus of old world mints of the family labiatae
  • Similar words include: genus Melissa
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELISSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Stage name of South Korean rapper Park Jae-sang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Divulges"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. Commedia dell'arte setting"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Auxiliary program"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a java application; an application program that uses the client's web browser to provide a user interface
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Fail spectacularly"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Modern name of the first National League champions (1876)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Similar words include: lad, sonny boy, greenhorn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Places for clams and oysters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: bang, layer, have it off
  • Opposite of: get up, turn out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Tie one on at dinner"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that top part of an apron; covering the chest
  • Similar words include: tipple
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Earn a bronze?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: suntan, tangent, burn
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 06, 2026 at 05:00 AM