Search Clues

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

Monday, October 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 12, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Let's not forget ..." 4
2A 5. Singer/actress Bareilles 4
3A 9. First part of a musical 4
4A 13. Close by 4
5A 14. Post-bath wrap 5
6A 15. Vegetable on a cob 4
7A 16. Electric vehicle from Japan 10
8A 18. God with a bow and arrow 4
9A 19. Brief 5
10A 20. Investment option for old age, in brief 3
11A 22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr. 3
12A 23. Signaling, as a performer 5
13A 24. Total mess 9
14A 27. Contents of a sleeve 3
15A 28. Birthstones for some Libras 5
16A 30. Quick kiss 4
17A 31. Movie princess with "space buns" 4
18A 33. Rapper ___ Kim 3
19A 34. Mercury, Venus or Mars 5
20A 35. Unpredictable emotional shift 9
21A 38. Striped kitty 5
22A 40. Main element in pewter 3
23A 41. "No ___, no foul" 4
24A 45. Olympic sword with a guarded tip 4
25A 46. Thick heads of hair 5
26A 48. Furious 3
27A 49. Celtics legend nicknamed "The Hick from French Lick" 9
28A 51. Kicks off, as a concert 5
29A 53. Singer Grande, informally 3
30A 54. Part of the Holy Trinity 3
31A 55. Tony winner Menzel 5
32A 56. ___-Cola 4
33A 58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found 10
34A 62. Those, in Spanish 4
35A 63. Lollipop holder 5
36A 64. Great Plains tribe 4
37A 65. "Late Night" host Meyers 4
38A 66. ___ off (miffed) 4
39A 67. Little kid 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Let's not forget ...""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Singer/actress Bareilles"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. First part of a musical"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Close by"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: most, cheeseparing, close
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Post-bath wrap"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Vegetable on a cob"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears: widely cultivated in america in many varieties; the principal cereal in mexico and central and south america since pre-columbian times
  • Similar words include: corn whiskey, Zea mays, edible corn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Electric vehicle from Japan"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. God with a bow and arrow"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
  • Similar words include: physical attraction, sexual desire, concupiscence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Brief"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the location on a baseball field where the shortstop is stationed
  • Similar words include: myopic, poor, curtly
  • Opposite of: retentive, long
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Investment option for old age, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: Irish Republican Army, Provos, Provisional IRA
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Signaling, as a performer"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist (somebody acting or reciting) by suggesting the next words of something forgotten or imperfectly learned
  • Similar words include: cue, remind, prompt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Total mess"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Contents of a sleeve"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
  • Similar words include: build up, fortify, branch
  • Opposite of: disarm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Birthstones for some Libras"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
  • Similar words include: opal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Quick kiss"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: batch, peck at, hatful
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Movie princess with "space buns""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Rapper ___ Kim"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Mercury, Venus or Mars"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
  • Similar words include: immortal, god, divinity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Unpredictable emotional shift"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Striped kitty"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cat with a grey or tawny coat mottled with black
  • Similar words include: tabby cat, brindle, brinded
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Main element in pewter"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Similar words include: cannister, atomic number 50, tin can
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. "No ___, no foul""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
  • Similar words include: scathe, hurt, impairment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Olympic sword with a guarded tip"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Thick heads of hair"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a persian prophet who founded manichaeism (216-276)
  • Similar words include: head of hair, mane, man
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Furious"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
  • Similar words include: demented, disturbed, delirious
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Celtics legend nicknamed "The Hick from French Lick""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Kicks off, as a concert"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: unfold, spread out, out-of-doors
  • Opposite of: close, fold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Singer Grande, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Part of the Holy Trinity"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, boy, Word
  • Opposite of: girl, daughter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Tony winner Menzel"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. ___-Cola"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a south american shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the andes; a source of cocaine
  • Similar words include: Imogene Coca, coca plant, Erythroxylon coca
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Those, in Spanish"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Lollipop holder"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement consisting of a length of wood
  • Similar words include: wedge, baffle, pin
  • Opposite of: dislodge, move
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Great Plains tribe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

37A: "65. "Late Night" host Meyers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "66. ___ off (miffed)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place on a tee
  • Similar words include: tee up, tee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "67. Little kid"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native of yorkshire
  • Similar words include: nestling, shaver, tike
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Tom Lake" novelist Patchett 3
2D 2. It isn't working 7
3D 3. Raw fish dish at a Japanese restaurant 7
4D 4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles 5
5D 5. Sun, in Spanish 3
6D 6. Astounded state 3
7D 7. Shows again, as a broadcast 6
8D 8. "Clemency" actress Woodard 5
9D 9. Card that may be hidden "up one's sleeve" 3
10D 10. "You're right!" 7
11D 11. Russian revolutionary Leon 7
12D 12. City map next to a state map, e.g. 5
13D 14. Explosive block in Minecraft 3
14D 17. Mythical Greek ship 4
15D 21. Tree with "quaking" leaves 5
16D 23. Baseball great Ripken 3
17D 24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved 4
18D 25. Outstanding athlete 7
19D 26. Sound from the horse's mouth 5
20D 29. Cunning tactic 4
21D 32. "Jurassic Park" insect casing 5
22D 34. Eat by candlelight, say 4
23D 36. Follows an order 5
24D 37. Sailboat propeller 4
25D 38. Hybrid flower named after a drink 7
26D 39. Kind of jam in a Sacher torte 7
27D 42. In-room safe or a chocolate on the pillow, say 7
28D 43. Went hog wild 7
29D 44. Some E.R. workers 3
30D 46. Time piece? 6
31D 47. Sweet, fizzy drink 4
32D 49. Roller skate strings 5
33D 50. Give a leg up 5
34D 52. Amelia Earhart, for one 5
35D 55. Squid's defensive output 3
36D 57. Residue on a grill 3
37D 59. Reason for overtime 3
38D 60. Anxious condition, in brief 3
39D 61. Hive occupant 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "Tom Lake" novelist Patchett"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. It isn't working"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time available for ease and relaxation
  • Similar words include: leisure time
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEISURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Raw fish dish at a Japanese restaurant"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thinly sliced raw fish
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASHIMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Sun, in Spanish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Similar words include: soh, so, colloidal suspension
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Astounded state"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: veneration, reverence, fear
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Shows again, as a broadcast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Clemency" actress Woodard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Card that may be hidden "up one's sleeve""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: 1, wizard, super
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "You're right!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make right or correct
  • Similar words include: make up, objurgate, counterbalance
  • Opposite of: incorrect, wrong
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORRECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Russian revolutionary Leon"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that russian revolutionary and communist theorist who helped lenin and built up the army; he was ousted from the communist party by stalin and eventually assassinated in mexico (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Lev Davidovich Bronstein, Leon Trotsky
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROTSKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. City map next to a state map, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
  • Similar words include: gusset, insert
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Explosive block in Minecraft"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Mythical Greek ship"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly a large constellation in the southern hemisphere between canis major and the southern cross; now divided into carina and pyxis and puppis and vela
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Tree with "quaking" leaves"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Baseball great Ripken"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female domestic
  • Similar words include: maidservant, amah, housemaid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Outstanding athlete"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Sound from the horse's mouth"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the characteristic sounds made by a horse
  • Similar words include: whinny, nicker, whicker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Cunning tactic"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker
  • Similar words include: stratagem, gambit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. "Jurassic Park" insect casing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep yellow color
  • Similar words include: gold, brownish-yellow, yellow-brown
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Eat by candlelight, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Follows an order"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Similar words include: obey
  • Opposite of: disobey
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Sailboat propeller"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
  • Similar words include: wind instrument, wrap, twist
  • Opposite of: unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hybrid flower named after a drink"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Kind of jam in a Sacher torte"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
  • Similar words include: peach, yellowish pink, apricot tree
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APRICOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. In-room safe or a chocolate on the pillow, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pleasantness resulting from agreeable conditions
  • Similar words include: agreeableness
  • Opposite of: disagreeableness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Went hog wild"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Some E.R. workers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (md is the current symbol for mendelevium but mv was formerly the symbol)
  • Similar words include: Free State, atomic number 101, Mv
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Time piece?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  • Similar words include: minute of arc, infinitesimal, instant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Sweet, fizzy drink"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: soda ash, sal soda, sodium carbonate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Roller skate strings"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Similar words include: intertwine, plait, twine
  • Opposite of: untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Give a leg up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of giving hope or support to someone
  • Similar words include: rise, hike up, encourage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Amelia Earhart, for one"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
  • Similar words include: pilot burner, buffer, pilot program
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Squid's defensive output"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Residue on a grill"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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!

37D: "59. Reason for overtime"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Anxious condition, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Hive occupant"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEE

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

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: October 12, 2026 at 11:07 AM

Sunday, September 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 20, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Special-ordered 6
2A 7. Sections of a circle's circumference 4
3A 11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue 7
4A 18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl" 7
5A 20. Coaster feature, maybe 4
6A 21. Assembles in proper order 8
7A 22. Mar, as a reputation 7
8A 23. See 25-Across 4
9A 24. Maligns 8
10A 25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round 8
11A 27. Mouths (off) 6
12A 29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A. 5
13A 30. Burnable bog stuff 4
14A 31. Burnt chimney stuff 4
15A 33. High-speed Olympic sport 4
16A 34. See 37-Across 3
17A 35. One who might have perfect pitch? 5
18A 37. With 34-Across, full extent of something 15
19A 43. "Holy moly!" 3
20A 45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo 3
21A 46. Red-coated cheese 4
22A 47. "___ funny!" 3
23A 48. Bigwig 7
24A 52. Own (up) 4
25A 55. It's off the wall! 8
26A 57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties 3
27A 58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball 5
28A 60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr. 3
29A 62. See 64-Across 5
30A 63. Chew the fat 3
31A 64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me" 10
32A 67. Noted exile isle 4
33A 69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short 3
34A 71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance 5
35A 72. Native Nebraskans 5
36A 75. See 78-Across 3
37A 76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z" 4
38A 78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!" 10
39A 81. Hold up 3
40A 83. Narnia or Neverland 5
41A 86. Give it a whirl 3
42A 87. Violinmaker of Cremona 5
43A 88. Letters from your folks? 3
44A 89. "So cool!" 8
45A 92. Follower of John in the New Testament 4
46A 94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking 7
47A 96. Greatest guy? 3
48A 97. See 101-Across 4
49A 98. Vent 3
50A 100. Part of SCOTUS 3
51A 101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine 15
52A 107. No-cash deal 5
53A 111. Lay off 3
54A 112. Culprit, in police lingo 4
55A 113. Modern pentathlon equipment 4
56A 115. Metaphor for a too-hot room 4
57A 116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes 5
58A 118. Ill will 6
59A 120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle? 8
60A 122. Weigh down, and then some 8
61A 124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically 4
62A 126. Armand of "American Gangster" 7
63A 127. Many mailbox stuffers 8
64A 128. Zest 4
65A 129. Iced tea request 7
66A 130. Clumsy 7
67A 131. Move fast, as a cloud 4
68A 132. Road trip stopovers 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Special-ordered"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accepted or habitual practice
  • Similar words include: tradition, usage, customs duty
  • Opposite of: ready-made
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUSTOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Sections of a circle's circumference"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Similar words include: spark, arch, discharge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Coaster feature, maybe"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: curl, grummet, intertwine
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Assembles in proper order"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compare critically; of texts
  • Similar words include: collate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLLATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "22. Mar, as a reputation"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
  • Similar words include: stain, defile, maculate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARNISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "23. See 25-Across"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
  • Similar words include: Little Joe, quaternion, quadruplet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Maligns"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
  • Similar words include: defame, besmirch, slander
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPERSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Mouths (off)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain
  • Similar words include: mouth off, spurt, rabbit on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agreement for free trade between the united states and canada and mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
  • Similar words include: North American Free Trade Agreement
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAFTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Burnable bog stuff"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Burnt chimney stuff"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
  • Similar words include: smut, carbon black, crock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. High-speed Olympic sport"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a racing sled for one or two people
  • Similar words include: toboggan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. See 37-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ii, II, deuce
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. One who might have perfect pitch?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose business is advertising
  • Similar words include: advertiser, advertizer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. With 34-Across, full extent of something"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. "Holy moly!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Similar words include: divinity, deity, immortal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
  • Similar words include: sight, sleuth, stag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Red-coated cheese"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "___ funny!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Similar words include: as well, excessively, to a fault
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Bigwig"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: genius, superstar, champion
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTSHOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Own (up)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield
  • Similar words include: fesse, Fes, Fez
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. It's off the wall!"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a glancing rebound
  • Similar words include: rebound, recoil, carom
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICOCHET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surgical resection of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway; intended to cure extreme cases of snoring (with or without sleep apnea)
  • Similar words include: palatopharyngoplasty, UPPP, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PPP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. See 64-Across"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: 3, triad, trinity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Chew the fat"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yakety-yak, Bos grunniens, cackle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Noted exile isle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: precede, direct, moderate
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in missouri in the valleys of the missouri and osage rivers; oil was found on osage lands early in the 20th century
  • Similar words include: Osage River
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Native Nebraskans"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

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: Otoe, Oto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. See 78-Across"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: half a dozen, half-dozen, sextet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of children's books (1856-1919)
  • Similar words include: Lyman Frank Brown, Frank Baum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!""

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "81. Hold up"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "83. Narnia or Neverland"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domain in which something is dominant
  • Similar words include: region, land, kingdom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "86. Give it a whirl"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  • Similar words include: sample, render, stress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "87. Violinmaker of Cremona"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian violin maker in cremona; taught the craft to guarneri and stradivari (1596-1684)
  • Similar words include: Nicola Amati, Nicolo Amati
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "88. Letters from your folks?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "89. "So cool!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "92. Follower of John in the New Testament"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "96. Greatest guy?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Marcellus Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. See 101-Across"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cipher, zero point, goose egg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "98. Vent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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: beam, publicise, broadcast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "100. Part of SCOTUS"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "107. No-cash deal"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
  • Similar words include: swap, trade wind, merchandise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "111. Lay off"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: displace, buns, fanny
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. Culprit, in police lingo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "113. Modern pentathlon equipment"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "115. Metaphor for a too-hot room"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "118. Ill will"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Similar words include: spitefulness, malevolence, spite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  • Similar words include: power, index, advocator
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPONENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "122. Weigh down, and then some"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical load that exceeds the available electrical power
  • Similar words include: surcharge, overcharge, clog
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERLOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that installation from which a military force initiates operations
  • Similar words include: base of operations, Qaeda, alkali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "126. Armand of "American Gangster""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "127. Many mailbox stuffers"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "128. Zest"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: dash, ardor, style
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "129. Iced tea request"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "130. Clumsy"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing inconvenience
  • Similar words include: inept, ill-chosen, embarrassing
  • Opposite of: graceful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWKWARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "131. Move fast, as a cloud"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
  • Similar words include: flash, shoot, scudding
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "132. Road trip stopovers"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor hotel
  • Similar words include: motel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Pampering place for a Persian 6
2D 2. Not impressed 6
3D 3. Watch via Hulu, say 6
4D 4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic") 8
5D 5. "I'll deal with this right now!" 4
6D 6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle 5
7D 7. Sitcom character from Melmac 3
8D 8. Aussie animals 4
9D 9. Item 6
10D 10. Alfalfa shoot 6
11D 11. Stockholder's setback 4
12D 12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn 3
13D 13. Not merely enough to go around 10
14D 14. Island containing Kiribati's capital 6
15D 15. "Don't pay any mind to this" 14
16D 16. Zoom, e.g. 4
17D 17. Feminine pronoun in Florence 4
18D 19. "Would you look at that!" 5
19D 21. Wedding reception hiree 7
20D 26. Partner of aahs 4
21D 28. "So-o-o gross!" 3
22D 32. A-one 9
23D 36. With nary a chance 5
24D 38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers 3
25D 39. Make a long story short, say 4
26D 40. Individually 4
27D 41. Female rabbit 3
28D 42. Elbow-bender 3
29D 44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells" 5
30D 48. "Sup!" 3
31D 49. Sonicare competitor 5
32D 50. Reschedule, so to speak 14
33D 51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind? 4
34D 53. Letters on a lip balm tube 3
35D 54. Scare stiff 5
36D 56. Some old Disney collectibles 4
37D 59. Arriving by 4
38D 61. Tables 9
39D 65. Stiller's comedic partner 5
40D 66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps 4
41D 68. Electrical impulse transmitters 5
42D 70. Face off 4
43D 73. Catchall abbr. 4
44D 74. Priced to be, as bail 5
45D 77. Fortified wine from Spain 10
46D 79. Home of NoHo and SoHo 3
47D 80. "Catch ya in the morn!" 5
48D 82. Main squeeze, in newer slang 3
49D 84. Lascivious look 4
50D 85. Old-timey teacher 4
51D 89. Sped or bled ... or led 3
52D 90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker) 3
53D 91. Pointe shoe accessories 7
54D 93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning" 3
55D 95. Balloon pilot, say 8
56D 99. Worth a pick? 4
57D 102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say 6
58D 103. State with only three counties: Abbr. 3
59D 104. Illegal offerings 6
60D 105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives 6
61D 106. Star football player? 5
62D 108. Get even for 6
63D 109. Kind of insurance for bridges 6
64D 110. Types in 6
65D 114. Surrey's Derby town 5
66D 116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana 4
67D 117. Say for sure 4
68D 118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints 4
69D 119. Father of five sons in the Bible 4
70D 121. ___ buco 4
71D 123. Adornment on a boathouse wall 3
72D 125. Heel, e.g. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Pampering place for a Persian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not impressed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Opposite of: awed
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNAWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Watch via Hulu, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: rain cats and dogs, well out, pelt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic")"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "I'll deal with this right now!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sitcom character from Melmac"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Aussie animals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Item"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair who associate with one another
  • Similar words include: pair, mate, mates
  • Opposite of: uncouple
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Alfalfa shoot"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any new growth of a plant such as a new branch or a bud
  • Similar words include: shoot, bourgeon, pullulate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPROUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Stockholder's setback"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is lost
  • Similar words include: passing, personnel casualty, red ink
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any high mountain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Not merely enough to go around"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Island containing Kiribati's capital"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that national capital of kiribati
  • Similar words include: Bairiki, Tarawa-Makin, Makin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARAWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. "Don't pay any mind to this""

14 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Zoom, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: see, contact, satisfy
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Feminine pronoun in Florence"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. "Would you look at that!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "21. Wedding reception hiree"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who provides food and service (as for a party)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATERER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Partner of aahs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh, aah
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. "So-o-o gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. A-one"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. With nary a chance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in no manner; in no way
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Make a long story short, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, redact, blue-pencil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Individually"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • Similar words include: from each one, apiece, for each one
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Female rabbit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: Energy, Department of Energy, Energy Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Elbow-bender"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic drinker
  • Similar words include: wino, rummy, inebriate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. "Sup!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Sonicare competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Reschedule, so to speak"

14 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Letters on a lip balm tube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: sun protection factor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Scare stiff"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
  • Similar words include: creep, shade, weirdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Some old Disney collectibles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Arriving by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Tables"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Stiller's comedic partner"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Electrical impulse transmitters"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
  • Similar words include: axone, axon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "70. Face off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
  • Similar words include: affaire d'honneur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "73. Catchall abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "74. Priced to be, as bail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "77. Fortified wine from Spain"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very dry pale sherry from spain
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANZANILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "79. Home of NoHo and SoHo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "80. "Catch ya in the morn!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
  • Similar words include: nighttime, dark, Nox
  • Opposite of: day
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "82. Main squeeze, in newer slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "84. Lascivious look"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  • Similar words include: sneer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "85. Old-timey teacher"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "89. Sped or bled ... or led"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Similar words include: lean, head for the hills, consort
  • Opposite of: idle, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "91. Pointe shoe accessories"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "95. Balloon pilot, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who operates an aircraft
  • Similar words include: aviator, flier, flyer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERONAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "99. Worth a pick?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: mature, advanced, good
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "103. State with only three counties: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "104. Illegal offerings"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
  • Similar words include: bribe, payoff, grease one's palms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "106. Star football player?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of texas
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEXAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "108. Get even for"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take revenge for a perceived wrong
  • Similar words include: revenge, retaliate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVENGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "109. Kind of insurance for bridges"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
  • Similar words include: dental consonant, alveolar, alveolar consonant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "110. Types in"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to come or go into
  • Similar words include: accede, enroll, introduce
  • Opposite of: drop out, exit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "114. Surrey's Derby town"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "117. Say for sure"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Similar words include: swan, affirm, swear
  • Opposite of: disavow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "119. Father of five sons in the Bible"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "121. ___ buco"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "123. Adornment on a boathouse wall"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

72D: "125. Heel, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: stop, remainder, final stage
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

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

68 Across Clues
72 Down Clues
140 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: September 20, 2026 at 08:42 AM