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

Monday, October 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 05, 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. Write on stone, maybe 4
2A 5. Request at the bottom of an invitation 4
3A 9. Follower of Jah, informally 5
4A 14. "Me neither" 4
5A 15. Great Plains tribe 4
6A 16. Set of moral principles 5
7A 17. Famous ___ cookies 4
8A 18. Downfall in pinball 4
9A 19. Course for future therapists, for short 5
10A 20. Spot to work out knotted muscles 12
11A 23. U.F.O. occupants, in brief 3
12A 24. Yank 3
13A 25. Reach quickly, as a conclusion 6
14A 29. Internet meme feline 6
15A 31. "___ your mouth!" 4
16A 33. Stadium cheer 3
17A 34. Holiday at the end of Ramadan, informally 3
18A 35. Memphis barbecue staple 9
19A 37. Military rank above cpl. 3
20A 38. Tusked animals 5
21A 39. Squiggle shape 3
22A 40. Key to Aladdin's success 9
23A 42. ___ Paulo, Brazil 3
24A 43. Before, poetically 3
25A 44. Acorn growers 4
26A 45. Dress seen at Oktoberfest 6
27A 48. Black ___ (some spiders) 6
28A 50. Mental cloud 3
29A 51. Drag performer's accessory 3
30A 52. "Ah, that's where things get difficult" ... or what can be said about 20-, 35- and 40-Across? 12
31A 56. Singer Baker 5
32A 59. When Fantine sings "I Dreamed a Dream" in "Les Misérables" 4
33A 60. Block toy with its own chain of theme parks 4
34A 61. Bathroom door sign 5
35A 62. Occasion for a teen to rent a tux 4
36A 63. Spot for a wolf pack 4
37A 64. Weapon in a scabbard 5
38A 65. Manager of an apt. bldg. 4
39A 66. Squeaks (by) 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Write on stone, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engrave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Request at the bottom of an invitation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Follower of Jah, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that follower of rastafarianism
  • Similar words include: Rastafarian
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Me neither""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Great Plains tribe"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Oto
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Set of moral principles"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group
  • Similar words include: value orientation, ethical code, moral principle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETHIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Famous ___ cookies"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Downfall in pinball"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
  • Similar words include: angle, disceptation, leaning
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Course for future therapists, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Spot to work out knotted muscles"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. U.F.O. occupants, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Yank"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Reach quickly, as a conclusion"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Internet meme feline"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. "___ your mouth!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
  • Similar words include: shut out, keep out, closed
  • Opposite of: admit, open
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Stadium cheer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Holiday at the end of Ramadan, informally"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Memphis barbecue staple"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that baked or roasted with a spicy sauce
  • Similar words include: sparerib, barbecued spareribs
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARERIBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Military rank above cpl."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Tusked animals"

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!

21A: "39. Squiggle shape"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Similar words include: atomic number 99, Es, E
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Key to Aladdin's success"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. ___ Paulo, Brazil"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Before, poetically"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Acorn growers"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Similar words include: oak, oak tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Dress seen at Oktoberfest"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a full skirt with a gathered waistband
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRNDL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Black ___ (some spiders)"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman whose husband is dead especially one who has not remarried
  • Similar words include: widow woman, widow
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIDOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Mental cloud"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
  • Similar words include: murkiness, obnubilate, obscure
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. Drag performer's accessory"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Similar words include: feather boa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "52. "Ah, that's where things get difficult" ... or what can be said about 20-, 35- and 40-Across?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Singer Baker"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. When Fantine sings "I Dreamed a Dream" in "Les Misérables""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. Block toy with its own chain of theme parks"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
  • Similar words include: Lego set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Bathroom door sign"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: womanhood, charwoman, fair sex
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Occasion for a teen to rent a tux"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
  • Similar words include: promenade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Spot for a wolf pack"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Weapon in a scabbard"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
  • Similar words include: blade, brand, steel
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "65. Manager of an apt. bldg."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "66. Squeaks (by)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Tooth covering 6
2D 2. Fruit, botanically, that's treated as a vegetable 6
3D 3. One way to sit while meditating 11
4D 4. Snake's warning 4
5D 5. Cheap hooch 6
6D 6. ___ Larsson, author of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" 5
7D 7. Bygone electric Chevy 4
8D 8. Org. that advocates for "cruelty-free" products 4
9D 9. Filled to the gills 7
10D 10. Completely lost 5
11D 11. Not likely to make the first move, say 3
12D 12. Unconscious mannerism 3
13D 13. German outburst 3
14D 21. Slightly 4
15D 22. Things you might see when you're not wearing glasses 5
16D 26. Escape from jail 11
17D 27. Clickables at the top of a computer screen 4
18D 28. Exclamations of surprise 3
19D 30. Commercial lead-in to card 4
20D 31. Inundates with junk mail 5
21D 32. Musical instrument in the Guinness logo 4
22D 35. Luxuriate in a bathtub 4
23D 36. "___ Window" 4
24D 37. South Asian dress 4
25D 38. Nonchalant 5
26D 40. Kitten's call 3
27D 41. Ranch worker 7
28D 42. [Oh, well] 4
29D 45. Serve a jail sentence 6
30D 46. Dance craze of the 2010s 6
31D 47. Hercules had 12 of these 6
32D 49. Playful aquatic animal 5
33D 50. Camera lens setting 5
34D 53. Emulates Big Boi and Lil' Kim 4
35D 54. Light beige 4
36D 55. Woods of "Legally Blonde" 4
37D 56. Reactions to something adorable 3
38D 57. "Immediately!" 3
39D 58. "If you ask me ...," to a texter 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Tooth covering"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
  • Similar words include: tooth enamel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENAMEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fruit, botanically, that's treated as a vegetable"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mildly acid red or yellow pulpy fruit eaten as a vegetable
  • Similar words include: Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato plant, love apple
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. One way to sit while meditating"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Snake's warning"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
  • Similar words include: razz, fizzle, hushing
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cheap hooch"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any alcoholic beverage of inferior quality
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTGUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ Larsson, author of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bygone electric Chevy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt; equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of 1 ohm when 1 ampere of current flows through it
  • Similar words include: V
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOLT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Org. that advocates for "cruelty-free" products"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Filled to the gills"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill to satisfaction
  • Similar words include: sate, full, instinct
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPLETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Completely lost"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Not likely to make the first move, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quick throw
  • Similar words include: diffident, timid, unsure
  • Opposite of: confident
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Unconscious mannerism"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. German outburst"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Slightly"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Things you might see when you're not wearing glasses"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hazy or indistinct representation
  • Similar words include: slur, blur, obnubilate
  • Opposite of: focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Escape from jail"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an escape from jail
  • Similar words include: breakout, jailbreak, gaolbreak
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRISONBREAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Clickables at the top of a computer screen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bill in a restaurant
  • Similar words include: tabloid, chit, tablet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Exclamations of surprise"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: Ohio, OH, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Commercial lead-in to card"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Inundates with junk mail"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
  • Similar words include: Spam, spam, junk e-mail
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Musical instrument in the Guinness logo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
  • Similar words include: mouth organ, mouth harp, dwell
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Luxuriate in a bathtub"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid)
  • Similar words include: surcharge, sop, dowse
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "___ Window""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. South Asian dress"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Nonchalant"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very sophisticated especially because of surfeit; versed in the ways of the world
  • Similar words include: bored, worldly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Kitten's call"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
  • Similar words include: sea mew, miaou, meow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Ranch worker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
  • Similar words include: cowherd, puncher, cowpuncher
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COWHAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. [Oh, well]"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an utterance made by exhaling audibly
  • Similar words include: suspire, suspiration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Serve a jail sentence"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Dance craze of the 2010s"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Hercules had 12 of these"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
  • Similar words include: Labour, task, labor movement
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LABORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Playful aquatic animal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fur of an otter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Camera lens setting"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Emulates Big Boi and Lil' Kim"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: knap, pink, knock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Light beige"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light brown
  • Similar words include: beige
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Woods of "Legally Blonde""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Reactions to something adorable"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. "Immediately!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the momentary present
  • Similar words include: straightaway, straight off, nowadays
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. "If you ask me ...," to a texter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

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
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 05, 2026 at 10:40 AM

Sunday, May 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 17, 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. Snag 6
2A 7. Italian sparkling wine 4
3A 11. John ___, personification of Objectivism, for Ayn Rand 4
4A 15. Code for Queens-landers? 3
5A 18. ___ polaris 6
6A 19. Intl. group formed in 1945 5
7A 20. Purple dish eaten with a spoon 8
8A 22. Lottery commission? 12
9A 24. Prison terms? 8
10A 25. Smell, e.g. 5
11A 26. University of Alabama rallying cry 8
12A 28. President's middle name (accented on the first syllable) or California city (accented on the second) 6
13A 29. Shower stall? 9
14A 31. Slanted type: Abbr. 4
15A 32. Get one's feet wet? 4
16A 36. Dir. from St. Paul to Duluth 3
17A 37. Guido ___, Baroque painter from Bologna 4
18A 38. Automates? 7
19A 42. How mashed avocado might be served 9
20A 45. Acquire, in a way 5
21A 47. "Yep, noticed that" 4
22A 48. Battle cry? 7
23A 49. PC IDs 3
24A 52. What regular customers pay less for? 3
25A 53. A good Wordle starting word, by the looks of it 5
26A 54. When Memorial Day is observed 5
27A 55. Grim Grimm character 4
28A 56. Trounce 4
29A 58. Bamboozled 3
30A 59. Upscale shirtmaker 4
31A 60. Symbol of the American West 7
32A 63. Former 7
33A 65. Yellow submarine? 15
34A 69. Infantile 7
35A 72. Prepares 7
36A 73. Put on the line 4
37A 77. Mien 3
38A 78. Surname for a family of fictional Kansans 4
39A 80. One whose pride can be protective 4
40A 81. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny line) 5
41A 82. Affect emotionally 5
42A 84. Cologne conjunction 3
43A 86. Freight weight 3
44A 87. Stolen base? 7
45A 89. Pelvic parts 4
46A 90. Love, in Lyon 5
47A 92. Bit of flooring for a patio, say 9
48A 94. Blood vessel? 7
49A 96. Page (through) 4
50A 99. Org. for pugilists 3
51A 100. Go downhill, in a way 4
52A 101. Pizzeria in "Do the Right Thing" 4
53A 102. Fire starter? 9
54A 105. Showy kind of push-up 6
55A 108. Salty cheese made from sheep's milk 8
56A 109. Creature-friendly org. 5
57A 114. Padlock? 8
58A 116. Confidence men? 12
59A 118. Rock-bottom review 8
60A 119. 1957 #1 hit for Debbie Reynolds 5
61A 120. Demonstrate complete disrespect for, in a way 6
62A 121. What a clear plastic bag is not 3
63A 122. "Right now!" 4
64A 123. "Your point being?" 4
65A 124. Roxane's beloved, in classic literature 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Snag"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fault or defect in a computer program, system, or machine
  • Similar words include: bug
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Italian sparkling wine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. John ___, personification of Objectivism, for Ayn Rand"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Code for Queens-landers?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. ___ polaris"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the first light of day
  • Similar words include: sunrise, daybreak, first light
  • Opposite of: sunset
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Intl. group formed in 1945"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Purple dish eaten with a spoon"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. Lottery commission?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Prison terms?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Smell, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general conscious awareness
  • Similar words include: sensory faculty, smell out, signified
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. University of Alabama rallying cry"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. President's middle name (accented on the first syllable) or California city (accented on the second)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Shower stall?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Slanted type: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Get one's feet wet?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
  • Similar words include: Virginia Wade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "36. Dir. from St. Paul to Duluth"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point that is midway between north and northeast
  • Similar words include: north northeast, nor'-nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Guido ___, Baroque painter from Bologna"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Automates?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the eight small bones of the wrist of primates
  • Similar words include: wrist bone, carpal bone, carpal
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARPALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. How mashed avocado might be served"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Acquire, in a way"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an addition that extends a main building
  • Similar words include: extension, wing, annexe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "47. "Yep, noticed that""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Battle cry?"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
  • Similar words include: countenance, stock warrant, warranty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARRANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. PC IDs"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sciences concerned with gathering, manipulating, storing, retrieving, and classifying recorded information
  • Similar words include: information processing, informatics, IP
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. What regular customers pay less for?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  • Similar words include: brag, gasconade, flatulence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. A good Wordle starting word, by the looks of it"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
  • Similar words include: gaze
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. When Memorial Day is observed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Grim Grimm character"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: monster, demon, devil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Trounce"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Bamboozled"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: accept, cause, take
  • Opposite of: refuse, lack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Upscale shirtmaker"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Symbol of the American West"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extremely large treelike cactus of desert regions of southwestern united states having a thick columnar sparsely branched trunk bearing white flowers and edible red pulpy fruit
  • Similar words include: Carnegiea gigantea, sahuaro
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGUARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Former"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to some prior time
  • Similar words include: old, one-time, erstwhile
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONETIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Yellow submarine?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Infantile"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of a baby
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Prepares"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that poised for action
  • Similar words include: ready, set, cook
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: READIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Put on the line"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  • Similar words include: put on the line, peril, gamble
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "77. Mien"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: publicize, strain, publicise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. Surname for a family of fictional Kansans"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on beaufort scale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "80. One whose pride can be protective"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
  • Similar words include: king of beasts, Leo, Leo the Lion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "81. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny line)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "82. Affect emotionally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something coming in contact with the body
  • Similar words include: tactual sensation, tinge, disturb
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOUCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "84. Cologne conjunction"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "86. Freight weight"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
  • Similar words include: gross ton, long ton, short ton
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "87. Stolen base?"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a practical joke that involves inserting a match surreptitiously between the sole and upper of the victim's shoe and then lighting it
  • Similar words include: pelt along, bucket along, rush along
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTFOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "89. Pelvic parts"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient city in asia minor that was the site of the trojan war
  • Similar words include: Ilium, ilium, Ilion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "90. Love, in Lyon"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship
  • Similar words include: liaison, affair, intimacy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "92. Bit of flooring for a patio, say"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "94. Blood vessel?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
  • Similar words include: family relationship, affinity, relationship
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "96. Page (through)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  • Similar words include: riffle, foliage, flip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "99. Org. for pugilists"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
  • Similar words include: leucocyte, leukocyte, white corpuscle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WBC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "100. Go downhill, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sleigh, sledge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "101. Pizzeria in "Do the Right Thing""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "102. Fire starter?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "105. Showy kind of push-up"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "108. Salty cheese made from sheep's milk"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "109. Creature-friendly org."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "114. Padlock?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATTRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "116. Confidence men?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agent who engages in trust busting
  • Similar words include: trustbuster
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUSTBUSTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "118. Rock-bottom review"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "119. 1957 #1 hit for Debbie Reynolds"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plain-woven (often glazed) fabric of wool or wool and cotton used especially formerly for linings and garments and curtains
  • Similar words include: tam-o'-shanter, tam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAMMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "120. Demonstrate complete disrespect for, in a way"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "121. What a clear plastic bag is not"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artifact designed to be played with
  • Similar words include: play, fiddle, miniature
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "122. "Right now!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "123. "Your point being?""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "124. Roxane's beloved, in classic literature"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Roams (about) 4
2D 2. Entice 4
3D 3. Country with many Farsi speakers 4
4D 4. They often have AAA backing 4
5D 5. Colonial news source 5
6D 6. Iconic role for Harrison Ford 3
7D 7. "You've Really Got ___ on Me" (1960s hit) 5
8D 8. Deck application 6
9D 9. Proverbial slowpoke 6
10D 10. Iconic role for Harrison Ford 7
11D 11. Display amazement, in a way 4
12D 12. Star pitcher 3
13D 13. Mechanism for local funding 7
14D 14. Feature of the tone-deaf 6
15D 15. ___ Linda (San Bernardino suburb) 4
16D 16. Verdon of "Damn Yankees" 4
17D 17. In addition 4
18D 19. Steakhouse orders 6
19D 21. Alternative to a bouncy house 7
20D 23. Direct a smile toward 6
21D 27. Fizzling out 5
22D 30. Erelong 4
23D 31. Skating exhibitions 8
24D 32. "Holy moly!" 5
25D 33. Before, in Bordeaux 5
26D 34. Skin: Prefix 5
27D 35. Misjudgment 7
28D 39. Japanese beer brand 5
29D 40. Crazylegs Hirsch, from 1949 to 1957, informally 5
30D 41. Greta Garbo, by birth 5
31D 43. T-Swift, by another nickname 3
32D 44. Bouncing character in "The House at Pooh Corner" 6
33D 46. Yep's opposite 3
34D 50. Trim 5
35D 51. Seasoning from the ocean 7
36D 53. What some houses are built on 4
37D 55. Cask wood 3
38D 57. Prefix with -form or -verse 3
39D 60. Inept sorts 8
40D 61. One source of news 5
41D 62. Burger toppers 6
42D 64. Savings banks 7
43D 66. Lofty 4
44D 67. "Life ___ beach" 3
45D 68. Home for an 80-Across 3
46D 69. Printing technique that uses wax 5
47D 70. Garlicky spread 5
48D 71. Bear 5
49D 74. Packed like sardines, say 5
50D 75. It's a wrap 5
51D 76. Passed, as bad checks 5
52D 79. Brian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 3
53D 81. Experienced a bit of turnover? 3
54D 83. Mary ___, "The Boating Party" artist 7
55D 85. Sweet, in Seville 5
56D 87. Schmooze 6
57D 88. Back in the day 4
58D 90. Malady 7
59D 91. Do something because of 7
60D 93. A score 6
61D 95. Pollster Lou or singer Emmylou 6
62D 97. Polar wear 6
63D 98. Discussion sites 6
64D 103. ___ Beach, Calif. 5
65D 104. Hoarse 5
66D 105. Fail to mention 4
67D 106. Intl. group formed in 1949 4
68D 107. Online marketplace with personalized gifts 4
69D 108. "Hey there!" 4
70D 110. Awaken 4
71D 111. Creature-friendly org. 4
72D 112. Prefix in many Ocean Spray drink names 4
73D 113. Regarding 4
74D 115. Reggae relative 3
75D 117. Gamecocks' sch. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Roams (about)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or trembling or lightheadedness or irritability etc that has lasted for more than six months
  • Similar words include: jazz around, gallivant, spur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Entice"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
  • Similar words include: decoy, enticement, hook
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Country with many Farsi speakers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. They often have AAA backing"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
  • Similar words include: tow, towage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Colonial news source"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who weeps
  • Similar words include: weeper, town crier
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Iconic role for Harrison Ford"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
  • Similar words include: Han dynasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAN

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7D: "7. "You've Really Got ___ on Me" (1960s hit)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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8D: "8. Deck application"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of paint or varnish used to size a surface)
  • Similar words include: sealant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Proverbial slowpoke"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweater or jersey with a high close-fitting collar
  • Similar words include: capsize, turn turtle, polo-neck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Iconic role for Harrison Ford"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in midwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Hoosier State, Robert Indiana, IN
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INDIANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Display amazement, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expression of openmouthed astonishment
  • Similar words include: gawp, yaw, goggle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Star pitcher"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. Mechanism for local funding"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Feature of the tone-deaf"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. ___ Linda (San Bernardino suburb)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Verdon of "Damn Yankees""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. In addition"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. Steakhouse orders"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "21. Alternative to a bouncy house"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "23. Direct a smile toward"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "27. Fizzling out"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time when something ends
  • Similar words include: expire, give way, anxious
  • Opposite of: be born, nascent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Erelong"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

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23D: "31. Skating exhibitions"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "32. "Holy moly!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "33. Before, in Bordeaux"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "34. Skin: Prefix"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "35. Misjudgment"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christianity) holding views that disagree with accepted doctrine; especially disagreement with papal infallibility
  • Opposite of: inerrancy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRANCY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Japanese beer brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "40. Crazylegs Hirsch, from 1949 to 1957, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "41. Greta Garbo, by birth"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of sweden
  • Similar words include: swedish turnip, rutabaga plant, turnip cabbage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "43. T-Swift, by another nickname"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAY

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32D: "44. Bouncing character in "The House at Pooh Corner""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "46. Yep's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "50. Trim"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
  • Similar words include: trim, rationalize, snip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Seasoning from the ocean"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "53. What some houses are built on"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
  • Similar words include: specification
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Cask wood"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Similar words include: oak tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Prefix with -form or -verse"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "60. Inept sorts"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. One source of news"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that medium for communication
  • Similar words include: radiocommunication, tuner, radio receiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Burger toppers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: onion plant, Allium cepa, onion
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONIONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. Savings banks"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: parsimony, thrift, penny-pinching
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THRIFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "66. Lofty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lofty level or position or degree
  • Similar words include: eminent, high-pitched, highschool
  • Opposite of: low spirits, low
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "67. "Life ___ beach""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "68. Home for an 80-Across"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: hideaway, hideout, lair
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEN

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46D: "69. Printing technique that uses wax"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dyed fabric; a removable wax is used where the dye is not wanted
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATIK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "70. Garlicky spread"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that garlic mayonnaise
  • Similar words include: aioli sauce, garlic sauce
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIOLI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "71. Bear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic `reynard the fox'
  • Similar words include: brown bear, Ursus arctos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "74. Packed like sardines, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "75. It's a wrap"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
  • Similar words include: steal, slip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "76. Passed, as bad checks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that increase the amount (of a check) fraudulently
  • Similar words include: kite, kit, kit out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KITED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "79. Brian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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53D: "81. Experienced a bit of turnover?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "83. Mary ___, "The Boating Party" artist"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "85. Sweet, in Seville"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "87. Schmooze"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rub elbows with
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOBNOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "88. Back in the day"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: in one case, formerly, erstwhile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "90. Malady"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Similar words include: complaint, ill
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AILMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "91. Do something because of"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "93. A score"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
  • Similar words include: 20, xx, XX
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWENTY

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61D: "95. Pollster Lou or singer Emmylou"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states author who wrote the stories about uncle remus (1848-1908)
  • Similar words include: Townsend Harris, Zellig Sabbatai Harris, Bomber Harris
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "97. Polar wear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of heavy jacket (`windcheater' is a british term)
  • Similar words include: parka, windcheater, windbreaker
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANORAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "98. Discussion sites"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
  • Similar words include: meeting place, forum, assembly
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORUMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "103. ___ Beach, Calif."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "104. Hoarse"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
  • Similar words include: scratchy, gravelly, grating
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "105. Fail to mention"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Similar words include: overlook, overleap, leave out
  • Opposite of: attend to, include
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "106. Intl. group formed in 1949"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
  • Similar words include: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "107. Online marketplace with personalized gifts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "108. "Hey there!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "110. Awaken"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • Similar words include: stimulate, hustle, shift
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "111. Creature-friendly org."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "112. Prefix in many Ocean Spray drink names"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacity unit used for measuring fresh herring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "113. Regarding"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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74D: "115. Reggae relative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "117. Gamecocks' sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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: May 17, 2026 at 06:35 AM