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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 17, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Like Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, some say 7
2A 8. App brought back by Microsoft in 2024 3
3A 11. Swear 4
4A 15. Disney film set in a fictional Colombian village 7
5A 16. BEFORE (Deck 1): Slackers 8
6A 18. Celebrity 7
7A 19. Fast-paced scam, such as the shell game 8
8A 20. BEFORE (Deck 2): PlayStation and Switch 8
9A 22. Laterite, for example 3
10A 23. Folkie DiFranco 3
11A 24. Chills 5
12A 26. "___ Recall" (1990 sci-fi film) 5
13A 31. Jay who hosted the 2020s revival of "You Bet Your Life" 4
14A 33. Wild European rabbit in Australia, e.g. 4
15A 36. Beer buy 4
16A 37. Join tightly 4
17A 41. BEFORE (Deck 3): Quarry 8
18A 43. Casino maneuvers carried out three times in this puzzle? 14
19A 46. AFTER (Deck 3): Crucial moment in a tennis match 8
20A 47. Osso ___ (veal dish) 4
21A 48. "The Emperor's New Groove" setting 4
22A 49. Blond, but not really 4
23A 51. Many a discovery in the Valley of the Kings 4
24A 55. Visit by plane 5
25A 57. ___ With Friends 5
26A 61. Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" 3
27A 62. Telepathy, e.g. 3
28A 65. AFTER (Deck 2): Noted quality of the Fonz 8
29A 67. Geraldo Rivera uncovered his "vaults" on live TV 8
30A 72. "___ the Day" (Thomas Pynchon's longest novel) 7
31A 73. AFTER (Deck 1): Slackers 8
32A 74. Was up the river 7
33A 75. Awards achievement reached in 2026 by Steven Spielberg 4
34A 76. Outdo 3
35A 77. Rival of a Raven 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Like Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, some say"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cast an actor, singer, or dancer in an unsuitable role
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISCAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. App brought back by Microsoft in 2024"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Swear"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a persistently annoying person
  • Similar words include: pest, feller, swearword
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Disney film set in a fictional Colombian village"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. BEFORE (Deck 1): Slackers"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Celebrity"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the status of being acknowledged as a star
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARDOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Fast-paced scam, such as the shell game"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. BEFORE (Deck 2): PlayStation and Switch"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small table fixed to a wall or designed to stand against a wall
  • Similar words include: cabinet, solace, console table
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONSOLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Laterite, for example"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Folkie DiFranco"

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!

11A: "24. Chills"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something left after other parts have been taken away
  • Similar words include: roost, residue, stay
  • Opposite of: change, be active
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. "___ Recall" (1990 sci-fi film)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the whole amount
  • Similar words include: summate, add together, tot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Jay who hosted the 2020s revival of "You Bet Your Life""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Wild European rabbit in Australia, e.g."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
  • Similar words include: plague, cuss, blighter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "36. Beer buy"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of something
  • Similar words include: compositor's case, type, pillowcase
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. Join tightly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded
  • Similar words include: commingle, flux, fuze
  • Opposite of: defuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "41. BEFORE (Deck 3): Quarry"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "43. Casino maneuvers carried out three times in this puzzle?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "46. AFTER (Deck 3): Crucial moment in a tennis match"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "47. Osso ___ (veal dish)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "48. "The Emperor's New Groove" setting"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
  • Similar words include: Republic of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "49. Blond, but not really"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that color with dye
  • Similar words include: bleached, colored, dye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "51. Many a discovery in the Valley of the Kings"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
  • Similar words include: grave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "55. Visit by plane"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "57. ___ With Friends"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the words that are spoken
  • Similar words include: quarrel, password, give-and-take
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WORDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "61. Vardalos of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "62. Telepathy, e.g."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "65. AFTER (Deck 2): Noted quality of the Fonz"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that calm and unruffled self-assurance
  • Similar words include: iciness, imperturbableness, chilliness
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOLNESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "67. Geraldo Rivera uncovered his "vaults" on live TV"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "72. "___ the Day" (Thomas Pynchon's longest novel)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "73. AFTER (Deck 1): Slackers"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "74. Was up the river"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "75. Awards achievement reached in 2026 by Steven Spielberg"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "76. Outdo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of anything
  • Similar words include: summit, meridian, spinning top
  • Opposite of: bottom
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "77. Rival of a Raven"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Paul who played William Shakespeare in "Hamnet" 6
2D 2. Vocalize 6
3D 3. Digitize, as a document 6
4D 4. "Just What I Needed" band, with "the" 4
5D 5. Disney+ series whose name sounds like a compound conjunction 5
6D 6. Got via the "five-finger discount" 5
7D 7. "The Complete Works of ..." books, say 5
8D 8. Booker T.'s backing band 3
9D 9. Neighborhood mentioned in "Werewolves of London" 4
10D 10. Former queen of Jordan 4
11D 11. Portable bed 3
12D 12. Mixed martial arts org. 3
13D 13. Bay Area airport code 3
14D 14. ID thief's target: Abbr. 3
15D 17. Instrument ridge 4
16D 21. Valvoline rival 3
17D 25. Gathering, informally 4
18D 27. Cat that's spotted in South America 6
19D 28. It's on a roll 4
20D 29. Sale caveat 4
21D 30. Permitted to 3
22D 32. Repelled 6
23D 34. Scrapbook keepsake 4
24D 35. Popcorn ___ (fried vegan treat) 4
25D 38. Subject of a declassified Pentagon document, in brief 3
26D 39. Averted a tag, maybe 4
27D 40. Start of a counting-out rhyme 4
28D 42. Lions and Bears are in it, in brief 3
29D 43. Stagger 4
30D 44. "Hey, doing my best" 4
31D 45. Goulash, e.g. 4
32D 46. UV blockage fig. 3
33D 50. Medical moniker 3
34D 52. Final score of at least 10% of professional soccer matches 6
35D 53. "Glad I'm back?" 6
36D 54. Thanksgiving kitchen tool 6
37D 56. Research for a political hit, slangily 4
38D 58. Map lines 5
39D 59. Give minimum effort 5
40D 60. British glam rock band of the 1970s 5
41D 63. Lenient 4
42D 64. 411 4
43D 66. TV's Nick at ___ 4
44D 67. Gray, say 3
45D 68. Record 3
46D 69. Bill's partner 3
47D 70. Back at sea 3
48D 71. "Ability" that's hard to believe, for short 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Paul who played William Shakespeare in "Hamnet""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small spineless globe-shaped cactus; source of mescal buttons
  • Similar words include: peyote, mezcal, Lophophora williamsii
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESCAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Vocalize"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
  • Similar words include: cantillate, intonate, chant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Digitize, as a document"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Just What I Needed" band, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: motorcar, elevator car, railcar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Disney+ series whose name sounds like a compound conjunction"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Got via the "five-finger discount""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
  • Similar words include: steal, slip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "The Complete Works of ..." books, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Similar words include: tome
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Booker T.'s backing band"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thousandth (1/1,000) gram
  • Similar words include: milligram, magnesium, Mg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Neighborhood mentioned in "Werewolves of London""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a district in southwestern manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
  • Similar words include: South of Houston
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Former queen of Jordan"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Portable bed"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: fingerstall, camp bed, crib
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mixed martial arts org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Bay Area airport code"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. ID thief's target: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Instrument ridge"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: Greek key, stew, choke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Valvoline rival"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Gathering, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Cat that's spotted in South America"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal wildcat of central america and south america having a dark-spotted buff-brown coat
  • Similar words include: Felis pardalis, panther cat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCELOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. It's on a roll"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
  • Similar words include: videotape, tapeline, taping
  • Opposite of: erase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Sale caveat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Permitted to"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: allow, countenance, get
  • Opposite of: disallow, prevent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Repelled"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Scrapbook keepsake"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short piece remaining on a trunk or stem where a branch is lost
  • Similar words include: ticket stub, nub, check stub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Popcorn ___ (fried vegan treat)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
  • Similar words include: bean curd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOFU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Subject of a declassified Pentagon document, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Similar words include: flying saucer, unidentified flying object
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Averted a tag, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
  • Similar words include: slew, slue, slither
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Start of a counting-out rhyme"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Lions and Bears are in it, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Stagger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: stagger, whirl, swag
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. "Hey, doing my best""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Goulash, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: swither, fret, sweat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. UV blockage fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: sun protection factor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Medical moniker"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Similar words include: MD, Commerce, medico
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Final score of at least 10% of professional soccer matches"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. "Glad I'm back?""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Thanksgiving kitchen tool"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cook who bastes roasting meat with melted fat or gravy
  • Similar words include: tacker
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Research for a political hit, slangily"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Map lines"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a partly sheltered anchorage
  • Similar words include: road, route, roadstead
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Give minimum effort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. British glam rock band of the 1970s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Lenient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that yielding readily to pressure or weight
  • Similar words include: diffused, easy, gentle
  • Opposite of: hard, forte
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. 411"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message received and understood
  • Similar words include: information
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "66. TV's Nick at ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "67. Gray, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: historic period, years, maturate
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "68. Record"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
  • Similar words include: lumber, logarithm
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "69. Bill's partner"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a pigeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "70. Back at sea"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (nautical, aeronautical) situated at or toward the stern or tail
  • Similar words include: abaft, astern
  • Opposite of: fore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "71. "Ability" that's hard to believe, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses
  • Similar words include: clairvoyance, extrasensory perception, E.S.P.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
48 Down Clues
83 Total Clues

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Last updated: June 17, 2026 at 08:40 AM