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

Monday, April 27, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 27, 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. Paths for lobbed tennis balls 4
2A 5. Tribe of Arizona 4
3A 9. Flinch, say 5
4A 14. Short blast from a horn 4
5A 15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting" 4
6A 16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you" 5
7A 17. Singer's recovery period 9
8A 19. "Catch my drift?" 5
9A 20. Shop 5
10A 21. Spot for a soak 3
11A 23. Dear ___ (letter start) 3
12A 24. Pumice or basalt 12
13A 29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process 7
14A 32. Film director Coen 5
15A 33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's) 3
16A 34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly 3
17A 36. Betraying surprise, in a way 5
18A 39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" 15
19A 44. Big name in microprocessors 5
20A 45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb 3
21A 46. Tie-breaking periods, for short 3
22A 47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime 5
23A 50. ___ of hand (magician's skill) 7
24A 53. Congressional history 12
25A 56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!" 3
26A 57. Work well together 3
27A 58. Florida's ___-Dade County 5
28A 62. Jousting weapon 5
29A 65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across 9
30A 68. Basic piano chord 5
31A 69. Notes of indebtedness 4
32A 70. Gets eyes on 4
33A 71. Sends frisky messages 5
34A 72. Strong soapmaking solutions 4
35A 73. Like bourbon 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Paths for lobbed tennis balls"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Similar words include: arc, bow, spark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Tribe of Arizona"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of northeastern arizona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Flinch, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that show a response or a reaction to something
  • Similar words include: respond, oppose
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Short blast from a horn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blast of a horn
  • Similar words include: carousal, beep, booze-up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Singer's recovery period"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Catch my drift?""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Shop"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
  • Similar words include: computer storage, memory board, put in
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Spot for a soak"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
  • Similar words include: tubful, bath, bathing tub
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Dear ___ (letter start)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Pumice or basalt"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Film director Coen"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Betraying surprise, in a way"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills""

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "44. Big name in microprocessors"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Tie-breaking periods, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that using the voice; not silently
  • Similar words include: loud, loudly, out loud
  • Opposite of: softly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "50. ___ of hand (magician's skill)"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adroitness in using the hands
  • Similar words include: manual dexterity, dexterity
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "53. Congressional history"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. Work well together"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: gelatin, colloidal gel, mousse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Florida's ___-Dade County"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the extinct algonquian people formerly living in northern indiana and southern michigan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIAMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Jousting weapon"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
  • Similar words include: spear, shaft, fizgig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "68. Basic piano chord"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: trine, trey, triple
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "69. Notes of indebtedness"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Similar words include: IOU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "70. Gets eyes on"

4 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: fancy, take in, understand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. Sends frisky messages"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • Similar words include: sext
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Strong soapmaking solutions"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Similar words include: lye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Like bourbon"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Four-wheelers, in brief 4
2D 2. Word before beer or after square 4
3D 3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me" 4
4D 4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice) 6
5D 5. That girl 3
6D 6. Have debts 3
7D 7. Many an Olive Garden entree 5
8D 8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument 6
9D 9. 18-wheeler 3
10D 10. Barely get (by) 3
11D 11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins 10
12D 12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles" 5
13D 13. Do some booty-shaking 5
14D 18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali 4
15D 22. One-eighth of a byte 3
16D 25. Titular Shakespearean king 4
17D 26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo 4
18D 27. Burn until black 4
19D 28. Prego alternative 4
20D 29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar 4
21D 30. Tehran's land 4
22D 31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums 10
23D 35. Chicago slugger 3
24D 37. "Late Night" host Meyers 4
25D 38. "Hey! Over here!" 4
26D 40. Place to purchase pastrami 4
27D 41. North Carolina university 4
28D 42. Catchall category: Abbr. 4
29D 43. Sport on a horse 4
30D 48. Sheepskin boot brand 3
31D 49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies 6
32D 51. Columnist Bombeck 4
33D 52. Doubling-down assertion 6
34D 53. Battery measure 5
35D 54. Chicago airport 5
36D 55. "The Jetsons" boy 5
37D 59. On the waves 4
38D 60. Gentle and submissive 4
39D 61. ___-bitsy 4
40D 63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g. 3
41D 64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief 3
42D 66. Gradation of color 3
43D 67. Letter before tee 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Four-wheelers, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Word before beer or after square"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
  • Similar words include: rootage, theme, ancestor
  • Opposite of: descendant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics
  • Similar words include: coco palm, cocoa palm, coconut tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be hungry; go without food
  • Similar words include: hunger, famish, lust
  • Opposite of: feed, be full
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. That girl"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Have debts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Many an Olive Garden entree"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: alimentary paste
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. 18-wheeler"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Similar words include: fishing rig, semi, set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Barely get (by)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
  • Similar words include: risible, funny, amusing
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Do some booty-shaking"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern spain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. One-eighth of a byte"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: seize with teeth, scrap, morsel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Titular Shakespearean king"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)
  • Similar words include: Edward Lear, King Lear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the yield from plants in a single growing season
  • Similar words include: dress, craw, cut back
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Burn until black"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a charred substance
  • Similar words include: cleaning lady, woman, sear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Prego alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Tehran's land"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Chicago slugger"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Similar words include: greenhorn, sonny, lad
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "Late Night" host Meyers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Hey! Over here!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Place to purchase pastrami"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: delicatessen, food shop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. North Carolina university"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Catchall category: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Sport on a horse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Sheepskin boot brand"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Columnist Bombeck"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Doubling-down assertion"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Battery measure"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt; equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of 1 ohm when 1 ampere of current flows through it
  • Similar words include: volt, V
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Chicago airport"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "The Jetsons" boy"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. On the waves"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Gentle and submissive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  • Similar words include: modest, spiritless, mild
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. ___-bitsy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: computerized tomography, computed axial tomography, barf
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, ED
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Gradation of color"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
  • Similar words include: imbue, chromaticity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "67. Letter before tee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Similar words include: einsteinium, Es, atomic number 99
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESS

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
43 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 27, 2026 at 06:14 AM

Sunday, April 26, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Touch up text 4
2A 5. One might be used for stepping up or sitting down 5
3A 10. Hoot or holler 4
4A 14. "Let's go, guys!" 4
5A 18. Like the Islamic calendar 5
6A 20. Windy City airport 5
7A 21. Birmingham bum 4
8A 22. "Stay in your ___!" 4
9A 23. Fashion item for an aspiring grocer? 11
10A 25. ... for an aspiring nanny? 9
11A 27. Place to dive in 7
12A 28. Became apparent 5
13A 30. Stands around an art gallery 6
14A 31. Neither's counterpart 3
15A 32. Small detail 4
16A 33. Central 5
17A 34. ... for an aspiring manicurist? 13
18A 40. Outmoded component of a car's dashboard 7
19A 43. Biblical garden 4
20A 44. Did some doughnuts? 5
21A 45. Dermatology case 4
22A 47. What gives a wine tartness 4
23A 48. Quip 3
24A 49. Fragile mineral 4
25A 50. ... for an aspiring housekeeper? 10
26A 53. Scored 100 on a test 6
27A 55. Soaks up the sun 4
28A 59. ___ One (presidential helicopter) 6
29A 60. Church spaces 5
30A 61. Your wish is his command 5
31A 62. Córdoba's country: Abbr. 3
32A 63. Soccer star Hamm 3
33A 66. Corporate fashion advice embraced by the candidates in eight clues 21
34A 72. One in 100: Abbr. 3
35A 73. Ming in the Basketball Hall of Fame 3
36A 74. Holiday seasons 5
37A 75. Works on an ice cream cone 5
38A 76. Tawdry 6
39A 79. All over again 4
40A 80. Japanese floor mat 6
41A 81. ... for an aspiring travel agent? 10
42A 85. In the distance 4
43A 87. Wiping cloth 3
44A 88. Italian cooking staple, for short 4
45A 89. "Progress through technology" automaker 4
46A 90. Like contact lenses for astigmatism 5
47A 92. "I wasn't ___ yesterday" 4
48A 93. Make it through 7
49A 96. ... for an aspiring dry cleaner? 13
50A 99. Machines in some print shops 5
51A 100. Tour de France peaks 4
52A 101. Nutrient in avocados 3
53A 102. Apartment cooler, for short 6
54A 104. Palm spring? 5
55A 106. Stroll 7
56A 110. ... for an aspiring flutist? 9
57A 112. ... for an aspiring photographer? 11
58A 115. Used the doorbell 4
59A 116. Hides 4
60A 117. As of now 5
61A 118. Solution strength 5
62A 119. It has its ups and downs 4
63A 120. Accomplishment 4
64A 121. UnitedHealthcare competitor 5
65A 122. Absolutely nothing 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Touch up text"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: cut, edit out, redact
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. One might be used for stepping up or sitting down"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a simple seat without a back or arms
  • Similar words include: defecate, tiller, ca-ca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Hoot or holler"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
  • Similar words include: call, shout out, scream
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Let's go, guys!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Like the Islamic calendar"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or associated with the moon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Windy City airport"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Birmingham bum"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: hind end, asshole, bum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. "Stay in your ___!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Fashion item for an aspiring grocer?"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. ... for an aspiring nanny?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Place to dive in"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Became apparent"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Stands around an art gallery"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
  • Similar words include: easel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Neither's counterpart"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Small detail"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
  • Similar words include: specification
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Central"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that located inward; - leonard bernstein; - david denby; - a.r.gurney,jr.
  • Similar words include: intimate, inside, privileged
  • Opposite of: outer
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. ... for an aspiring manicurist?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Outmoded component of a car's dashboard"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. Biblical garden"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: paradise, promised land, Garden of Eden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Did some doughnuts?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
  • Similar words include: broil, parched, adust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Dermatology case"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. What gives a wine tartness"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
  • Similar words include: pane, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, acrid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Quip"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clever remark
  • Similar words include: MOT test, bon mot, Ministry of Transportation test
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Fragile mineral"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect cleavage into very thin leaves; used as dielectrics because of their resistance to electricity
  • Similar words include: isinglass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. ... for an aspiring housekeeper?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Scored 100 on a test"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Soaks up the sun"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: bronze, tangent, sunburn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. ___ One (presidential helicopter)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the united states marine corps
  • Similar words include: maritime, shipboard soldier, leatherneck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Church spaces"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central area of a church
  • Similar words include: nave
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Your wish is his command"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the koran and believed by muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
  • Similar words include: djinny, jinni, jinnee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Córdoba's country: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Soccer star Hamm"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Corporate fashion advice embraced by the candidates in eight clues"

21 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. One in 100: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of japan and indonesia and cambodia; equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Ming in the Basketball Hall of Fame"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "74. Holiday seasons"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
  • Similar words include: Noel, Christmas, Yuletide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YULES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "75. Works on an ice cream cone"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a salt deposit that animals regularly lick
  • Similar words include: figure out, slug, work out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "76. Tawdry"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that morally degraded; ; ; ; - seattle weekly; - james joyce
  • Similar words include: seamy, squalid, flyblown
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORDID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "79. All over again"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that again but in a new or different way
  • Similar words include: afresh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "80. Japanese floor mat"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "81. ... for an aspiring travel agent?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "85. In the distance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

43A: "87. Wiping cloth"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
  • Similar words include: bedevil, reprimand, call on the carpet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "88. Italian cooking staple, for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "89. "Progress through technology" automaker"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "90. Like contact lenses for astigmatism"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "92. "I wasn't ___ yesterday""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british nuclear physicist (born in germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
  • Similar words include: assume, wear, accept
  • Opposite of: unborn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "93. Make it through"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "96. ... for an aspiring dry cleaner?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "99. Machines in some print shops"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that duplicator that transmits the copy by wire or radio
  • Similar words include: telefax, facsimile machine, facsimile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "100. Tour de France peaks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: the Alps, alp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "101. Nutrient in avocados"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
  • Similar words include: avoirdupois, fatten out, productive
  • Opposite of: leanness, nonfat
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "102. Apartment cooler, for short"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "104. Palm spring?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
  • Similar words include: haven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OASIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "106. Stroll"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a careless leisurely gait
  • Similar words include: perambulation, stroll, promenade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAUNTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "110. ... for an aspiring flutist?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast; used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind
  • Similar words include: windsock, sock, air-sleeve
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WINDSOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "112. ... for an aspiring photographer?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "115. Used the doorbell"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound loudly and sonorously
  • Similar words include: band, ring, telephone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "116. Hides"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
  • Similar words include: pelt, fur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "117. As of now"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "118. Solution strength"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of a solution as determined by titration
  • Similar words include: titre
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "119. It has its ups and downs"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "120. Accomplishment"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a notable achievement
  • Similar words include: exploit, effort
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "121. UnitedHealthcare competitor"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "122. Absolutely nothing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: aught, naught, cipher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Massachusetts' state tree 3
2D 2. Pair 4
3D 3. Memo starter 4
4D 4. Consumed, say 7
5D 5. Planted 4
6D 6. Trumpeter Jones 4
7D 7. Bit in a horse's mouth? 3
8D 8. Group spotted on an Alaskan cruise, perhaps 7
9D 9. "Hanukkah in Santa Monica" songwriter Tom 6
10D 10. Jabbers 4
11D 11. Lake from which the Niagara River flows 4
12D 12. Trip strip 3
13D 13. Tale as old as time 6
14D 14. Anyone's game 9
15D 15. Independent thinker 8
16D 16. Justice Kagan in '83, e.g. 4
17D 17. Scottish loch 4
18D 19. Transplant, as a plant 5
19D 24. Large measure of computer data 7
20D 26. Earth 4
21D 29. Four 2-Downs 5
22D 32. Yacht's pronoun 3
23D 33. Freeze frames? 8
24D 34. Calls for 7
25D 35. "It's truly important to me" 7
26D 36. Settle the score 7
27D 37. Standing eau? 3
28D 38. Blade runner? 6
29D 39. Dirty film 4
30D 41. Compete 3
31D 42. Summer setting in Somerset, in brief 3
32D 46. Fed. intelligence group 3
33D 49. "Come home soon" 7
34D 51. "___ Dreams of Sushi" (acclaimed 2011 documentary) 4
35D 52. Sharp-cornered 7
36D 54. From abroad? 3
37D 56. Insect with more than 14,000 known species 3
38D 57. PubMed org. 3
39D 58. "I'm outta here!" 5
40D 61. Super food? 8
41D 63. Patisserie treat 7
42D 64. Stain from a pen 7
43D 65. Name tags? 7
44D 67. Jamie with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 4
45D 68. End of Q2 3
46D 69. World Cup cheer 3
47D 70. "Watch your back!" 6
48D 71. Intelligent humor 3
49D 76. Like rush-hour traffic 9
50D 77. Post-op area, in brief 3
51D 78. Pops 4
52D 80. Diplomatic 7
53D 81. Not do much of anything, say 3
54D 82. Night before 3
55D 83. Like a comedian who bombs 8
56D 84. Stack at a falafel shop 5
57D 86. Tree whose wood is used for telephone poles 3
58D 90. One clicking with an audience? 7
59D 91. Meditation syllables 3
60D 92. Interrupts rudely 7
61D 94. Grid line 4
62D 95. Leave on a trip 6
63D 97. Michigan politician Slotkin 6
64D 98. Charged 5
65D 102. Out of its correct position 4
66D 103. Florentine farewell 4
67D 104. Pod in Creole cooking 4
68D 105. Helper: Abbr. 4
69D 106. Marvel-ous Lee 4
70D 107. Taj Mahal city 4
71D 108. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.) 4
72D 109. Marsh grass 4
73D 111. Stick used for breaking 3
74D 113. O'er and o'er 3
75D 114. Madrid Mme. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Massachusetts' state tree"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Pair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two items of the same kind
  • Similar words include: couple, pair, twain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Memo starter"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Consumed, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Planted"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth
  • Similar words include: inseminate, seeded, sow in
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Trumpeter Jones"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bit in a horse's mouth?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Group spotted on an Alaskan cruise, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. "Hanukkah in Santa Monica" songwriter Tom"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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10D: "10. Jabbers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yakety-yak, cackle, yak
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAKS

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11D: "11. Lake from which the Niagara River flows"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

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12D: "12. Trip strip"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

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13D: "13. Tale as old as time"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
  • Similar words include: caption, fable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGEND

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14D: "14. Anyone's game"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. Independent thinker"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
  • Similar words include: irregular, rebel, unorthodox
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAVERICK

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16D: "16. Justice Kagan in '83, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. Scottish loch"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

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18D: "19. Transplant, as a plant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put in a new, usually larger, pot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPOT

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19D: "24. Large measure of computer data"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of information equal to 1000 gigabits or 10^12 (1,000,000,000,000) bits
  • Similar words include: Tbit, Tb
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERABIT

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20D: "26. Earth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land on which real estate is located
  • Similar words include: commonwealth, shoot down, realm
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAND

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21D: "29. Four 2-Downs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: 8, ogdoad, VIII
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTAD

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22D: "32. Yacht's pronoun"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "33. Freeze frames?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tray for making cubes of ice in a refrigerator
  • Similar words include: icetray
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICETRAYS

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24D: "34. Calls for"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an urgent or peremptory request
  • Similar words include: requirement, demand, need
  • Opposite of: obviate, supply
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMANDS

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25D: "35. "It's truly important to me""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "36. Settle the score"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "37. Standing eau?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects; used in e.g. varnishes and sealing wax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAC

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28D: "38. Blade runner?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "39. Dirty film"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that worthless people
  • Similar words include: trash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCUM

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30D: "41. Compete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  • Similar words include: contend, compete
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIE

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31D: "42. Summer setting in Somerset, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "46. Fed. intelligence group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

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33D: "49. "Come home soon""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "51. "___ Dreams of Sushi" (acclaimed 2011 documentary)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "52. Sharp-cornered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that measured by an angle or by the rate of change of an angle
  • Similar words include: angulate
  • Opposite of: rounded
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGULAR

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36D: "54. From abroad?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
  • Similar words include: stilboestrol, stilbesterol, diethylstilboestrol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DES

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37D: "56. Insect with more than 14,000 known species"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. PubMed org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "58. "I'm outta here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "61. Super food?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "63. Patisserie treat"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "64. Stain from a pen"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "65. Name tags?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "67. Jamie with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "68. End of Q2"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "69. World Cup cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "70. "Watch your back!""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to
  • Similar words include: mind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEWARE

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48D: "71. Intelligent humor"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
  • Similar words include: wittiness, card, brainpower
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIT

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49D: "76. Like rush-hour traffic"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "77. Post-op area, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
  • Similar words include: intensive care unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICU

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51D: "78. Pops"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: pa, papa, pop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DADS

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52D: "80. Diplomatic"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
  • Similar words include: kid-glove
  • Opposite of: tactless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACTFUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "81. Not do much of anything, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
  • Similar words include: veggie, vegetable
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEG

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54D: "82. Night before"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "83. Like a comedian who bombs"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "84. Stack at a falafel shop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Similar words include: pita, pocket bread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITAS

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57D: "86. Tree whose wood is used for telephone poles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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58D: "90. One clicking with an audience?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "91. Meditation syllables"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "92. Interrupts rudely"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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61D: "94. Grid line"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
  • Similar words include: bloc, axis vertebra, axis of rotation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXIS

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62D: "95. Leave on a trip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
  • Similar words include: offset, set-back
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETOFF

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63D: "97. Michigan politician Slotkin"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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64D: "98. Charged"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "102. Out of its correct position"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turned or twisted toward one side; - g.k.chesterton
  • Similar words include: amiss, wrong, haywire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWRY

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66D: "103. Florentine farewell"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: aloha
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "104. Pod in Creole cooking"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
  • Similar words include: Abelmoschus esculentus, gumbo, okra plant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "105. Helper: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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69D: "106. Marvel-ous Lee"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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70D: "107. Taj Mahal city"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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71D: "108. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "109. Marsh grass"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: beating-reed instrument, vibrating reed, John Reed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "111. Stick used for breaking"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Similar words include: cue stick, pool cue, clew
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUE

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74D: "113. O'er and o'er"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that many times at short intervals
  • Similar words include: oftentimes, ofttimes, often
  • Opposite of: infrequently, rarely
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFT

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75D: "114. Madrid Mme."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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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

65 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 26, 2026 at 05:55 AM