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

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 26, 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. Number not representable by Roman numerals 4
2A 5. What's the point of bullfighting? 4
3A 9. Bryce Canyon's state 4
4A 13. What Thomas Carlyle called "the dismal science," for short 4
5A 14. Cookies featured in Weird Al's "The White Stuff" 5
6A 16. Condiment in potato salad, informally 4
7A 17. *Aids for biting 10
8A 19. Task for a line cook, informally 4
9A 20. Thus far 6
10A 21. ___ for thought 4
11A 23. Crevice 3
12A 24. Ice cream drink 4
13A 26. *Attribute for spotting what others miss 7
14A 28. What a scare might make you do 4
15A 31. Word after hand or band 3
16A 33. "That's a good tip for the future" 5
17A 34. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out" 3
18A 35. Swanky shindig 4
19A 36. Copenhagener, e.g. 4
20A 37. What the answers to the starred clues are, collectively? 15
21A 42. $50/hour, e.g. 4
22A 43. Cuisine from Bangkok 4
23A 44. It's blowing in the wind 3
24A 45. Artist with the albums "19," "21," "25" and "30" 5
25A 47. "My dear ___ ..." 3
26A 48. Online files for instruction manuals, often 4
27A 49. *Cheeky sort 7
28A 52. Rip-___ (awful deals) 4
29A 54. Pre-entree order, informally 3
30A 55. Daily delivery 4
31A 57. Declares as fact 6
32A 61. Picked out of a lineup, informally 4
33A 63. *One given to insolence 10
34A 65. Tickle Me Elmo toymaker 4
35A 66. HR-V and CR-V automaker 5
36A 67. Senior dance party 4
37A 68. Meyers of "Late Night" 4
38A 69. Within a stone's throw of 4
39A 70. Patches up, say 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Number not representable by Roman numerals"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zero in, nothing, zilch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. What's the point of bullfighting?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
  • Similar words include: French horn, trumpet, trump
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Bryce Canyon's state"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Mormon State, UT, Beehive State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. What Thomas Carlyle called "the dismal science," for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Cookies featured in Weird Al's "The White Stuff""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie, oreo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Condiment in potato salad, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egg yolks and oil and vinegar
  • Similar words include: mayonnaise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *Aids for biting"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Task for a line cook, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
  • Similar words include: homework, preparation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Thus far"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. ___ for thought"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue
  • Similar words include: intellectual nourishment, food for thought, nutrient
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Crevice"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
  • Similar words include: opening, disruption, crack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ice cream drink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a milkshake made with malt powder
  • Similar words include: malt liquor, malted, malted milk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. *Attribute for spotting what others miss"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What a scare might make you do"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden and decisive increase
  • Similar words include: derail, skip over, pass over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Word after hand or band"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
  • Similar words include: run across, byword, regard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "That's a good tip for the future""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make mention of
  • Similar words include: renowned, notice, celebrated
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Swanky shindig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gay festivity
  • Similar words include: gala affair, jamboree, blowout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Copenhagener, e.g."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of denmark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. What the answers to the starred clues are, collectively?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. $50/hour, e.g."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
  • Similar words include: order, charge per unit, grade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Cuisine from Bangkok"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Similar words include: Siamese, Tai, Central Thai
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. It's blowing in the wind"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: line, aviation, breeze
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Artist with the albums "19," "21," "25" and "30""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "My dear ___ ...""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Online files for instruction manuals, often"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. *Cheeky sort"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Rip-___ (awful deals)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kill intentionally and with premeditation
  • Similar words include: dispatch, slay, murder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Pre-entree order, informally"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Daily delivery"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
  • Similar words include: ring armor, chain armor, send
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Declares as fact"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Picked out of a lineup, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. *One given to insolence"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Tickle Me Elmo toymaker"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. HR-V and CR-V automaker"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Senior dance party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
  • Similar words include: promenade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Meyers of "Late Night""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Within a stone's throw of"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: skinny, draw near, penny-pinching
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Patches up, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: run up, sew together, sew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Gusto 4
2D 2. Repetitive sound effect 4
3D 3. Highway, e.g. 4
4D 4. Way to the highway 6
5D 5. Spot to keep a passport while traveling 9
6D 6. Valuable deposit 3
7D 7. "Finding Nemo" setting 4
8D 8. Simply unacceptable 5
9D 9. M.L.B. official 3
10D 10. Customized bit of marketing 10
11D 11. "Yes, captain!" 6
12D 12. Moved like a kangaroo 6
13D 15. "If the ___ fits, wear it!" 4
14D 18. School bake sale org. 3
15D 22. Mountain visible from Anchorage 6
16D 25. Lecture 4
17D 27. "___ of your business!" 4
18D 28. Punch in the ring 3
19D 29. Game with the goal of running out of cards 3
20D 30. Huge props 10
21D 32. Desires 5
22D 35. Cheerleader's shout 6
23D 36. A little sun? 9
24D 38. Connecticut Ivy 4
25D 39. Home of Xenia, the U.S.'s largest city whose name starts with "X" 4
26D 40. Many an embedded animation 3
27D 41. Settings for "The Pitt" and "Code Black," for short 3
28D 45. Lies ahead 6
29D 46. Technique whereby a shirt is lowered into a pigmented bath 6
30D 48. Military mind games, for short 6
31D 50. Merit badge holder 4
32D 51. Schuster's partner in publishing 5
33D 53. Closest peeps 3
34D 56. Assignment at a bowling alley 4
35D 58. "You bet!" 4
36D 59. Place in an overhead bin 4
37D 60. Electrical resistance units 4
38D 62. [Facepalm] 3
39D 64. Nutritional intake amt. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Gusto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
  • Similar words include: tanginess, spice up, piquantness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Repetitive sound effect"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: replication, ring, recall
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Highway, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Way to the highway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spot to keep a passport while traveling"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Valuable deposit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

7D: "7. "Finding Nemo" setting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
  • Similar words include: Witwatersrand, Rand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Simply unacceptable"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. M.L.B. official"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official at a baseball game
  • Similar words include: umpire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Customized bit of marketing"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Yes, captain!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Moved like a kangaroo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that jump lightly
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, hop, skip
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. "If the ___ fits, wear it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
  • Similar words include: skid, horseshoe, brake shoe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. School bake sale org."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Mountain visible from Anchorage"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exchange of ideas via conversation
  • Similar words include: spill the beans, verbalise, talking
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "___ of your business!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Punch in the ring"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: poke, jabbing, thrusting
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Game with the goal of running out of cards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Huge props"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Desires"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of extreme poverty
  • Similar words include: deprivation, desire, deficiency
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Cheerleader's shout"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. A little sun?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Connecticut Ivy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a university in connecticut
  • Similar words include: Yale University, Elihu Yale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Home of Xenia, the U.S.'s largest city whose name starts with "X""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: Ohio River, OH, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Many an embedded animation"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Settings for "The Pitt" and "Code Black," for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: erbium, Er, atomic number 68
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Lies ahead"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look forward to the probable occurrence of
  • Similar words include: await, wait, expect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Technique whereby a shirt is lowered into a pigmented bath"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Military mind games, for short"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that military actions designed to influence the perceptions and attitudes of individuals, groups, and foreign governments
  • Similar words include: psychological operation, psyop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSYOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Merit badge holder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
  • Similar words include: cincture, waistcloth, waistband
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Schuster's partner in publishing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the twelve apostles (first century)
  • Similar words include: Herbert A. Simon, St. Simon, Paul Simon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Closest peeps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Assignment at a bowling alley"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. "You bet!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: surely, for certain, certainly
  • Opposite of: unsure, uncertain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Place in an overhead bin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill by packing tightly
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Electrical resistance units"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of electrical resistance equal to the resistance between two points on a conductor when a potential difference of one volt between them produces a current of one ampere
  • Similar words include: ohm, Ohm, Georg Simon Ohm
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. [Facepalm]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
  • Similar words include: do, ut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Nutritional intake amt."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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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: May 26, 2026 at 06:59 AM

Saturday, February 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 28, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Set unambitious goals 6
2A 7. One playing beerball, perhaps 7
3A 14. Tolkien ring bearer 7
4A 16. Precious person 7
5A 17. Phrase you might say while pointing at a photograph 7
6A 18. Goes against the rule? 7
7A 19. Musical set in Alphabet City 4
8A 20. Term of endearment appropriated from 9-Down 3
9A 22. Part of a Blues Brothers outfit 6
10A 23. Animated friend of Sebastian the crab 5
11A 25. Some arm muscles, informally 4
12A 27. Cassiterite is a source of it 3
13A 28. Robert Frost's middle name 3
14A 29. ___ Allen Express, Amtrak train from New York City to Burlington, Vt. 5
15A 31. Innermost moon of Neptune 5
16A 33. Pressure gauge? 11
17A 35. Past, colloquially 11
18A 36. Symbols used to group blocks of computer code 11
19A 37. Was on the sidelines 5
20A 38. Breathlessness 5
21A 39. Polynesian staple 3
22A 42. Not mainstream, as some music genres 3
23A 43. Fuss 4
24A 44. Weakens, as an overly strong character, in video game lingo 5
25A 46. Angora fabric 6
26A 49. Utmost 3
27A 51. ___ Tung, star of cable TV's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" 4
28A 52. Did a bedtime task 7
29A 54. Modern banking convenience 7
30A 56. Musical sample added for excitement 7
31A 57. Animals in an early-2000s virtual fad 7
32A 58. Entered again 7
33A 59. One might play at home 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Set unambitious goals"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. One playing beerball, perhaps"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Tolkien ring bearer"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Precious person"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Phrase you might say while pointing at a photograph"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Goes against the rule?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
  • Similar words include: gross out, uprising, insurrection
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REVOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Musical set in Alphabet City"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: let, lease, snag
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Term of endearment appropriated from 9-Down"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Part of a Blues Brothers outfit"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hat made of felt with a creased crown
  • Similar words include: felt hat, homburg, Stetson
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEDORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Animated friend of Sebastian the crab"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Some arm muscles, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Cassiterite is a source of it"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Similar words include: can, Sn, put up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Robert Frost's middle name"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. ___ Allen Express, Amtrak train from New York City to Burlington, Vt."

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Innermost moon of Neptune"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
  • Similar words include: water nymph
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Pressure gauge?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Past, colloquially"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Symbols used to group blocks of computer code"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Was on the sidelines"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Breathlessness"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that transient cessation of respiration
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APNEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Polynesian staple"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Not mainstream, as some music genres"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: elevation, altitude, EL
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Fuss"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Weakens, as an overly strong character, in video game lingo"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Angora fabric"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fabric made with yarn made from the silky hair of the angora goat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOHAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Utmost"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
  • Similar words include: n-th
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. ___ Tung, star of cable TV's "The Summer I Turned Pretty""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Did a bedtime task"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
  • Similar words include: napped, fleecy, sweep
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUSHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Modern banking convenience"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Musical sample added for excitement"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Animals in an early-2000s virtual fad"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Entered again"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. One might play at home"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: two-channel, stereophonic, stereo system
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kind of projection 6
2D 2. Call at a roll call 6
3D 3. Big jerk 6
4D 4. Drink often sipped 5
5D 5. Rap pioneers, slangily 3
6D 6. Space to develop as a person? 4
7D 7. In brief, to whom Grover Cleveland once said "I am making a strange wish for you ... that you may never be president of the United States" 3
8D 8. School houses? 5
9D 9. Dialect that is responsible for a large majority of Gen Z slang 4
10D 10. Put one's foot down 4
11D 11. Decorative items worn at Western galas 8
12D 12. Like defendants at court 7
13D 13. Principle of improv comedy 6
14D 15. Gay nightlife spot with a dress requirement 10
15D 21. Error correction tool 9
16D 24. Uncork, so to speak 6
17D 26. Body bronzer 10
18D 30. ___ Story (punny nickname for the "Iliad") 4
19D 31. Like the lion killed by Hercules 6
20D 32. Scientific classification for birds 4
21D 33. Tesla, for one 4
22D 34. Affliction treated with a nit comb 4
23D 35. Acting like a sore loser, informally 8
24D 36. ___ counter 7
25D 37. South Indian lentil stew 6
26D 39. Following etiquette 6
27D 40. Recently 6
28D 41. Declaration after "because" 6
29D 43. French relative 5
30D 45. Skip the ceremony, say 5
31D 47. Like some unmoisturized skin 4
32D 48. Blue-roofed restaurant 4
33D 50. Coral and sand, for two 4
34D 53. Popular role-playing game since 1974, informally 3
35D 55. One whose eyes are "all aglow" in "The Christmas Song" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kind of projection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or relating to or resembling or emanating from stars
  • Similar words include: stellar
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTRAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Call at a roll call"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Big jerk"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person of mean disposition
  • Similar words include: unkind person, meany
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEANIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Drink often sipped"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
  • Similar words include: caffe latte
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Rap pioneers, slangily"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Space to develop as a person?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus
  • Similar words include: uterus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. In brief, to whom Grover Cleveland once said "I am making a strange wish for you ... that you may never be president of the United States""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 32nd president of the united states; elected four times; instituted new deal to counter the great depression and led country during world war ii (1882-1945)
  • Similar words include: F. D. Roosevelt, Roosevelt, President Roosevelt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. School houses?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
  • Similar words include: Witwatersrand, reef, Reef
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Dialect that is responsible for a large majority of Gen Z slang"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonstandard form of american english characteristically spoken by african americans in the united states
  • Similar words include: Black English Vernacular, African American English, Ebonics
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Put one's foot down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put down or press the foot, place the foot
  • Similar words include: step, trample, tread
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Decorative items worn at Western galas"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Like defendants at court"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Principle of improv comedy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Gay nightlife spot with a dress requirement"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Error correction tool"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Uncork, so to speak"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Body bronzer"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. ___ Story (punny nickname for the "Iliad")"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
  • Similar words include: Ilium, troy weight, Ilion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Like the lion killed by Hercules"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Scientific classification for birds"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Tesla, for one"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
  • Similar words include: Serbian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Affliction treated with a nit comb"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  • Similar words include: insect, biting louse, bird louse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Acting like a sore loser, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. ___ counter"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure; used by nutritionists to characterize the energy-producing potential in food
  • Similar words include: large calorie, small calorie, kilogram calorie
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALORIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. South Indian lentil stew"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deer of southern asia with antlers that have three tines
  • Similar words include: Cervus unicolor, sambur
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Following etiquette"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
  • Similar words include: right
  • Opposite of: improper
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Recently"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Declaration after "because""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. French relative"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Skip the ceremony, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that run away secretly with one's beloved
  • Similar words include: run off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Like some unmoisturized skin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Blue-roofed restaurant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Coral and sand, for two"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
  • Similar words include: imbue, hue, chromaticity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Popular role-playing game since 1974, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. One whose eyes are "all aglow" in "The Christmas Song""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: yearling, summate, tote up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOT

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 28, 2026 at 04:39 AM