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

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 06, 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. Don't believe it 3
2A 4. Soccer great Mia 4
3A 8. Prepared (for) 6
4A 14. Feature of a spy film 8
5A 16. Scalper's transaction 6
6A 17. Prairie bloom for which a creamery is named 8
7A 18. DC good guy 6
8A 19. They're found in a circle 5
9A 20. Dispensary inits. 3
10A 22. Late spring or early summer bloom 5
11A 23. Leave speechless 3
12A 24. Texter's "I can't even" 3
13A 26. In perpetuity 4
14A 28. Winter coat? 3
15A 29. Narrow margin of victory 4
16A 30. Lunchbox staple, informally 3
17A 33. All primes except 2 10
18A 37. Country nearest to the Equator without touching it 4
19A 38. Hybridized, botanically ... or like four pairs of answers in this puzzle (and the circled letters they intersect on)? 15
20A 40. "Stop right there!" 4
21A 41. "Great Scott!" 10
22A 42. Bird adapted for silent flight 3
23A 43. Charging option 4
24A 44. Deciding periods, in brief 3
25A 45. Airdrops? 4
26A 46. [I'm a good boy!] 3
27A 47. Summer cooler 3
28A 50. Movement started by Tarana Burke in 2006 5
29A 53. Dip 3
30A 55. Philosopher William of ___ 5
31A 57. Become part of a club 6
32A 59. ___ method (type of teaching) 8
33A 61. Bloom whose toxic nectar is one source of "mad honey" 6
34A 62. Flower found along a metaphorical path of ease 8
35A 63. A bad review might merit a rotten one 6
36A 64. Like some advice 4
37A 65. Manhattan liquor 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Don't believe it"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: prevarication, dwell, lie down
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Soccer great Mia"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Prepared (for)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
  • Similar words include: stimulate, stabilize, stabilise
  • Opposite of: sedate, de-energize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Feature of a spy film"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
  • Similar words include: scheme, machination, fascinate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTRIGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Scalper's transaction"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the selling of something purchased
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Prairie bloom for which a creamery is named"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sometimes placed in genus scilla
  • Similar words include: prairie gentian, Campanula rotundifolia, wood hyacinth
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLUEBELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. DC good guy"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an orderly assigned to serve a british military officer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. They're found in a circle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere
  • Similar words include: wheel spoke, radius, spoke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADII

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Dispensary inits."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Late spring or early summer bloom"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous plants widely cultivated for their showy single or double red or pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: paeony
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Leave speechless"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Texter's "I can't even""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. In perpetuity"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at any time
  • Similar words include: always, of all time, ever so
  • Opposite of: never
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Winter coat?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: meth, frappe, ice-skating rink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Narrow margin of victory"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
  • Similar words include: tomentum, pilus, hairsbreadth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Lunchbox staple, informally"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. All primes except 2"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Country nearest to the Equator without touching it"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
  • Similar words include: Republic of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Hybridized, botanically ... or like four pairs of answers in this puzzle (and the circled letters they intersect on)?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. "Stop right there!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Similar words include: stay, stanch, halting
  • Opposite of: start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Great Scott!""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Bird adapted for silent flight"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: bird of Minerva, hooter, bird of night
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Charging option"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an endorsement made in a passport that allows the bearer to enter the country issuing it
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VISA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Deciding periods, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Airdrops?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. [I'm a good boy!]"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Summer cooler"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Movement started by Tarana Burke in 2006"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Dip"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that sags
  • Similar words include: sag down, flag, swag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Philosopher William of ___"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Similar words include: Ockham, William of Occam, William of Ockham
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Become part of a club"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that register formally as a participant or member
  • Similar words include: enter, enrol, recruit
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. ___ method (type of teaching)"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to socrates or to his method of teaching
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOCRATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Bloom whose toxic nectar is one source of "mad honey""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AZALEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Flower found along a metaphorical path of ease"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous short-stemmed plants of the genus primula having tufted basal leaves and showy flowers clustered in umbels or heads
  • Similar words include: primula
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIMROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. A bad review might merit a rotten one"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Like some advice"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: salvia, sage-green
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Manhattan liquor"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: Secale cereale, rye whiskey, rye whisky
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. First sign of fall 5
2D 2. Family tree addition 5
3D 3. One of 12 in a Pulitzer-winning piece by composer/pianist William Bolcom 5
4D 4. Blossom in a lei 8
5D 5. Period in history 3
6D 6. Bed cover 5
7D 7. Scary Spice, by another nickname 4
8D 8. Texter's "just a sec" 3
9D 9. Harvesting machine 6
10D 10. Cousin of edelweiss 5
11D 11. Pattern based on nature, for short 4
12D 12. Stylish flair 4
13D 13. Turn down 4
14D 15. King, in Portuguese 3
15D 21. First word from a wedding officiant 6
16D 25. Home of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 7
17D 27. Alice, in Wonderland 7
18D 28. Part of M.I.T.: Abbr. 4
19D 29. Very, slangily 5
20D 30. Politician Buttigieg 4
21D 31. Partner of born 4
22D 32. Sport with throws 4
23D 33. Siete + uno 4
24D 34. Cry in a gunfight 4
25D 35. Cutie pie 4
26D 36. Gives a lift 6
27D 37. Besties 4
28D 39. "I'll pass" 8
29D 43. Flower found at the end of a rainbow? 6
30D 45. Cold, hard cash 5
31D 46. Ancient marketplace 5
32D 47. Company man? 5
33D 48. "Link" in a botanical chain 5
34D 49. Play the host 5
35D 50. Nitty-gritty 4
36D 51. Automaker Ferrari 4
37D 52. Airport transport 4
38D 54. Some vipers 4
39D 56. Viper, e.g. 3
40D 58. Language of Vientiane 3
41D 60. Smoke 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. First sign of fall"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in libra
  • Similar words include: Libra the Scales, Libra the Balance, Balance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Family tree addition"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. One of 12 in a Pulitzer-winning piece by composer/pianist William Bolcom"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Blossom in a lei"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant of the genus hibiscus
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIBISCUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Period in history"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: mature, historic period, maturate
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bed cover"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective covering of rotting vegetable matter spread to reduce evaporation and soil erosion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MULCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Scary Spice, by another nickname"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Texter's "just a sec""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Harvesting machine"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who helps to gather the harvest
  • Similar words include: harvester, Grim Reaper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Cousin of edelweiss"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various chiefly fall-blooming herbs of the genus aster with showy daisylike flowers
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Pattern based on nature, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
  • Similar words include: camouflage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Stylish flair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Turn down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that declare untrue; contradict
  • Similar words include: traverse, refuse, abnegate
  • Opposite of: admit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. King, in Portuguese"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. First word from a wedding officiant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a sincere and heartfelt manner
  • Similar words include: affectionately, dear, in a heartfelt way
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEARLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Home of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that largest city of tennessee; located in southwestern tennessee on bluffs overlooking the mississippi river
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMPHIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Alice, in Wonderland"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who visits
  • Similar words include: visitant
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VISITOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Part of M.I.T.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in or of the present month
  • Similar words include: instant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Very, slangily"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Politician Buttigieg"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Partner of born"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that copulate with a female, used especially of horses
  • Similar words include: engender, multiply, cover
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Sport with throws"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in japan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Siete + uno"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Cry in a gunfight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gully that is shallower than a ravine
  • Similar words include: drawing card, tie, delineate
  • Opposite of: push, deposit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Cutie pie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Similar words include: chick, bird, skirt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Gives a lift"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of giving hope or support to someone
  • Similar words include: cost increase, boost, hike up
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOSTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Besties"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: pal, brother, chum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. "I'll pass""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Flower found at the end of a rainbow?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
  • Similar words include: purplish, reddish blue, purple
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIOLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Cold, hard cash"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Ancient marketplace"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Company man?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theatrical performer
  • Similar words include: doer, thespian, role player
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. "Link" in a botanical chain"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous composite plants having flower heads with well-developed ray flowers usually arranged in a single whorl
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAISY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Play the host"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: host, compere, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Nitty-gritty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Similar words include: gist, center, sum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. Automaker Ferrari"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. Airport transport"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
  • Similar words include: trolley car, tramway, aerial tramway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. Some vipers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: asp viper, Naja haje, Vipera aspis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Viper, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: railcar, railway car, auto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Language of Vientiane"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a buddhist people inhabiting the area of the mekong river in laos and thailand and speaking the lao language; related to the thais
  • Similar words include: Laotian
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "60. Smoke"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 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: May 06, 2026 at 06:17 AM

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 04, 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. Indian megacity of 16+ million 5
2A 6. Talks too much 5
3A 11. Text initialism that's the name of a 2010 Usher hit 3
4A 14. Like some walls at Harvard and Dartmouth 5
5A 15. "Casablanca" actor's nickname 5
6A 16. Actress Long or Peeples 3
7A 17. Native American rite of passage 11
8A 19. Explosive item for Wile E. Coyote 3
9A 20. "I wish it were so" 6
10A 21. Behavioral quirk 3
11A 22. Clarified butter 4
12A 23. Roof type with removable panels 4
13A 25. Girl encouraged to wake up, in a 1957 #1 Everly Brothers hit 5
14A 27. Heartbeat tests, in brief 4
15A 30. Jewish rite of passage 10
16A 34. L.L.Bean competitor 3
17A 35. "___ of Dogs" (2018 film) 4
18A 36. Occurring at an appropriate moment 6
19A 37. N.F.L. player in a purple uniform 5
20A 39. What might help someone be loud and clear? 3
21A 41. Strong point 5
22A 42. "I'll be right with you" 6
23A 44. Screw up 4
24A 46. Lead-in to X, Y or Z 3
25A 47. Amish rite of passage 10
26A 49. More than giga-, less than peta- 4
27A 50. Really plague 5
28A 51. Each "point" of Taurus's horns, e.g. 4
29A 53. Stand up to 4
30A 55. Profs' aides 3
31A 57. Beethoven work originally titled "Bonaparte," after Napoleon 6
32A 61. Kimono sash 3
33A 62. "Seinfeld" catchphrase ... or, when parsed as three words, how a participant of 17-, 30- or 47-Across might be greeted? 11
34A 64. Dallas baller 3
35A 65. Kind of pipe or patch 5
36A 66. Like an Islay single malt, to Scotch enthusiasts 5
37A 67. Ball one or ball two? 3
38A 68. Great Plains nation 5
39A 69. Pittsburgh-based industrial giant 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Indian megacity of 16+ million"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in north central india
  • Similar words include: Old Delhi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Talks too much"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that divulge confidential information or secrets
  • Similar words include: talk, blab, tittle-tattle
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Text initialism that's the name of a 2010 Usher hit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Like some walls at Harvard and Dartmouth"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overgrown with ivy
  • Similar words include: ivy-covered
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IVIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Casablanca" actor's nickname"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spirit
  • Similar words include: bogey, bogy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOGIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Actress Long or Peeples"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Native American rite of passage"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Explosive item for Wile E. Coyote"

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!

9A: "20. "I wish it were so""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Behavioral quirk"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Clarified butter"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clarified butter used in indian cookery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Roof type with removable panels"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Girl encouraged to wake up, in a 1957 #1 Everly Brothers hit"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Heartbeat tests, in brief"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
  • Similar words include: EKG, ECG, cardiogram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EKGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Jewish rite of passage"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. L.L.Bean competitor"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. "___ of Dogs" (2018 film)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Occurring at an appropriate moment"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that before a time limit expires
  • Similar words include: seasonably, well-timed, apropos
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. N.F.L. player in a purple uniform"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail
  • Similar words include: prey, Corvus corax, pig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. What might help someone be loud and clear?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Strong point"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an asset of special worth or utility
  • Similar words include: speciality, strength, loudly
  • Opposite of: weak point, piano
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. "I'll be right with you""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Screw up"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
  • Similar words include: blunder, goofball, goose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Lead-in to X, Y or Z"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal term for information
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Amish rite of passage"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. More than giga-, less than peta-"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a three-tone chadic language
  • Similar words include: Yamaltu, Pidlimdi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Really plague"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Each "point" of Taurus's horns, e.g."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
  • Similar words include: headliner, asterisk, whizz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Stand up to"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that resist or confront with resistance
  • Similar words include: withstand, hold, refuse
  • Opposite of: lend oneself
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Profs' aides"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
  • Similar words include: tantalum, Ta, atomic number 73
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Beethoven work originally titled "Bonaparte," after Napoleon"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Kimono sash"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. "Seinfeld" catchphrase ... or, when parsed as three words, how a participant of 17-, 30- or 47-Across might be greeted?"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Dallas baller"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Kind of pipe or patch"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that eurasian rose with prickly stems and fragrant leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scarlet hips
  • Similar words include: tree heath, sweetbriar, Rosa eglanteria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Like an Islay single malt, to Scotch enthusiasts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to or of the nature of peat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEATY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Ball one or ball two?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of sight
  • Similar words include: center, heart, centre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "68. Great Plains nation"

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!

39A: "69. Pittsburgh-based industrial giant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Melodramatic sort 4
2D 2. Like Cinderella's stepmother 4
3D 3. Rapper in K-pop's Blackpink 4
4D 4. Jobs in "Heat" and "Ocean's Eleven" 6
5D 5. Lead-in to know or care 5
6D 6. Potato chip flavor, informally 3
7D 7. Ruffian 4
8D 8. Workplace concern for seniors 6
9D 9. British cookie 7
10D 10. 10 squats at the gym, perhaps 3
11D 11. Facing an imminent prospect (of) 10
12D 12. "None for you!" 4
13D 13. Right out of the ___ 4
14D 18. Rookies, to gamers 5
15D 22. Doohickey 5
16D 24. Sources of lines for a reading, maybe 4
17D 26. Like some upper lips and drinks 5
18D 27. Unforced ___ (athlete's concern) 5
19D 28. Reeves of "Hardball" 5
20D 29. "Up top!" 10
21D 31. Ruler's length? 5
22D 32. Cuff or hem, say 5
23D 33. Any of Scar's underlings in "The Lion King" 5
24D 35. Unfit for the job 5
25D 38. Bar exam component 5
26D 40. Gear parts 4
27D 43. Completely collapses 7
28D 45. Like some Quaker products 5
29D 48. Where you are when in Roma 6
30D 49. Cement spreader 6
31D 52. Snack similar to a gordita 5
32D 53. Noggin 4
33D 54. Site for online bids 4
34D 56. Foundry waste 4
35D 58. Part of a line at an Apple Store 4
36D 59. Adversary of Julius Caesar 4
37D 60. Actress Taylor-Joy of "The Gorge" 4
38D 62. "The Penguin" airer 3
39D 63. Foundry material 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Melodramatic sort"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star
  • Similar words include: prima donna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Like Cinderella's stepmother"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that morally objectionable behavior
  • Similar words include: immorality, wickedness, vicious
  • Opposite of: goodness, good
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Rapper in K-pop's Blackpink"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Jobs in "Heat" and "Ocean's Eleven""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of stealing
  • Similar words include: rip-off, armed robbery, stickup
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Lead-in to know or care"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Potato chip flavor, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ruffian"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lummox, lump, lubber
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Workplace concern for seniors"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discrimination against middle-aged and elderly people
  • Similar words include: agism
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGEISM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. British cookie"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
  • Similar words include: cooky, cookie
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BISCUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. 10 squats at the gym, perhaps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Facing an imminent prospect (of)"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "None for you!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Right out of the ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a movable barrier in a fence or wall
  • Similar words include: logic gate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Rookies, to gamers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Doohickey"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known
  • Similar words include: whatchamacallum, gadget, gismo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIZMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Sources of lines for a reading, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
  • Similar words include: medal, thenar, decoration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Like some upper lips and drinks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ordinary man
  • Similar words include: strong, cockeyed, slopped
  • Opposite of: impotent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Unforced ___ (athlete's concern)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, erroneous belief, misplay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Reeves of "Hardball""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. "Up top!""

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Ruler's length?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful
  • Similar words include: sovereignty, rule, predominate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Cuff or hem, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
  • Similar words include: neuter, vary, spay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Any of Scar's underlings in "The Lion King""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Unfit for the job"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not elegant or graceful in expression
  • Similar words include: cumbersome, ill-chosen, tactless
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Bar exam component"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Gear parts"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subordinate who performs an important but routine function
  • Similar words include: cog, sprocket
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Completely collapses"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano
  • Similar words include: crater, volcanic crater, Crater
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRATERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Like some Quaker products"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to or derived from oats
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Where you are when in Roma"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
  • Similar words include: Italy, Italian Republic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITALIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Cement spreader"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade; used for scooping or spreading plaster or similar materials
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Snack similar to a gordita"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Noggin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
  • Similar words include: noggin, attic, covered stadium
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. Site for online bids"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Foundry waste"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Part of a line at an Apple Store"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "59. Adversary of Julius Caesar"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "60. Actress Taylor-Joy of "The Gorge""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "62. "The Penguin" airer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "63. Foundry material"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 04, 2026 at 04:54 AM