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

Monday, May 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 18, 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. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout 4
2A 5. Luxury handbag brand 5
3A 10. Petri dish gel 4
4A 14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024 4
5A 15. Stereotypical meal for a college student 5
6A 16. "Veni, ___, vici" 4
7A 17. Like the Code of Hammurabi 10
8A 19. Enterprise rival 4
9A 20. Got to one's feet 5
10A 21. Elmer's product 4
11A 23. "There's a cockroach!" 3
12A 24. Patch up some clothes, say 3
13A 25. Pioneering hybrid car 11
14A 29. Pouty expression 4
15A 30. Future atty.'s exam 4
16A 31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie" 4
17A 34. Tackling of the quarterback 4
18A 37. Nebraska's largest city 5
19A 40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe 15
20A 43. Fibrous part of broccoli 5
21A 44. Nothin' 4
22A 45. Cool, slangily 4
23A 46. "___ Calm and Carry On" 4
24A 48. Region 4
25A 50. Gardener's tool 11
26A 54. Kit ___ bar 3
27A 57. Woodcutter's tool 3
28A 58. Beauty queen's accessory 4
29A 59. Garlicky condiment 5
30A 61. Eye irritation 4
31A 63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across 10
32A 66. ___ leches cake 4
33A 67. Oopsie 5
34A 68. Lotion ingredient 4
35A 69. Toward sunrise 4
36A 70. "Same!" 5
37A 71. Stereotypically antisocial pets 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
  • Similar words include: trussed, draw, bind
  • Opposite of: untied, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Luxury handbag brand"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Petri dish gel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
  • Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Stereotypical meal for a college student"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Veni, ___, vici""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Like the Code of Hammurabi"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inhabitant of ancient babylon
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYLONIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Enterprise rival"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Got to one's feet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: get up, grow, rise up
  • Opposite of: sit down, fall
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Elmer's product"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
  • Similar words include: gum, paste, mucilage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "There's a cockroach!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Patch up some clothes, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Pioneering hybrid car"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Pouty expression"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disdainful grimace
  • Similar words include: pout, wry face
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Future atty.'s exam"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Tackling of the quarterback"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
  • Similar words include: paper bag, poke, sacking
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Nebraska's largest city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Fibrous part of broccoli"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  • Similar words include: stem, husk, angry walk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Nothin'"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cypher, nil, null
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Cool, slangily"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for marijuana
  • Similar words include: the skinny, Mary Jane, dope up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. "___ Calm and Carry On""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the financial means whereby one lives
  • Similar words include: livelihood, dungeon, hold on
  • Opposite of: discontinue, break
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Region"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Gardener's tool"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Kit ___ bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
  • Similar words include: cat, African tea, qat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Woodcutter's tool"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Beauty queen's accessory"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Garlicky condiment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Eye irritation"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: eye infection, sty, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. ___ leches cake"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Oopsie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

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!

34A: "68. Lotion ingredient"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Toward sunrise"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: Orient, E, eastern United States
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. "Same!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Stereotypically antisocial pets"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: throw up, CT, computerized tomography
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large brass instruments 5
2D 2. "You have my sympathy" 5
3D 3. Macaroni shape 5
4D 4. 14 of these make up a fortnight 4
5D 5. Con's opposite 3
6D 6. Sprinted 3
7D 7. Friend in Mexico 5
8D 8. Gave out cards 5
9D 9. Zinnia or sunflower 6
10D 10. Director DuVernay 3
11D 11. Attempt something 9
12D 12. "Au revoir!" 5
13D 13. Puts on the line 5
14D 18. Oscar winner Jared 4
15D 22. English town famous for its salts 5
16D 26. Throw out of office 4
17D 27. Long (for) 5
18D 28. Holiday Inn competitor 6
19D 29. Sent by post 6
20D 31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief 3
21D 32. Puppy school command 3
22D 33. Roll of two ones 9
23D 35. "Ta-ta," in a text 3
24D 36. Camera company known for its "moments" 5
25D 38. With it 3
26D 39. Unreturned serve 3
27D 41. Distorts, as data 5
28D 42. Ticket price 4
29D 47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example 6
30D 49. Chapters of history 4
31D 50. Squander 5
32D 51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang 5
33D 52. Houston baseballer 5
34D 53. Swiss ___ (salad green) 5
35D 54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear" 5
36D 55. Apportion 5
37D 56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game 5
38D 60. Apple desktop 4
39D 62. Superlative suffix 3
40D 64. Down Under bounder, for short 3
41D 65. Prefix between bi- and tetra- 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large brass instruments"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest brass wind instrument
  • Similar words include: bass horn, tuba, sousaphone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "You have my sympathy""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Macaroni shape"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
  • Similar words include: human elbow, cubital joint, articulatio cubiti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELBOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. 14 of these make up a fortnight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time during which someone's life continues
  • Similar words include: Day, daylight, Clarence Day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Con's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an athlete who plays for pay
  • Similar words include: professional
  • Opposite of: amateur, anti
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Sprinted"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Friend in Mexico"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friend or comrade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMIGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Gave out cards"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
  • Similar words include: take, grapple, cover
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Zinnia or sunflower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
  • Similar words include: one-year, yearbook, yearly
  • Opposite of: biennial
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Attempt something"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Au revoir!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: cheerio, bye, au revoir
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Puts on the line"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  • Similar words include: risk of exposure, take chances, risk of infection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Oscar winner Jared"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wife or mistress of zeus and mother of apollo and artemis in ancient mythology; called latona in roman mythology
  • Similar words include: Latona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. English town famous for its salts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Throw out of office"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from a position or office
  • Similar words include: throw out, boot out, drum out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Long (for)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that desire strongly or persistently
  • Similar words include: hanker, pine, ache
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Holiday Inn competitor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Sent by post"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that send via the postal service
  • Similar words include: get off, mail-clad, mail
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Puppy school command"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: model, sit around, baby-sit
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Roll of two ones"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. "Ta-ta," in a text"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Camera company known for its "moments""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. With it"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
  • Similar words include: hip joint, coxa, articulatio coxae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Unreturned serve"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Distorts, as data"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn or place at an angle
  • Similar words include: skew
  • Opposite of: align
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Ticket price"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agenda of things to do
  • Similar words include: menu, make out, come
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: phase angle, form, phase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Chapters of history"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Squander"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
  • Similar words include: wild, consume, thriftlessness
  • Opposite of: conserve
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Houston baseballer"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Swiss ___ (salad green)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beet lacking swollen root; grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks
  • Similar words include: spinach beet, Swiss chard, leaf beet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
  • Similar words include: kangaroo bear, native bear, koala bear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Apportion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that allow to have
  • Similar words include: dish out, accord, assign
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
  • Similar words include: roofing tile, tile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Apple desktop"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Superlative suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Down Under bounder, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. Prefix between bi- and tetra-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

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Last updated: May 18, 2026 at 07:10 AM

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 03, 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. Daytona 500 org. 6
2A 7. Cloth shopping bags 5
3A 12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say 3
4A 15. "Their exact words were ..." 6
5A 16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops 5
6A 17. "Sex and the City" network 3
7A 18. Narrow, focused perspective 12
8A 20. "___ for one and one for ___!" 3
9A 21. E, on a compass 4
10A 22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin" 4
11A 23. Assigned a job 6
12A 25. Pizzeria fixtures 5
13A 27. Blackjack player's request 5
14A 28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953 7
15A 31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?" 7
16A 33. Ballet dancer's handrail 5
17A 34. Unaccompanied 4
18A 35. "You can say ___ again!" 4
19A 37. Place for a seaweed body wrap 3
20A 38. Sign near a freshly applied coat 8
21A 42. Number represented by candles on a cake 3
22A 43. Toe treatment, in brief 4
23A 45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac) 4
24A 46. ''You win! I give up!'' 5
25A 48. One might be sworn to it 7
26A 50. Golf count 7
27A 52. Dog harness attachment 5
28A 53. Beyond well-done 5
29A 54. Maker of skintight swimwear 6
30A 56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang 4
31A 57. "Very funny!" 4
32A 61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short 3
33A 62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle 12
34A 65. Any number raised to the 0th power 3
35A 66. "Say cheese!" 5
36A 67. People with custody of things, typically 6
37A 68. Toothpaste type 3
38A 69. Evil spells 5
39A 70. Feel remorse about 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Daytona 500 org."

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Cloth shopping bags"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: add, add together, tally
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: seat, sit around, Saturday
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Their exact words were ...""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. "Sex and the City" network"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Narrow, focused perspective"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "___ for one and one for ___!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: altogether, whole, totally
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. E, on a compass"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: due east, eastward, E
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IAGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Assigned a job"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a task to
  • Similar words include: task, tax
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Pizzeria fixtures"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Similar words include: oven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Blackjack player's request"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Ballet dancer's handrail"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Unaccompanied"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "You can say ___ again!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Place for a seaweed body wrap"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, watering place, health spa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Sign near a freshly applied coat"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Number represented by candles on a cake"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Toe treatment, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
  • Similar words include: class, yr, twelvemonth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. ''You win! I give up!''"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
  • Opposite of: aunt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNCLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. One might be sworn to it"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trait of keeping things secret
  • Similar words include: privateness, concealment, silence
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECRECY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Golf count"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
  • Similar words include: slash, fortuity, virgule
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Dog harness attachment"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
  • Similar words include: troika, tether, trine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Beyond well-done"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that destroy by fire
  • Similar words include: burned-out, burnt-out, fire
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Maker of skintight swimwear"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
  • Similar words include: evoke, give the axe, burn
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. "Very funny!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Any number raised to the 0th power"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: matchless, I, unitary
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. "Say cheese!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
  • Similar words include: smiling, grinning, grin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. People with custody of things, typically"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
  • Similar words include: possessor, owner, proprietor
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Toothpaste type"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: gelatin, mousse, colloidal gel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Evil spells"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: jinx, witch, hex
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Feel remorse about"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment
  • Similar words include: ruefulness, rue, repent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Evening, in ads 4
2D 2. Blue-green hue 4
3D 3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine 4
4D 4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features 7
5D 5. Had a meal 3
6D 6. Depended (on) 6
7D 7. Tiny tree branches 5
8D 8. Very 4
9D 9. Word before chi or after mai 3
10D 10. 8-) or ;-P 8
11D 11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___" 6
12D 12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks 10
13D 13. Ready, willing and ___ 4
14D 14. Spilled the beans 4
15D 19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow 4
16D 24. Salacious material 4
17D 26. Oceanfront room feature 4
18D 27. Prefix with pad or port 4
19D 28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr. 4
20D 29. Uses an e-cigarette 5
21D 30. Stage of education 10
22D 31. Tusked swine 4
23D 32. Bird on Mexico's flag 5
24D 34. Fix, at the vet's 4
25D 36. Some concert souvenirs 4
26D 39. "Look this way, class" 8
27D 40. The "T" in STEM, informally 4
28D 41. Go sour, as milk 4
29D 44. Slurpee alternative 4
30D 47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?" 7
31D 49. Red bit in a salad 6
32D 50. "You betcha!" 4
33D 51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth) 6
34D 53. ___ one's time (waits patiently) 5
35D 54. Skyline haze 4
36D 55. Window section 4
37D 56. Submit one's taxes 4
38D 58. Taiwanese PC maker 4
39D 59. "Present!" 4
40D 60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr. 4
41D 63. Highest roll of a standard die 3
42D 64. Have debts 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Evening, in ads"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Blue-green hue"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shade of blue tinged with green
  • Similar words include: peacock blue, cobalt blue, aquamarine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AQUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Sunday, Dominicus, sunbathe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
  • Similar words include: contour line, form, shape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONTOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Had a meal"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Depended (on)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have confidence or faith in
  • Similar words include: swear, bank, rely
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tiny tree branches"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
  • Similar words include: cotton on, sprig, branchlet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Very"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Word before chi or after mai"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. 8-) or ;-P"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters in sending email
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTICON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Ready, willing and ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: capable, able-bodied
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Spilled the beans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: state, secern, enjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
  • Similar words include: blade, weather vane, weathervane
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Salacious material"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Oceanfront room feature"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
  • Similar words include: sentiment, purview, aspect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Prefix with pad or port"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Uses an e-cigarette"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Stage of education"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Tusked swine"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: Sus scrofa, wild boar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Bird on Mexico's flag"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
  • Similar words include: bird of Jove, double birdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Fix, at the vet's"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, alter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Some concert souvenirs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. "Look this way, class""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. The "T" in STEM, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Go sour, as milk"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a circular segment of a curve
  • Similar words include: release, round, change by reversal
  • Opposite of: unbend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Slurpee alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: nix, nada, goose egg
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Red bit in a salad"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pungent fleshy edible root
  • Similar words include: daikon, Raphanus sativus longipinnatus, Japanese radish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. "You betcha!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. ___ one's time (waits patiently)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that propose a payment
  • Similar words include: call, press, abide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Skyline haze"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Window section"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Similar words include: acid, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, paneling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANE

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37D: "56. Submit one's taxes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
  • Similar words include: register, charge, data file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FILE

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38D: "58. Taiwanese PC maker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

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39D: "59. "Present!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

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40D: "60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "63. Highest roll of a standard die"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "64. Have debts"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

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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
42 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 03, 2026 at 05:01 AM