Search Clues

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

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 04, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. "Handy" kitchen item 4
2A 5. Smears with goo 6
3A 11. Music genre with offbeat rhythms 3
4A 14. So-called "servebot" in tennis, essentially 4
5A 15. Action on the front lines 6
6A 16. Hunk of cash 3
7A 17. Words uttered while sorting potential gowns for an Indian wedding? 11
8A 19. Word aptly hidden in "moldy" 3
9A 20. Some marksmen 7
10A 21. Stringed instruments of old 5
11A 23. Inc. alternative 3
12A 24. Kind of whale 6
13A 27. Wedding feast delivery from India's capital? 13
14A 31. Unwelcome responsibility 4
15A 33. Rawboned 5
16A 34. "Deadline" for a rush order 3
17A 35. Bit of tailoring 3
18A 36. Writer Rand 3
19A 38. Great Leap Forward leader 3
20A 39. Longoria with three Screen Actors Guild awards 3
21A 40. Celestial sphere 3
22A 41. Hold power, as a ruler 5
23A 43. "You said it!" 4
24A 44. Tying the knot during a colorful Hindu festival? 13
25A 48. One who makes a lasting impression while just scratching the surface 6
26A 49. Part of NATO: Abbr. 3
27A 50. When repeated, "You get the gist" 5
28A 52. Enter furtively 7
29A 56. Mysterious sight at night 3
30A 57. "Esteemed reception guests, we regret to report that we've run out of flatbread," e.g.? 11
31A 61. Scratch the surface of, say 3
32A 62. Like the physicist Niels Bohr and the astronomer Tycho Brahe 6
33A 63. Stock market unveilings, for short 4
34A 64. "___ you done?" 3
35A 65. Luxury transports 6
36A 66. Common workout target 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Handy" kitchen item"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
  • Similar words include: baseball glove, hand, paw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Smears with goo"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: slime, reduce, goo
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Music genre with offbeat rhythms"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. So-called "servebot" in tennis, essentially"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Action on the front lines"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an engagement fought between two military forces
  • Similar words include: fight, fighting, armed combat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMBAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Hunk of cash"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small mass of soft material
  • Similar words include: mass, slew, pot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Words uttered while sorting potential gowns for an Indian wedding?"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Word aptly hidden in "moldy""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: honest-to-goodness, sometime, one-time
  • Opposite of: young, new
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Some marksmen"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a marksman who shoots at people from a concealed place
  • Similar words include: sniper
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIPERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Stringed instruments of old"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a harp used by ancient greeks for accompaniment
  • Similar words include: lyre
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYRES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Inc. alternative"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Kind of whale"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a horny material from the upper jaws of certain whales; used as the ribs of fans or as stays in corsets
  • Similar words include: whalebone
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Wedding feast delivery from India's capital?"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Unwelcome responsibility"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Similar words include: incumbrance, load, burden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Rawboned"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  • Similar words include: cadaverous, haggard, emaciated
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. "Deadline" for a rush order"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the momentary present
  • Similar words include: at once, straight off, forthwith
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Bit of tailoring"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
  • Similar words include: ahem
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Writer Rand"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Great Leap Forward leader"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Similar words include: Mao Tsetung, monoamine oxidase, Mao Zedong
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Longoria with three Screen Actors Guild awards"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Celestial sphere"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
  • Similar words include: orbit, globe, eyeball
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Hold power, as a ruler"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. "You said it!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amon, Amun
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Tying the knot during a colorful Hindu festival?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. One who makes a lasting impression while just scratching the surface"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who etches
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Part of NATO: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. When repeated, "You get the gist""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Enter furtively"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Mysterious sight at night"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Similar words include: flying saucer, unidentified flying object
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. "Esteemed reception guests, we regret to report that we've run out of flatbread," e.g.?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Scratch the surface of, say"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following february and preceding april
  • Similar words include: spoil, vitiate, defect
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Like the physicist Niels Bohr and the astronomer Tycho Brahe"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a scandinavian language that is the official language of denmark
  • Similar words include: danish pastry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Stock market unveilings, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Similar words include: initial offering, initial public offering, IPO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. "___ you done?""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Luxury transports"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
  • Similar words include: racing yacht, yacht
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YACHTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Common workout target"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small group of indispensable persons or things
  • Similar words include: nitty-gritty, pith, substance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. The "m" in many a physics equation 4
2D 2. Self-assured words 4
3D 3. Actress Polo 4
4D 4. Toughest hits to get when hitting for the cycle in baseball 7
5D 5. Sear 6
6D 6. "___ of luck!" 4
7D 7. Quick communications, in brief 3
8D 8. Postgraduate deg. with management courses 3
9D 9. Musician's asset 3
10D 10. Stylish shoe feature 8
11D 11. Someone you will never stop despising 10
12D 12. Green smoothie staple 4
13D 13. Tosses in 4
14D 18. "Little" Dickens girl 4
15D 22. Up to this point 3
16D 24. ___-free (plastics label) 3
17D 25. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler vis-à-vis "Saturday Night Live" 6
18D 26. Singer ___ Del Rey 4
19D 27. Longtime Hogwarts headmaster 10
20D 28. Set aflame 6
21D 29. Wander 4
22D 30. Graceful bird 4
23D 31. "Pick me! Pick me!" 4
24D 32. Infamous Roman ruler 4
25D 36. Attractive plus-one 8
26D 37. "You said it!" 4
27D 42. Canine warning 3
28D 43. Like a cherub 7
29D 45. "___ be a real honor" 3
30D 46. Transforms 6
31D 47. Cookie with an "enrobed" variety in the U.K. 4
32D 50. Arizona city or county 4
33D 51. At a distance 4
34D 52. Film information on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes 4
35D 53. Cops, in slang 4
36D 54. Iconic lab assistant of film 4
37D 55. Where Anheuser-Busch is "BUD" 4
38D 58. Battery for a mouse 3
39D 59. Anti-apartheid org. 3
40D 60. U.S. medical research agcy. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. The "m" in many a physics equation"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
  • Similar words include: slew, pot, lot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Self-assured words"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Actress Polo"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Toughest hits to get when hitting for the cycle in baseball"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a base hit at which the batter stops safely at third base
  • Similar words include: trio, three-bagger, treble
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIPLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Sear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a surface burn
  • Similar words include: char, blacken, sear
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "___ of luck!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: mass, slew, circle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Quick communications, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Postgraduate deg. with management courses"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in business
  • Similar words include: Master in Business Administration, Master in Business
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Musician's asset"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: capitulum, auricle, spike
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Stylish shoe feature"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small dagger with a tapered blade
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILETTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Someone you will never stop despising"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Green smoothie staple"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for money
  • Similar words include: dinero, boodle, Brassica oleracea acephala
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Tosses in"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: hyperkinetic syndrome, MBD, add up
  • Opposite of: take away, subtract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. "Little" Dickens girl"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Up to this point"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that up to the present time
  • Similar words include: as yet, even, heretofore
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. ___-free (plastics label)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler vis-à-vis "Saturday Night Live""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
  • Similar words include: alum, grad, alumnus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALUMNI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Singer ___ Del Rey"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Longtime Hogwarts headmaster"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Set aflame"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to start burning; subject to fire or great heat
  • Similar words include: take fire, inflame, combust
  • Opposite of: extinguish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGNITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Wander"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Graceful bird"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
  • Similar words include: roam, ramble, avow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. "Pick me! Pick me!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Infamous Roman ruler"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of rome in 64) but the roman empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
  • Similar words include: Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Attractive plus-one"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. "You said it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not only so, but
  • Similar words include: yea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Canine warning"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Like a cherub"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by utter benignity; resembling or befitting an angel or saint
  • Similar words include: saintlike, saintly, cherubic
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGELIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. "___ be a real honor""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Transforms"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to change shape in a computer animation
  • Similar words include: morph
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORPHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Cookie with an "enrobed" variety in the U.K."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Arizona city or county"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the north american indian people of arizona and adjacent mexico and california
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YUMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. At a distance"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Film information on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actors in a play
  • Similar words include: cat, ramble, throw up
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Cops, in slang"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Iconic lab assistant of film"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Where Anheuser-Busch is "BUD""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: big board, N. Y. Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Battery for a mouse"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
  • Similar words include: abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Anti-apartheid org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. U.S. medical research agcy."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of health and human services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
  • Similar words include: National Institutes of Health
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIH

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

36 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: August 04, 2026 at 06:07 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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "34. ___ to go"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Viola score symbol"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. Actress Gardner"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "70. Kitchen brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "87. Lunged (for)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "101. Old Medicare IDs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "102. Sleepy murmur"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "111. 4G letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

76D: "113. To's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

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