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

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 20, 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. Las ___, Canary Islands 6
2A 7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short 4
3A 11. Plant, as seeds 3
4A 14. Laid back 6
5A 15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline) 4
6A 16. "That's terrible!" 3
7A 17. Campfire cookout, informally 11
8A 19. Crafty 3
9A 20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro 7
10A 21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know] 4
11A 22. Criticize very harshly 4
12A 25. Old-time winter excursion 10
13A 27. Loosey-goosey 3
14A 28. Not yet posted, in brief 3
15A 29. Bit in a nutrition bar 3
16A 30. Flattering lines? 3
17A 31. Indian yogurt dish 5
18A 34. Susceptible to bribery 5
19A 38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across 15
20A 41. Unit of magnetic flux density 5
21A 42. One who says "Hell if I know!"? 5
22A 43. Subtle greeting 3
23A 44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint 3
24A 46. Part of every day, in Italy 3
25A 47. Improvised instrument in folk music 3
26A 48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps 10
27A 53. Serious aversion 4
28A 54. Make 4
29A 55. Farm storage building 7
30A 57. Short-term job 3
31A 58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen 11
32A 62. Exploit 3
33A 63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the" 4
34A 64. Further out there 6
35A 65. Flanders of "The Simpsons" 3
36A 66. Dust-ups 4
37A 67. Loud speaker, maybe 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Las ___, Canary Islands"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Plant, as seeds"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, sow in, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Laid back"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "That's terrible!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Campfire cookout, informally"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricky, crafty, foxy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know]"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Criticize very harshly"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strip the skin off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Old-time winter excursion"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Loosey-goosey"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Similar words include: slack, loose
  • Opposite of: tense
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Not yet posted, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Bit in a nutrition bar"

3 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')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Flattering lines?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Indian yogurt dish"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Susceptible to bribery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capable of being corrupted
  • Similar words include: purchasable, corruptible, dishonest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Unit of magnetic flux density"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. One who says "Hell if I know!"?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judeo-christian and islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of god; tempter of mankind; master of hell
  • Similar words include: the Tempter, Lucifer, Devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Subtle greeting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Part of every day, in Italy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: os, bone, OS
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Improvised instrument in folk music"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bottle with a narrow mouth
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, incarcerate, gaol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Serious aversion"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
  • Similar words include: detest, hatred
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Make"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: gain, make, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Farm storage building"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  • Similar words include: garner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRANARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Short-term job"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
  • Similar words include: spear, fizgig, lance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Exploit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: function, economic consumption, usage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: step, yard, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Further out there"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
  • Similar words include: buffoonish, clownish, goofy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZANIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Flanders of "The Simpsons""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Dust-ups"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, ado, bustle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Loud speaker, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
  • Similar words include: speechifier, speechmaker, rhetorician
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!" 3
2D 2. Filled up on 3
3D 3. Gymnast Suni 3
4D 4. Virile 5
5D 5. It's west of the Bering Strait 4
6D 6. Appears to be going down the drain 8
7D 7. Overact 5
8D 8. Mammal with a long ringed tail 5
9D 9. "We're on!" 6
10D 10. Tricked 3
11D 11. Dish with vinegared rice 5
12D 12. Eyed lustfully 5
13D 13. Question exclaimed after misfortune 5
14D 18. One way to spell relief, per ads 7
15D 21. Crafts, in Córdoba 5
16D 22. Part of a homecoming parade 5
17D 23. Big scoop 5
18D 24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan 5
19D 26. Fine cigar 6
20D 28. Hardships 6
21D 32. Madre's hermana 3
22D 33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry 7
23D 35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun 5
24D 36. It may follow deuce 5
25D 37. Overlook 5
26D 39. Designer Calvin 5
27D 40. Hummus bean 8
28D 45. Piece of goalie gear 6
29D 48. Started 5
30D 49. Not leave a bet as is 5
31D 50. Gave a push 5
32D 51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky 5
33D 52. Relays and rallies 5
34D 53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g. 5
35D 56. Bottom 4
36D 58. Luxury resort amenity 3
37D 59. Relatively short Morse code bit 3
38D 60. Sign of summer 3
39D 61. Blunder 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: hand, mitt, manus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Filled up on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat, eat up, rust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gymnast Suni"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: leeward, Shelton Jackson Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Virile"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that possessing qualities befitting a man
  • Similar words include: male, manlike, virile
  • Opposite of: unmanfully, unmanly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's west of the Bering Strait"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

6D: "6. Appears to be going down the drain"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Overact"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Mammal with a long ringed tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: Nasua narica, coati-mundi, coati-mondi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "We're on!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tricked"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: generate, mother, start out
  • Opposite of: take away, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dish with vinegared rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eyed lustfully"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Similar words include: ogle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Question exclaimed after misfortune"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One way to spell relief, per ads"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Crafts, in Córdoba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Part of a homecoming parade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
  • Similar words include: blow, swim, ice-cream float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Big scoop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Fine cigar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of cuba; located in western cuba; one of the oldest cities in the americas
  • Similar words include: Cuban capital, capital of Cuba
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Hardships"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of testing something
  • Similar words include: trial, trial run, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Madre's hermana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINJA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. It may follow deuce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Overlook"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Designer Calvin"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german mathematician who created the klein bottle (1849-1925)
  • Similar words include: Calvin Klein, Melanie Klein, Felix Klein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Hummus bean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the chickpea plant
  • Similar words include: chickpea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBANZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Piece of goalie gear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Started"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
  • Similar words include: lead off, start out, get down
  • Opposite of: end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Not leave a bet as is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: enhance, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: level, demote
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Gave a push"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force or impel in an indicated direction
  • Similar words include: inspire, cheer, urge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
  • Similar words include: genus Draco, Dragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Relays and rallies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: raceway, run, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Bottom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: tooshie, posterior, butt
  • Opposite of: level, head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Luxury resort amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Relatively short Morse code bit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Sign of summer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Sunday, October 11, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 11, 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. Easy putt 5
2A 6. Clever 5
3A 11. Exam for a future atty. 4
4A 15. Boulderer's safety item 3
5A 18. Muffin alternative 5
6A 19. Sea surrounding Mykonos 6
7A 21. Flour in Indian cooking 4
8A 22. "Mr. Blue Sky" band, in brief 3
9A 23. Some "Star Trek" slang? 12
10A 25. Infamous Russian mystic 8
11A 27. Glow up? 3
12A 28. One might be liquid or frozen 5
13A 29. Street that might run all the way through town 4
14A 31. Like most autographs 5
15A 32. French filmmaker Jacques 4
16A 34. Secrets known only to E.N.T.s? 14
17A 38. Depression formed by a volcano's collapse 7
18A 41. Did a taxing job? 7
19A 42. C.I.A. forerunner 3
20A 43. Listened to "Rigoletto" way too many times? 12
21A 46. Mideast leaders 5
22A 48. Member of the South Asian diaspora 4
23A 49. Ocho menos uno 5
24A 50. Berkeley university, familiarly 3
25A 53. Rubber stamp go-with 6
26A 56. Many a David Foster Wallace piece 5
27A 58. Not gross 3
28A 59. Wild hogs 5
29A 61. "___ y plata" (Montana's motto) 3
30A 62. Sleuth, slangily 3
31A 64. "A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? 14
32A 69. N.K. ___, "Broken Earth" trilogy author 7
33A 73. Summer in France 3
34A 74. Person discussed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution 7
35A 75. Spark joy? 14
36A 80. Educational inst. 3
37A 81. "Feast," in Arabic 3
38A 82. Count (up) 5
39A 83. Slippery swimmer 3
40A 85. Daniel ___ (children's TV character) 5
41A 89. "The heart of the internet," per its tagline 6
42A 91. Handful 3
43A 93. Those opposed 5
44A 95. Animated explorer 4
45A 96. Cornea-reshaping surgery 5
46A 98. Diwali or Holi? 12
47A 101. Queen ___ (pop nickname) 3
48A 102. Bouncing 7
49A 105. Some hair products 7
50A 106. Like the world's worst demolition company? 14
51A 110. Rose bowl? 4
52A 111. Status after a leadoff walk 5
53A 112. Drubbing 4
54A 113. Wibbly-wobbly 5
55A 115. Hot stone massage location 3
56A 118. Take a risk 8
57A 120. A whole bunch of ocean detritus? 12
58A 124. Tsp. or tbsp. 3
59A 125. Triumphal monument shape 4
60A 126. Off-target 6
61A 127. Family girl 5
62A 128. Fleur-de-___ 3
63A 129. Luxury goods retailer since 1867 4
64A 130. Needlessly adorns, in an idiom 5
65A 131. Massachusetts county in which the term "gerrymandering" was first applied 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Easy putt"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Clever"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
  • Similar words include: smarting, impudent, overbold
  • Opposite of: stupid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Exam for a future atty."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Boulderer's safety item"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
  • Similar words include: diggings, digs, launch area
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Muffin alternative"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small biscuit (rich with cream and eggs) cut into diamonds or sticks and baked in an oven or (especially originally) on a griddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Sea surrounding Mykonos"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arm of the mediterranean between greece and turkey; a main trade route for the ancient civilizations of crete and greece and rome and persia
  • Similar words include: Aegean Sea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AEGEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Flour in Indian cooking"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. "Mr. Blue Sky" band, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Some "Star Trek" slang?"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLINGONLINGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Infamous Russian mystic"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that siberian peasant monk who was religious advisor in the court of nicholas ii; was assassinated by russian noblemen who feared that his debauchery would weaken the monarchy (1872-1916)
  • Similar words include: Grigori Efimovich Rasputin
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASPUTIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Glow up?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: solarise, insolate, Sunday
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. One might be liquid or frozen"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Street that might run all the way through town"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
  • Similar words include: principal, independent, master
  • Opposite of: dependent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Like most autographs"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. French filmmaker Jacques"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french filmmaker (1908-1982)
  • Similar words include: Jacques Tati, Jacques Tatischeff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Secrets known only to E.N.T.s?"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Depression formed by a volcano's collapse"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large crater caused by the violent explosion of a volcano that collapses into a depression
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALDERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "41. Did a taxing job?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
  • Similar words include: audit, scrutinize, scrutinise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUDITED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. C.I.A. forerunner"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: os, OS, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Listened to "Rigoletto" way too many times?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERDIDVERDI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Mideast leaders"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
  • Similar words include: emeer, ameer, emir
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Member of the South Asian diaspora"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Ocho menos uno"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Berkeley university, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Rubber stamp go-with"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a block of absorbent material saturated with ink; used to transfer ink evenly to a rubber stamp
  • Similar words include: stamp pad, pad, inking pad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INKPAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. Many a David Foster Wallace piece"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
  • Similar words include: attempt, seek, test
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Not gross"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: net profit, nett, network
  • Opposite of: gross
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Wild hogs"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: boar, Sus scrofa, wild boar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. "___ y plata" (Montana's motto)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Sleuth, slangily"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a police officer who investigates crimes
  • Similar words include: police detective, investigator, detective
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. "A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.?"

14 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. N.K. ___, "Broken Earth" trilogy author"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "73. Summer in France"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "74. Person discussed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a citizen who has a legal right to vote
  • Similar words include: voter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "75. Spark joy?"

14 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "80. Educational inst."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "81. "Feast," in Arabic"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "82. Count (up)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
  • Similar words include: count, numeration, tot
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. Slippery swimmer"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "85. Daniel ___ (children's TV character)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fierce or audacious person
  • Similar words include: Panthera tigris
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "89. "The heart of the internet," per its tagline"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "91. Handful"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small elite group
  • Opposite of: many
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "93. Those opposed"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
  • Similar words include: anti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "95. Animated explorer"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "96. Cornea-reshaping surgery"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
  • Similar words include: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASIK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "98. Diwali or Holi?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HINDISHINDIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "101. Queen ___ (pop nickname)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (formerly) a title of respect for a man in turkey or egypt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "102. Bouncing"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out
  • Similar words include: throw out, expel, oust
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUSTING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "105. Some hair products"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment
  • Similar words include: pomatum, pomade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POMADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "106. Like the world's worst demolition company?"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "110. Rose bowl?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "111. Status after a leadoff walk"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "112. Drubbing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
  • Similar words include: root, expel, spread-eagle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "113. Wibbly-wobbly"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "115. Hot stone massage location"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "118. Take a risk"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "120. A whole bunch of ocean detritus?"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTSAFLOTSAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "124. Tsp. or tbsp."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "125. Triumphal monument shape"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  • Similar words include: mischievous, arc, patronising
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "126. Off-target"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that straying from the right course or from accepted standards
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "127. Family girl"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Opposite of: nephew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "128. Fleur-de-___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group; the lightest metal known; occurs in several minerals
  • Similar words include: lithium, Li, atomic number 3
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "129. Luxury goods retailer since 1867"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "130. Needlessly adorns, in an idiom"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal association of people with similar interests
  • Similar words include: begild, gild, engild
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GILDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "131. Massachusetts county in which the term "gerrymandering" was first applied"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the north sea and the thames estuary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Disapproving sounds 4
2D 2. "Dissent is patriotic" grp. 4
3D 3. Anti-matter? 9
4D 4. Overnight stop 3
5D 5. Made irrelevant 7
6D 6. ___ serif 4
7D 7. Free-for-all 5
8D 8. Stress-induced discomfort 5
9D 9. Stimpy's TV partner 3
10D 10. Make it? 3
11D 11. Roundup rope 6
12D 12. Comics legend behind the Fantastic Four 7
13D 13. Calls out on social media, slangily 3
14D 14. Odd-toed ungulate 5
15D 15. Document used for a travel companion who might sit under a seat 11
16D 16. Many characters in Pixar's "Elio" 6
17D 17. "The Bear" matriarch played by Jamie Lee Curtis 5
18D 20. Rootless 7
19D 24. Green Egyptian god 6
20D 26. Get into, as a cab, say 6
21D 30. DiFranco who made her Broadway debut in "Hadestown" 3
22D 33. Northernmost arm of the Mediterranean 8
23D 35. Like a blue moon or blue steak 4
24D 36. Something to chew on 3
25D 37. Ship brass 8
26D 38. Work with Python, say 4
27D 39. Park and Fifth, e.g.: Abbr. 4
28D 40. Tennis score following deuce 4
29D 44. Second-in-command 4
30D 45. ___ Place, female companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 4
31D 47. Closely examine 7
32D 51. "Dancing With the Stars" network 3
33D 52. Cardinals legend Brock 3
34D 54. With the bow, in music 4
35D 55. Sullen 4
36D 57. "Indeed!" 7
37D 60. Performed exceptionally, in slang 3
38D 63. Bibliography listing 8
39D 65. Louvre Pyramid architect 3
40D 66. Mail Boxes ___ 3
41D 67. Chain that sells climbing gear 3
42D 68. Only egg-laying mammals besides platypuses 8
43D 69. Mocking cry 4
44D 70. "Night" memoirist Wiesel 4
45D 71. They might be the last to be booked on an airplane 11
46D 72. Grp. for Commanders and Chiefs 3
47D 76. Holiday classic starring Will Ferrell 3
48D 77. Soapmaker's supply 3
49D 78. Be inclined 4
50D 79. Cryptid with a Tibetan name 4
51D 84. Speech therapist's target 4
52D 86. Frigg and Freyja, e.g. 9
53D 87. One of the Great Lakes 4
54D 88. Cleaning cloths 4
55D 90. Home of the N.C.A.A.'s Flyers 6
56D 92. Train sound 7
57D 93. Home services website 4
58D 94. Dig up dirt, say 6
59D 97. "Barry Lyndon" director 7
60D 99. QB's worry: Abbr. 3
61D 100. Statement by someone who's out of date? 7
62D 101. Vietnamese sandwich 6
63D 103. Animals known for their slow metabolism 6
64D 104. Capital of ancient Troy? 3
65D 106. Alternative to express 5
66D 107. Ancient Andeans 5
67D 108. Like some allergy sprays 5
68D 109. Splendid 5
69D 114. Young newts 4
70D 116. A runner may need to pick it up 4
71D 117. Charger's option, informally 4
72D 119. Flop ___ (period of failure) 3
73D 121. Part of NGO: Abbr. 3
74D 122. Prefix with cycle 3
75D 123. Christmas carol contraction 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Disapproving sounds"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Dissent is patriotic" grp."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anti-matter?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not having a point especially a sharp point
  • Similar words include: purposeless, unpointed, senseless
  • Opposite of: pointed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POINTLESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Overnight stop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Made irrelevant"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be in contradiction with
  • Similar words include: neutralize, contravene, contradict
  • Opposite of: affirm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEGATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ serif"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. Free-for-all"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisy riotous fight
  • Similar words include: scrimmage, battle royal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELEE

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8D: "8. Stress-induced discomfort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. Stimpy's TV partner"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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10D: "10. Make it?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Similar words include: track, tag end, rag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAG

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11D: "11. Roundup rope"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long noosed rope used to catch animals
  • Similar words include: riata, lasso, reata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LARIAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Comics legend behind the Fantastic Four"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. Calls out on social media, slangily"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: atomic number 85, at, At
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

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14D: "14. Odd-toed ungulate"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungulate of tropical america and southeast asia having a heavy body and fleshy snout
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Document used for a travel companion who might sit under a seat"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Many characters in Pixar's "Elio""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
  • Similar words include: noncitizen, extraterrestrial being, extraterrestrial
  • Opposite of: acquaintance, citizen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. "The Bear" matriarch played by Jamie Lee Curtis"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an italian woman of rank
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONNA

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18D: "20. Rootless"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: wandering, mobile, peregrine
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOMADIC

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19D: "24. Green Egyptian god"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead; husband and brother of isis; father of horus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSIRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Get into, as a cab, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that draw the cork from (bottles)
  • Opposite of: cork
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNCORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. DiFranco who made her Broadway debut in "Hadestown""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Northernmost arm of the Mediterranean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arm of the mediterranean between slovenia and croatia and montenegro and albania on the east and italy on the west
  • Similar words include: Adriatic Sea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADRIATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Like a blue moon or blue steak"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: uncommon, rarefied, rarified
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Something to chew on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  • Similar words include: chew, rechewed food, plug
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Ship brass"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
  • Similar words include: admiral, full admiral
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADMIRALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Work with Python, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
  • Similar words include: codification, encrypt, cypher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Park and Fifth, e.g.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ornithology) the class of birds
  • Similar words include: class Aves
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVES

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28D: "40. Tennis score following deuce"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "44. Second-in-command"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "45. ___ Place, female companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "47. Closely examine"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look over carefully
  • Similar words include: audit, visit, scrutinise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSPECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Dancing With the Stars" network"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: ABC's, alphabet, first rudiment
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABC

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33D: "52. Cardinals legend Brock"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "54. With the bow, in music"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of instruments in the violin family) to be played with the bow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Sullen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stubbornly unyielding; ; ; ; - t.s.eliot
  • Similar words include: glowering, grim, sour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Indeed!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "60. Performed exceptionally, in slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: feed, corrode, rust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "63. Bibliography listing"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
  • Similar words include: mention, credit, cite
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CITATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Louvre Pyramid architect"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states architect (born in china in 1917)
  • Similar words include: Ieoh Ming Pei, I. M. Pei
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Mail Boxes ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "67. Chain that sells climbing gear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. Only egg-laying mammals besides platypuses"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to new guinea
  • Similar words include: echidna, anteater, spiny anteater
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHIDNAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "69. Mocking cry"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showing your contempt by derision
  • Similar words include: jeering, flout, gibe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "70. "Night" memoirist Wiesel"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "71. They might be the last to be booked on an airplane"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "72. Grp. for Commanders and Chiefs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "76. Holiday classic starring Will Ferrell"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, brownie, imp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "77. Soapmaker's supply"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

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49D: "78. Be inclined"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Similar words include: lean, be given, incline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "79. Cryptid with a Tibetan name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Similar words include: abominable snowman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "84. Speech therapist's target"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
  • Similar words include: list-processing language
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LISP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "86. Frigg and Freyja, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female deity
  • Similar words include: goddess
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GODDESSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "87. One of the Great Lakes"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "88. Cleaning cloths"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
  • Similar words include: get at, get to, bother
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "90. Home of the N.C.A.A.'s Flyers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southwest ohio; manufacturing center
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAYTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "92. Train sound"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
  • Similar words include: sing, tin whistle, whistling
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHISTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "93. Home services website"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "94. Dig up dirt, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle
  • Similar words include: excavator, digger, shovelful
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "97. "Barry Lyndon" director"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker (born in 1928)
  • Similar words include: Stanley Kubrick
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KUBRICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "99. QB's worry: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "100. Statement by someone who's out of date?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "101. Vietnamese sandwich"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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63D: "103. Animals known for their slow metabolism"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: acedia, tree sloth, laziness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "104. Capital of ancient Troy?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "106. Alternative to express"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
  • Similar words include: topical anaesthetic, local anesthetic, local anaesthetic
  • Opposite of: national, express
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "107. Ancient Andeans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inca, Inka, Incan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "108. Like some allergy sprays"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
  • Similar words include: adenoidal, pinched, os nasale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "109. Splendid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: rarified, K, gilded
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "114. Young newts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a newt in its terrestrial stage of development
  • Similar words include: eft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "116. A runner may need to pick it up"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: footstep, step, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "117. Charger's option, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: Curb, American Stock Exchange
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "119. Flop ___ (period of failure)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "121. Part of NGO: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "122. Prefix with cycle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "123. Christmas carol contraction"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
  • Similar words include: te, atomic number 22, ti
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIS

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

65 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 11, 2026 at 10:10 AM