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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Professional wrestler's takedown 4
2A 5. Halt, to a horse 4
3A 9. "You've ___ this!" 3
4A 12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer 5
5A 14. Devout 5
6A 15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits 3
7A 16. Big name in pain relief 5
8A 17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him 5
9A 18. Anti-trafficking agcy. 3
10A 19. *Knack for success 10
11A 21. Makes angry, old-style 4
12A 22. Reveal 5
13A 23. Still on the run 7
14A 25. Something grilled at a tailgating party 4
15A 27. *Source of ongoing income, informally 10
16A 29. Do more work on, as a farrier might 6
17A 31. Slow-moving tree-dweller 5
18A 32. Landscape photographer Adams 5
19A 33. Green-lights 3
20A 34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse" 5
21A 38. Warning before your breaking point? 5
22A 40. Fund-raising drive participants 6
23A 41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows" 10
24A 45. Mothers in a flock 4
25A 46. Plans (to) 7
26A 47. Ctrl+V action 5
27A 49. Dragon's den 4
28A 50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues 10
29A 54. What the prefix "omni-" means 3
30A 55. Easily broken 5
31A 56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast 5
32A 57. Rolled randomizer 3
33A 58. Like some martinis and jokes 5
34A 59. Sweat ___ 5
35A 60. "Sure thing!" 3
36A 61. Workers in a colony 4
37A 62. Made haste 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Professional wrestler's takedown"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
  • Similar words include: bang, mosh, sweep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Halt, to a horse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "You've ___ this!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: bring, experience, aim
  • Opposite of: take away, end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Polo, polo, Marco Polo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  • Opposite of: impious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Big name in pain relief"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks aleve and anaprox and aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
  • Similar words include: Anaprox, naproxen sodium, Aflaxen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Anti-trafficking agcy."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Makes angry, old-style"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Something grilled at a tailgating party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very troublesome child
  • Similar words include: little terror, bratwurst, terror
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. *Source of ongoing income, informally"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Do more work on, as a farrier might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Slow-moving tree-dweller"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: laziness, slothfulness, tree sloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, okey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient numidian town in northwestern africa adjoining present-day annaba in northeastern algeria
  • Similar words include: river horse, hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIPPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Warning before your breaking point?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Fund-raising drive participants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that person who makes a gift of property
  • Similar words include: conferrer, bestower, presenter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in mind as a purpose
  • Similar words include: intend, mean, specify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
  • Similar words include: glue, library paste, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. What the prefix "omni-" means"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs; between 50 and 75 pounds
  • Similar words include: fallible, weak, delicate
  • Opposite of: robust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that region of western asia minor colonized by ancient greeks
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: kick the bucket, give way, pop off
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Like some martinis and jokes"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make soiled, filthy, or dirty
  • Similar words include: cheating, begrime, pestiferous
  • Opposite of: clean
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
  • Similar words include: secreter, secretor, secretory organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. "Sure thing!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move faster
  • Similar words include: quicken, hie, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Meat sold in a can 4
2D 2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song 4
3D 3. Vessel for a pub pint 8
4D 4. *Where new features are released? 12
5D 5. Nintendo Switch predecessor 4
6D 6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!" 8
7D 7. Really should 7
8D 8. Total jerk 3
9D 9. Suddenly cease all communication 6
10D 10. Tightly wound, maybe 6
11D 11. Mad Hatter's collection 6
12D 13. Breakaway group 4
13D 14. Word after smart or flip 5
14D 20. Thick book 4
15D 21. *Metal lathes and drill presses 12
16D 24. Printmaking process, for short 5
17D 25. Supportive undergarment 3
18D 26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain 3
19D 28. Extend an invitation for 5
20D 30. Bygone 5
21D 33. Get the better of 8
22D 35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say 8
23D 36. Historic introduction? 3
24D 37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group 3
25D 39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps 7
26D 40. Historic Normandy date 4
27D 41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman 6
28D 42. Bad way to get caught 6
29D 43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You" 6
30D 44. In an appropriate way 5
31D 48. Big gulp 4
32D 51. Cherry discards 4
33D 52. Break bread 4
34D 53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth 4
35D 55. Medicine-approving grp. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Meat sold in a can"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
  • Similar words include: junk e-mail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Vessel for a pub pint"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. *Where new features are released?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: piece of ass, roll in the hay, As
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mad Hatter's collection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Word after smart or flip"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. *Metal lathes and drill presses"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Printmaking process, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: brassiere, bandeau
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat through cleverness and wit
  • Similar words include: circumvent, outfox, outwit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTSMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: OS, bone, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english noblewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Bad way to get caught"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright that is a member in a door or window frame
  • Similar words include: stile
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • Similar words include: capably, ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Similar words include: quaff, slug, draught
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: pitfall, stone, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Medicine-approving grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
  • Similar words include: Food and Drug Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDA

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
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: June 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM

Friday, February 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 13, 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. Org. with checkpoints 3
2A 4. Poke accompaniment, at times 4
3A 8. Shoe-shaping tools 5
4A 13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!" 8
5A 15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween 7
6A 17. Skating venue 8
7A 18. "Thumbs-down from me" 7
8A 19. Bonkers 5
9A 20. A little sore, say 6
10A 22. It's what you should take, in brief 3
11A 23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans 4
12A 24. Went after 6
13A 25. Catches 4
14A 26. Casual assent 3
15A 27. Dating qualifier 5
16A 28. Really fancy? 5
17A 29. They don't give you the full picture 13
18A 32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017 14
19A 34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest 13
20A 35. Le contraire de "après" 5
21A 36. Clear a sentence? 5
22A 37. "Girl!" 3
23A 40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks 4
24A 41. Someone singing "Something" 6
25A 43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often 4
26A 44. Counsel council, for short 3
27A 45. Gives a wave, maybe 6
28A 46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna 5
29A 47. Research scientist's jotting 7
30A 49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe 8
31A 51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden" 7
32A 52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch 8
33A 53. Provincetown catch 5
34A 54. Hit's counterpart 4
35A 55. Spots 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Org. with checkpoints"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Poke accompaniment, at times"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Shoe-shaping tools"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: last, hold up, conclusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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5A: "15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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6A: "17. Skating venue"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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7A: "18. "Thumbs-down from me""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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8A: "19. Bonkers"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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9A: "20. A little sore, say"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be annoyed
  • Similar words include: pissed off, steamed, stung
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIFFED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It's what you should take, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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11A: "23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Went after"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go after with the intent to catch
  • Similar words include: tail, chase after, chase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Catches"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: cop, pick up, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Casual assent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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15A: "27. Dating qualifier"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16A: "28. Really fancy?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COVET

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17A: "29. They don't give you the full picture"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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18A: "32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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19A: "34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "35. Le contraire de "après""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "36. Clear a sentence?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: efface, wipe off, wipe out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "37. "Girl!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: sister, SI, silicon
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

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23A: "40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Someone singing "Something""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
  • Similar words include: Zn, atomic number 30
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZINC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Counsel council, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

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27A: "45. Gives a wave, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "47. Research scientist's jotting"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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30A: "49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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31A: "51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Provincetown catch"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flesh of young atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds; also young haddock and pollock; often broiled
  • Similar words include: schrod
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Hit's counterpart"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuing or remaining in a place or state
  • Similar words include: continue, stop, ride out
  • Opposite of: change, depart
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Spots"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertizing, ad, advertising
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Widget 6
2D 2. Guarded 6
3D 3. It's handled at the bar 6
4D 4. One with a burning passion? 4
5D 5. Bishop's locale 3
6D 6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance 9
7D 7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk 12
8D 8. ___ experience 5
9D 9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly 4
10D 10. Group of reps 3
11D 11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it 8
12D 12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In" 8
13D 14. Many a bonny bairn 4
14D 15. Sharp wind? 4
15D 16. Offerings at a reception 6
16D 21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions? 12
17D 24. Saves for later, in a way 5
18D 25. "Seriously!" 5
19D 27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas" 5
20D 28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs 5
21D 29. Spiritual sustenance 5
22D 30. Sped right through the stop signal 9
23D 31. Pop up 5
24D 32. Ones offering cheap shots? 8
25D 33. How the Quran is written 8
26D 34. Honolulu thank you 6
27D 37. Ferruginous pigment 6
28D 38. Close (with) 6
29D 39. Puts down 6
30D 41. Like some breath 5
31D 42. Blinkers? 4
32D 43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows 4
33D 45. Word with guitar or go 4
34D 46. Historic event the French call "le jour J" 4
35D 48. "___ I!" (negative reply) 3
36D 50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Widget"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Guarded"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that get by special effort
  • Similar words include: unattackable, insure, procure
  • Opposite of: insecure, unfasten
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. It's handled at the bar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. One with a burning passion?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bishop's locale"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: find out, determine, get wind
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. ___ experience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of
  • Similar words include: exist, be, know
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Group of reps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: coiffure, determine, dress
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In""

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Many a bonny bairn"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: jeune fille, lassie, young girl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Sharp wind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "16. Offerings at a reception"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slices of bread that have been toasted
  • Similar words include: crisp, wassail, salute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions?"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "24. Saves for later, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "25. "Seriously!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sorceress who detained odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIRCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Spiritual sustenance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hardened sugary exudation of various trees
  • Similar words include: manna from heaven, miraculous food
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNA

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22D: "30. Sped right through the stop signal"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Pop up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: originate, come up, rise up
  • Opposite of: turn in, go to bed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Ones offering cheap shots?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. How the Quran is written"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "34. Honolulu thank you"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Ferruginous pigment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an earth color containing ferric oxides; used as a pigment
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIENNA

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28D: "38. Close (with)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "39. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  • Similar words include: turn down, contemn, spurn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Like some breath"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
  • Similar words include: bate, clobber, bat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Blinkers?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: oculus, centre, center
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that originally a stronghold captured by david (the 2nd king of the israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of jerusalem
  • Similar words include: Yisrael, Utopia, State of Israel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "45. Word with guitar or go"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "46. Historic event the French call "le jour J""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "48. "___ I!" (negative reply)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization of islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular algerian regime and replace it with an islamic state
  • Similar words include: Armed Islamic Group
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIA

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
36 Down Clues
71 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 13, 2026 at 05:07 AM