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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 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: 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. Hot stuff 5
2A 6. Target 4
3A 10. Worshiper's locale, at times 4
4A 14. Poe's middle name 5
5A 15. Lingerie material 4
6A 16. Glimpse 4
7A 17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!" 10
8A 19. Glazier's product 4
9A 20. Consumed 3
10A 21. Debunked "facts" 5
11A 22. Amish, Shakers and others 5
12A 23. Long (for) 4
13A 24. Former Mideast bigwig 4
14A 25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going" 13
15A 30. Wrap, as rope 4
16A 32. Word before or after butt 4
17A 33. Flesh and blood 3
18A 34. Tree with edible nuts 5
19A 36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov 3
20A 37. Give in 5
21A 39. Triumphant cry 3
22A 40. Prefix with -meter 4
23A 42. Chilean money 4
24A 43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?" 13
25A 48. Small valley 4
26A 49. They may be subject to inflation 4
27A 50. Flora and fauna, collectively 5
28A 52. Sharp part of a kite 5
29A 54. Chicago sights, for short 3
30A 57. Apartment option 4
31A 58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle 10
32A 60. Off base? 4
33A 61. ___ test 4
34A 62. Isolated 5
35A 63. Befuddled state 4
36A 64. Deep-six 4
37A 65. Source of strength and resilience 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Hot stuff"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that molten rock in the earth's crust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Target"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
  • Similar words include: end, destination, finish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Worshiper's locale, at times"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Similar words include: apsis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Poe's middle name"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Lingerie material"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Similar words include: braid, lace up, enlace
  • Opposite of: untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Glimpse"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret look
  • Similar words include: glint, glance, peep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Glazier's product"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Consumed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Debunked "facts""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
  • Similar words include: myth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Amish, Shakers and others"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Similar words include: religious sect, religious order, sect
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Long (for)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: yen, yearn, ache
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Former Mideast bigwig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
  • Similar words include: Shah of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going""

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Wrap, as rope"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  • Similar words include: gyre, gyrate, scroll
  • Opposite of: uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Word before or after butt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
  • Similar words include: channelize, forefront, heading
  • Opposite of: foot, rear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Flesh and blood"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person having kinship with another or others
  • Similar words include: tribe, cognate, clan
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tree with edible nuts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that australian tree grown especially for ornament and its fine-grained wood and bearing edible nuts
  • Similar words include: Pomaderris apetala, hazelnut tree, hazel tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
  • Similar words include: arouse, gender, excite
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Give in"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that production of a certain amount
  • Similar words include: pay, bear, takings
  • Opposite of: survive, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YIELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Triumphant cry"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Prefix with -meter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Chilean money"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in uruguay; equal to 100 centesimos
  • Similar words include: Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Guinea-Bissau peso
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Small valley"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small wooded hollow
  • Similar words include: dingle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. They may be subject to inflation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Flora and fauna, collectively"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that all the plant and animal life of a particular region
  • Similar words include: biology
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Sharp part of a kite"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Chicago sights, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: el, ALT, elevated
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Apartment option"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space
  • Similar words include: attic, garret, pigeon loft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Off base?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. ___ test"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

34A: "62. Isolated"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that isolated from others
  • Similar words include: unparalleled, unequaled, unique
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Befuddled state"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
  • Similar words include: fog, daze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Deep-six"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cover from sight
  • Similar words include: lay to rest, immerse, forget
  • Opposite of: remember
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Source of strength and resilience"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: brawniness, tendon, muscularity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization 4
2D 2. Oodles 4
3D 3. Affix, in a way 4
4D 4. Besmirch 3
5D 5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps 6
6D 6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat 6
7D 7. Requirement for a juror 4
8D 8. Wild cards, at times 4
9D 9. Took the helm 3
10D 10. Look 6
11D 11. Dandy 10
12D 12. Label on an email folder 4
13D 13. Scratches (out) 4
14D 18. Talkative bird 4
15D 22. Like a good tree or a bad deal 5
16D 23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos 4
17D 24. Word before green or after Red 3
18D 25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen 10
19D 26. Pronoun with two homophones 5
20D 27. Curse 3
21D 28. Mechanic's canfuls 4
22D 29. Edit menu command 4
23D 30. Shoot the breeze 4
24D 31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial 4
25D 35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit 5
26D 36. "Rugrats" dad 3
27D 38. Announcements in The Economist, for short 4
28D 41. "What a riot!," in brief 3
29D 44. Irk 6
30D 45. Something to hum 6
31D 46. Sikorsky of aviation fame 4
32D 47. Cuban drums 6
33D 50. Unexciting 4
34D 51. "American Gothic" setting 4
35D 52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn" 4
36D 53. Way off 4
37D 54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie 4
38D 55. Cue from a cuer 4
39D 56. Hearty dish 4
40D 58. Ball 3
41D 59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an american indian people of yucatan and belize and guatemala who had a culture (which reached its peak between ad 300 and 900) characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy
  • Similar words include: Mayan language, Mayan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oodles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Affix, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Besmirch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking vigor or energy
  • Similar words include: anaemic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains; gives cohesiveness to dough
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Requirement for a juror"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Wild cards, at times"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: single, wiz, whizz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Took the helm"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: conduce, go, take
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Look"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
  • Similar words include: come out, seem, look
  • Opposite of: disappear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dandy"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Label on an email folder"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
  • Similar words include: ship, post, transmit
  • Opposite of: unsent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Scratches (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Talkative bird"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tropical asian starlings
  • Similar words include: mina, minah, mynah bird
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Like a good tree or a bad deal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous
  • Similar words include: umbrageous, fishy, suspicious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Word before green or after Red"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: ocean
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Pronoun with two homophones"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Curse"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: enchant, curse, glamour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Mechanic's canfuls"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Similar words include: petroleum, crude oil, anoint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Edit menu command"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
  • Similar words include: loosen, unmake, untie
  • Opposite of: wrap, make
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Shoot the breeze"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal conversation
  • Similar words include: claver, Old World chat, chew the fat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Similar words include: Oahu Island
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAHU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. "Rugrats" dad"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Announcements in The Economist, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "What a riot!," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Irk"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus urtica or family urticaceae)
  • Similar words include: urticate, rile, rag
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NETTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Something to hum"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: line, tonal pattern, melodic line
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELODY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Sikorsky of aviation fame"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Cuban drums"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that music composed for dancing the conga
  • Similar words include: conga
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Unexciting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: fustian, bombast, rant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "American Gothic" setting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: IA, Hawkeye State, Ioway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: chiliad, G, thousand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Way off"

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!

37D: "54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. Cue from a cuer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formation of people or things one beside another
  • Similar words include: dividing line, wrinkle, agate line
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Hearty dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: brood, fret, sweat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Ball"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: October 14, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Friday, October 2, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 02, 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. Important figure on staff? 4
2A 5. Photographer's inits. 3
3A 8. "For real" 5
4A 13. Funky-smelling 4
5A 14. Sugar substitute? 10
6A 16. Within 4
7A 17. Core-focused workout in a humid room 10
8A 18. Unit of sound intensity 3
9A 19. Like Mitt Romney and Ken Jennings 6
10A 20. Lead-in to "coin" for a major cryptocurrency 4
11A 21. "Whew!" 8
12A 23. Whose fault your mistake might be 6
13A 25. Hybrid cat 5
14A 26. Member of a noble family 5
15A 28. Request after eating a habanero, perhaps 4
16A 29. What comes from needing little, per Epictetus 6
17A 31. Small dosage amts. 3
18A 34. Question posed at the end of a successful job interview 15
19A 37. Waze ways: Abbr. 3
20A 38. Spends a long time in front of the mirror, maybe 6
21A 39. Inkling 4
22A 40. Word with cane or corn 5
23A 41. Villainous expression 5
24A 42. Home to the Basilica of St. Clare 6
25A 45. Highly controlling? 8
26A 48. Like a golf course, regularly 4
27A 49. Snap, crackle and pop 6
28A 51. ___ Cup, tournament established in the 2020s 3
29A 52. "Never been better!" 10
30A 54. Site of a 1956 international conflict 4
31A 55. Animal chased by Toto in "The Wizard of Oz" 10
32A 56. Key in a chain 4
33A 57. Figure with three faces, in Dante 5
34A 58. Brief bit 3
35A 59. They're stretched out before some workouts 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Important figure on staff?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical notation written on a staff indicating the pitch of the notes following it
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Photographer's inits."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. "For real""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in accordance with truth or fact or reality
  • Similar words include: unfeignedly, genuinely, rightfully
  • Opposite of: insincerely
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRULY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Funky-smelling"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: good, right, mature
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Sugar substitute?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Within"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Core-focused workout in a humid room"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Unit of sound intensity"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a logarithmic unit of sound intensity equal to 10 decibels
  • Similar words include: B
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Like Mitt Romney and Ken Jennings"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ancient prophet whose writings were revealed to joseph smith who founded the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints
  • Similar words include: Latter-Day Saint
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Lead-in to "coin" for a major cryptocurrency"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of venice and genoa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. "Whew!""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Whose fault your mistake might be"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Hybrid cat"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offspring of a male lion and a female tiger
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Member of a noble family"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a descendent or heir
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Request after eating a habanero, perhaps"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that largest known toad species; native to central america; valuable destroyer of insect pests
  • Similar words include: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. What comes from needing little, per Epictetus"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
  • Similar words include: riches, wealthiness
  • Opposite of: poverty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEALTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Small dosage amts."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thousandth (1/1,000) gram
  • Similar words include: magnesium, milligram, atomic number 12
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Question posed at the end of a successful job interview"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Waze ways: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Spends a long time in front of the mirror, maybe"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dress or groom with elaborate care
  • Similar words include: dress, plume, preen
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Inkling"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
  • Similar words include: mind, estimation, theme
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Word with cane or corn"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
  • Similar words include: glaze, confect, sugarcoat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Villainous expression"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  • Similar words include: leer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Home to the Basilica of St. Clare"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Highly controlling?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the guidance of ships or airplanes from place to place
  • Similar words include: aviate, pilotage, fly
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILOTING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Like a golf course, regularly"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cut with a blade or mower
  • Similar words include: cut, cut down, mop
  • Opposite of: unmown
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Snap, crackle and pop"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
  • Similar words include: make noise, resound, dissonance
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. ___ Cup, tournament established in the 2020s"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. "Never been better!""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Site of a 1956 international conflict"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northeastern egypt at the head of the gulf of suez and at the southern end of the suez canal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUEZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Animal chased by Toto in "The Wizard of Oz""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Key in a chain"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Figure with three faces, in Dante"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judeo-christian and islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of god; tempter of mankind; master of hell
  • Similar words include: Prince of Darkness, the Tempter, Old Nick
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "58. Brief bit"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: second, Securities and Exchange Commission, unsweet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "59. They're stretched out before some workouts"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
  • Similar words include: gym mat, matte, flatness
  • Opposite of: unsnarl, disentangle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Hard-shelled delicacies 9
2D 2. Public eye 9
3D 3. Written posts? 9
4D 4. Stoked 3
5D 5. Like some enemies 5
6D 6. "I need to get a word in!" 15
7D 7. Possible result of a default 4
8D 8. Before 3
9D 9. Not stop at the end of a chapter, say 6
10D 10. Suffragist Harriet Taylor ___ 5
11D 11. One doing the lord's work? 5
12D 12. Words of affirmation 5
13D 14. "Skedaddle!" 4
14D 15. Condition that can be caused by excess earwax 8
15D 19. Debussy's "La ___" 3
16D 22. Jay ___, singer of the 2009 #1 hit "Down" 4
17D 24. Sounds from fans 4
18D 27. Clip follower 4
19D 29. Some weather service messages 8
20D 30. "Wheat Capital" of Oklahoma 4
21D 31. Label on some domestic products 9
22D 32. Eco-friendly area around a city 9
23D 33. Stares into space 9
24D 35. Ones doing balancing acts? 4
25D 36. Windows feature? 4
26D 40. Pictures 6
27D 41. Message that might be signaled with smoke 3
28D 42. Off 5
29D 43. European capital with layers of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history 5
30D 44. Beads for an athlete 5
31D 46. Director Lee ___ Chung 5
32D 47. Neighbor of an Estonian, historically 4
33D 50. They're sometimes picked for their rarity 4
34D 53. Wiseman who directed "Ballerina" and "Live Free or Die Hard" 3
35D 54. ___City 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Hard-shelled delicacies"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Public eye"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a focus of public attention
  • Similar words include: calcium light, glare, spotlight
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIMELIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Written posts?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience by an actor at the end of a play
  • Similar words include: epilogue, epilog
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPILOGUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Stoked"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any federal law-enforcement officer
  • Similar words include: eat, feast, Federal Reserve System
  • Opposite of: starve
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Like some enemies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter obscenities or profanities
  • Similar words include: depone, imprecate, affirm
  • Opposite of: mistrust, unsworn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "I need to get a word in!""

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Possible result of a default"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Before"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Not stop at the end of a chapter, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Suffragist Harriet Taylor ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One doing the lord's work?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
  • Similar words include: feudatory, Luik, vassal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Words of affirmation"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Similar words include: yes
  • Opposite of: no
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YESES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. "Skedaddle!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Condition that can be caused by excess earwax"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ringing or booming sensation in one or both ears; a symptom of an ear infection or meniere's disease
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TINNITUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Debussy's "La ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
  • Similar words include: one thousand, k, thousand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Jay ___, singer of the 2009 #1 hit "Down""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Sounds from fans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: aah, ooh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Clip follower"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of a horse's hoofs hitting on a hard surface
  • Similar words include: clump, clumping, clip-clop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Some weather service messages"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message informing of danger
  • Similar words include: word of advice, warning, monition
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARNINGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. "Wheat Capital" of Oklahoma"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a town in north central oklahoma
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Label on some domestic products"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Eco-friendly area around a city"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a belt of parks or rural land surrounding a town or city
  • Similar words include: greenway
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREENBELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Stares into space"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that observe the stars
  • Similar words include: woolgather, daydream, dream
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARGAZES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Ones doing balancing acts?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a united states state to be certified by that state
  • Similar words include: CPA, certified public accountant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Windows feature?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
  • Similar words include: tone, tinge, tincture
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Pictures"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medium that disseminates moving pictures
  • Similar words include: film, picture palace, movie house
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CINEMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Message that might be signaled with smoke"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Off"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not functioning properly
  • Similar words include: imperfectly, awry, haywire
  • Opposite of: perfectly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. European capital with layers of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital and largest city of bulgaria located in western bulgaria
  • Similar words include: Bulgarian capital, Serdica
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Beads for an athlete"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
  • Similar words include: travail, lather, sudate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Director Lee ___ Chung"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the second patriarch; son of abraham and sarah who was offered by abraham as a sacrifice to god; father of jacob and esau
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISAAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Neighbor of an Estonian, historically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. They're sometimes picked for their rarity"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Wiseman who directed "Ballerina" and "Live Free or Die Hard""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. ___City"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: October 02, 2026 at 09:55 AM