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

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *Aids for biting"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Thus far"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. ___ for thought"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Crevice"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ice cream drink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Swanky shindig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Cuisine from Bangkok"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: line, aviation, breeze
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. *Cheeky sort"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Daily delivery"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Declares as fact"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Tickle Me Elmo toymaker"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Senior dance party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
  • Similar words include: promenade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Within a stone's throw of"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Patches up, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Gusto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Repetitive sound effect"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Way to the highway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Valuable deposit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Simply unacceptable"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Customized bit of marketing"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Moved like a kangaroo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Mountain visible from Anchorage"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Punch in the ring"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Huge props"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Desires"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Cheerleader's shout"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. A little sun?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Connecticut Ivy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: Ohio River, OH, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Many an embedded animation"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Lies ahead"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Merit badge holder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Closest peeps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Electrical resistance units"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. [Facepalm]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Nutritional intake amt."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: May 26, 2026 at 06:59 AM

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 20, 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. Small bouquets 6
2A 7. "In that case ..." 4
3A 11. Cleopatra's killer 3
4A 14. One of a record 30+ for Beyoncé 6
5A 15. Short piano piece 8
6A 17. Improvises 6
7A 18. One who's hanging around 8
8A 19. It begins with Alfa and ends with Zulu 12
9A 21. The Falcons, on scoreboards 3
10A 24. Follower of "T." 3
11A 25. Figure depicted in Michelangelo's "Pietà" 4
12A 26. Hellenistic storytelling 14
13A 32. Parade spoiler 4
14A 33. East Coast convenience store chain with a reduplicative name 4
15A 34. Modern pickup spot for delivery drivers 15
16A 42. Flatbread from India 4
17A 43. Fight night souvenir, perhaps 4
18A 44. Historic destination for Pueblo pilgrimages 14
19A 50. Düsseldorf denial 4
20A 51. Video game creature often depicted with green skin 3
21A 52. One place to find a Brazilian 3
22A 53. Skill shared by bats and dolphins ... or, when read as two words, what 19-, 26-, 34- and 44-Across each is 12
23A 59. Group of orcas 8
24A 60. Groups of scouts 6
25A 64. Suddenly motivated, with "under" 8
26A 65. Stuck 6
27A 66. "Amen!" 3
28A 67. Romeo or Juliet, notably 4
29A 68. D flat equivalent 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Small bouquets"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
  • Similar words include: posy, corsage, nosegay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. "In that case ...""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Cleopatra's killer"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. One of a record 30+ for Beyoncé"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Short piano piece"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short and simple sonata
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONATINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Improvises"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. One who's hanging around"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who lingers aimlessly in or about a place
  • Similar words include: lingerer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOITERER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. It begins with Alfa and ends with Zulu"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. The Falcons, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Follower of "T.""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
  • Similar words include: male monarch, king
  • Opposite of: queen, female monarch
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Figure depicted in Michelangelo's "Pietà""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the mother of jesus; christians refer to her as the virgin mary; she is especially honored by roman catholics
  • Similar words include: Virgin Mary, Blessed Virgin, Madonna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Hellenistic storytelling"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "32. Parade spoiler"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: rainfall, pelting, rain down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. East Coast convenience store chain with a reduplicative name"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Modern pickup spot for delivery drivers"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "42. Flatbread from India"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "43. Fight night souvenir, perhaps"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
  • Similar words include: strap, trounce, flog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "44. Historic destination for Pueblo pilgrimages"

14 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "50. Düsseldorf denial"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "51. Video game creature often depicted with green skin"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "52. One place to find a Brazilian"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "53. Skill shared by bats and dolphins ... or, when read as two words, what 19-, 26-, 34- and 44-Across each is"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that determining the location of something by measuring the time it takes for an echo to return from it
  • Similar words include: echo sounding
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHOLOCATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "59. Group of orcas"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "60. Groups of scouts"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soldiers collectively
  • Similar words include: parade, promenade, military personnel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "64. Suddenly motivated, with "under""

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "65. Stuck"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "66. "Amen!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

28A: "67. Romeo or Juliet, notably"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a juvenile between the onset of puberty and maturity
  • Similar words include: teenage, stripling, teenaged
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "68. D flat equivalent"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Tour overseer, for short 3
2D 2. Chicago airport code 3
3D 3. ___ Minella ("The Muppet Show" Muppet) 3
4D 4. Poker declaration 4
5D 5. Set sail 6
6D 6. The "S" of A.B.S. 6
7D 7. Mallorca, por ejemplo 4
8D 8. One pitied by Mr. T, in a catchphrase 4
9D 9. Scissor cut 4
10D 10. Words with one's right hand raised 4
11D 11. Novel feature of the 1974 Olds Toronado 6
12D 12. Visibly disdainful 6
13D 13. Shindig 5
14D 16. "I love you," in Spanish 5
15D 20. Prefix for element #8 3
16D 21. Indian tourist city 4
17D 22. Transport between terminals 4
18D 23. "Star Wars" princess 4
19D 27. Split ___ (New Wave band whose name sounds like a hair problem) 3
20D 28. American author whose life span closely coincided with Halley's comet visits 5
21D 29. Sarcastic laugh syllable 3
22D 30. Be behind 3
23D 31. ___-di-dah 3
24D 35. See 47-Down 3
25D 36. Negative logic gate that works similarly to "and" 3
26D 37. Sports grp. for Coco Gauff 3
27D 38. Not lease, say 3
28D 39. One-eighties 4
29D 40. Unappetizing food 4
30D 41. Europe's highest volcano 4
31D 44. Computer whiz 6
32D 45. Drum kit components descended from "sock cymbals" 6
33D 46. ___ Holmes, Netflix character played by Millie Bobby Brown 5
34D 47. With 35-Down, URL ending for Wikipedia 3
35D 48. Any poster on Yelp, essentially 6
36D 49. Squirrel's hoard 6
37D 50. Just now 5
38D 54. West side? 4
39D 55. Mayberry boy of '60s TV 4
40D 56. McIntosh (or Macintosh) component 4
41D 57. Port of Yemen 4
42D 58. One famously preparing for a flood 4
43D 61. "... ___ lack thereof" 3
44D 62. Brita competitor 3
45D 63. Pennzoil competitor 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Tour overseer, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Chicago airport code"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. ___ Minella ("The Muppet Show" Muppet)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Poker declaration"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Set sail"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go on board
  • Similar words include: venture, enter, ship
  • Opposite of: disembark
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMBARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. The "S" of A.B.S."

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
  • Similar words include: system of rules, organization, scheme
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYSTEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Mallorca, por ejemplo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. One pitied by Mr. T, in a catchphrase"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who lacks good judgment
  • Similar words include: put on, put one across, muggins
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Scissor cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
  • Similar words include: nip, trim, snippet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Words with one's right hand raised"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
  • Similar words include: expletive, swearword, curse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Novel feature of the 1974 Olds Toronado"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Visibly disdainful"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Shindig"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. "I love you," in Spanish"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Prefix for element #8"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Indian tourist city"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Transport between terminals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. "Star Wars" princess"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Split ___ (New Wave band whose name sounds like a hair problem)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. American author whose life span closely coincided with Halley's comet visits"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two items of the same kind
  • Similar words include: couple, yoke, brace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Sarcastic laugh syllable"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Be behind"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. ___-di-dah"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
  • Similar words include: la
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. See 47-Down"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Negative logic gate that works similarly to "and""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Sports grp. for Coco Gauff"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Not lease, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have ownership or possession of
  • Similar words include: have, possess, ain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. One-eighties"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "40. Unappetizing food"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
  • Similar words include: swill, slops, treacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Europe's highest volcano"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
  • Similar words include: bunsen, Mount Etna, Mt Etna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. Computer whiz"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a technician who is highly proficient and enthusiastic about some technical field (especially computing)
  • Similar words include: tekki
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "45. Drum kit components descended from "sock cymbals""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "46. ___ Holmes, Netflix character played by Millie Bobby Brown"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "47. With 35-Down, URL ending for Wikipedia"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small circular shape
  • Similar words include: Lucy in the sky with diamonds, window pane, dose
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "48. Any poster on Yelp, essentially"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRITIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "49. Squirrel's hoard"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit of the oak tree: a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base
  • Similar words include: acorn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "50. Just now"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very recently
  • Similar words include: new, freshly, fresh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEWLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. West side?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
  • Similar words include: leave, pull up stakes, will
  • Opposite of: arrive, right
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Mayberry boy of '60s TV"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. McIntosh (or Macintosh) component"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "57. Port of Yemen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "58. One famously preparing for a flood"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "61. "... ___ lack thereof""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: atomic number 76, os, oculus sinister
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "62. Brita competitor"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "63. Pennzoil competitor"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

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

29 Across Clues
45 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: January 20, 2026 at 04:30 AM