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

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 20, 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: Tricky

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. Las ___, Canary Islands 6
2A 7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short 4
3A 11. Plant, as seeds 3
4A 14. Laid back 6
5A 15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline) 4
6A 16. "That's terrible!" 3
7A 17. Campfire cookout, informally 11
8A 19. Crafty 3
9A 20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro 7
10A 21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know] 4
11A 22. Criticize very harshly 4
12A 25. Old-time winter excursion 10
13A 27. Loosey-goosey 3
14A 28. Not yet posted, in brief 3
15A 29. Bit in a nutrition bar 3
16A 30. Flattering lines? 3
17A 31. Indian yogurt dish 5
18A 34. Susceptible to bribery 5
19A 38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across 15
20A 41. Unit of magnetic flux density 5
21A 42. One who says "Hell if I know!"? 5
22A 43. Subtle greeting 3
23A 44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint 3
24A 46. Part of every day, in Italy 3
25A 47. Improvised instrument in folk music 3
26A 48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps 10
27A 53. Serious aversion 4
28A 54. Make 4
29A 55. Farm storage building 7
30A 57. Short-term job 3
31A 58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen 11
32A 62. Exploit 3
33A 63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the" 4
34A 64. Further out there 6
35A 65. Flanders of "The Simpsons" 3
36A 66. Dust-ups 4
37A 67. Loud speaker, maybe 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Las ___, Canary Islands"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Plant, as seeds"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, sow in, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Laid back"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "That's terrible!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Campfire cookout, informally"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricky, crafty, foxy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know]"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Criticize very harshly"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strip the skin off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Old-time winter excursion"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Loosey-goosey"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Similar words include: slack, loose
  • Opposite of: tense
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Not yet posted, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Bit in a nutrition bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Flattering lines?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Indian yogurt dish"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Susceptible to bribery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capable of being corrupted
  • Similar words include: purchasable, corruptible, dishonest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Unit of magnetic flux density"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. One who says "Hell if I know!"?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Subtle greeting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Part of every day, in Italy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Improvised instrument in folk music"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bottle with a narrow mouth
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, incarcerate, gaol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Serious aversion"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
  • Similar words include: detest, hatred
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Make"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: gain, make, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Farm storage building"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  • Similar words include: garner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRANARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Short-term job"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
  • Similar words include: spear, fizgig, lance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Exploit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: function, economic consumption, usage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Further out there"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
  • Similar words include: buffoonish, clownish, goofy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZANIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Flanders of "The Simpsons""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Dust-ups"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, ado, bustle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Loud speaker, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
  • Similar words include: speechifier, speechmaker, rhetorician
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!" 3
2D 2. Filled up on 3
3D 3. Gymnast Suni 3
4D 4. Virile 5
5D 5. It's west of the Bering Strait 4
6D 6. Appears to be going down the drain 8
7D 7. Overact 5
8D 8. Mammal with a long ringed tail 5
9D 9. "We're on!" 6
10D 10. Tricked 3
11D 11. Dish with vinegared rice 5
12D 12. Eyed lustfully 5
13D 13. Question exclaimed after misfortune 5
14D 18. One way to spell relief, per ads 7
15D 21. Crafts, in Córdoba 5
16D 22. Part of a homecoming parade 5
17D 23. Big scoop 5
18D 24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan 5
19D 26. Fine cigar 6
20D 28. Hardships 6
21D 32. Madre's hermana 3
22D 33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry 7
23D 35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun 5
24D 36. It may follow deuce 5
25D 37. Overlook 5
26D 39. Designer Calvin 5
27D 40. Hummus bean 8
28D 45. Piece of goalie gear 6
29D 48. Started 5
30D 49. Not leave a bet as is 5
31D 50. Gave a push 5
32D 51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky 5
33D 52. Relays and rallies 5
34D 53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g. 5
35D 56. Bottom 4
36D 58. Luxury resort amenity 3
37D 59. Relatively short Morse code bit 3
38D 60. Sign of summer 3
39D 61. Blunder 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: hand, mitt, manus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Filled up on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gymnast Suni"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: leeward, Shelton Jackson Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Virile"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that possessing qualities befitting a man
  • Similar words include: male, manlike, virile
  • Opposite of: unmanfully, unmanly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's west of the Bering Strait"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Appears to be going down the drain"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Overact"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Mammal with a long ringed tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: Nasua narica, coati-mundi, coati-mondi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "We're on!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tricked"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: generate, mother, start out
  • Opposite of: take away, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dish with vinegared rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eyed lustfully"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Similar words include: ogle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Question exclaimed after misfortune"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One way to spell relief, per ads"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Crafts, in Córdoba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Part of a homecoming parade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
  • Similar words include: blow, swim, ice-cream float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Big scoop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Fine cigar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of cuba; located in western cuba; one of the oldest cities in the americas
  • Similar words include: Cuban capital, capital of Cuba
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Hardships"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of testing something
  • Similar words include: trial, trial run, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Madre's hermana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINJA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. It may follow deuce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Overlook"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Designer Calvin"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german mathematician who created the klein bottle (1849-1925)
  • Similar words include: Calvin Klein, Melanie Klein, Felix Klein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Hummus bean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the chickpea plant
  • Similar words include: chickpea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBANZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Piece of goalie gear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Started"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
  • Similar words include: lead off, start out, get down
  • Opposite of: end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Not leave a bet as is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: enhance, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: level, demote
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Gave a push"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force or impel in an indicated direction
  • Similar words include: inspire, cheer, urge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
  • Similar words include: genus Draco, Dragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Relays and rallies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: raceway, run, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Bottom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: tooshie, posterior, butt
  • Opposite of: level, head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Luxury resort amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Relatively short Morse code bit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Sign of summer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
  • Similar words include: Leo the Lion, Lion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: stray, mistake, drift
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Trivia Week 4 September 23, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

NYT Mini Trivia Week 4 September 23, 2026 - Hints & Answers

20 clues today. If you're stuck on any of them, scroll down — hints first, answers hidden underneath.

Popular Puzzles: All NYT Across Clues September 26 2025 | December 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | October 31 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 23, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 23, 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

  • 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 40. Pretense
2 Across 65. Catches red-handed
3 Across 18. Start of a counting rhyme
4 Across 28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head
5 Across 20. Honorable conduct on the field
6 Across 46. "Hmm ... I pass"
7 Across 37. Epic poem originally passed down orally
8 Across 49. Peak in the Alaska Range
9 Across 5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs
10 Across 17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings

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: "40. Pretense"

Hints:

  • Think of it this way — the side that is forward or prominent.
  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: F___T

Answer:

Click to reveal FRONT


2 Across: "65. Catches red-handed"

Hints:

  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Close enough in meaning: pick up.

Answer:

Click to reveal NABS


3 Across: "18. Start of a counting rhyme"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: E___E
  • Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • This one runs 5 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal EENIE


4 Across: "28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head"

Hints:

  • 'anuran' points in the same direction.
  • If that helps, the shape is: T__D
  • First letter's a 'T', last letter's a 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TOAD


5 Across: "20. Honorable conduct on the field"

Hints:

  • Think of it this way — fairness in following the rules of the game.
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'P'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S___________P

Answer:

Click to reveal SPORTSMANSHIP


6 Across: "46. "Hmm ... I pass""

Hints:

  • Starts with 'U', ends with 'O'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: U__O
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal UHNO


7 Across: "37. Epic poem originally passed down orally"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'I', ends with 'D'.
  • Blank it out and you get: I___D
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal ILIAD


8 Across: "49. Peak in the Alaska Range"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Starts with 'D', ends with 'I'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: D____I

Answer:

Click to reveal DENALI


9 Across: "5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: mine.
  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal MINES


10 Across: "17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings"

Hints:

  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'I'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal AUDI

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 31. Meshed (with)
2 Down 2. Jeweler's magnifying glass
3 Down 28. It's kept by a metronome
4 Down 5. Distinguished conductor
5 Down 48. Arbor Day mo.
6 Down 21. Spanish aunt
7 Down 54. More than wants
8 Down 53. Host with a mic
9 Down 13. "Old man"
10 Down 25. Bonkers

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "31. Meshed (with)"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • If that helps, the shape is: J___D
  • Basically, be compatible.

Answer:

Click to reveal JIBED


2 Down: "2. Jeweler's magnifying glass"

Hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LOUPE


3 Down: "28. It's kept by a metronome"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: pace.
  • Blank it out and you get: T___O
  • This one runs 5 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal TEMPO


4 Down: "5. Distinguished conductor"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "master."
  • Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'O'.
  • Count on 7 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal MAESTRO


5 Down: "48. Arbor Day mo."

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: April.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Basically, the month following March and preceding May.

Answer:

Click to reveal APR


6 Down: "21. Spanish aunt"

Hints:

  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'A'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TIA


7 Down: "54. More than wants"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'N' and wraps up with 'S'.
  • Basically, a condition requiring relief.
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal NEEDS


8 Down: "53. Host with a mic"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "compere."
  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal EMCEE


9 Down: "13. "Old man""

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: dada.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • First letter's a 'D', last letter's a 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DAD


10 Down: "25. Bonkers"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'L' and wraps up with 'Y'.
  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Think of it this way — someone deranged and possibly dangerous.

Answer:

Click to reveal LOONY

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: Medium

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?

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

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

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

Does Trivia Week 4 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 23, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 23 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 23, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Meh 4
2A 5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs 5
3A 10. Looped in via email 4
4A 14. Covid-19, colloquially 4
5A 15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998 5
6A 16. Mauna Loa output 4
7A 17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings 4
8A 18. Start of a counting rhyme 5
9A 19. Slightly 4
10A 20. Honorable conduct on the field 13
11A 23. Recluses 7
12A 24. On-schedule 6
13A 27. Musician's gift 3
14A 28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head 4
15A 30. Fish eggs 3
16A 31. Kid around 4
17A 34. When hunting restrictions are lifted 10
18A 37. Epic poem originally passed down orally 5
19A 39. CPR expert 3
20A 40. Pretense 5
21A 41. Carnival diversion requiring precision 10
22A 44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle 4
23A 45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux 3
24A 46. "Hmm ... I pass" 4
25A 47. Word before data or deal 3
26A 49. Peak in the Alaska Range 6
27A 51. Slender e-cig 7
28A 55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 13
29A 58. Genderqueer identity, informally 4
30A 60. Windowside perches 5
31A 61. "Back in my day ..." 4
32A 62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion" 4
33A 63. Greek salad morsel 5
34A 64. Gave the green light 4
35A 65. Catches red-handed 4
36A 66. "Duly ___" 5
37A 67. They go for bucks 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Meh"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
  • Similar words include: mine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Looped in via email"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Covid-19, colloquially"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Mauna Loa output"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Start of a counting rhyme"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Slightly"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Honorable conduct on the field"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fairness in following the rules of the game
  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORTSMANSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Recluses"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one retired from society for religious reasons
  • Similar words include: troglodyte, solitary, hermit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERMITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. On-schedule"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that before a time limit expires
  • Similar words include: well-timed, seasonably, seasonable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Musician's gift"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, capitulum, auricle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
  • Similar words include: frog, salientian, anuran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fish eggs"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kid around"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: jocularity, laugh, joke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. When hunting restrictions are lifted"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Epic poem originally passed down orally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a greek epic poem (attributed to homer) describing the siege of troy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. CPR expert"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Pretense"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the side that is forward or prominent
  • Similar words include: battlefront, front line, straw man
  • Opposite of: rear, back
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRONT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Carnival diversion requiring precision"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. "Hmm ... I pass""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Word before data or deal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for nakedness
  • Similar words include: stark naked, naked as a jaybird, new
  • Opposite of: cooked
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Peak in the Alaska Range"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain in south central alaska; the highest peak in north america (20,300 feet high)
  • Similar words include: Mount McKinley, Mt. McKinley, McKinley
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Slender e-cig"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Genderqueer identity, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Windowside perches"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states operatic soprano (born in 1929)
  • Similar words include: Beverly Sills, sill, Belle Miriam Silverman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. "Back in my day ...""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: one time, at one time, erst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Greek salad morsel"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: Olea europaea, European olive tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Gave the green light"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Catches red-handed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. "Duly ___""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make mention of
  • Similar words include: far-famed, take down, remark
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. They go for bucks"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: perform, Department of Energy, behave
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Brazen 5
2D 2. Jeweler's magnifying glass 5
3D 3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna 5
4D 4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos 9
5D 5. Distinguished conductor 7
6D 6. Agenda topics 5
7D 7. Nickname for grandma 4
8D 8. Environmental activist Brockovich 4
9D 9. Naps, in Nicaragua 7
10D 10. ___ to fame 5
11D 11. One preferring purrs to pooches 9
12D 12. Actress Mendes 3
13D 13. "Old man" 3
14D 21. Spanish aunt 3
15D 22. 720p+ resolution, informally 5
16D 25. Bonkers 5
17D 26. Gossip, from the Yiddish 5
18D 28. It's kept by a metronome 5
19D 29. Not fooled by 4
20D 31. Meshed (with) 5
21D 32. Thrill 5
22D 33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom 9
23D 35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally 4
24D 36. "Is everything cool between us?" 9
25D 38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant 5
26D 42. "Them's fightin' words!" 7
27D 43. Talked up 7
28D 48. Arbor Day mo. 3
29D 50. "Now I remember" 5
30D 51. Part of a heart or faucet 5
31D 52. Japanese bread crumbs 5
32D 53. Host with a mic 5
33D 54. More than wants 5
34D 56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph 4
35D 57. Dart (about) 4
36D 58. Seemingly for-EH-ver 3
37D 59. Thunder setting, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Brazen"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively bold
  • Similar words include: cheeky, nervy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Jeweler's magnifying glass"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small magnifying glass (usually set in an eyepiece) used by jewelers and horologists
  • Similar words include: jeweler's loupe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOUPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Distinguished conductor"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artist of consummate skill
  • Similar words include: master
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAESTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Agenda topics"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: item, particular, token
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Nickname for grandma"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Environmental activist Brockovich"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Naps, in Nicaragua"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
  • Similar words include: siesta
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIESTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___ to fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
  • Similar words include: call, exact, title
  • Opposite of: forfeit, disclaim
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAIM

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11D: "11. One preferring purrs to pooches"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Actress Mendes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. "Old man""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "21. Spanish aunt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

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15D: "22. 720p+ resolution, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "25. Bonkers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone deranged and possibly dangerous
  • Similar words include: round the bend, crackers, nuts
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOONY

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17D: "26. Gossip, from the Yiddish"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YENTA

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18D: "28. It's kept by a metronome"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
  • Similar words include: pacing, pace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPO

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19D: "29. Not fooled by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "31. Meshed (with)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
  • Similar words include: correspond, change course, tally
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JIBED

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21D: "32. Thrill"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, intoxicate, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

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22D: "33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that englishman and quaker who founded the colony of pennsylvania (1644-1718)
  • Similar words include: Pennsylvania, William Penn, University of Pennsylvania
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENN

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24D: "36. "Is everything cool between us?""

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
  • Similar words include: monitrice, labor coach, birthing coach
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOULA

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26D: "42. "Them's fightin' words!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "43. Talked up"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express approval of
  • Similar words include: praise
  • Opposite of: criticize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAISED

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28D: "48. Arbor Day mo."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APR

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29D: "50. "Now I remember""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "51. Part of a heart or faucet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VALVE

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31D: "52. Japanese bread crumbs"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "53. Host with a mic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

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33D: "54. More than wants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: demand, necessitate, postulate
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEEDS

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34D: "56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cylindrical tower used for storing silage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILO

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35D: "57. Dart (about)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden quick movement
  • Similar words include: fleet, dart, flutter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIT

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36D: "58. Seemingly for-EH-ver"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longest division of geological time
  • Similar words include: aeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EON

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37D: "59. Thunder setting, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 23, 2026 at 08:42 AM