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Friday, February 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 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. Disney character who sings "In Summer" 4
2A 5. Product code used in inventory management 3
3A 8. Ropes in 6
4A 14. Ones always grinding at their jobs? 8
5A 16. Connect 6
6A 17. Baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, etc. 8
7A 18. Manages 6
8A 19. Pleasant chill in the air, say 14
9A 21. Baylor of N.B.A. fame 5
10A 22. Org. whose work takes many forms? 3
11A 23. Took in 3
12A 24. Smear 6
13A 26. Nahuatl speaker 5
14A 28. Muse aloud 5
15A 29. Actress Seehorn of "Pluribus" 4
16A 30. "I smell trouble ...!" 4
17A 34. Break down while studying? 15
18A 37. First place? 4
19A 38. Docs that deal with sensitive information 4
20A 39. Miracle on the ___ (surprise French/English victory of W.W. I) 5
21A 40. Like many working horses, but not many working dogs 5
22A 42. Binges 6
23A 43. N.Y.C.-based dance group 3
24A 46. Wonder 3
25A 47. Descendants of the Picts 5
26A 48. Someone you might like to get to know better 14
27A 52. Wyndham hotel brand 6
28A 53. Has to keep going 8
29A 55. Extra 6
30A 56. Instruction before an M.R.I. 8
31A 57. Gets wise to? 6
32A 58. Li'l ___ (tykes) 3
33A 59. Fix 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Disney character who sings "In Summer""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Product code used in inventory management"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Ropes in"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belgian composer (1532-1594)
  • Similar words include: Orlando di Lasso, lariat, Lasso
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASSOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ones always grinding at their jobs?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Connect"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be attached
  • Similar words include: bond, tie, confiscate
  • Opposite of: detach
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, etc."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heat-resistant dishware in which food can be cooked as well as served
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Manages"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Pleasant chill in the air, say"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Baylor of N.B.A. fame"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Org. whose work takes many forms?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Took in"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Smear"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that speak unfavorably about
  • Similar words include: traduce, evil, drag through the mud
  • Opposite of: benign
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Nahuatl speaker"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the nahuatl people who established an empire in mexico that was overthrown by cortes in 1519
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AZTEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Muse aloud"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • Similar words include: sound off, animadvert, guess
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Actress Seehorn of "Pluribus""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: Rhea americana, nandu, Pterocnemia pennata
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. "I smell trouble ...!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Break down while studying?"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. First place?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Docs that deal with sensitive information"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Miracle on the ___ (surprise French/English victory of W.W. I)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Like many working horses, but not many working dogs"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that furnish with shoes
  • Similar words include: shod, shoe, shodden
  • Opposite of: unshod
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Binges"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brief indulgence of your impulses
  • Similar words include: spree, fling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPREES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. N.Y.C.-based dance group"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Wonder"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: veneration, fear, reverence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Descendants of the Picts"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dialect of english used in scotland
  • Similar words include: Scotch, Scotsman, Scottish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Someone you might like to get to know better"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Wyndham hotel brand"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Has to keep going"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Extra"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Similar words include: too, excessively, to a fault
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Instruction before an M.R.I."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Gets wise to?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: sass, lip, back talk
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Li'l ___ (tykes)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security
  • Similar words include: UN, United Nations
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Fix"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, alter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Seller's shorthand for "I'm willing to haggle" 3
2D 2. W.C.s 4
3D 3. "Is this being broadcast now?" 9
4D 4. Posh hotel room amenities 10
5D 5. Cholesterol-lowering drug 6
6D 6. ___ Bass, first female mayor of Los Angeles 5
7D 7. Customer, in tech-speak 4
8D 8. Social activity that may involve wearing a vest 8
9D 9. Relaxed 6
10D 10. "Let it stand" 4
11D 11. One of the Obamas 5
12D 12. It has eight players 5
13D 13. Word with bird or leave 5
14D 15. Arrogant self-assurance 7
15D 20. Becomes aged, in a way 6
16D 24. Extra 4
17D 25. Was a copycat of 4
18D 26. To come 5
19D 27. Shady dealers 10
20D 29. Trade for cash 6
21D 31. "Some free advice ..." 9
22D 32. State bird found in only a single state 4
23D 33. Valuable deposits 4
24D 35. They might be made up in the spring 8
25D 36. Brings in 7
26D 41. Online nickname 6
27D 42. Things made by toddlers and directors 6
28D 43. Hairstyles often associated with the '60s and '70s 5
29D 44. "Well done!" 5
30D 45. x 5
31D 47. Wood finish 5
32D 49. Crispy flaps of crust on sourdough loaves 4
33D 50. Org. with a "Know Your Rights" campaign 4
34D 51. ___ Bunny, toon who debuted in "Space Jam" 4
35D 54. Carry on 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Seller's shorthand for "I'm willing to haggle""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. W.C.s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • Similar words include: can, john, lav
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Is this being broadcast now?""

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Posh hotel room amenities"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cholesterol-lowering drug"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medicine that lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting hmg-coa reductase
  • Similar words include: lipid-lowering medication, statin drug, lipid-lowering medicine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ Bass, first female mayor of Los Angeles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the tibeto-burman language spoken in the thailand and burmese borderlands
  • Similar words include: Karenic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Customer, in tech-speak"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Similar words include: substance abuser, drug user, exploiter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Social activity that may involve wearing a vest"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Relaxed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Let it stand""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that printing: cancel, as of a correction or deletion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One of the Obamas"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. It has eight players"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Word with bird or leave"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land along the edge of a body of water
  • Similar words include: prop, shore up, shoring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Arrogant self-assurance"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an itinerant australian laborer who carries his personal belongings in a bundle as he travels around in search of work
  • Similar words include: swash, tittup, prance
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAGGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Becomes aged, in a way"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Extra"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english statesman who opposed henry viii's divorce from catherine of aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of utopia, the ideal state
  • Similar words include: to a greater extent, Thomas More, more than
  • Opposite of: fewer, less
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Was a copycat of"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imitate uncritically and in every aspect
  • Similar words include: caricature, ape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. To come"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having the leading position or higher score in a contest
  • Similar words include: beforehand, forward, in advance
  • Opposite of: back, backward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Shady dealers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Trade for cash"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save from sins
  • Similar words include: save, ransom, pay off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. "Some free advice ...""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. State bird found in only a single state"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Valuable deposits"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. They might be made up in the spring"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Brings in"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
  • Similar words include: moment, significance, meaning
  • Opposite of: export, inconsequence
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Online nickname"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
  • Similar words include: manage, wield, palm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Things made by toddlers and directors"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the place where some action occurs
  • Similar words include: tantrum, scenery, picture
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Hairstyles often associated with the '60s and '70s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Similar words include: Afro, Afro hairdo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. "Well done!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. x"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
  • Similar words include: clip, multiplication, fourth dimension
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Wood finish"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soiled or discolored appearance
  • Similar words include: sully, maculate, grunge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Crispy flaps of crust on sourdough loaves"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: pinna, ear, auricle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Org. with a "Know Your Rights" campaign"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. ___ Bunny, toon who debuted in "Space Jam""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Carry on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
  • Similar words include: run, supply, provide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
68 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: February 20, 2026 at 05:01 AM

Friday, February 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 13, 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. Org. with checkpoints 3
2A 4. Poke accompaniment, at times 4
3A 8. Shoe-shaping tools 5
4A 13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!" 8
5A 15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween 7
6A 17. Skating venue 8
7A 18. "Thumbs-down from me" 7
8A 19. Bonkers 5
9A 20. A little sore, say 6
10A 22. It's what you should take, in brief 3
11A 23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans 4
12A 24. Went after 6
13A 25. Catches 4
14A 26. Casual assent 3
15A 27. Dating qualifier 5
16A 28. Really fancy? 5
17A 29. They don't give you the full picture 13
18A 32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017 14
19A 34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest 13
20A 35. Le contraire de "après" 5
21A 36. Clear a sentence? 5
22A 37. "Girl!" 3
23A 40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks 4
24A 41. Someone singing "Something" 6
25A 43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often 4
26A 44. Counsel council, for short 3
27A 45. Gives a wave, maybe 6
28A 46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna 5
29A 47. Research scientist's jotting 7
30A 49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe 8
31A 51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden" 7
32A 52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch 8
33A 53. Provincetown catch 5
34A 54. Hit's counterpart 4
35A 55. Spots 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Org. with checkpoints"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Poke accompaniment, at times"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Shoe-shaping tools"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: last, hold up, conclusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Abso-freaking-lutely!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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5A: "15. A red plastic one might be worn on Halloween"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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6A: "17. Skating venue"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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7A: "18. "Thumbs-down from me""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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8A: "19. Bonkers"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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9A: "20. A little sore, say"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be annoyed
  • Similar words include: pissed off, steamed, stung
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIFFED

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10A: "22. It's what you should take, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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11A: "23. Lundi ___, festive Monday observance in New Orleans"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12A: "24. Went after"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go after with the intent to catch
  • Similar words include: tail, chase after, chase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Catches"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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14A: "26. Casual assent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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15A: "27. Dating qualifier"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16A: "28. Really fancy?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COVET

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17A: "29. They don't give you the full picture"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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18A: "32. The 14.54-carat Apollo Blue, e.g., which sold for more than $42 million in 2017"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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19A: "34. Polite, friendly stereotype from the Midwest"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "35. Le contraire de "après""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "36. Clear a sentence?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: efface, wipe off, wipe out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

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22A: "37. "Girl!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: sister, SI, silicon
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

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23A: "40. Goddess often depicted with peacocks"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

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24A: "41. Someone singing "Something""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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25A: "43. Alphabetically last nutrient in a multivitamin, often"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
  • Similar words include: Zn, atomic number 30
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZINC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Counsel council, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

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27A: "45. Gives a wave, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "46. "Andor" actor ___ Luna"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "47. Research scientist's jotting"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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30A: "49. Visitor to a fertility clinic. maybe"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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31A: "51. Birds whose name comes from the Latin word for "golden""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black
  • Similar words include: New World oriole, Old World oriole, oriole
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIOLES

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32A: "52. 1976 Fleetwood Mac hit said to be inspired by a Welsh witch"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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33A: "53. Provincetown catch"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flesh of young atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds; also young haddock and pollock; often broiled
  • Similar words include: schrod
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCROD

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34A: "54. Hit's counterpart"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuing or remaining in a place or state
  • Similar words include: continue, stop, ride out
  • Opposite of: change, depart
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Spots"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertizing, ad, advertising
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Widget 6
2D 2. Guarded 6
3D 3. It's handled at the bar 6
4D 4. One with a burning passion? 4
5D 5. Bishop's locale 3
6D 6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance 9
7D 7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk 12
8D 8. ___ experience 5
9D 9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly 4
10D 10. Group of reps 3
11D 11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it 8
12D 12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In" 8
13D 14. Many a bonny bairn 4
14D 15. Sharp wind? 4
15D 16. Offerings at a reception 6
16D 21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions? 12
17D 24. Saves for later, in a way 5
18D 25. "Seriously!" 5
19D 27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas" 5
20D 28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs 5
21D 29. Spiritual sustenance 5
22D 30. Sped right through the stop signal 9
23D 31. Pop up 5
24D 32. Ones offering cheap shots? 8
25D 33. How the Quran is written 8
26D 34. Honolulu thank you 6
27D 37. Ferruginous pigment 6
28D 38. Close (with) 6
29D 39. Puts down 6
30D 41. Like some breath 5
31D 42. Blinkers? 4
32D 43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows 4
33D 45. Word with guitar or go 4
34D 46. Historic event the French call "le jour J" 4
35D 48. "___ I!" (negative reply) 3
36D 50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Widget"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Guarded"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that get by special effort
  • Similar words include: unattackable, insure, procure
  • Opposite of: insecure, unfasten
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. It's handled at the bar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. One with a burning passion?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bishop's locale"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: find out, determine, get wind
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Tiny nation claiming over 1,700 years of self-governance"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. Cold drinks often topped with evaporated milk"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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8D: "8. ___ experience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inhabit or live in; be an inhabitant of
  • Similar words include: exist, be, know
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Longtime teammate of Derek Jeter, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Group of reps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: coiffure, determine, dress
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Poem so beloved by Abraham Lincoln that he carried it in his pocket and memorized it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Sheryl ___, author of the 2013 best seller "Lean In""

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Many a bonny bairn"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: jeune fille, lassie, young girl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Sharp wind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small high-pitched flute similar to a piccolo; has a shrill tone and is used chiefly to accompany drums in a marching band
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "16. Offerings at a reception"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slices of bread that have been toasted
  • Similar words include: crisp, wassail, salute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Ones who don't believe in global revolutions?"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "24. Saves for later, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "25. "Seriously!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Teammate of Cupid in "A Visit From St. Nicholas""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Mythological figure who turns men into pigs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sorceress who detained odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIRCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Spiritual sustenance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hardened sugary exudation of various trees
  • Similar words include: manna from heaven, miraculous food
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANNA

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22D: "30. Sped right through the stop signal"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Pop up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Ones offering cheap shots?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. How the Quran is written"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "34. Honolulu thank you"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Ferruginous pigment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an earth color containing ferric oxides; used as a pigment
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIENNA

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28D: "38. Close (with)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "39. Puts down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
  • Similar words include: turn down, contemn, spurn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Like some breath"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moderate or restrain; lessen the force of
  • Similar words include: bate, clobber, bat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Blinkers?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: oculus, centre, center
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Canyon with a much-hiked section called the Narrows"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that originally a stronghold captured by david (the 2nd king of the israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of jerusalem
  • Similar words include: Yisrael, Utopia, State of Israel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "45. Word with guitar or go"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: alone, unaccompanied
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "46. Historic event the French call "le jour J""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "48. "___ I!" (negative reply)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Director Coppola of 2024's "The Last Showgirl""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization of islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular algerian regime and replace it with an islamic state
  • Similar words include: Armed Islamic Group
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIA

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
36 Down Clues
71 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 13, 2026 at 05:07 AM