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Thursday, September 3, 2026

Trivia Week 1 Manual for NYT Mini September 03, 2026

Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 03, 2026 (Trivia Week 1) - Solutions

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: April 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | November 20 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Down Today October 07 2025 Complete |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 03, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, September 03, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 03, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Today's layout is the usual 5x5: five columns, five rows.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 5. She's possessive
2 Across 69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey
3 Across 1. Things that have icons
4 Across 17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks"
5 Across 59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way
6 Across 23. Successes for sluggers, for short
7 Across 36. "Please give this high priority!"
8 Across 34. Reached a payment date
9 Across 21. On, in French
10 Across 13. She can speak more than 20 languages

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:


1 Across: "5. She's possessive"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'H', ends with 'R'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal HER


2 Across: "69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'Z'.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal LIZ


3 Across: "1. Things that have icons"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A__S
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal APPS


4 Across: "17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks""

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'D'.
  • You're looking for 8 letters.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S______D

Answer:

Click to reveal SEINFELD


5 Across: "59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way"

Hints:

  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'G' and wraps up with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal GLAMPS


6 Across: "23. Successes for sluggers, for short"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "rbi."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal RBIS


7 Across: "36. "Please give this high priority!""

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'P'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASAP


8 Across: "34. Reached a payment date"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: C_____E
  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • You're looking for 7 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal CAMEDUE


9 Across: "21. On, in French"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • Close enough in meaning: Tyre.

Answer:

Click to reveal SUR


10 Across: "13. She can speak more than 20 languages"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'I'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S__I

Answer:

Click to reveal SIRI

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 26. Sketches
2 Down 53. Polyhymnia or Clio
3 Down 46. Skilled performer
4 Down 47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g.
5 Down 12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe
6 Down 63. Skeleton, say
7 Down 4. Confess, say
8 Down 11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across
9 Down 28. Leave a mark
10 Down 18. Factor in a clothing purchase

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:


1 Down: "26. Sketches"

Hints:

  • 'tipple' points in the same direction.
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'S'.
  • Count on 6 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal DRAFTS


2 Down: "53. Polyhymnia or Clio"

Hints:

  • 'mull' points in the same direction.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • Starts with 'M', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal MUSE


3 Down: "46. Skilled performer"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: A_____E
  • This one runs 7 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal ARTISTE


4 Down: "47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g."

Hints:

  • Basically, how long something has existed.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A__S
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal AGES


5 Down: "12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Starts with 'H', ends with 'M'.
  • You could also think of it as "He."

Answer:

Click to reveal HELIUM


6 Down: "63. Skeleton, say"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'D'.
  • Close enough in meaning: sleigh.

Answer:

Click to reveal SLED


7 Down: "4. Confess, say"

Hints:

  • Basically, deliver by singing.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Close enough in meaning: tattle.

Answer:

Click to reveal SING


8 Down: "11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: snug.
  • Think of it this way — a small compartment.
  • It's a 9-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal CUBBYHOLE


9 Down: "28. Leave a mark"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SCAR


10 Down: "18. Factor in a clothing purchase"

Hints:

  • 'outfit' points in the same direction.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Basically, a display of bad temper.

Answer:

Click to reveal FIT

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Scan before you solve: One quick read-through of all the clues before you commit to anything usually pays off.
  2. Short words first: The 2-3 letter answers are almost always the low-hanging fruit.
  3. Let crossings guide you: Harder answers get much easier once a couple of crossing letters are locked in.
  4. Puns hide behind question marks: If a clue ends in "?", expect wordplay, not a straight answer.
  5. A few words repeat a lot: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE show up more than you'd expect — keep them in mind.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 1

When does the Trivia Week 1 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 1 take me?

Anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes is typical. Don't stress if you're on the slower end at first.

Is Trivia Week 1 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 1?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 1 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.


About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 03, 2026 at 08:10 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 03 2026 mini crossword

Saturday, August 29, 2026

NYT Mini Trivia Week 4 August 29, 2026 - Hints & Answers

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 4 August 29, 2026 - Solved

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: September 24 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | September 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_23 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 29, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, August 29, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 29, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Read through all the clues before filling in a single square.
  2. Start with anything three letters or shorter.
  3. Crossing letters are your best friend for the trickier answers.
  4. Question mark clues (?) almost always mean wordplay, not a literal answer.
  5. Watch for the usual suspects: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT.

Quick Facts

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 14. Skin-care brand known for its pore strips
2 Across 20. Work, as a joke
3 Across 47. "It is not easy for a ___ to balance himself on a ladder": "Animal Farm"
4 Across 49. Relative of house music
5 Across 37. Court session, perhaps
6 Across 1. Main characters for an early reader
7 Across 23. His #33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003
8 Across 51. Inverse of an exponential function
9 Across 58. Come off as
10 Across 42. Put your back into it

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:


1 Across: "14. Skin-care brand known for its pore strips"

Hints:

  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'B' and wraps up with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal BIORE


2 Across: "20. Work, as a joke"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: bring.
  • Basically, the land on which real estate is located.
  • If that helps, the shape is: L__D

Answer:

Click to reveal LAND


3 Across: "47. "It is not easy for a ___ to balance himself on a ladder": "Animal Farm""

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Basically, domestic swine.
  • 'cop' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal PIG


4 Across: "49. Relative of house music"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'O'.
  • Count on 6 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal TECHNO


5 Across: "37. Court session, perhaps"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: T__________N
  • You're looking for 12 letters.
  • First letter's a 'T', last letter's a 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TENNISLESSON


6 Across: "1. Main characters for an early reader"

Hints:

  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Blank it out and you get: A__S
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ABCS


7 Across: "23. His #33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'G'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: E___G

Answer:

Click to reveal EWING


8 Across: "51. Inverse of an exponential function"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: L_______M
  • Starts with 'L', ends with 'M'.
  • 'log' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal LOGARITHM


9 Across: "58. Come off as"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: look.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SEEM


10 Across: "42. Put your back into it"

Hints:

  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'Y'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal TRY

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 24. August ___, "Fences" playwright
2 Down 9. ___ legs
3 Down 19. Stocked and sold, as goods
4 Down 1. Nonhuman provider of medical advice
5 Down 45. Shockingly unconventional
6 Down 25. Makes sense of
7 Down 36. "Wow ... what are the chances?!"
8 Down 13. Green day star, for short
9 Down 6. Breaking character?
10 Down 46. Stepped-on instrument

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:


1 Down: "24. August ___, "Fences" playwright"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'W', ends with 'N'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: W____N
  • This one runs 6 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal WILSON


2 Down: "9. ___ legs"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • 'hinder' points in the same direction.
  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal HIND


3 Down: "19. Stocked and sold, as goods"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'D' and wraps up with 'N'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: D_____N
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal DEALTIN


4 Down: "1. Nonhuman provider of medical advice"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'R'.
  • It's a 8-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal AIDOCTOR


5 Down: "45. Shockingly unconventional"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'E'.
  • Close enough in meaning: freaky.
  • Count on 5 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal OUTRE


6 Down: "25. Makes sense of"

Hints:

  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: P____S
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal PARSES


7 Down: "36. "Wow ... what are the chances?!""

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S______M
  • This one runs 8 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'M'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SORANDOM


8 Down: "13. Green day star, for short"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'T'.
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal STPAT


9 Down: "6. Breaking character?"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'B', last letter's a 'P'.
  • Count on 16 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal BULLINACHINASHOP


10 Down: "46. Stepped-on instrument"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'E'.
  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Close enough in meaning: shell.

Answer:

Click to reveal SCALE

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When does the Trivia Week 4 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 4 take me?

Anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes is typical. Don't stress if you're on the slower end at first.

Is Trivia Week 4 free to play?

Nope, it's free — no subscription needed like the full-size crossword.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 4 get harder as the week goes on?

It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.


About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: August 29, 2026 at 10:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 29 2026 mini crossword

Friday, August 28, 2026

Trivia Week 4 Manual for NYT Mini August 28, 2026

Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini August 28, 2026 Solutions & Guide

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: September 02 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers November 19 | Todays NYT Mini Crossword October 29 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for August 28, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, August 28, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date August 28, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 26. "Ignorance is bliss," e.g.
2 Across 36. Asteroids system
3 Across 22. "Would ya look at that ..."
4 Across 58. Kim Cattrall's role on "Sex and the City"
5 Across 39. ___ collar
6 Across 35. ___ polo (sport played in Pakistan)
7 Across 38. Flame proof?
8 Across 25. Milieu for bathyspheres, with "the"
9 Across 16. Politician's response, maybe
10 Across 13. Worrier's words

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:


1 Across: "26. "Ignorance is bliss," e.g."

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'O' and wraps up with 'W'.

Answer:

Click to reveal OLDSAW


2 Across: "36. Asteroids system"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'I'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A___I

Answer:

Click to reveal ATARI


3 Across: "22. "Would ya look at that ...""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'W' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: W__________L
  • You're looking for 12 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal WELLWELLWELL


4 Across: "58. Kim Cattrall's role on "Sex and the City""

Hints:

  • It's a 8-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'A'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S______A

Answer:

Click to reveal SAMANTHA


5 Across: "39. ___ collar"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'N'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: E__N
  • This one runs 4 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETON


6 Across: "35. ___ polo (sport played in Pakistan)"

Hints:

  • Basically, noisy talk.
  • Close enough in meaning: yack.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal YAK


7 Across: "38. Flame proof?"

Hints:

  • Think of it this way — the residue that remains when something is burned.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'H'.
  • It's a 3-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASH


8 Across: "25. Milieu for bathyspheres, with "the""

Hints:

  • In plain terms: the central and most intense or profound part.
  • You could also think of it as "trench."
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DEEPS


9 Across: "16. Politician's response, maybe"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'N' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • You're looking for 9 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal NONANSWER


10 Across: "13. Worrier's words"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'I', last letter's a 'T'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: I______T
  • It's a 8-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal IHOPENOT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 10. Screen capture?
2 Down 35. "The thing is ..."
3 Down 3. Brazilian soccer star known for his dribbling flair
4 Down 27. Blend
5 Down 43. Jazz aficionado, e.g.
6 Down 31. Outlaw
7 Down 51. Star turns at a concert
8 Down 44. Spirit seen on el Día de los Muertos
9 Down 4. Org. that might do some spring cleaning?
10 Down 17. Overhaul

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:


1 Down: "10. Screen capture?"

Hints:

  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • In plain terms: fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers.

Answer:

Click to reveal LINT


2 Down: "35. "The thing is ...""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'Y' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • It's a 6-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal YOUSEE


3 Down: "3. Brazilian soccer star known for his dribbling flair"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'R', last letter's a 'O'.
  • It's a 10-letter word.
  • If that helps, the shape is: R________O

Answer:

Click to reveal RONALDINHO


4 Down: "27. Blend"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: A________E
  • You could also think of it as "commix."
  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal AMALGAMATE


5 Down: "43. Jazz aficionado, e.g."

Hints:

  • Starts with 'N', ends with 'N'.
  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: N____N

Answer:

Click to reveal NBAFAN


6 Down: "31. Outlaw"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: shun.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'B' and wraps up with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal BAN


7 Down: "51. Star turns at a concert"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'I'.
  • You could also think of it as "solo."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLI


8 Down: "44. Spirit seen on el Día de los Muertos"

Hints:

  • This one runs 6 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • You could also think of it as "mescal."

Answer:

Click to reveal MEZCAL


9 Down: "4. Org. that might do some spring cleaning?"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'A'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal EPA


10 Down: "17. Overhaul"

Hints:

  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'K'.
  • Think of it this way — use again in altered form.

Answer:

Click to reveal REWORK

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Some habits that speed things up over time:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 52 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When does the Trivia Week 4 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 4 take me?

Anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes is typical. Don't stress if you're on the slower end at first.

Is Trivia Week 4 free to play?

Nope, it's free — no subscription needed like the full-size crossword.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

Does Trivia Week 4 get harder as the week goes on?

It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.


About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: August 28, 2026 at 03:31 PM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, August 28 2026 mini crossword

Saturday, August 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 15, 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. Began 6
2A 7. Show faces? 8
3A 15. Bring back into the fold, so to speak 6
4A 16. Worth looking back on 8
5A 17. One from "Japan's kitchen" 6
6A 18. Appeal 8
7A 19. Bit of ceramic ware 3
8A 20. Cast off 7
9A 22. 7/ 3
10A 23. "Lovely" and "wonderful" food, per Monty Python 4
11A 25. Rose Bowl Stadium athlete 5
12A 26. Big ring 4
13A 27. Patient privacy law, in brief 5
14A 29. World Cup team nicknamed "The Three Lions": Abbr. 3
15A 30. Say "Hey," say 5
16A 31. "Speak up" 12
17A 34. Intermezzo and trou normand dishes, essentially 15
18A 38. Hoedown get-down? 12
19A 39. Long-___ squid 5
20A 42. "Wayne's World" exclamation 3
21A 43. Christina of "Buffalo '66" 5
22A 44. Ring location 4
23A 45. Oil wells? 5
24A 47. Nickname for Eleanor 4
25A 48. Eye-catching stage prop 3
26A 49. "Got it?" 7
27A 51. Thru 3
28A 52. Underlining, e.g. 8
29A 54. Classical figure in an 1898 Gustav Klimt oil 6
30A 56. Some back-and-forth 8
31A 57. Big name in fashion 6
32A 58. Go in the wrong way? 8
33A 59. "I beg you!" 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Began"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
  • Similar words include: come home, fall into place, dawn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAWNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Show faces?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Bring back into the fold, so to speak"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Worth looking back on"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
  • Similar words include: historical
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HISTORIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. One from "Japan's kitchen""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Appeal"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest or urgent request
  • Similar words include: prayer, appeal
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTREATY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Bit of ceramic ware"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
  • Similar words include: heap, toilet, throne
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Cast off"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. 7/"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. "Lovely" and "wonderful" food, per Monty Python"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

11A: "25. Rose Bowl Stadium athlete"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic `reynard the fox'
  • Similar words include: brown bear, Ursus arctos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Big ring"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
  • Similar words include: pealing, rolling, roll
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Patient privacy law, in brief"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. World Cup team nicknamed "The Three Lions": Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Say "Hey," say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)
  • Similar words include: bellow, holloa, holler
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOLLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. "Speak up""

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Intermezzo and trou normand dishes, essentially"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Hoedown get-down?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Long-___ squid"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare oneself for a military confrontation
  • Similar words include: gird, fortify, arm
  • Opposite of: disarm, unarmed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. "Wayne's World" exclamation"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: non
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Christina of "Buffalo '66""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Ring location"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Oil wells?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)
  • Similar words include: centre, rivet, concentrate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Nickname for Eleanor"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Eye-catching stage prop"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Similar words include: feather boa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "Got it?""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Thru"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Underlining, e.g."

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that special importance or significance
  • Similar words include: stress, vehemence, accent
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPHASIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Classical figure in an 1898 Gustav Klimt oil"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent warfare; guardian of athens; identified with roman minerva
  • Similar words include: Pallas, Pallas Athene, Pallas Athena
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Some back-and-forth"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adroitness and cleverness in reply
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPARTEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Big name in fashion"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Go in the wrong way?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrongful interference with the possession of property (personal property as well as realty), or the action instituted to recover damages
  • Similar words include: violation, intrusion, intrude
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRESPASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. "I beg you!""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give pleasure to or be pleasing to
  • Similar words include: delight
  • Opposite of: displease
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Cut out the middleman, for delivery 8
2D 2. Fabulous collection 8
3D 3. "You're the best!" 8
4D 4. No-good ending? 3
5D 5. Diamond figs. 4
6D 6. Leftmost star of the Summer Triangle 5
7D 7. Classic 1926 novel often published with a bull and matador on its cover 15
8D 8. Dressing group 12
9D 9. Gamgee player in "Lord of the Rings" 5
10D 10. ___-C 4
11D 11. The second one on the Statue of Liberty is longer than its first one 3
12D 12. Toothache care option 6
13D 13. Communion, e.g. 6
14D 14. Charybdis' man-eating opposite, in myth 6
15D 21. Upper regions of forests 12
16D 24. Sea cow 7
17D 26. French Baroque artist Nicolas 7
18D 28. Challenged on X, say 5
19D 30. Scout's follower? 5
20D 32. Bad spell 3
21D 33. Partner of pitch and roll 3
22D 35. "You get the point" 8
23D 36. Kicks back, in a way 8
24D 37. Crime writer Mickey who created the Mike Hammer stories 8
25D 39. Prince of Monaco beginning in 2005 6
26D 40. Certain tenant 6
27D 41. French soccer superstar Kylian 6
28D 45. Some bow ties 5
29D 46. Where roots take hold 5
30D 49. Complain 4
31D 50. Citation shortener 4
32D 53. Tricks 3
33D 55. Orange or lime 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Cut out the middleman, for delivery"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fabulous collection"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "You're the best!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. No-good ending?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Diamond figs."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: epoch, ERA, earned run average
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Leftmost star of the Summer Triangle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the brightest star in cygnus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Classic 1926 novel often published with a bull and matador on its cover"

15 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Dressing group"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oil and vinegar with mustard and garlic
  • Similar words include: sauce vinaigrette, vinaigrette, French dressing
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINAIGRETTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Gamgee player in "Lord of the Rings""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___-C"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The second one on the Statue of Liberty is longer than its first one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Similar words include: toenail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Toothache care option"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Communion, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any customary observance or practice
  • Similar words include: rite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Charybdis' man-eating opposite, in myth"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sea nymph transformed into a sea monster who lived on one side of a narrow strait; drowned and devoured sailors who tried to escape charybdis (a whirlpool) on the other side of the strait
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCYLLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Upper regions of forests"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Sea cow"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sirenian mammal of tropical coastal waters of america; the flat tail is rounded
  • Similar words include: Trichechus manatus
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANATEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. French Baroque artist Nicolas"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french painter in the classical style (1594-1665)
  • Similar words include: Nicolas Poussin
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POUSSIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Challenged on X, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Scout's follower?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • Similar words include: honour, purity, pureness
  • Opposite of: dishonor, disrespect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Bad spell"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Partner of pitch and roll"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erratic deflection from an intended course
  • Similar words include: gape, swerve, yawn
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. "You get the point""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that additional unspecified odds and ends; more of the same
  • Similar words include: etc., and so forth, and so on
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCETERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Kicks back, in a way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move the upper body backwards and down
  • Similar words include: repose, lean back, recumb
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECLINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Crime writer Mickey who created the Mike Hammer stories"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of popular detective novels (born in 1918)
  • Similar words include: Mickey Spillane, Frank Morrison Spillane
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPILLANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Prince of Monaco beginning in 2005"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prince consort of queen victoria of england (1819-1861)
  • Similar words include: Prince Albert, Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALBERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Certain tenant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tenant in someone's house
  • Similar words include: boarder, lodger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. French soccer superstar Kylian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Some bow ties"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

29D: "46. Where roots take hold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the skin that covers the top of the head
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Complain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed; can be baked or braised
  • Similar words include: chicane, cavil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Citation shortener"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Tricks"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
  • Similar words include: feature, make, let
  • Opposite of: abstain, refuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Orange or lime"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

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

33 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
66 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: August 15, 2026 at 03:59 AM