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

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 26, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Number not representable by Roman numerals 4
2A 5. What's the point of bullfighting? 4
3A 9. Bryce Canyon's state 4
4A 13. What Thomas Carlyle called "the dismal science," for short 4
5A 14. Cookies featured in Weird Al's "The White Stuff" 5
6A 16. Condiment in potato salad, informally 4
7A 17. *Aids for biting 10
8A 19. Task for a line cook, informally 4
9A 20. Thus far 6
10A 21. ___ for thought 4
11A 23. Crevice 3
12A 24. Ice cream drink 4
13A 26. *Attribute for spotting what others miss 7
14A 28. What a scare might make you do 4
15A 31. Word after hand or band 3
16A 33. "That's a good tip for the future" 5
17A 34. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out" 3
18A 35. Swanky shindig 4
19A 36. Copenhagener, e.g. 4
20A 37. What the answers to the starred clues are, collectively? 15
21A 42. $50/hour, e.g. 4
22A 43. Cuisine from Bangkok 4
23A 44. It's blowing in the wind 3
24A 45. Artist with the albums "19," "21," "25" and "30" 5
25A 47. "My dear ___ ..." 3
26A 48. Online files for instruction manuals, often 4
27A 49. *Cheeky sort 7
28A 52. Rip-___ (awful deals) 4
29A 54. Pre-entree order, informally 3
30A 55. Daily delivery 4
31A 57. Declares as fact 6
32A 61. Picked out of a lineup, informally 4
33A 63. *One given to insolence 10
34A 65. Tickle Me Elmo toymaker 4
35A 66. HR-V and CR-V automaker 5
36A 67. Senior dance party 4
37A 68. Meyers of "Late Night" 4
38A 69. Within a stone's throw of 4
39A 70. Patches up, say 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Number not representable by Roman numerals"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zero in, nothing, zilch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. What's the point of bullfighting?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
  • Similar words include: French horn, trumpet, trump
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Bryce Canyon's state"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Mormon State, UT, Beehive State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. What Thomas Carlyle called "the dismal science," for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Cookies featured in Weird Al's "The White Stuff""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie, oreo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Condiment in potato salad, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egg yolks and oil and vinegar
  • Similar words include: mayonnaise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *Aids for biting"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Task for a line cook, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
  • Similar words include: homework, preparation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Thus far"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. ___ for thought"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
  • Similar words include: intellectual nourishment, food for thought, nutrient
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Crevice"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
  • Similar words include: opening, disruption, crack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ice cream drink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a milkshake made with malt powder
  • Similar words include: malt liquor, malted, malted milk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. *Attribute for spotting what others miss"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What a scare might make you do"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden and decisive increase
  • Similar words include: derail, skip over, pass over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Word after hand or band"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "That's a good tip for the future""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make mention of
  • Similar words include: renowned, notice, celebrated
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Swanky shindig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gay festivity
  • Similar words include: gala affair, jamboree, blowout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Copenhagener, e.g."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of denmark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. What the answers to the starred clues are, collectively?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. $50/hour, e.g."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
  • Similar words include: order, charge per unit, grade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Cuisine from Bangkok"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. It's blowing in the wind"

3 letters Category: Common Word

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: line, aviation, breeze
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Artist with the albums "19," "21," "25" and "30""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "My dear ___ ...""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Online files for instruction manuals, often"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. *Cheeky sort"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Rip-___ (awful deals)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kill intentionally and with premeditation
  • Similar words include: dispatch, slay, murder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Pre-entree order, informally"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Daily delivery"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
  • Similar words include: ring armor, chain armor, send
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Declares as fact"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Picked out of a lineup, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. *One given to insolence"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Tickle Me Elmo toymaker"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. HR-V and CR-V automaker"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Senior dance party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

37A: "68. Meyers of "Late Night""

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: "69. Within a stone's throw of"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: skinny, draw near, penny-pinching
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Patches up, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: run up, sew together, sew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Gusto 4
2D 2. Repetitive sound effect 4
3D 3. Highway, e.g. 4
4D 4. Way to the highway 6
5D 5. Spot to keep a passport while traveling 9
6D 6. Valuable deposit 3
7D 7. "Finding Nemo" setting 4
8D 8. Simply unacceptable 5
9D 9. M.L.B. official 3
10D 10. Customized bit of marketing 10
11D 11. "Yes, captain!" 6
12D 12. Moved like a kangaroo 6
13D 15. "If the ___ fits, wear it!" 4
14D 18. School bake sale org. 3
15D 22. Mountain visible from Anchorage 6
16D 25. Lecture 4
17D 27. "___ of your business!" 4
18D 28. Punch in the ring 3
19D 29. Game with the goal of running out of cards 3
20D 30. Huge props 10
21D 32. Desires 5
22D 35. Cheerleader's shout 6
23D 36. A little sun? 9
24D 38. Connecticut Ivy 4
25D 39. Home of Xenia, the U.S.'s largest city whose name starts with "X" 4
26D 40. Many an embedded animation 3
27D 41. Settings for "The Pitt" and "Code Black," for short 3
28D 45. Lies ahead 6
29D 46. Technique whereby a shirt is lowered into a pigmented bath 6
30D 48. Military mind games, for short 6
31D 50. Merit badge holder 4
32D 51. Schuster's partner in publishing 5
33D 53. Closest peeps 3
34D 56. Assignment at a bowling alley 4
35D 58. "You bet!" 4
36D 59. Place in an overhead bin 4
37D 60. Electrical resistance units 4
38D 62. [Facepalm] 3
39D 64. Nutritional intake amt. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Gusto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
  • Similar words include: tanginess, spice up, piquantness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Repetitive sound effect"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: replication, ring, recall
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Highway, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Way to the highway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spot to keep a passport while traveling"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Valuable deposit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Finding Nemo" setting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
  • Similar words include: Witwatersrand, Rand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Simply unacceptable"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. M.L.B. official"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official at a baseball game
  • Similar words include: umpire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Customized bit of marketing"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Yes, captain!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Moved like a kangaroo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that jump lightly
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, hop, skip
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. "If the ___ fits, wear it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
  • Similar words include: skid, horseshoe, brake shoe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. School bake sale org."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Mountain visible from Anchorage"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain in south central alaska; the highest peak in north america (20,300 feet high)
  • Similar words include: Mount McKinley, McKinley, Mt. McKinley
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exchange of ideas via conversation
  • Similar words include: spill the beans, verbalise, talking
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "___ of your business!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Punch in the ring"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: poke, jabbing, thrusting
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Game with the goal of running out of cards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Huge props"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Desires"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of extreme poverty
  • Similar words include: deprivation, desire, deficiency
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Cheerleader's shout"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. A little sun?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Connecticut Ivy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in connecticut
  • Similar words include: Yale University, Elihu Yale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Home of Xenia, the U.S.'s largest city whose name starts with "X""

4 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 River, OH, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Many an embedded animation"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Settings for "The Pitt" and "Code Black," for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: erbium, Er, atomic number 68
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Lies ahead"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look forward to the probable occurrence of
  • Similar words include: await, wait, expect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Technique whereby a shirt is lowered into a pigmented bath"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Military mind games, for short"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that military actions designed to influence the perceptions and attitudes of individuals, groups, and foreign governments
  • Similar words include: psychological operation, psyop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSYOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Merit badge holder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
  • Similar words include: cincture, waistcloth, waistband
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Schuster's partner in publishing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the twelve apostles (first century)
  • Similar words include: Herbert A. Simon, St. Simon, Paul Simon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Closest peeps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Assignment at a bowling alley"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. "You bet!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: surely, for certain, certainly
  • Opposite of: unsure, uncertain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Place in an overhead bin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill by packing tightly
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Electrical resistance units"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of electrical resistance equal to the resistance between two points on a conductor when a potential difference of one volt between them produces a current of one ampere
  • Similar words include: ohm, Ohm, Georg Simon Ohm
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. [Facepalm]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
  • Similar words include: do, ut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Nutritional intake amt."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

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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: May 26, 2026 at 06:59 AM

Friday, February 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 13, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Org. with checkpoints 3
2A 4. Poke accompaniment, at times 4
3A 8. Shoe-shaping tools 5
4A 13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!" 8
5A 15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween 7
6A 17. Skating venue 8
7A 18. "Thumbs-down from me" 7
8A 19. Bonkers 5
9A 20. A little sore, say 6
10A 22. It's what you should take, in brief 3
11A 23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans 4
12A 24. Went after 6
13A 25. Catches 4
14A 26. Casual assent 3
15A 27. Dating qualifier 5
16A 28. Really fancy? 5
17A 29. They don't give you the full picture 13
18A 32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017 14
19A 34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest 13
20A 35. Le contraire de "après" 5
21A 36. Clear a sentence? 5
22A 37. "Girl!" 3
23A 40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks 4
24A 41. Someone singing "Something" 6
25A 43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often 4
26A 44. Counsel council, for short 3
27A 45. Gives a wave, maybe 6
28A 46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna 5
29A 47. Research scientist's jotting 7
30A 49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe 8
31A 51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden" 7
32A 52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch 8
33A 53. Provincetown catch 5
34A 54. Hit's counterpart 4
35A 55. Spots 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Org. with checkpoints"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Poke accompaniment, at times"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Shoe-shaping tools"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: last, hold up, conclusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Skating venue"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. "Thumbs-down from me""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Bonkers"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. A little sore, say"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be annoyed
  • Similar words include: pissed off, steamed, stung
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIFFED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It's what you should take, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Went after"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go after with the intent to catch
  • Similar words include: tail, chase after, chase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Catches"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: cop, pick up, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Casual assent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. Dating qualifier"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Really fancy?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COVET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "29. They don't give you the full picture"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVIETRAILERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINNESOTANICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Le contraire de "après""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Clear a sentence?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: efface, wipe off, wipe out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "37. "Girl!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: sister, SI, silicon
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Someone singing "Something""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
  • Similar words include: Zn, atomic number 30
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZINC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Counsel council, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Gives a wave, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "47. Research scientist's jotting"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Provincetown catch"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flesh of young atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds; also young haddock and pollock; often broiled
  • Similar words include: schrod
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Hit's counterpart"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuing or remaining in a place or state
  • Similar words include: continue, stop, ride out
  • Opposite of: change, depart
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Spots"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertizing, ad, advertising
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Widget 6
2D 2. Guarded 6
3D 3. It's handled at the bar 6
4D 4. One with a burning passion? 4
5D 5. Bishop's locale 3
6D 6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance 9
7D 7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk 12
8D 8. ___ experience 5
9D 9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly 4
10D 10. Group of reps 3
11D 11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it 8
12D 12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In" 8
13D 14. Many a bonny bairn 4
14D 15. Sharp wind? 4
15D 16. Offerings at a reception 6
16D 21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions? 12
17D 24. Saves for later, in a way 5
18D 25. "Seriously!" 5
19D 27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas" 5
20D 28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs 5
21D 29. Spiritual sustenance 5
22D 30. Sped right through the stop signal 9
23D 31. Pop up 5
24D 32. Ones offering cheap shots? 8
25D 33. How the Quran is written 8
26D 34. Honolulu thank you 6
27D 37. Ferruginous pigment 6
28D 38. Close (with) 6
29D 39. Puts down 6
30D 41. Like some breath 5
31D 42. Blinkers? 4
32D 43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows 4
33D 45. Word with guitar or go 4
34D 46. Historic event the French call "le jour J" 4
35D 48. "___ I!" (negative reply) 3
36D 50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Widget"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Guarded"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that get by special effort
  • Similar words include: unattackable, insure, procure
  • Opposite of: insecure, unfasten
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. It's handled at the bar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. One with a burning passion?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bishop's locale"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: find out, determine, get wind
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. ___ experience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of
  • Similar words include: exist, be, know
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Group of reps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In""

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Many a bonny bairn"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: jeune fille, lassie, young girl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Sharp wind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "16. Offerings at a reception"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slices of bread that have been toasted
  • Similar words include: crisp, wassail, salute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions?"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Saves for later, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. "Seriously!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sorceress who detained odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIRCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Spiritual sustenance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hardened sugary exudation of various trees
  • Similar words include: manna from heaven, miraculous food
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Sped right through the stop signal"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Pop up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: originate, come up, rise up
  • Opposite of: turn in, go to bed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Ones offering cheap shots?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. How the Quran is written"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "34. Honolulu thank you"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Ferruginous pigment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an earth color containing ferric oxides; used as a pigment
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIENNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "38. Close (with)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "39. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  • Similar words include: turn down, contemn, spurn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Like some breath"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
  • Similar words include: bate, clobber, bat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Blinkers?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: oculus, centre, center
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that originally a stronghold captured by david (the 2nd king of the israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of jerusalem
  • Similar words include: Yisrael, Utopia, State of Israel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "45. Word with guitar or go"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: alone, unaccompanied
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "46. Historic event the French call "le jour J""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "48. "___ I!" (negative reply)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization of islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular algerian regime and replace it with an islamic state
  • Similar words include: Armed Islamic Group
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIA

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

35 Across Clues
36 Down Clues
71 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: February 13, 2026 at 05:07 AM