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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 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: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Marx with a manifesto 4
2A 5. ___ Romeo 4
3A 9. Tracker in a speed trap 5
4A 14. Offshore 4
5A 15. Into oneself 4
6A 16. Optics, so to speak 5
7A 17. Part of a story line 9
8A 19. Some golf shirts 5
9A 20. I came uninvited 12
10A 22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett 6
11A 23. French city on the Rhone 4
12A 24. Deg. for a writer 3
13A 27. Pop in the Midwest? 4
14A 29. Some postpartum exercises 6
15A 31. Not yet decided, for short 3
16A 34. I saw the future 11
17A 37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility 4
18A 39. Wrath 3
19A 40. Fishy Hawaiian dish 4
20A 41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight 11
21A 46. Action between a bump and a spike 3
22A 47. "We're on!" 6
23A 48. "Roll the ___!" 4
24A 50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers 3
25A 51. Feature of a slasher film 4
26A 54. Haphazard 6
27A 58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 12
28A 60. Direction in a challah recipe 5
29A 63. After 11:30 p.m., say 9
30A 64. Longtime Stallone role 5
31A 65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller 4
32A 66. Home of County Donegal 4
33A 67. Colorado resort town 5
34A 68. Blue side, informally 4
35A 69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Marx with a manifesto"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. ___ Romeo"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tracker in a speed trap"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
  • Similar words include: radiolocation, radio detection and ranging, microwave radar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Offshore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Into oneself"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
  • Similar words include: swollen-headed, egotistical, egotistic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Optics, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: range of a function, fancy, envision
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Part of a story line"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Some golf shirts"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. I came uninvited"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. French city on the Rhone"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in east-central france on the rhone river; a principal producer of silk and rayon
  • Similar words include: Lyons
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Deg. for a writer"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in fine arts
  • Similar words include: Master of Fine Arts
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Pop in the Midwest?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: sodium carbonate, washing soda, soda ash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Some postpartum exercises"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Not yet decided, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. I saw the future"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french astrologer who wrote cryptic predictions whose interpretations are still being debated (1503-1566)
  • Similar words include: Michel de Notredame
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSTRADAMUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: domain, arena, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Wrath"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: anger, choler, ira
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Fishy Hawaiian dish"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall coarse perennial american herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous
  • Similar words include: pigeon berry, jab, nose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Action between a bump and a spike"

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: jell, Seth, solidification
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "We're on!""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. "Roll the ___!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Feature of a slasher film"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that vice president of the united states under bill clinton (born in 1948)
  • Similar words include: Albert Gore Jr., panel, Al Gore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Haphazard"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
  • Opposite of: nonrandom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANDOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Direction in a challah recipe"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: lace, braiding, gold braid
  • Opposite of: unbraid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. After 11:30 p.m., say"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Longtime Stallone role"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Home of County Donegal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Irish Republic, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Colorado resort town"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Blue side, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Head of Kronos? 5
2D 2. Narnia lion 5
3D 3. Corp. shake-up 5
4D 4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand 6
5D 5. Green toast spread 7
6D 6. Hideout 4
7D 7. Championship game 5
8D 8. Raring to go, say 5
9D 9. Now blue, as a blueberry 7
10D 10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment) 4
11D 11. Lentil dish 3
12D 12. In the past 3
13D 13. Lo-___ 3
14D 18. Traffic marker 5
15D 21. Trendy sneaker brand 4
16D 24. Workplace notes 5
17D 25. It's unlikely to happen again 5
18D 26. It's of use 5
19D 28. "Like ..." 4
20D 30. Word after age or before year 3
21D 31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor 5
22D 32. Name inside of a libretto? 5
23D 33. Packed in 5
24D 35. Prefix with state or county 3
25D 36. "Seasons of Love" musical 4
26D 38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P. 3
27D 42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker 7
28D 43. 12, say 4
29D 44. Sites of large beds 7
30D 45. Source of Manchego cheese 5
31D 49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins 6
32D 52. Irritated 5
33D 53. Dodge 5
34D 55. "Soup's on!" 5
35D 56. Earthy tone 5
36D 57. Some skin irritants 5
37D 58. Get on (with) 4
38D 59. Pair in the press 4
39D 60. Supportive garment 3
40D 61. Dorm V.I.P.s 3
41D 62. Bit of gig gear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Head of Kronos?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 10th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAPPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Narnia lion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Corp. shake-up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Green toast spread"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed
  • Similar words include: aguacate, alligator pear, avocado tree
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOCADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Hideout"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Championship game"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: final exam, net, concluding
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Raring to go, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nervous and unable to relax
  • Similar words include: itchy, fretful, fidgety
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Now blue, as a blueberry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to ripen or develop fully
  • Similar words include: aged, mature, ripen
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
  • Similar words include: Cupid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Lentil dish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
  • Similar words include: dkl, dekalitre, decaliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. In the past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Lo-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: reticuloendothelial system, Re, re
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Traffic marker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
  • Similar words include: power pylon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Trendy sneaker brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a north american indian people speaking one of the hokan languages
  • Similar words include: Hokan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Workplace notes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written proposal or reminder
  • Similar words include: memo, memorandum, memoranda
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. It's unlikely to happen again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stroke of luck
  • Similar words include: good luck, trematode, good fortune
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLUKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. It's of use"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. "Like ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh month of the hindu calendar
  • Similar words include: Asvina
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Word after age or before year"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Name inside of a libretto?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Packed in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
  • Similar words include: dull, impenetrable, slow
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Prefix with state or county"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. "Seasons of Love" musical"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. 12, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Sites of large beds"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
  • Similar words include: garden
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARDENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Source of Manchego cheese"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
  • Similar words include: Kingdom of Spain, Espana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
  • Similar words include: envy, begrudge, invidia
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Irritated"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: annoy, vex, get at
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Dodge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • Similar words include: hedge, dodge, put off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. "Soup's on!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Earthy tone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide; used as a pigment
  • Similar words include: ocher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCHRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Some skin irritants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight but appreciable amount
  • Similar words include: tinge, mite, speck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Get on (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively
  • Similar words include: vibration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Pair in the press"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: token, point, detail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Supportive garment"

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!

40D: "61. Dorm V.I.P.s"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
  • Similar words include: right ascension, Re, radium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Bit of gig gear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of electric current adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: adenylic acid, ampere, adenosine monophosphate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

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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
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: July 29, 2026 at 06:11 AM

Thursday, July 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 09, 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. In vogue 4
2A 5. Seal hunter 4
3A 9. Some rudiments to be learned 4
4A 13. Flex time? 4
5A 14. Stern 4
6A 15. Container for peaches 5
7A 17. *Honeybunch 5
8A 19. Group of spellers? 5
9A 20. Title in "Beowulf" 5
10A 21. Back-to-basics regimen 9
11A 23. Grp. of peacekeepers 4
12A 25. *Afternoon socials 4
13A 26. Caddies, in golf slang 7
14A 29. Part of a blind 4
15A 30. Partner of ends 4
16A 31. Some messages from a road trip, in brief 4
17A 33. Scare off 5
18A 37. Many a golden parachute recipient, in brief 3
19A 38. Renounced ... or a phonetic hint to reading the answers to the starred clues 7
20A 40. Sanskrit name meaning "extraordinary" 3
21A 41. Capital close to the confluence of the Red and Black rivers 5
22A 43. Gaels of the N.C.A.A. 4
23A 44. Battling 4
24A 45. Piece of cake 4
25A 47. Food processor 7
26A 49. *Worms or flies, often 4
27A 53. Do some laps 4
28A 54. Right now 9
29A 56. ___ Hamilton, author of the classic "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" 5
30A 59. Sass 5
31A 60. *___ Beach, Calif. 5
32A 62. Hit 1977 musical that included Franklin D. Roosevelt as a character 5
33A 63. Juniors, e.g. 4
34A 64. Trails 4
35A 65. "Yikes!" 4
36A 66. Rowers' workout machines, informally 4
37A 67. Straddling 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. In vogue"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elegance by virtue of being fashionable
  • Similar words include: stylishness, modishness, chichi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Seal hunter"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Similar words include: killer whale, grampus, killer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some rudiments to be learned"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: alphabet, first rudiment, ABC's
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Flex time?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Stern"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: bum, nates, back
  • Opposite of: front, level
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Container for peaches"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rugged box (usually made of wood); used for shipping
  • Similar words include: crateful
  • Opposite of: uncrate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *Honeybunch"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white crystalline carbohydrate used as a sweetener and preservative
  • Similar words include: dough, bread, cabbage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Group of spellers?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assembly of witches; usually 13 witches
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Title in "Beowulf""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feudal lord or baron
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Back-to-basics regimen"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Grp. of peacekeepers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
  • Similar words include: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. *Afternoon socials"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • Similar words include: tea, afternoon tea, teatime
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Caddies, in golf slang"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small hairless caterpillar having legs on only its front and rear segments; mostly larvae of moths of the family geometridae
  • Similar words include: inchworm, measuring worm, looper
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOPERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Part of a blind"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Partner of ends"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
  • Similar words include: betting odds
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Some messages from a road trip, in brief"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Scare off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that try to prevent; show opposition to
  • Similar words include: discourage, dissuade
  • Opposite of: persuade
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Many a golden parachute recipient, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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, chief executive officer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Renounced ... or a phonetic hint to reading the answers to the starred clues"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do without or cease to hold or adhere to
  • Similar words include: foreswear, antecede, precede
  • Opposite of: claim, postdate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORGONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Sanskrit name meaning "extraordinary""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Capital close to the confluence of the Red and Black rivers"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital city of vietnam; located in north vietnam
  • Similar words include: capital of Vietnam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANOI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Gaels of the N.C.A.A."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Battling"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Piece of cake"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of catching an object with the hands
  • Similar words include: bust, snatch, pushover
  • Opposite of: inelasticity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Food processor"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
  • Similar words include: abdomen, tolerate, suffer
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOMACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. *Worms or flies, often"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that anything that serves as an enticement
  • Similar words include: lure, tantalize, rally
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Do some laps"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of swimming; :
  • Similar words include: float, swimming, drown
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Right now"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. ___ Hamilton, author of the classic "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Sass"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
  • Similar words include: verbalize, sassing, verbalise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. *___ Beach, Calif."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Hit 1977 musical that included Franklin D. Roosevelt as a character"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Juniors, e.g."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, boy, Word
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Trails"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of slowing down or falling behind
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, dawdle, meantime
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. "Yikes!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Rowers' workout machines, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
  • Similar words include: erg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Straddling"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Anatomical pouch 4
2D 2. "Star Wars" planet where Luke Skywalker rides a tauntaun 4
3D 3. Dinosaur named for a lizard tooth 9
4D 4. Quick timeouts? 7
5D 5. AAA or B.B.B. 3
6D 6. Bring in 4
7D 7. 200 milligrams 5
8D 8. Sketchy activities? 10
9D 9. Kudo 8
10D 10. Guys' night out 7
11D 11. Trivial objection 5
12D 12. Symbol of strength and solidity 5
13D 16. Tonsillectomy docs 4
14D 18. French crown? 4
15D 22. Wing 3
16D 24. Hydrox lookalike 4
17D 26. Lomond, for one 4
18D 27. Old theaters 4
19D 28. Show that ends in disarray? 10
20D 32. Long time follower? 3
21D 34. Dojo furnishing 9
22D 35. It's a long story 4
23D 36. One of the six sluggers on baseball's Murderer's Row 4
24D 38. Spent 8
25D 39. "Curly W" team 4
26D 42. Caucasus region 7
27D 44. Padmé ___ (mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker) 7
28D 46. Horned viper 3
29D 48. Is underwater 4
30D 49. S.E.C. football powerhouse, informally 4
31D 50. United 5
32D 51. Tried to hit a baseball 5
33D 52. Taste 5
34D 55. Double-decker checker 4
35D 57. Benin neighbor 4
36D 58. Door fastener 4
37D 61. Jerk 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Anatomical pouch"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure
  • Similar words include: vesicle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CYST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Star Wars" planet where Luke Skywalker rides a tauntaun"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (norse mythology) a blind god; misled by loki, he kills his brother balder by throwing a shaft of mistletoe
  • Similar words include: Hodur, Hoder, Hothr
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Dinosaur named for a lizard tooth"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that massive herbivorous bipedal dinosaur with a long heavy tail; common in europe and northern africa; early cretaceous period
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGUANODON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Quick timeouts?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
  • Similar words include: catnap, catch a wink, nap
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATNAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. AAA or B.B.B."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bring in"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: draw, glean, harvest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. 200 milligrams"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg
  • Similar words include: kt, karat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Sketchy activities?"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Kudo"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • Similar words include: honor, award, honour
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCOLADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Guys' night out"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Trivial objection"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evasion of the point of an argument by raising irrelevant distinctions or objections
  • Similar words include: chicane, quiddity, quibble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAVIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Symbol of strength and solidity"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
  • Similar words include: sword, nerve, blade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. Tonsillectomy docs"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. French crown?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Wing"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Hydrox lookalike"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Lomond, for one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow inlet of the sea in scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Old theaters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Show that ends in disarray?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a performer who provides erotic entertainment by undressing to music
  • Similar words include: striptease artist, stripteaser, exotic dancer
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRIPTEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Long time follower?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Dojo furnishing"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. It's a long story"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
  • Similar words include: epic poem, epos, larger-than-life
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. One of the six sluggers on baseball's Murderer's Row"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
  • Similar words include: Book of Ruth, commiseration, George Herman Ruth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Spent"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come or bring to a finish or an end
  • Similar words include: terminate, cease, end up
  • Opposite of: unfinished, begin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINISHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. "Curly W" team"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Caucasus region"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Padmé ___ (mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Horned viper"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: Naja haje, Vipera aspis, Egyptian cobra
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Is underwater"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Similar words include: owe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. S.E.C. football powerhouse, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. United"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Tried to hit a baseball"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
  • Similar words include: sway, drop, swing
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWUNG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Taste"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Double-decker checker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
  • Similar words include: Riley B King, queen, B. B. King
  • Opposite of: female monarch, queen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Benin neighbor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the western coast of africa on the gulf of guinea; formerly under french control
  • Similar words include: Togolese Republic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Door fastener"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fastener for a door or lid; a hinged metal plate is fitted over a staple and is locked with a pin or padlock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: shtup, bum, Eastern Samoa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

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
37 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 09, 2026 at 06:58 AM