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Thursday, July 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 30, 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. Change entirely 5
2A 6. Like former secrets 6
3A 12. Make like a frog 3
4A 15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast 5
5A 16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008 6
6A 17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man 3
7A 18. Cluster 12
8A 20. Density symbol 3
9A 21. Go for gold? 3
10A 22. It may be padded or slapped 4
11A 23. Do you read me? 5
12A 25. Veteran 6
13A 27. Agent 9
14A 31. Change logos, maybe 7
15A 33. "Bravo!" 3
16A 34. Dour 4
17A 35. Unnatural, in a way 4
18A 36. H.S. course covering integrals 6
19A 39. ___ trading 3
20A 40. Steam 10
21A 43. Sow, e.g. 3
22A 46. Black-and-orange bird 6
23A 47. Bob who painted "happy little trees" 4
24A 50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour" 4
25A 52. Top halves of centaurs 3
26A 53. They may be lifted ... or downed 7
27A 56. Gambit 9
28A 59. City with red buses 6
29A 60. Big or bad follower 5
30A 61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants" 4
31A 63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo) 3
32A 64. ___ culpa 3
33A 65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues 12
34A 70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe 3
35A 71. Training aids for a lab, say 6
36A 72. Plain 5
37A 73. ___ pad 3
38A 74. What headphones often play in 6
39A 75. Shark's mark 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Change entirely"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Like former secrets"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in common
  • Similar words include: apportion, divided up, share
  • Opposite of: unshared
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Make like a frog"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: record hop, skip, hop-skip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. One who doesn't speak while in a cast"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Balkan state that's been independent since 2008"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serbian province in southern serbia and montenegro populated predominantly by albanians
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOSOVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Like the name of former soccer star Mark De Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: minded, tending, given
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Cluster"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Density symbol"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Go for gold?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It may be padded or slapped"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: articulatio genus, human knee, stifle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Do you read me?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
  • Similar words include: new, refreshing, fresh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Veteran"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Agent"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Change logos, maybe"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Bravo!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Dour"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
  • Similar words include: dreary, downcast, dismal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Unnatural, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that color with dye
  • Similar words include: colored, bleached, dye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. H.S. course covering integrals"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. ___ trading"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time for earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
  • Similar words include: daytime, 24-hour interval, mean solar day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Steam"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Sow, e.g."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that domestic swine
  • Similar words include: grunter, Sus scrofa, bull
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Black-and-orange bird"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Bob who painted "happy little trees""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: Betsy Ross, Sir John Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Jackie who co-starred in "Rush Hour""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Top halves of centaurs"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: work force, manpower, man
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. They may be lifted ... or downed"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
  • Similar words include: flavour, smell, liveliness
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIRITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Gambit"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. City with red buses"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of england; located on the thames in southeastern england; financial and industrial and cultural center
  • Similar words include: British capital, John Griffith Chaney, capital of the United Kingdom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LONDON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Big or bad follower"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Similar words include: orchard apple tree, Malus pumila
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Lao, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laotian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Fripp & ___ (musical duo)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. ___ culpa"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Communication aid that helps make sense of the italicized clues"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "70. Subj. for immigrants, maybe"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "71. Training aids for a lab, say"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: delicacy, goody, kickshaw
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "72. Plain"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "73. ___ pad"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: soh, so, sol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "74. What headphones often play in"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: stereophonic system, stereoscopic picture, stereoscopic photograph
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "75. Shark's mark"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  • Similar words include: mark, gull, soft touch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Church leader 6
2D 2. Took one's breath away? 7
3D 3. Remain loyal to 7
4D 4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g. 3
5D 5. It often leans left or right 9
6D 6. ___-Ball 4
7D 7. Joel follows it 5
8D 8. Flame's remains 3
9D 9. Lumpsucker eggs 3
10D 10. Biblical second coming? 3
11D 11. Prima ___ 5
12D 12. University of Cambridge 7
13D 13. "Hamlet" noblewoman 7
14D 14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe 7
15D 19. Words after cash or zero 4
16D 24. [Horrors!] 3
17D 26. Org. leader 4
18D 28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe 5
19D 29. Puts down 6
20D 30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins 4
21D 32. Panama's ___ National Park 6
22D 37. That's the whole point! 5
23D 38. Seller of knickknacks 9
24D 41. Gospel singer Franklin 4
25D 42. Like a zoomer after 1997 4
26D 43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft 7
27D 44. "If we're lucky!" 7
28D 45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends 7
29D 48. It's not the main part of the action 7
30D 49. High achievers? 7
31D 51. Notable org. with 32 members 3
32D 54. Sit (down) heavily 4
33D 55. Arrogant 6
34D 57. Lets 5
35D 58. Really please 5
36D 62. Plus 4
37D 66. It might be left hanging 3
38D 67. Most common letter in this clue 3
39D 68. Boat propeller 3
40D 69. Director DuVernay 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Church leader"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person authorized to conduct religious worship
  • Similar words include: curate, parson, minister
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Took one's breath away?"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give out (breath or an odor)
  • Similar words include: emanate, expire, give forth
  • Opposite of: inhale
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXHALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Remain loyal to"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that can be relied on when needed
  • Similar words include: understudy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STANDBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Pronounce "aisle" as it's spelled, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: mistake, slip, stray
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It often leans left or right"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___-Ball"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Joel follows it"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor hebrew prophet (8th century bc)
  • Similar words include: Book of Hosea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Flame's remains"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lumpsucker eggs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Biblical second coming?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: evening, even, eventide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Prima ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an italian woman of rank
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. University of Cambridge"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in massachusetts
  • Similar words include: John Harvard, Harvard University
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARVARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Hamlet" noblewoman"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Developer of a geocentric model of the universe"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that alexandrian astronomer (of the 2nd century) who proposed a geocentric system of astronomy that was undisputed until the late renaissance
  • Similar words include: Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolemaic dynasty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTOLEMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words after cash or zero"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. [Horrors!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Org. leader"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. One who knows all the shortcuts, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
  • Similar words include: topical anaesthetic, topical anesthetic, local anaesthetic
  • Opposite of: general, national
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: billet, rate, office
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Where Dante's path to paradise begins"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of pain and turmoil
  • Similar words include: netherworld, sin, underworld
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Panama's ___ National Park"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. That's the whole point!"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pointed projection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. Seller of knickknacks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "41. Gospel singer Franklin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "42. Like a zoomer after 1997"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british nuclear physicist (born in germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
  • Similar words include: endure, innate, have a bun in the oven
  • Opposite of: unborn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Minecraft and World of Warcraft"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. "If we're lucky!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Rhyming name for a certain group of friends"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. It's not the main part of the action"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. High achievers?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an attacker who pelts the victim with stones (especially with intent to kill)
  • Similar words include: lapidator, stoner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Notable org. with 32 members"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Sit (down) heavily"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
  • Similar words include: plunk, plank, plump down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Arrogant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
  • Similar words include: persnickety, bigheaded, uppish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOTTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Lets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: rip, engage, take
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Really please"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, uplift, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "62. Plus"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "66. It might be left hanging"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Similar words include: artistry, artwork, graphics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "67. Most common letter in this clue"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "68. Boat propeller"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "69. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 30, 2026 at 06:03 AM

Sunday, June 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 14, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Many a listing on the Billboard Hot 100 6
2A 7. High noon face-offs 5
3A 12. Sonata maker 7
4A 19. Backup squads 6
5A 20. Asian rice porridge 6
6A 21. Measure of high resistance 7
7A 22. 10th grader critiques swanky boutique? 21
8A 25. When doubled, a cry of approval 4
9A 26. Souvenirs fired from hand-held cannons 4
10A 27. Pep rally yells 4
11A 28. Inquires 4
12A 29. "Hoo mama, that's hot!" 5
13A 31. Singer Lovato 4
14A 32. Wrestling move named after a pesticide 3
15A 34. Why Keanu is such a generous tipper? 20
16A 42. Revenue-raising legislation 6
17A 43. The "Y" of Y.S.L. 4
18A 44. Bad thing to bring to bed, it's said 5
19A 45. Rapper Kool Moe ___ 3
20A 46. Bone doc 5
21A 47. Heartburn 5
22A 49. Make out 7
23A 51. Needle holder 3
24A 52. 1960s singer swindles Nashville awards? 17
25A 57. Online euphemism for "killed" used to avoid demonetization 8
26A 59. "See ya!" 4
27A 60. Part between the shoulders 4
28A 61. Well-known song with a trilingual version in English, French and Inuktitut 7
29A 64. Come back in force 7
30A 68. Order to go 4
31A 71. Actress ___ Lee Nolin of "Baywatch" 4
32A 73. "No joke!" 8
33A 77. Scottish cryptid spotted by the French? 17
34A 83. Bad sound from a fan 3
35A 84. Bothered to no end 7
36A 85. Java tea 5
37A 86. Bygone retail giant 5
38A 88. Senatorial greeting 3
39A 89. Bathroom brand 5
40A 91. 1998 tech debut 4
41A 93. Volcanic gems found on every continent 6
42A 94. Harsh taskmaster taken to task? 20
43A 98. Totally played out 3
44A 99. Alien leader? 4
45A 100. "... to hold, as ___, the mirror up to nature": Hamlet 5
46A 101. Spot for a cooling pie 4
47A 104. ¥ 4
48A 105. Opening of le soliloque d'Hamlet 4
49A 107. Innocent sort 4
50A 110. What a modest play has in common with the answer to each italicized clue? 21
51A 116. Appropriately misspelled genre for Korn and Limp Bizkit 7
52A 117. "Woo-hoo!" 6
53A 118. Kid-friendly rocker? 6
54A 119. "Oh, please" 7
55A 120. Pub quaff 5
56A 121. "Moving right along ..." 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Many a listing on the Billboard Hot 100"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. High noon face-offs"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Sonata maker"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "19. Backup squads"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Asian rice porridge"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chinese rice gruel eaten for breakfast
  • Similar words include: conge, jook
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Measure of high resistance"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "22. 10th grader critiques swanky boutique?"

21 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOPHPOOHPOOHSPOSHSHOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "25. When doubled, a cry of approval"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
  • Similar words include: get word, find out, see
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "26. Souvenirs fired from hand-held cannons"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Pep rally yells"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Inquires"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: expect, enquire, take
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. "Hoo mama, that's hot!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Singer Lovato"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Wrestling move named after a pesticide"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an insecticide that is also toxic to animals and humans; banned in the united states since 1972
  • Similar words include: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DDT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Why Keanu is such a generous tipper?"

20 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEVESREVERESSERVERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "42. Revenue-raising legislation"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "43. The "Y" of Y.S.L."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "44. Bad thing to bring to bed, it's said"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
  • Similar words include: speech sound, call, earphone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "45. Rapper Kool Moe ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "46. Bone doc"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "47. Heartburn"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "49. Make out"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that detect with the senses
  • Similar words include: recognise, distinguish, make out
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISCERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "51. Needle holder"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: true fir, fir tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. 1960s singer swindles Nashville awards?"

17 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAMACASSSCAMSCMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "57. Online euphemism for "killed" used to avoid demonetization"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "59. "See ya!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "60. Part between the shoulders"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "61. Well-known song with a trilingual version in English, French and Inuktitut"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "64. Come back in force"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "68. Order to go"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that drive away by crying `shoo!'
  • Similar words include: shoo off, shoo away
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "71. Actress ___ Lee Nolin of "Baywatch""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "73. "No joke!""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "77. Scottish cryptid spotted by the French?"

17 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESSIESEENINSEINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "83. Bad sound from a fan"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
  • Similar words include: razz, hiss, snort
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "84. Bothered to no end"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "85. Java tea"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a superior grade of black tea; grown in india and sri lanka and java
  • Similar words include: orange pekoe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEKOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "86. Bygone retail giant"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "88. Senatorial greeting"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "89. Bathroom brand"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "91. 1998 tech debut"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "93. Volcanic gems found on every continent"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
  • Similar words include: agate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "94. Harsh taskmaster taken to task?"

20 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERRIERERIDERDERIDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "98. Totally played out"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: previous, quondam, sure-enough
  • Opposite of: young, new
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "99. Alien leader?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "100. "... to hold, as ___, the mirror up to nature": Hamlet"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "101. Spot for a cooling pie"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "104. ¥"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in china
  • Similar words include: Mongol dynasty, Yuan dynasty, kwai
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YUAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "105. Opening of le soliloque d'Hamlet"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "107. Innocent sort"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that young sheep
  • Similar words include: Charles Lamb, dear, Elia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "110. What a modest play has in common with the answer to each italicized clue?"

21 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMALLCASTOFCHARACTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "116. Appropriately misspelled genre for Korn and Limp Bizkit"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "117. "Woo-hoo!""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "118. Kid-friendly rocker?"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "119. "Oh, please""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "120. Pub quaff"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong very dark heavy-bodied ale made from pale malt and roasted unmalted barley and (often) caramel malt with hops
  • Similar words include: hardy, stalwart, portly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "121. "Moving right along ...""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement
  • Similar words include: in any case, at any rate, in any event
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANYHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Network supported by "Viewers Like You" 3
2D 2. "Altho ..." 4
3D 3. Cacio e ___ (Roman pasta dish) 4
4D 4. Nervous agreement 8
5D 5. Make-up artist? 11
6D 6. General with a chicken dish named after him 3
7D 7. Goofball 4
8D 8. Some, in Saltillo 4
9D 9. "S.N.L." alum Nwodim 3
10D 10. Tom ___, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" satirist 6
11D 11. Tahini, essentially 11
12D 12. Certain open enrollment options, for short 4
13D 13. "Roundabout" rock band, 1971 3
14D 14. "Gross!" 3
15D 15. Onetime stargazer's education channel 6
16D 16. Cries of self-described "idiots" 4
17D 17. "Now I get it" 4
18D 18. Fireball-throwing demons from Doom 4
19D 20. In good spirits 6
20D 23. Name in many skyscrapers 4
21D 24. Jam band with a Ben & Jerry's flavor 5
22D 30. ___ paint (sign tragically noticed after sitting on a park bench) 3
23D 31. End of a redundant legal doublet 6
24D 32. Jorts material 5
25D 33. Kind of code 5
26D 34. ___ to go 5
27D 35. Face in the crowd, say 5
28D 36. Emergency removal, in brief 4
29D 37. Light in the night sky also known as Alpha Lyrae 4
30D 38. Whiskey mixer 4
31D 39. Altitude sickness side effect 5
32D 40. Returned to air, as an old pilot, perhaps 5
33D 41. Have an inkling 5
34D 42. Cousin of tempeh and seitan 4
35D 48. Powerful Romanov 4
36D 50. Viola score symbol 5
37D 53. Actress Gardner 3
38D 54. Chess pieces 3
39D 55. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" or "Out of sight, out of mind" 5
40D 56. Social class 5
41D 58. Unpacked, say 5
42D 62. "Let's just stay calm" 11
43D 63. 2023 Nobel-winning physicist L'Huillier 4
44D 65. Spoon bender Geller debunked on "The Tonight Show" 3
45D 66. Shout in a slasher film 3
46D 67. Female-friendly fandom event 11
47D 68. Sam who putted croquet style until the U.S.G.A. banned it 5
48D 69. Catapult 5
49D 70. Kitchen brand 5
50D 72. Martial art mastered by Steven Seagal 6
51D 74. Taper 5
52D 75. Empty inside 5
53D 76. Tater ___ 4
54D 78. How sun-dried tomatoes are packed 5
55D 79. Dog-___ 5
56D 80. Dog ___ 4
57D 81. Town, cape or river of western Alaska 4
58D 82. Scorch 4
59D 87. Lunged (for) 8
60D 90. "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" automaker 5
61D 92. It can carry a tune 6
62D 93. Modern art? 3
63D 95. Word after high or holy 6
64D 96. Fast-food chain whose name has two hyphens 6
65D 97. Washstand item 4
66D 101. Old Medicare IDs 4
67D 102. Sleepy murmur 4
68D 103. Spiritual teacher in Tibet 4
69D 104. Rory's school on "Gilmore Girls" 4
70D 105. Shade in the desert 4
71D 106. "___ remains to be seen" 4
72D 108. Clubber's tank top material 4
73D 109. Verve 4
74D 111. 4G letters 3
75D 112. QB Ward or Newton 3
76D 113. To's opposite 3
77D 114. Band with the 1980s multi-octave "Take On Me" 3
78D 115. Move the needle? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Network supported by "Viewers Like You""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a solution containing a phosphate buffer
  • Similar words include: Pbit, atomic number 82, phosphate buffer solution
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Altho ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Cacio e ___ (Roman pasta dish)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Nervous agreement"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Make-up artist?"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. General with a chicken dish named after him"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Goofball"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for marijuana
  • Similar words include: cola, pinhead, low-down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Some, in Saltillo"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "S.N.L." alum Nwodim"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: egotism, self, self-importance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tom ___, "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park" satirist"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Tahini, essentially"

11 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Certain open enrollment options, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
  • Similar words include: health maintenance organization, HMO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Roundabout" rock band, 1971"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. "Gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Onetime stargazer's education channel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Cries of self-described "idiots""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. "Now I get it""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "18. Fireball-throwing demons from Doom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: elf, scamp, brownie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "20. In good spirits"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
  • Similar words include: gay, sunny
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHEERY

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20D: "23. Name in many skyscrapers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
  • Similar words include: Elisha Graves Otis, genus Otis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTIS

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21D: "24. Jam band with a Ben & Jerry's flavor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "30. ___ paint (sign tragically noticed after sitting on a park bench)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wetness caused by water
  • Similar words include: loaded, stiff, soused
  • Opposite of: dry
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WET

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23D: "31. End of a redundant legal doublet"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose not to consume
  • Similar words include: abstain, refrain
  • Opposite of: consume
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESIST

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24D: "32. Jorts material"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
  • Similar words include: blue jean, dungaree, jean
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENIM

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25D: "33. Kind of code"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
  • Similar words include: clip, coiffure, do
  • Opposite of: undress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRESS

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26D: "34. ___ to go"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "35. Face in the crowd, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "36. Emergency removal, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "37. Light in the night sky also known as Alpha Lyrae"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prolific spanish playwright (1562-1635)
  • Similar words include: Lope Felix de Vega Carpio, Lope de Vega
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEGA

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30D: "38. Whiskey mixer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "39. Altitude sickness side effect"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
  • Similar words include: hydrops, dropsy, oedema
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEMA

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32D: "40. Returned to air, as an old pilot, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broadcast again, as of a film
  • Similar words include: rebroadcast, rerun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERAN

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33D: "41. Have an inkling"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "42. Cousin of tempeh and seitan"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
  • Similar words include: bean curd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOFU

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35D: "48. Powerful Romanov"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: tzar, czar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

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36D: "50. Viola score symbol"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "53. Actress Gardner"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "54. Chess pieces"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: man, humanity, military personnel
  • Opposite of: civilian, woman
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

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39D: "55. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" or "Out of sight, out of mind""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "56. Social class"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social status or position conferred by a system based on class
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASTE

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41D: "58. Unpacked, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grant freedom to; free from confinement
  • Similar words include: slack, easy, unloose
  • Opposite of: tight, compact
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOSE

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42D: "62. "Let's just stay calm""

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "63. 2023 Nobel-winning physicist L'Huillier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of england and scotland and ireland; daughter if james ii and the last of the stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last english ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNE

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44D: "65. Spoon bender Geller debunked on "The Tonight Show""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "66. Shout in a slasher film"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
  • Similar words include: draw, consort, discharge
  • Opposite of: malfunction, idle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUN

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46D: "67. Female-friendly fandom event"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "68. Sam who putted croquet style until the U.S.G.A. banned it"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states golfer known for the graceful arc of his swing (1912-2002)
  • Similar words include: Sam Snead, Samuel Jackson Snead
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAD

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48D: "69. Catapult"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)
  • Similar words include: surge, warp, buckle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAVE

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49D: "70. Kitchen brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "72. Martial art mastered by Steven Seagal"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a japanese martial art employing principles similar to judo
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIKIDO

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51D: "74. Taper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make less active or intense
  • Similar words include: slack, slack off, slake
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABATE

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52D: "75. Empty inside"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the core or center from
  • Similar words include: core
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORED

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53D: "76. Tater ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: total, tot up, add
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTS

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54D: "78. How sun-dried tomatoes are packed"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "79. Dog-___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that worn or shabby from overuse or (of pages) from having corners turned down; -clifton fadiman
  • Similar words include: dog-eared
  • Opposite of: earless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "80. Dog ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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: genius, ace, asterisk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "81. Town, cape or river of western Alaska"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a town in western alaska on the southern coast of the seward peninsula; an important center of an alaskan gold rush at the beginning of the 20th century
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "82. Scorch"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make very hot and dry
  • Similar words include: char, sere, shrivelled
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAR

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59D: "87. Lunged (for)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "90. "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" automaker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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61D: "92. It can carry a tune"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "93. Modern art?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: equal, comprise, exist
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

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63D: "95. Word after high or holy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a grounder that rolls along the infield
  • Similar words include: curler, tumbler pigeon, roll
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "96. Fast-food chain whose name has two hyphens"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "97. Washstand item"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
  • Similar words include: pitcher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWER

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66D: "101. Old Medicare IDs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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67D: "102. Sleepy murmur"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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68D: "103. Spiritual teacher in Tibet"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tibetan or mongolian priest of lamaism
  • Similar words include: genus Lama
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMA

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69D: "104. Rory's school on "Gilmore Girls""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "105. Shade in the desert"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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71D: "106. "___ remains to be seen""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "108. Clubber's tank top material"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles
  • Similar words include: engage, meshwork, net
  • Opposite of: disengage
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESH

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73D: "109. Verve"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
  • Similar words include: animation, vivification, invigoration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIO

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74D: "111. 4G letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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75D: "112. QB Ward or Newton"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
  • Similar words include: Cam River, River Cam
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAM

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76D: "113. To's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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77D: "114. Band with the 1980s multi-octave "Take On Me""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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78D: "115. Move the needle?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

56 Across Clues
78 Down Clues
134 Total Clues

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Last updated: June 14, 2026 at 08:01 AM