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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 24, 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. Retro kind of hairstyle 5
2A 6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short 4
3A 10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals 4
4A 14. Ancient Greek marketplace 5
5A 15. Symphony site 4
6A 16. Singer Tori 4
7A 17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?" 10
8A 19. Son of Seth 4
9A 20. Ingested 3
10A 21. Like cotton candy 4
11A 22. Tolerate 5
12A 23. Not notice 4
13A 25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?" 10
14A 28. Confused 5
15A 30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool 3
16A 31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s 3
17A 32. Stubborn beast 3
18A 34. Uplifting coverage? 3
19A 35. Liberal ___ 4
20A 36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers? 13
21A 40. Amps (up) 4
22A 41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit) 3
23A 42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris 3
24A 43. Teacher's pest 3
25A 44. Fish with a Kohaku variety 3
26A 45. They're cover-ups! 5
27A 49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?" 10
28A 54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge 4
29A 55. "See ya!" 5
30A 56. Look before you do this 4
31A 58. Deg. for an entrepreneur 3
32A 59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star) 4
33A 60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?" 10
34A 63. What postseason games can't end in 4
35A 64. ___ bean 4
36A 65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine 5
37A 66. Big name in e-commerce 4
38A 67. Sign of things to come 4
39A 68. Wow 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Retro kind of hairstyle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ancient Greek marketplace"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Symphony site"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
  • Similar words include: Charles Francis Hall, vestibule, mansion house
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Singer Tori"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Son of Seth"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Ingested"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Like cotton candy"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
  • Similar words include: spin around, spin out, whirl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Tolerate"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put up with something or somebody unpleasant
  • Similar words include: bear, tolerate, stand
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Not notice"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: drop, overlook, young woman
  • Opposite of: attend to, hit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Confused"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Stubborn beast"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Uplifting coverage?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Liberal ___"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: fine art, artistry, liberal arts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers?"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Amps (up)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, peppiness, pep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
  • Similar words include: Mr., Mister, Mrs.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Teacher's pest"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Fish with a Kohaku variety"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. They're cover-ups!"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterproofed canvas
  • Similar words include: tarp, tarpaulin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
  • Similar words include: cocotte, woman of the street, sourish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. "See ya!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: good day, goodby, goodbye
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Look before you do this"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
  • Similar words include: jump, bound, saltation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Deg. for an entrepreneur"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in business
  • Similar words include: Master in Business, Master in Business Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. What postseason games can't end in"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: association, tie, link
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. ___ bean"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Big name in e-commerce"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Sign of things to come"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: portent, Oman, auspicate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Wow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affect with wonder
  • Similar words include: nonplus, puzzle, mystify
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps 6
2D 2. "Aha!" 6
3D 3. Equally 6
4D 4. Link letters 3
5D 5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps 4
6D 6. Storied graverobber 5
7D 7. ___ cum laude 5
8D 8. World Cup cheer 3
9D 9. Camera type, for short 3
10D 10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports 5
11D 11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda) 8
12D 12. A satisfying meal, informally 8
13D 13. Claims 7
14D 18. D&D or WoW 3
15D 22. Lemon add-on 3
16D 24. Important creatures in Inuit culture 5
17D 26. Popular fast-fashion brand 4
18D 27. Glorify 5
19D 29. Hit up 3
20D 33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 5
21D 34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" 3
22D 35. Put in the cross hairs 5
23D 36. "Whew! Our journey is over!" 8
24D 37. Makes aware (of) 8
25D 38. Children's author Carle 4
26D 39. A little foxy? 3
27D 40. Very spicy 7
28D 44. Goals for boxers, in brief 3
29D 46. Sportswriter Shelburne 6
30D 47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally 6
31D 48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one 6
32D 50. Like a commanding lead? 5
33D 51. Dark yellowish-green 5
34D 52. Thanksgiving pie nut 5
35D 53. One in a Himalayan herd 3
36D 57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group 4
37D 60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief 3
38D 61. One who's yukking it up 3
39D 62. French identification 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair of loose trousers tied by a drawstring around the waist; worn by men and women in some asian countries
  • Similar words include: pyjama, jammies, pj's
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAJAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Aha!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Equally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Link letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that remunerates
  • Similar words include: compensate, pay, remuneration
  • Opposite of: default
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Storied graverobber"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who takes bodies from graves and sells them for anatomical dissection
  • Similar words include: graverobber, body snatcher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHOUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. ___ cum laude"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. World Cup cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Camera type, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who eats all kinds of foods
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMNIVORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. A satisfying meal, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Claims"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state categorically
  • Similar words include: assert, avow, swan
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSERTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. D&D or WoW"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Lemon add-on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Important creatures in Inuit culture"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealing wax, Navy SEAL, stamp
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Popular fast-fashion brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Glorify"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: inebriate, inspire, exhilarate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Hit up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: call for, demand, take
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Put in the cross hairs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "Whew! Our journey is over!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Makes aware (of)"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inform (somebody) of something
  • Similar words include: advise, send word, give notice
  • Opposite of: depreciate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPRISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Children's author Carle"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. A little foxy?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a case for containing a set of articles
  • Similar words include: outfit, kit out, kit up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Very spicy"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Goals for boxers, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (in india) a unit of length having different values in different localities
  • Similar words include: coss, knockout, KO
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Sportswriter Shelburne"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
  • Similar words include: Salvia officinalis, common sage
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sculpture representing a human or animal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Like a commanding lead?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
  • Similar words include: high-and-mighty, peremptory, dominating
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOSSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Dark yellowish-green"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Thanksgiving pie nut"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of a pecan tree
  • Similar words include: Carya illinoinsis, pecan tree, Carya illinoensis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. One in a Himalayan herd"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yack, cackle, chatter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. One who's yukking it up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
  • Similar words include: ham it up, jambon, gammon
  • Opposite of: underact
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. French identification"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

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

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

Last updated: June 24, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Friday, May 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 29, 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: Moderate

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. "Oscar" of the French film industry 5
2A 6. Feeling after a long hike 4
3A 10. Singer/composer Bareilles 4
4A 14. Prematurely 10
5A 16. Many a fund-raising target, informally 4
6A 17. "We have a mutual friend?!" 10
7A 18. Smurf who is more than 500 years old 4
8A 19. See 20-Across 3
9A 20. With 19-Across, swing dance originating in Harlem 5
10A 21. They're cut to defuse an explosive 5
11A 22. Cue ... or queue 4
12A 23. Only player to win three Super Bowl M.V.P. awards before turning 30 7
13A 25. Reducing to rubble 6
14A 28. Apt anagram of NOTES 5
15A 29. Hockey infraction 5
16A 30. Breezy things enjoyed at the beach 9
17A 34. Doesn't go at full speed 5
18A 35. Sack 3
19A 36. Walk-on 5
20A 37. They might make you one with everything 9
21A 39. "La Tulipe Noire" novelist, 1850 5
22A 40. Party poppers 5
23A 41. Makes fun of mercilessly 6
24A 42. Fall sign 7
25A 45. Agitate 4
26A 46. Hits 5
27A 47. Won't let it go 5
28A 49. Zendaya's role on "Euphoria" 3
29A 52. Fictional manufacturer of a Do-It Yourself Tornado Kit 4
30A 53. "Can you catch me up?" 10
31A 55. Time of day either way 4
32A 56. Author of "All I Did Was Ask: Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians and Artists" 10
33A 57. Barriers to entry, in a way 4
34A 58. Unravel at the edges 4
35A 59. Variety of cold brew 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Oscar" of the French film industry"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Feeling after a long hike"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: suffer, pine, yearn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Singer/composer Bareilles"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Prematurely"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Many a fund-raising target, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum
  • Similar words include: potash alum, ammonia alum, graduate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. "We have a mutual friend?!""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Smurf who is more than 500 years old"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. See 20-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, hops, record hop
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. With 19-Across, swing dance originating in Harlem"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an energetic american dance that was popular in the 1930s (probably named for the aviator charles lindbergh)
  • Similar words include: lindy hop
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. They're cut to defuse an explosive"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
  • Similar words include: wire, telegraph, cable
  • Opposite of: unwire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIRES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Cue ... or queue"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formation of people or things one beside another
  • Similar words include: line of work, bloodline, lineage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Only player to win three Super Bowl M.V.P. awards before turning 30"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Reducing to rubble"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled
  • Similar words include: rase, wrecking, level
  • Opposite of: raise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAZING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Apt anagram of NOTES"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a person's voice
  • Similar words include: chant, timber, intone
  • Opposite of: atonicity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Hockey infraction"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the formation of frost or ice on a surface
  • Similar words include: icing the puck, ice, frosting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Breezy things enjoyed at the beach"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Doesn't go at full speed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slow pace of running
  • Similar words include: lope, jog, Trotskyist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Sack"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Walk-on"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor actor in crowd scenes
  • Similar words include: additional, supernumerary, duplicate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. They might make you one with everything"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. "La Tulipe Noire" novelist, 1850"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french writer remembered for his swashbuckling historical tales (1802-1870)
  • Similar words include: Alexandre Dumas, Duma
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Party poppers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.
  • Similar words include: bottle cork, bobber, phellem
  • Opposite of: uncork
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Makes fun of mercilessly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of meat roasted or for roasting and of a size for slicing into more than one portion
  • Similar words include: ridicule, guy, jest at
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Fall sign"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in scorpio
  • Similar words include: Scorpio the Scorpion, Scorpion, Scorpius
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORPIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Agitate"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be agitated
  • Similar words include: moil, churn, rile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Hits"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette
  • Similar words include: toke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Won't let it go"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: sweat, grudge, stew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Zendaya's role on "Euphoria""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
  • Similar words include: herb of grace, regret, Ruta graveolens
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Fictional manufacturer of a Do-It Yourself Tornado Kit"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: elevation, peak, pinnacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. "Can you catch me up?""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Time of day either way"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the middle of the day
  • Similar words include: noonday, noontide, midday
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Author of "All I Did Was Ask: Conversations with Writers, Actors, Musicians and Artists""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Barriers to entry, in a way"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
  • Similar words include: decametre, dike, dyke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "58. Unravel at the edges"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisy fight
  • Similar words include: scratch, frazzle, chafe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "59. Variety of cold brew"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. It is king, in a phrase 4
2D 2. Redheaded monster on TV 4
3D 3. Thwack 4
4D 4. Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.: Abbr. 3
5D 5. Road maneuvers featuring lazy braking 12
6D 6. Without dissenting voices 5
7D 7. It's cut after birth 4
8D 8. "Yowzers!" 9
9D 9. What a circle lacks 3
10D 10. Someone attracted to intellect over looks, say 11
11D 11. Dream interrupter 5
12D 12. Currency in The Legend of Zelda 5
13D 13. Hoard 5
14D 15. Outstanding, in a way 5
15D 21. Eager buyer's question 12
16D 22. Traps in a laundry room 11
17D 24. Not a particular one 3
18D 25. Snack brand since 1934 4
19D 26. It might be a lot 4
20D 27. Last U.S. national park, alphabetically 4
21D 28. Return payments? 5
22D 30. Adhere to the kashrut dietary rules 9
23D 31. They're filled with bacon 4
24D 32. "Curses, foiled again!" 4
25D 33. Guff 4
26D 38. Co-star of 2025's "Wicked: For Good," informally 3
27D 41. Neither demure nor mindful 5
28D 42. Come to attention, in a way 5
29D 43. Powder in a pantry 5
30D 44. Child's agreement 5
31D 45. Avoid rage-quitting, perhaps 5
32D 48. Longtime college basketball coach VanDerveer 4
33D 49. Run amok 4
34D 50. Hammer-and-sickle land, for short 4
35D 51. Gas brand whose name sounds like two letters of the alphabet 4
36D 53. "R U KIDDING ME?!" 3
37D 54. Way to look inward, in brief? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. It is king, in a phrase"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that money in the form of bills or coins
  • Similar words include: hard currency, John Cash, Johnny Cash
  • Opposite of: credit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Redheaded monster on TV"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Thwack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: bolt, smacking, smack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr.: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Road maneuvers featuring lazy braking"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Without dissenting voices"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. It's cut after birth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line made of twisted fibers or threads
  • Similar words include: electric cord, corduroy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Yowzers!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. What a circle lacks"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: last, destruction, terminate
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Someone attracted to intellect over looks, say"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dream interrupter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  • Similar words include: consternation, dismay, alarm clock
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Currency in The Legend of Zelda"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in sri lanka; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: Sri Lanka rupee, Seychelles rupee, Nepalese rupee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Hoard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that collect or gather
  • Similar words include: collect, compile, conglomerate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Outstanding, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Similar words include: owe, undischarged, outstanding
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Eager buyer's question"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Traps in a laundry room"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Not a particular one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Snack brand since 1934"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swiss hotelier who created a chain of elegant hotels (1850-1918)
  • Similar words include: Cesar Ritz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. It might be a lot"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Akka, Akko, Accho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Last U.S. national park, alphabetically"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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: State of Israel, Yisrael, Utopia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Return payments?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Similar words include: taxation, revenue enhancement, tax
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Adhere to the kashrut dietary rules"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. They're filled with bacon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Similar words include: standard atmosphere, ATM, standard pressure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. "Curses, foiled again!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. Guff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: lip, backtalk, sassing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Co-star of 2025's "Wicked: For Good," informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Neither demure nor mindful"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel and brutal fellow
  • Similar words include: raucous, roughneck, ruffian
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROWDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Come to attention, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a support or foundation
  • Similar words include: base, abide, standpoint
  • Opposite of: sit, yield
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Powder in a pantry"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot
  • Similar words include: chocolate, drinking chocolate, hot chocolate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Child's agreement"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Avoid rage-quitting, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hear or try a court case anew
  • Similar words include: rehear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Longtime college basketball coach VanDerveer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a village in eastern ireland (northwest of dublin); seat of irish kings until 6th century
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Run amok"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public act of violence by an unruly mob
  • Similar words include: roister, saturnalia, orgy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Hammer-and-sickle land, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia, Soviet Union
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Gas brand whose name sounds like two letters of the alphabet"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. "R U KIDDING ME?!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Way to look inward, in brief?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
  • Similar words include: magnetic resonance imaging
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRI

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
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 29, 2026 at 07:08 AM