Search Clues

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

Thursday, July 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Change entirely 5
2A 6. Like former secrets 6
3A 12. Make like a frog 3
4A 15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast 5
5A 16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008 6
6A 17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man 3
7A 18. Cluster 12
8A 20. Density symbol 3
9A 21. Go for gold? 3
10A 22. It may be padded or slapped 4
11A 23. Do you read me? 5
12A 25. Veteran 6
13A 27. Agent 9
14A 31. Change logos, maybe 7
15A 33. "Bravo!" 3
16A 34. Dour 4
17A 35. Unnatural, in a way 4
18A 36. H.S. course covering integrals 6
19A 39. ___ trading 3
20A 40. Steam 10
21A 43. Sow, e.g. 3
22A 46. Black-and-orange bird 6
23A 47. Bob who painted "happy little trees" 4
24A 50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour" 4
25A 52. Top halves of centaurs 3
26A 53. They may be lifted ... or downed 7
27A 56. Gambit 9
28A 59. City with red buses 6
29A 60. Big or bad follower 5
30A 61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants" 4
31A 63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo) 3
32A 64. ___ culpa 3
33A 65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues 12
34A 70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe 3
35A 71. Training aids for a lab, say 6
36A 72. Plain 5
37A 73. ___ pad 3
38A 74. What headphones often play in 6
39A 75. Shark's mark 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Change entirely"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Like former secrets"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in common
  • Similar words include: apportion, divided up, share
  • Opposite of: unshared
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Make like a frog"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: record hop, skip, hop-skip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor actor in crowd scenes
  • Similar words include: spear carrier, additional, supernumerary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serbian province in southern serbia and montenegro populated predominantly by albanians
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOSOVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: minded, tending, given
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Cluster"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Density symbol"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Go for gold?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It may be padded or slapped"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: articulatio genus, human knee, stifle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Do you read me?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  • Similar words include: new, refreshing, fresh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Veteran"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Agent"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Change logos, maybe"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Bravo!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Dour"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  • Similar words include: dreary, downcast, dismal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Unnatural, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that color with dye
  • Similar words include: colored, bleached, dye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. H.S. course covering integrals"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. ___ trading"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time for earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
  • Similar words include: daytime, 24-hour interval, mean solar day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Steam"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Sow, e.g."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that domestic swine
  • Similar words include: grunter, Sus scrofa, bull
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Black-and-orange bird"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black
  • Similar words include: Old World oriole, American oriole, New World oriole
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Bob who painted "happy little trees""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: Betsy Ross, Sir John Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Top halves of centaurs"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: work force, manpower, man
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. They may be lifted ... or downed"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
  • Similar words include: flavour, smell, liveliness
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIRITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Gambit"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. City with red buses"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of england; located on the thames in southeastern england; financial and industrial and cultural center
  • Similar words include: British capital, John Griffith Chaney, capital of the United Kingdom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LONDON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Big or bad follower"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Similar words include: orchard apple tree, Malus pumila
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Lao, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laotian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. ___ culpa"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "71. Training aids for a lab, say"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: delicacy, goody, kickshaw
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "72. Plain"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "73. ___ pad"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: soh, so, sol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "74. What headphones often play in"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: stereophonic system, stereoscopic picture, stereoscopic photograph
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "75. Shark's mark"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  • Similar words include: mark, gull, soft touch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Church leader 6
2D 2. Took one's breath away? 7
3D 3. Remain loyal to 7
4D 4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g. 3
5D 5. It often leans left or right 9
6D 6. ___-Ball 4
7D 7. Joel follows it 5
8D 8. Flame's remains 3
9D 9. Lumpsucker eggs 3
10D 10. Biblical second coming? 3
11D 11. Prima ___ 5
12D 12. University of Cambridge 7
13D 13. "Hamlet" noblewoman 7
14D 14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe 7
15D 19. Words after cash or zero 4
16D 24. [Horrors!] 3
17D 26. Org. leader 4
18D 28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe 5
19D 29. Puts down 6
20D 30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins 4
21D 32. Panama's ___ National Park 6
22D 37. That's the whole point! 5
23D 38. Seller of knickknacks 9
24D 41. Gospel singer Franklin 4
25D 42. Like a zoomer after 1997 4
26D 43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft 7
27D 44. "If we're lucky!" 7
28D 45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends 7
29D 48. It's not the main part of the action 7
30D 49. High achievers? 7
31D 51. Notable org. with 32 members 3
32D 54. Sit (down) heavily 4
33D 55. Arrogant 6
34D 57. Lets 5
35D 58. Really please 5
36D 62. Plus 4
37D 66. It might be left hanging 3
38D 67. Most common letter in this clue 3
39D 68. Boat propeller 3
40D 69. Director DuVernay 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Church leader"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person authorized to conduct religious worship
  • Similar words include: curate, parson, minister
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Took one's breath away?"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give out (breath or an odor)
  • Similar words include: emanate, expire, give forth
  • Opposite of: inhale
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXHALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Remain loyal to"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that can be relied on when needed
  • Similar words include: understudy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STANDBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It often leans left or right"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___-Ball"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Joel follows it"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor hebrew prophet (8th century bc)
  • Similar words include: Book of Hosea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Flame's remains"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lumpsucker eggs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Biblical second coming?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: evening, even, eventide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Prima ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. University of Cambridge"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in massachusetts
  • Similar words include: John Harvard, Harvard University
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARVARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Hamlet" noblewoman"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that alexandrian astronomer (of the 2nd century) who proposed a geocentric system of astronomy that was undisputed until the late renaissance
  • Similar words include: Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolemaic dynasty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTOLEMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words after cash or zero"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. [Horrors!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Org. leader"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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, topical anesthetic, local anaesthetic
  • Opposite of: general, national
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: billet, rate, office
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of pain and turmoil
  • Similar words include: netherworld, sin, underworld
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Panama's ___ National Park"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. That's the whole point!"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. Seller of knickknacks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "41. Gospel singer Franklin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "42. Like a zoomer after 1997"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british nuclear physicist (born in germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
  • Similar words include: endure, innate, have a bun in the oven
  • Opposite of: unborn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. "If we're lucky!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. It's not the main part of the action"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. High achievers?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an attacker who pelts the victim with stones (especially with intent to kill)
  • Similar words include: lapidator, stoner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Notable org. with 32 members"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Sit (down) heavily"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
  • Similar words include: plunk, plank, plump down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Arrogant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
  • Similar words include: persnickety, bigheaded, uppish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOTTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Lets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: rip, engage, take
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Really please"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, uplift, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "62. Plus"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: too, likewise, as well
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "66. It might be left hanging"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Similar words include: artistry, artwork, graphics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "67. Most common letter in this clue"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, football tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "68. Boat propeller"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "69. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
79 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 30, 2026 at 06:03 AM

Thursday, January 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 29, 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. Vehicle in which it's often legal to drink alcohol 4
2A 5. Jokesters 4
3A 9. Moistens, as a fern 5
4A 14. First lady's partner 4
5A 15. Object of veneration 4
6A 16. Oft-disparaged family member 5
7A 17. Busiest French airport not serving Paris 4
8A 18. Prefix with technology 4
9A 19. Roman goddess often depicted with a bow and arrow 5
10A 20. Expand 15
11A 23. Sonia Sotomayor or Clarence Thomas, once 5
12A 24. Abbreviation in a help-wanted ad 3
13A 25. Part of U.S.N.A.: Abbr. 3
14A 27. @ @ @ 7
15A 30. Trippy stuff 3
16A 33. Folie ___ 5
17A 35. Villain portrayer in "Rocky III" 3
18A 36. Lavish celebration 4
19A 37. Sadness 15
20A 41. Base x height, for a parallelogram 4
21A 42. Sound made with a wince 3
22A 43. Extending brim 5
23A 44. Guided 3
24A 45. Michigan's historic 1991 basketball team, familiarly 7
25A 48. Texter's declaration of affection 3
26A 49. Shags or bobs 3
27A 50. 7-Elevens, e.g. 5
28A 52. Day after today 15
29A 59. Make a delivery, say 5
30A 60. ___-golf 4
31A 61. "Think again!" 4
32A 62. Lowlands 5
33A 63. City in NW Pennsylvania 4
34A 64. God of war 4
35A 65. Like some minor celebrities 5
36A 66. Five train in Brooklyn 4
37A 67. Time when one might give up alcohol 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Vehicle in which it's often legal to drink alcohol"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
  • Similar words include: limousine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Jokesters"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a witty amusing person who makes jokes
  • Similar words include: card, shake, wit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Moistens, as a fern"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: obscure, cloud, befog
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. First lady's partner"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
  • Similar words include: XTC, Robert Adam, ecstasy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Object of veneration"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a material effigy that is worshipped
  • Similar words include: matinee idol, perfection, graven image
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Oft-disparaged family member"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Busiest French airport not serving Paris"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
  • Similar words include: overnice, decent, squeamish
  • Opposite of: nasty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Prefix with technology"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Roman goddess often depicted with a bow and arrow"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english aristocrat who was the first wife of prince charles; her death in an automobile accident in paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
  • Similar words include: Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Frances Spencer, Princess Diana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Expand"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Sonia Sotomayor or Clarence Thomas, once"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Abbreviation in a help-wanted ad"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Part of U.S.N.A.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. @ @ @"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Trippy stuff"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Folie ___"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Villain portrayer in "Rocky III""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Lavish celebration"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate party (often outdoors)
  • Similar words include: celebrate, feast, festival
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Sadness"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Base x height, for a parallelogram"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: orbit, field, domain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Sound made with a wince"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Extending brim"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of armor plate (with eye slits) fixed or hinged to a medieval helmet to protect the face
  • Similar words include: vizor, peak, bill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VISOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Guided"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: take, conduct, head
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Michigan's historic 1991 basketball team, familiarly"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Texter's declaration of affection"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Shags or bobs"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department in the united states that sets and maintains foreign policies
  • Similar words include: act, coiffure, do
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. 7-Elevens, e.g."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area in a town where a public mercantile establishment is set up
  • Similar words include: mart, marketplace, market
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Day after today"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Make a delivery, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. ___-golf"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very short skirt
  • Similar words include: miniskirt
  • Opposite of: midi
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. "Think again!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Lowlands"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open river valley (in a hilly area)
  • Similar words include: dale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. City in NW Pennsylvania"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

34A: "64. God of war"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Similar words include: ar, are
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Like some minor celebrities"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Five train in Brooklyn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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: cyberspace, net, profits
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Time when one might give up alcohol"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: bestow, bring, contribute
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Clubber ___, "Rocky III" villain 4
2D 2. "Capisce" 4
3D 3. Like a listening device made out of a paper clip, a plastic straw and seven Lego blocks 10
4D 4. Symbol for ohms 5
5D 5. Improvise 6
6D 6. Pithy truths 6
7D 7. Signal to get off the stage, say 4
8D 8. Arduous journey 4
9D 9. Tiny flies 6
10D 10. ___ Montoya, "The Princess Bride" character 5
11D 11. Mining waste 4
12D 12. Powdered drink used by NASA 4
13D 13. Thief's haul 4
14D 21. ___SmithKline (2000 pharmaceutical merger) 5
15D 22. Chaps 5
16D 25. Like some passages 5
17D 26. Love, love, love 5
18D 28. "Toodles!" 5
19D 29. [That makes me so mad!] 3
20D 30. "Too many cooks spoil the broth" principle 10
21D 31. Bum's place in a bar 5
22D 32. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland 5
23D 34. Country that has hosted the most Olympics 3
24D 36. Common day to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers: Abbr. 3
25D 38. ___ beast (dish in Whoville) 5
26D 39. Break down in tears 3
27D 40. Blindingly obvious 5
28D 45. Ranger's domain 6
29D 46. "Leave this to me" 6
30D 47. Is all over the map 6
31D 49. Showers affection (on) 5
32D 51. Like the Vietnamese language 5
33D 52. Rod Flanders's brother on "The Simpsons" 4
34D 53. Like some traditions 4
35D 54. Bamako's land 4
36D 55. Sign sought by one reading tea leaves 4
37D 56. Muck 4
38D 57. Major tennis tournament 4
39D 58. Pause indicator in sheet music 4

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Clubber ___, "Rocky III" villain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Capisce""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Like a listening device made out of a paper clip, a plastic straw and seven Lego blocks"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Symbol for ohms"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ending of a series or sequence; --revelation
  • Similar words include: Z
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Improvise"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Pithy truths"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  • Similar words include: byword, saw, proverb
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Signal to get off the stage, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick
  • Similar words include: bell, chime, tam-tam
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Arduous journey"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work doggedly or persistently
  • Similar words include: keep one's nose to the grindstone, footslog, peg away
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Tiny flies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that minute two-winged mosquito-like fly lacking biting mouthparts; appear in dancing swarms especially near water
  • Similar words include: midge
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIDGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___ Montoya, "The Princess Bride" character"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mining waste"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals
  • Similar words include: scoria, dross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Powdered drink used by NASA"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tart spicy quality
  • Similar words include: bladderwrack, black rockweed, sea tangle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Thief's haul"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that valuable goods
  • Similar words include: pillage, careen, prize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. ___SmithKline (2000 pharmaceutical merger)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Chaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal abbreviation of `gentleman'
  • Similar words include: fella, feller, chap
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Like some passages"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Love, love, love"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. "Toodles!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. [That makes me so mad!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. "Too many cooks spoil the broth" principle"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Bum's place in a bar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a simple seat without a back or arms
  • Similar words include: crapper, toilet, potty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Country that has hosted the most Olympics"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
  • Similar words include: US Army, U.S., United States of America
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Common day to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
  • Similar words include: Friday
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. ___ beast (dish in Whoville)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of meat roasted or for roasting and of a size for slicing into more than one portion
  • Similar words include: poke fun, knock, laugh at
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Break down in tears"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dyspneic condition
  • Similar words include: shit, bastard, breathlessness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Blindingly obvious"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Ranger's domain"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
  • Similar words include: timberland, woods, wood
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. "Leave this to me""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Is all over the map"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
  • Similar words include: alter, depart, change
  • Opposite of: conform
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VARIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Showers affection (on)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be foolish or senile due to old age
  • Similar words include: stud, dust, scatter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Like the Vietnamese language"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words
  • Similar words include: tonic
  • Opposite of: atonal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Rod Flanders's brother on "The Simpsons""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish chemist noted for his research into the structure of nucleic acids (born in 1907)
  • Similar words include: Sir Alexander Robertus Todd, Sweeney Todd, Lord Todd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Like some traditions"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva, viva voce, oral examination
  • Opposite of: anal, aboral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Bamako's land"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a landlocked republic in northwestern africa; achieved independence from france in 1960; mali was a center of west african civilization for more than 4,000 years
  • Similar words include: French Sudan, Republic of Mali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Sign sought by one reading tea leaves"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: prognostication, bode, portent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Muck"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  • Similar words include: bog down, mud, morass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Major tennis tournament"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: exposed, open air, heart-to-heart
  • Opposite of: unreceptive, shut
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Pause indicator in sheet music"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something left after other parts have been taken away
  • Similar words include: residual, breathe, take a breather
  • Opposite of: change, be active
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REST

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

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: January 29, 2026 at 04:52 AM