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

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 05, 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. Tried-and-true choice, informally 4
2A 5. It's perfect for some musicians 5
3A 10. Motorcyclist's invitation 5
4A 15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea 4
5A 16. Ruckus 5
6A 17. Where Boise is 5
7A 18. It's a piece of cake 10
8A 20. Computer geeks 5
9A 21. Source of some South American wool 5
10A 22. Alaska politico Palin 5
11A 24. ___-Ball 4
12A 25. Alternative to a Word doc 3
13A 27. It's child's play 9
14A 29. Glassblower, e.g. 7
15A 33. One of three statistical averages 4
16A 34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 4
17A 35. Ones always blowing off steam? 7
18A 39. Altar promise 3
19A 42. It's a no-brainer 16
20A 45. Starchy tuber 3
21A 46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song 7
22A 47. Drug buster 4
23A 48. Heavy, spiked club 4
24A 50. Bared one's teeth, say 7
25A 52. It's a breeze 9
26A 57. ___-fi 3
27A 58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision 4
28A 59. Lipstick blunder 5
29A 61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich 5
30A 65. Oscars host, e.g. 5
31A 67. It's a walk in the park 10
32A 69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission 5
33A 70. Piano exercise 5
34A 71. Fencing blade 4
35A 72. "OMG, same!" 5
36A 73. About 50.7% of all Americans 5
37A 74. Like typical communicators in sign language 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tried-and-true choice, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's perfect for some musicians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: auction pitch, tilt, toss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Motorcyclist's invitation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Ruckus"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Where Boise is"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. It's a piece of cake"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small finger-shaped sponge cake
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADYFINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Computer geeks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school, tech
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Source of some South American wool"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alaska politico Palin"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. ___-Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Alternative to a Word doc"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. It's child's play"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Glassblower, e.g."

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
  • Similar words include: craftsman, artificer, journeyman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. One of three statistical averages"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Similar words include: tight, signify, mean value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Ones always blowing off steam?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: kettleful, kettle, boiler
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KETTLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Altar promise"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. It's a no-brainer"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADLESSHORSEMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Starchy tuber"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Drug buster"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
  • Similar words include: narcotics agent, nark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Heavy, spiked club"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: Chemical Mace, macebearer, macer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Bared one's teeth, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
  • Similar words include: snarl up, entangle, knotty
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. It's a breeze"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. ___-fi"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: foolhardy, blizzard, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Lipstick blunder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slanderous defamation
  • Similar words include: calumniate, daub, smudge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Oscars host, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. It's a walk in the park"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Fencing blade"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. "OMG, same!""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: total, tote, tug
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. About 50.7% of all Americans"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: woman, cleaning woman, adult female
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like typical communicators in sign language"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe hearing impairments
  • Similar words include: indifferent, deafen
  • Opposite of: hearing
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Effrontery 4
2D 2. Not in writing, as an exam 4
3D 3. Magician's "Look what I did!" 4
4D 4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines 8
5D 5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" 3
6D 6. Charged particles 4
7D 7. Roman robes 5
8D 8. French sweetheart 5
9D 9. Prohibited in Islam 5
10D 10. Chart-topper 3
11D 11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" 6
12D 12. Mule or burro 10
13D 13. "Fancy seeing you here!" 5
14D 14. They may be counted when taking attendance 5
15D 19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s 4
16D 23. Undeniable successes 8
17D 26. Media misinformation 8
18D 28. Loch ___ monster 4
19D 29. Like a campfire by morning, typically 4
20D 30. Flightless bird from South America 4
21D 31. Figure in a school pep rally 10
22D 32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) 4
23D 36. Chinese general on a menu 3
24D 37. "___ will be done" 3
25D 38. English facilities 4
26D 40. "Don't you ___!" 4
27D 41. How much 1990s music was issued 4
28D 43. Pet pests 4
29D 44. Having added nutrients 8
30D 49. Obey, with "to" 6
31D 51. Apex 4
32D 52. Pay for at a restaurant, say 5
33D 53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone 5
34D 54. "This is my first day on the job" 5
35D 55. "Groovy" 5
36D 56. Unit of information 5
37D 60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date 4
38D 62. Fully matured 4
39D 63. Swedish furniture supplier 4
40D 64. Complaint, informally 4
41D 66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief 3
42D 68. ___ Faire (historical event) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Effrontery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
  • Similar words include: saddle sore, freshness, irk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not in writing, as an exam"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva voce, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Magician's "Look what I did!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four-year intervals between olympic games; used to reckon time in ancient greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 bc
  • Similar words include: Olympics, Olympic Games
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLYMPIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Charged particles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Similar words include: ion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Roman robes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Similar words include: toga
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chart-topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Similar words include: stumble, reach, slay
  • Opposite of: miss
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city of south central ukraine on an arm of the black sea
  • Similar words include: Odesa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODESSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Fancy seeing you here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. They may be counted when taking attendance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Similar words include: horn in, wind, pry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: craze, rage, cult
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

19D: "29. Like a campfire by morning, typically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

20D: "30. Flightless bird from South America"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Figure in a school pep rally"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, cuddle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Chinese general on a menu"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "___ will be done""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. English facilities"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian architect (1870-1933)
  • Similar words include: closet, Adolf Loos, water closet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. "Don't you ___!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, presume, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. How much 1990s music was issued"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Pet pests"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Having added nutrients"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or improve in quality
  • Similar words include: enrich
  • Opposite of: deprive, impoverish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRICHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Obey, with "to""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
  • Similar words include: bind, bond, hold fast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Apex"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Pay for at a restaurant, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: care for, plow, deal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "This is my first day on the job""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Unit of information"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
  • Similar words include: data point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socially incorrect in behavior
  • Similar words include: uncivil, unmannered, underbred
  • Opposite of: civil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Fully matured"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: right, advanced, mature
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Complaint, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cattle that are reared for their meat
  • Similar words include: gripe, bellyache, bitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. ___ Faire (historical event)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: May 05, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Monday, January 26, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 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. Pie nut 5
2A 6. Boring task 4
3A 10. "I want to be in the loop on this email" 4
4A 14. Love, Italian-style 5
5A 15. Walking stick 4
6A 16. Sounds of inspiration 4
7A 17. Classic flowering locale adjacent to the White House [baseball star] 10
8A 19. Get gooey, maybe 4
9A 20. Backstreets 6
10A 21. Spooky 5
11A 22. ___ one and only 3
12A 25. Itinerary calculation, in brief 3
13A 26. Connections 3
14A 28. Purple yam used to flavor desserts 3
15A 29. Grammy Award that's good for laughs? [1960s rock musician] 15
16A 33. Truffle pigs' assets 6
17A 34. Connection between topics 5
18A 35. "Over here!" 4
19A 36. ___ Vicious 3
20A 37. Increase 4
21A 41. "Do the Right ___" (Spike Lee film) 5
22A 44. Food court pizza chain 6
23A 46. North Carolina educational institution [former "S.N.L." cast member] 15
24A 50. Allhallows ___ 3
25A 51. Cut, as grass 3
26A 52. Beverage that may come in a pint 3
27A 53. Cry between "Ready" and "Go!" 3
28A 54. Parisian thanks 5
29A 56. Waiter or waitress 6
30A 59. "Do ___ others ..." 4
31A 60. Athletic trifectas ... or a phonetic hint to the starts of 17-, 29- and 46-Across 10
32A 64. Wishes undone 4
33A 65. Fireplace fuel 4
34A 66. Jadedness 5
35A 67. Send an eggplant or taco emoji, say 4
36A 68. Ones appointed by corp. boards 4
37A 69. No-nos 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Pie nut"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Boring task"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work doggedly or persistently
  • Similar words include: tramp, keep one's shoulder to the wheel, peg away
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "I want to be in the loop on this email""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Love, Italian-style"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Walking stick"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
  • Similar words include: lambaste, flog, lambast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Sounds of inspiration"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Classic flowering locale adjacent to the White House [baseball star]"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Get gooey, maybe"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: mellow out, unthaw, thawing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Backstreets"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
  • Similar words include: skittle alley, alleyway, bowling alley
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLEYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Spooky"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
  • Similar words include: eery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. ___ one and only"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Itinerary calculation, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Connections"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
  • Similar words include: Hoosier State, atomic number 49, indium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Purple yam used to flavor desserts"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Grammy Award that's good for laughs? [1960s rock musician]"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Truffle pigs' assets"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head; especially the nose
  • Similar words include: nozzle, schnozzle, rostrum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Connection between topics"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "Over here!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. ___ Vicious"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Increase"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Do the Right ___" (Spike Lee film)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a special situation
  • Similar words include: matter, affair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Food court pizza chain"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. North Carolina educational institution [former "S.N.L." cast member]"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Allhallows ___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Cut, as grass"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Similar words include: haymow, mop, pout
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Beverage that may come in a pint"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Cry between "Ready" and "Go!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Parisian thanks"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Waiter or waitress"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
  • Similar words include: host, waiter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. "Do ___ others ...""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Athletic trifectas ... or a phonetic hint to the starts of 17-, 29- and 46-Across"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Wishes undone"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

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: rue, regret, Ruta graveolens
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Fireplace fuel"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Jadedness"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the feeling of being bored by something tedious
  • Similar words include: boredom, tedium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENNUI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Send an eggplant or taco emoji, say"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Ones appointed by corp. boards"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
  • Similar words include: chief operating officer, CEO, chief executive officer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. No-nos"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Number on a golf card 3
2D 2. Music genre influenced by the Smiths and the Cure 3
3D 3. Modern lead-in to play 3
4D 4. Space 4
5D 5. Fail to take care of 7
6D 6. "Aiiiiieeeee!," e.g. 6
7D 7. Noblewoman 4
8D 8. Like a biased presentation 8
9D 9. Lead-in to X, Y, Z or Alpha 3
10D 10. Arrived 4
11D 11. Winged figure in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" 6
12D 12. Beach city west of Los Angeles 6
13D 13. Think highly of 6
14D 18. Stevie Nicks and Karen Carpenter, vocally 5
15D 21. Jacob's brother in the Bible 4
16D 22. Baker's meas. 4
17D 23. Mothers of barnyard chicks 4
18D 24. Those, in Spanish 4
19D 27. N.F.L. team at MetLife Stadium, as shown on scoreboards 3
20D 30. ___-frutti 5
21D 31. Endorse digitally 5
22D 32. Corporate department that handles contracts 5
23D 36. Oversize article of winter footwear 8
24D 38. Metals that miners mine 4
25D 39. Egg (on) 4
26D 40. T.S. Eliot or W.H. Auden 4
27D 42. Kind of port in A/V 4
28D 43. Prefix with -metric or -morphic 3
29D 44. Puzzle out 5
30D 45. Censored, as on an audiotape 7
31D 46. Takes exception 6
32D 47. Fifth or Madison, in Manhattan 6
33D 48. Point of a polygon 6
34D 49. Stroke lovingly 6
35D 55. "It'll ___ ya" 4
36D 57. Thus 4
37D 58. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe 4
38D 60. Extra attention, in brief 3
39D 61. Journalist Curry 3
40D 62. Famed Egyptian king, for short 3
41D 63. Bro's sibling 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Number on a golf card"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equality, equivalence, equation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Music genre influenced by the Smiths and the Cure"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Modern lead-in to play"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
  • Similar words include: cos lettuce, cosine, Co
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Space"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: region, arena, field
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Fail to take care of"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of attention and due care
  • Similar words include: negligence, omit, miss
  • Opposite of: attend to
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEGLECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Aiiiiieeeee!," e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sharp piercing cry
  • Similar words include: holler, call, shout out
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCREAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Noblewoman"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a polite name for any woman
  • Similar words include: gentlewoman, noblewoman, dame
  • Opposite of: Lord, nobleman
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Like a biased presentation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lead-in to X, Y, Z or Alpha"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal term for information
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Arrived"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
  • Similar words include: come, follow, derive
  • Opposite of: leave, go
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Winged figure in Raphael's "Sistine Madonna""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet innocent baby
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHERUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Beach city west of Los Angeles"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Think highly of"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)
  • Similar words include: regard, repute, look on
  • Opposite of: disesteem, disrespect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Stevie Nicks and Karen Carpenter, vocally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • Similar words include: alto, contralto, countertenor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Jacob's brother in the Bible"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Baker's meas."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Mothers of barnyard chicks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adult female chicken
  • Similar words include: hen, biddy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Those, in Spanish"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. N.F.L. team at MetLife Stadium, as shown on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. ___-frutti"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Endorse digitally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Corporate department that handles contracts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
  • Similar words include: effectual, sound
  • Opposite of: illegal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Oversize article of winter footwear"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device to help you walk on deep snow; a lightweight frame shaped like a racquet is strengthened with cross pieces and contains a network of thongs; one is worn on each foot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOWSHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Metals that miners mine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Egg (on)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: advocate, barrack, press
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. T.S. Eliot or W.H. Auden"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Kind of port in A/V"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Prefix with -metric or -morphic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Puzzle out"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
  • Similar words include: work, figure out, clear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Censored, as on an audiotape"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emit a single short high-pitched signal
  • Similar words include: bleep
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLEEPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Takes exception"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) a formal objection to an opponent's pleadings
  • Similar words include: demurral, demurrer, except
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Fifth or Madison, in Manhattan"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line of approach
  • Similar words include: boulevard
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVENUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Point of a polygon"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the point of intersection of lines or the point opposite the base of a figure
  • Similar words include: apex, peak, acme
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VERTEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Stroke lovingly"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gentle affectionate stroking (or something resembling it)
  • Similar words include: fondle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "It'll ___ ya""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
  • Similar words include: monetary value, toll, be
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Thus"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Nevada city near Lake Tahoe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western nevada at the foot of the sierra nevada mountains; known for gambling casinos and easy divorce and remarriage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Extra attention, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that considerate and solicitous care
  • Similar words include: tender loving care
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TLC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Journalist Curry"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "62. Famed Egyptian king, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Similar words include: tsk, tut-tut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUT

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41D: "63. Bro's sibling"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 26, 2026 at 04:38 AM