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Sunday, October 18, 2026

NYT Mini Crossword Trivia Week 3 October 18, 2026 - Daily Answers

Today's Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini Crossword October 18, 2026 Answers

Here's today's NYT Mini — 20 clues in total, and we've got hints plus answers for every one of them.

Popular Puzzles: October 09 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | Todays Down Crossword NYT October 21 | NYT Across Crossword December 11 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 18, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, October 18, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 18, 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 3 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 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

  • 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 94. Figure, informally
2 Across 28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection
3 Across 72. Bond
4 Across 44. View spoiler
5 Across 84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop
6 Across 78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants
7 Across 120. Analogue of a delete key
8 Across 32. "What"
9 Across 76. Apt name for a thief
10 Across 75. Small + or –

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: "94. Figure, informally"

Hints:

  • In plain terms: alternative names for the body of a human being.
  • Starts with 'B', ends with 'D'.
  • You're looking for 3 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOD

2 Across: "28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • If that helps, the shape is: M___S
  • 'thawing' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal MELTS

3 Across: "72. Bond"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: linkup.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TIE

4 Across: "44. View spoiler"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'E'.
  • Basically, something very ugly and offensive.
  • It's a 7-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal EYESORE

5 Across: "84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'O'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ESSO

6 Across: "78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants"

Hints:

  • This one runs 6 letters long.
  • Starts with 'B', ends with 'B'.
  • Blank it out and you get: B____B

Answer:

Click to reveal BAOBAB

7 Across: "120. Analogue of a delete key"

Hints:

  • Basically, an implement used to erase something.
  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • Blank it out and you get: E____R

Answer:

Click to reveal ERASER

8 Across: "32. "What""

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'T'.
  • You're looking for 12 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal ITELLYOUWHAT

9 Across: "76. Apt name for a thief"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "plume."
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'B'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ROB

10 Across: "75. Small + or –"

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ION

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 87. Ousted, democratically
2 Down 35. Weak, as an excuse
3 Down 7. Novel form of summer escapism?
4 Down 47. Like Amazon forests, typically
5 Down 36. "Ibis" poet
6 Down 74. Big bang source
7 Down 77. Like London's Kew Gardens
8 Down 42. Gawker
9 Down 1. Short cut
10 Down 62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked"

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "87. Ousted, democratically"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 8 letters.
  • Starts with 'V', ends with 'T'.
  • Blank it out and you get: V______T

Answer:

Click to reveal VOTEDOUT

2 Down: "35. Weak, as an excuse"

Hints:

  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • 'halt' points in the same direction.
  • Basically, someone who doesn't understand what is going on.

Answer:

Click to reveal LAME

3 Down: "7. Novel form of summer escapism?"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: P______D
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'D'.
  • You're looking for 8 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal POOLREAD

4 Down: "47. Like Amazon forests, typically"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: R___Y
  • Think of it this way — (of weather) wet by periods of rain.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'Y'.

Answer:

Click to reveal RAINY

5 Down: "36. "Ibis" poet"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal OVID

6 Down: "74. Big bang source"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: cap.
  • Blank it out and you get: D_______R
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DETONATOR

7 Down: "77. Like London's Kew Gardens"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'B', last letter's a 'C'.
  • Blank it out and you get: B_____C
  • You're looking for 7 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOTANIC

8 Down: "42. Gawker"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: L______O
  • Count on 8 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'O'.

Answer:

Click to reveal LOOKYLOO

9 Down: "1. Short cut"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'P'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal SNIP

10 Down: "62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked""

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'C', last letter's a 'U'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CHU

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: 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When does the Trivia Week 3 Mini go live?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

How long should Trivia Week 3 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 3 free to play?

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

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 3?

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 3 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: October 18, 2026 at 08:11 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, October 18 2026 mini crossword

on No comments:

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword October 13, 2026 Answers

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 2 October 13, 2026 - Solved

Here's today's NYT Mini — 20 clues in total, and we've got hints plus answers for every one of them.

Popular Puzzles: December 04 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 16 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 10 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 13, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 13, 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 2 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 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

  • 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 43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad"
2 Across 56. –
3 Across 5. Spongy wetlands
4 Across 21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl
5 Across 36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home
6 Across 31. Go downhill fast
7 Across 17. Optional mission in a video game
8 Across 67. –
9 Across 14. Engrave
10 Across 63. Lunchroom

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: "43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad""

Hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EGAN

2 Across: "56. –"

Hints:

  • Think of it this way — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you.
  • Close enough in meaning: lavish.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SHOWER

3 Across: "5. Spongy wetlands"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: bog.
  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOGS

4 Across: "21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl"

Hints:

  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'G', last letter's a 'R'.
  • 'sex' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal GENDER

5 Across: "36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'E'.
  • 'firm' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal HOUSE

6 Across: "31. Go downhill fast"

Hints:

  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'I'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal SKI

7 Across: "17. Optional mission in a video game"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'T'.
  • Count on 9 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal SIDEQUEST

8 Across: "67. –"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'Y'.
  • Close enough in meaning: company.
  • Basically, an organization to gain political power.

Answer:

Click to reveal PARTY

9 Across: "14. Engrave"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • You could also think of it as "engrave."
  • In plain terms: make an etching of.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETCH

10 Across: "63. Lunchroom"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: C_______A
  • Starts with 'C', ends with 'A'.
  • This one runs 9 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal CAFETERIA

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 21. Boss, in Britain
2 Down 54. "Take me ___"
3 Down 3. High-def flat screen, for short
4 Down 41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits
5 Down 24. Major Iraqi port city
6 Down 53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland
7 Down 39. "'Tis entirely likely"
8 Down 47. Negative connector
9 Down 44. Item worn with a hazmat suit
10 Down 11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "21. Boss, in Britain"

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'G', last letter's a 'V'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal GUV

2 Down: "54. "Take me ___""

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'M'.
  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A___M

Answer:

Click to reveal ASIAM

3 Down: "3. High-def flat screen, for short"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'V'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: L___V
  • Count on 5 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal LCDTV

4 Down: "41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits"

Hints:

  • This one runs 8 letters long.
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'S'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: E______S

Answer:

Click to reveal ENABLERS

5 Down: "24. Major Iraqi port city"

Hints:

  • 'Basia' points in the same direction.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: B___A
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal BASRA

6 Down: "53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland"

Hints:

  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: D___Y
  • Starts with 'D', ends with 'Y'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DERRY

7 Down: "39. "'Tis entirely likely""

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'I', last letter's a 'Y'.
  • This one runs 8 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal IDARESAY

8 Down: "47. Negative connector"

Hints:

  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'N', last letter's a 'R'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal NOR

9 Down: "44. Item worn with a hazmat suit"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'G', ends with 'K'.
  • Blank it out and you get: G_____K
  • Count on 7 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal GASMASK

10 Down: "11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly"

Hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AROD

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: 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When does the Trivia Week 2 Mini go live?

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

How long should Trivia Week 2 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 2 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 2?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 2 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: October 13, 2026 at 10:50 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, October 13 2026 mini crossword

on No comments:

Monday, October 12, 2026

Trivia Week 2 October 12, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

Trivia Week 2 October 12, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

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

Popular Puzzles: April 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | January 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 30 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 12, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, October 12, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 12, 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 2 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 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

  • 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 41. "No ___, no foul"
2 Across 22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr.
3 Across 1. "Let's not forget ..."
4 Across 58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found
5 Across 66. ___ off (miffed)
6 Across 18. God with a bow and arrow
7 Across 48. Furious
8 Across 30. Quick kiss
9 Across 13. Close by
10 Across 20. Investment option for old age, in brief

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: "41. "No ___, no foul""

Hints:

  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'M'.

Answer:

Click to reveal HARM

2 Across: "22. Mail carrier's assignment: Abbr."

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • You're looking for 3 letters.
  • Starts with 'R', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal RTE

3 Across: "1. "Let's not forget ...""

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Close enough in meaning: besides.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: A__O

Answer:

Click to reveal ALSO

4 Across: "58. Positioned precariously ... or where the ends of 16-, 24-, 35- and 49-Across can all be found"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'B'.
  • It's a 10-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal OUTONALIMB

5 Across: "66. ___ off (miffed)"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'D'.
  • You could also think of it as "tee up."
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal TEED

6 Across: "18. God with a bow and arrow"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: E__S
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'S'.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal EROS

7 Across: "48. Furious"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'D'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Think of it this way — roused to anger; - Mark Twain.

Answer:

Click to reveal MAD

8 Across: "30. Quick kiss"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'P' and wraps up with 'K'.
  • 'lot' points in the same direction.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal PECK

9 Across: "13. Close by"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: N__R
  • Close enough in meaning: about.
  • Basically, move towards.

Answer:

Click to reveal NEAR

10 Across: "20. Investment option for old age, in brief"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'I', ends with 'A'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Close enough in meaning: anger.

Answer:

Click to reveal IRA

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved
2 Down 26. Sound from the horse's mouth
3 Down 36. Follows an order
4 Down 4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles
5 Down 60. Anxious condition, in brief
6 Down 50. Give a leg up
7 Down 57. Residue on a grill
8 Down 6. Astounded state
9 Down 55. Squid's defensive output
10 Down 12. City map next to a state map, e.g.

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "24. ___ Marian, Robin Hood's beloved"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'M', last letter's a 'D'.
  • Close enough in meaning: maiden.
  • Count on 4 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal MAID

2 Down: "26. Sound from the horse's mouth"

Hints:

  • 'whicker' points in the same direction.
  • First letter's a 'N', last letter's a 'H'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: N___H

Answer:

Click to reveal NEIGH

3 Down: "36. Follows an order"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: O___S
  • Kicks off with 'O' and wraps up with 'S'.
  • Close enough in meaning: obey.

Answer:

Click to reveal OBEYS

4 Down: "4. "Citizen Kane" director Welles"

Hints:

  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Starts with 'O', ends with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ORSON

5 Down: "60. Anxious condition, in brief"

Hints:

  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • Starts with 'O', ends with 'D'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal OCD

6 Down: "50. Give a leg up"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "hike."
  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'B', last letter's a 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal BOOST

7 Down: "57. Residue on a grill"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'H'.
  • In plain terms: the residue that remains when something is burned.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASH

8 Down: "6. Astounded state"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Think of it this way — an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration.
  • Close enough in meaning: fear.

Answer:

Click to reveal AWE

9 Down: "55. Squid's defensive output"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'I', ends with 'K'.
  • Basically, a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal INK

10 Down: "12. City map next to a state map, e.g."

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "gusset."
  • Blank it out and you get: I___T
  • Count on 5 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal INSET

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Some habits that speed things up over time:

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: 52 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When does the Trivia Week 2 Mini go live?

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

How long should Trivia Week 2 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 2 free to play?

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

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 2?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 2 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: October 12, 2026 at 11:08 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, October 12 2026 mini crossword

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Sunday, October 11, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 11, 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

October 11, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Easy putt 5
2A 6. Clever 5
3A 11. Exam for a future atty. 4
4A 15. Boulderer's safety item 3
5A 18. Muffin alternative 5
6A 19. Sea surrounding Mykonos 6
7A 21. Flour in Indian cooking 4
8A 22. "Mr. Blue Sky" band, in brief 3
9A 23. Some "Star Trek" slang? 12
10A 25. Infamous Russian mystic 8
11A 27. Glow up? 3
12A 28. One might be liquid or frozen 5
13A 29. Street that might run all the way through town 4
14A 31. Like most autographs 5
15A 32. French filmmaker Jacques 4
16A 34. Secrets known only to E.N.T.s? 14
17A 38. Depression formed by a volcano's collapse 7
18A 41. Did a taxing job? 7
19A 42. C.I.A. forerunner 3
20A 43. Listened to "Rigoletto" way too many times? 12
21A 46. Mideast leaders 5
22A 48. Member of the South Asian diaspora 4
23A 49. Ocho menos uno 5
24A 50. Berkeley university, familiarly 3
25A 53. Rubber stamp go-with 6
26A 56. Many a David Foster Wallace piece 5
27A 58. Not gross 3
28A 59. Wild hogs 5
29A 61. "___ y plata" (Montana's motto) 3
30A 62. Sleuth, slangily 3
31A 64. "A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? 14
32A 69. N.K. ___, "Broken Earth" trilogy author 7
33A 73. Summer in France 3
34A 74. Person discussed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution 7
35A 75. Spark joy? 14
36A 80. Educational inst. 3
37A 81. "Feast," in Arabic 3
38A 82. Count (up) 5
39A 83. Slippery swimmer 3
40A 85. Daniel ___ (children's TV character) 5
41A 89. "The heart of the internet," per its tagline 6
42A 91. Handful 3
43A 93. Those opposed 5
44A 95. Animated explorer 4
45A 96. Cornea-reshaping surgery 5
46A 98. Diwali or Holi? 12
47A 101. Queen ___ (pop nickname) 3
48A 102. Bouncing 7
49A 105. Some hair products 7
50A 106. Like the world's worst demolition company? 14
51A 110. Rose bowl? 4
52A 111. Status after a leadoff walk 5
53A 112. Drubbing 4
54A 113. Wibbly-wobbly 5
55A 115. Hot stone massage location 3
56A 118. Take a risk 8
57A 120. A whole bunch of ocean detritus? 12
58A 124. Tsp. or tbsp. 3
59A 125. Triumphal monument shape 4
60A 126. Off-target 6
61A 127. Family girl 5
62A 128. Fleur-de-___ 3
63A 129. Luxury goods retailer since 1867 4
64A 130. Needlessly adorns, in an idiom 5
65A 131. Massachusetts county in which the term "gerrymandering" was first applied 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Easy putt"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Clever"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of pain such as that caused by a wound or a burn or a sore
  • Similar words include: smarting, impudent, overbold
  • Opposite of: stupid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Exam for a future atty."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Boulderer's safety item"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
  • Similar words include: diggings, digs, launch area
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Muffin alternative"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small biscuit (rich with cream and eggs) cut into diamonds or sticks and baked in an oven or (especially originally) on a griddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Sea surrounding Mykonos"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arm of the mediterranean between greece and turkey; a main trade route for the ancient civilizations of crete and greece and rome and persia
  • Similar words include: Aegean Sea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AEGEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Flour in Indian cooking"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. "Mr. Blue Sky" band, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Some "Star Trek" slang?"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Infamous Russian mystic"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that siberian peasant monk who was religious advisor in the court of nicholas ii; was assassinated by russian noblemen who feared that his debauchery would weaken the monarchy (1872-1916)
  • Similar words include: Grigori Efimovich Rasputin
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASPUTIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Glow up?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: solarise, insolate, Sunday
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. One might be liquid or frozen"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Street that might run all the way through town"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
  • Similar words include: principal, independent, master
  • Opposite of: dependent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Like most autographs"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. French filmmaker Jacques"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french filmmaker (1908-1982)
  • Similar words include: Jacques Tati, Jacques Tatischeff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Secrets known only to E.N.T.s?"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Depression formed by a volcano's collapse"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large crater caused by the violent explosion of a volcano that collapses into a depression
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALDERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "41. Did a taxing job?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that examine carefully for accuracy with the intent of verification
  • Similar words include: audit, scrutinize, scrutinise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUDITED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. C.I.A. forerunner"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Listened to "Rigoletto" way too many times?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Mideast leaders"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
  • Similar words include: emeer, ameer, emir
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Member of the South Asian diaspora"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Ocho menos uno"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Berkeley university, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Rubber stamp go-with"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a block of absorbent material saturated with ink; used to transfer ink evenly to a rubber stamp
  • Similar words include: stamp pad, pad, inking pad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INKPAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. Many a David Foster Wallace piece"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
  • Similar words include: attempt, seek, test
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Not gross"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: net profit, nett, network
  • Opposite of: gross
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Wild hogs"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: boar, Sus scrofa, wild boar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. "___ y plata" (Montana's motto)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Sleuth, slangily"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a police officer who investigates crimes
  • Similar words include: police detective, investigator, detective
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. "A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.?"

14 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. N.K. ___, "Broken Earth" trilogy author"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "73. Summer in France"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "74. Person discussed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a citizen who has a legal right to vote
  • Similar words include: voter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "75. Spark joy?"

14 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "80. Educational inst."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "81. "Feast," in Arabic"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "82. Count (up)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
  • Similar words include: count, numeration, tot
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. Slippery swimmer"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "85. Daniel ___ (children's TV character)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fierce or audacious person
  • Similar words include: Panthera tigris
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "89. "The heart of the internet," per its tagline"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "91. Handful"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small elite group
  • Opposite of: many
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "93. Those opposed"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
  • Similar words include: anti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "95. Animated explorer"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "96. Cornea-reshaping surgery"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
  • Similar words include: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASIK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "98. Diwali or Holi?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "101. Queen ___ (pop nickname)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (formerly) a title of respect for a man in turkey or egypt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "102. Bouncing"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of ejecting someone or forcing them out
  • Similar words include: throw out, expel, oust
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUSTING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "105. Some hair products"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment
  • Similar words include: pomatum, pomade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POMADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "106. Like the world's worst demolition company?"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "110. Rose bowl?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "111. Status after a leadoff walk"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "112. Drubbing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
  • Similar words include: root, expel, spread-eagle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "113. Wibbly-wobbly"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "115. Hot stone massage location"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "118. Take a risk"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "120. A whole bunch of ocean detritus?"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "124. Tsp. or tbsp."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "125. Triumphal monument shape"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  • Similar words include: mischievous, arc, patronising
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "126. Off-target"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that straying from the right course or from accepted standards
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "127. Family girl"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Opposite of: nephew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "128. Fleur-de-___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group; the lightest metal known; occurs in several minerals
  • Similar words include: lithium, Li, atomic number 3
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "129. Luxury goods retailer since 1867"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "130. Needlessly adorns, in an idiom"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal association of people with similar interests
  • Similar words include: begild, gild, engild
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GILDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "131. Massachusetts county in which the term "gerrymandering" was first applied"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the north sea and the thames estuary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Disapproving sounds 4
2D 2. "Dissent is patriotic" grp. 4
3D 3. Anti-matter? 9
4D 4. Overnight stop 3
5D 5. Made irrelevant 7
6D 6. ___ serif 4
7D 7. Free-for-all 5
8D 8. Stress-induced discomfort 5
9D 9. Stimpy's TV partner 3
10D 10. Make it? 3
11D 11. Roundup rope 6
12D 12. Comics legend behind the Fantastic Four 7
13D 13. Calls out on social media, slangily 3
14D 14. Odd-toed ungulate 5
15D 15. Document used for a travel companion who might sit under a seat 11
16D 16. Many characters in Pixar's "Elio" 6
17D 17. "The Bear" matriarch played by Jamie Lee Curtis 5
18D 20. Rootless 7
19D 24. Green Egyptian god 6
20D 26. Get into, as a cab, say 6
21D 30. DiFranco who made her Broadway debut in "Hadestown" 3
22D 33. Northernmost arm of the Mediterranean 8
23D 35. Like a blue moon or blue steak 4
24D 36. Something to chew on 3
25D 37. Ship brass 8
26D 38. Work with Python, say 4
27D 39. Park and Fifth, e.g.: Abbr. 4
28D 40. Tennis score following deuce 4
29D 44. Second-in-command 4
30D 45. ___ Place, female companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 4
31D 47. Closely examine 7
32D 51. "Dancing With the Stars" network 3
33D 52. Cardinals legend Brock 3
34D 54. With the bow, in music 4
35D 55. Sullen 4
36D 57. "Indeed!" 7
37D 60. Performed exceptionally, in slang 3
38D 63. Bibliography listing 8
39D 65. Louvre Pyramid architect 3
40D 66. Mail Boxes ___ 3
41D 67. Chain that sells climbing gear 3
42D 68. Only egg-laying mammals besides platypuses 8
43D 69. Mocking cry 4
44D 70. "Night" memoirist Wiesel 4
45D 71. They might be the last to be booked on an airplane 11
46D 72. Grp. for Commanders and Chiefs 3
47D 76. Holiday classic starring Will Ferrell 3
48D 77. Soapmaker's supply 3
49D 78. Be inclined 4
50D 79. Cryptid with a Tibetan name 4
51D 84. Speech therapist's target 4
52D 86. Frigg and Freyja, e.g. 9
53D 87. One of the Great Lakes 4
54D 88. Cleaning cloths 4
55D 90. Home of the N.C.A.A.'s Flyers 6
56D 92. Train sound 7
57D 93. Home services website 4
58D 94. Dig up dirt, say 6
59D 97. "Barry Lyndon" director 7
60D 99. QB's worry: Abbr. 3
61D 100. Statement by someone who's out of date? 7
62D 101. Vietnamese sandwich 6
63D 103. Animals known for their slow metabolism 6
64D 104. Capital of ancient Troy? 3
65D 106. Alternative to express 5
66D 107. Ancient Andeans 5
67D 108. Like some allergy sprays 5
68D 109. Splendid 5
69D 114. Young newts 4
70D 116. A runner may need to pick it up 4
71D 117. Charger's option, informally 4
72D 119. Flop ___ (period of failure) 3
73D 121. Part of NGO: Abbr. 3
74D 122. Prefix with cycle 3
75D 123. Christmas carol contraction 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Disapproving sounds"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Similar words include: tsk, tut-tut, tut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Dissent is patriotic" grp."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anti-matter?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not having a point especially a sharp point
  • Similar words include: purposeless, unpointed, senseless
  • Opposite of: pointed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POINTLESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Overnight stop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: hostel, hostelry, auberge
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Made irrelevant"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be in contradiction with
  • Similar words include: neutralize, contravene, contradict
  • Opposite of: affirm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEGATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ serif"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Free-for-all"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisy riotous fight
  • Similar words include: scrimmage, battle royal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Stress-induced discomfort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Stimpy's TV partner"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Make it?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Similar words include: track, tag end, rag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Roundup rope"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long noosed rope used to catch animals
  • Similar words include: riata, lasso, reata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LARIAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Comics legend behind the Fantastic Four"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Calls out on social media, slangily"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: atomic number 85, at, At
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Odd-toed ungulate"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungulate of tropical america and southeast asia having a heavy body and fleshy snout
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Document used for a travel companion who might sit under a seat"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Many characters in Pixar's "Elio""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
  • Similar words include: noncitizen, extraterrestrial being, extraterrestrial
  • Opposite of: acquaintance, citizen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. "The Bear" matriarch played by Jamie Lee Curtis"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an italian woman of rank
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "20. Rootless"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: wandering, mobile, peregrine
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOMADIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Green Egyptian god"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead; husband and brother of isis; father of horus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSIRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Get into, as a cab, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that draw the cork from (bottles)
  • Opposite of: cork
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNCORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. DiFranco who made her Broadway debut in "Hadestown""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Northernmost arm of the Mediterranean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arm of the mediterranean between slovenia and croatia and montenegro and albania on the east and italy on the west
  • Similar words include: Adriatic Sea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADRIATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Like a blue moon or blue steak"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: uncommon, rarefied, rarified
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Something to chew on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  • Similar words include: chew, rechewed food, plug
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Ship brass"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supreme commander of a fleet; ranks above a vice admiral and below a fleet admiral
  • Similar words include: admiral, full admiral
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADMIRALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Work with Python, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
  • Similar words include: codification, encrypt, cypher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Park and Fifth, e.g.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ornithology) the class of birds
  • Similar words include: class Aves
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Tennis score following deuce"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Second-in-command"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. ___ Place, female companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Closely examine"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look over carefully
  • Similar words include: audit, visit, scrutinise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSPECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Dancing With the Stars" network"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: ABC's, alphabet, first rudiment
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Cardinals legend Brock"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. With the bow, in music"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of instruments in the violin family) to be played with the bow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Sullen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stubbornly unyielding; ; ; ; - t.s.eliot
  • Similar words include: glowering, grim, sour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Indeed!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Performed exceptionally, in slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "63. Bibliography listing"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
  • Similar words include: mention, credit, cite
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CITATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Louvre Pyramid architect"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states architect (born in china in 1917)
  • Similar words include: Ieoh Ming Pei, I. M. Pei
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Mail Boxes ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "67. Chain that sells climbing gear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. Only egg-laying mammals besides platypuses"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to new guinea
  • Similar words include: echidna, anteater, spiny anteater
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHIDNAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "69. Mocking cry"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showing your contempt by derision
  • Similar words include: jeering, flout, gibe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "70. "Night" memoirist Wiesel"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "71. They might be the last to be booked on an airplane"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "72. Grp. for Commanders and Chiefs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "76. Holiday classic starring Will Ferrell"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, brownie, imp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "77. Soapmaker's supply"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "78. Be inclined"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Similar words include: lean, be given, incline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "79. Cryptid with a Tibetan name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Similar words include: abominable snowman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "84. Speech therapist's target"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
  • Similar words include: list-processing language
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LISP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "86. Frigg and Freyja, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female deity
  • Similar words include: goddess
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GODDESSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "87. One of the Great Lakes"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "88. Cleaning cloths"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
  • Similar words include: get at, get to, bother
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "90. Home of the N.C.A.A.'s Flyers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southwest ohio; manufacturing center
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAYTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "92. Train sound"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
  • Similar words include: sing, tin whistle, whistling
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHISTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "93. Home services website"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "94. Dig up dirt, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hand tool for lifting loose material; consists of a curved container or scoop and a handle
  • Similar words include: excavator, digger, shovelful
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "97. "Barry Lyndon" director"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker (born in 1928)
  • Similar words include: Stanley Kubrick
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KUBRICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "99. QB's worry: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "100. Statement by someone who's out of date?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "101. Vietnamese sandwich"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "103. Animals known for their slow metabolism"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "104. Capital of ancient Troy?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "106. Alternative to express"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
  • Similar words include: topical anaesthetic, local anesthetic, local anaesthetic
  • Opposite of: national, express
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "107. Ancient Andeans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inca, Inka, Incan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "108. Like some allergy sprays"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
  • Similar words include: adenoidal, pinched, os nasale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "109. Splendid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: rarified, K, gilded
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "114. Young newts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a newt in its terrestrial stage of development
  • Similar words include: eft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "116. A runner may need to pick it up"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: footstep, step, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "117. Charger's option, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: Curb, American Stock Exchange
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "119. Flop ___ (period of failure)"

3 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: earned run average, geological era, epoch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "121. Part of NGO: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "122. Prefix with cycle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "123. Christmas carol contraction"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
  • Similar words include: te, atomic number 22, ti
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIS

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

65 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: October 11, 2026 at 10:10 AM

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