May 26, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 26, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

May 26, 2023 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Resident of Seeb, Sohar or Sur	5
2A	6. Company whose name, aptly, is an anagram of GAMES minus a letter	4
3A	10. Fail to include, say	4
4A	14. "Smart!"	10
5A	16. Something that needs a key	4
6A	17. Question from someone arriving in haste	10
7A	18. Get behind something, say	4
8A	19. [Cracking up]	3
9A	20. Idly moves (about)	5
10A	21. Tough nut to crack	5
11A	22. Pigs' digs	4
12A	23. Ones who live large, in slang	7
13A	25. Tragic flaw for Oedipus	6
14A	28. Polite denial	6
15A	29. One might read "Kiss the Cook"	5
16A	30. Youth sports mismatch ender	9
17A	33. Flummox	5
18A	34. Really move	3
19A	35. Bacon bit?	5
20A	36. Shared a workspace, in modern parlance	9
21A	38. Cologne's place	5
22A	39. Teacher's sleeve, in a pinch	6
23A	40. They come out of their shells eventually	6
24A	41. Gets to	7
25A	43. Action in the card game Spit	4
26A	44. "Purple" stuff	5
27A	45. Calculus concept	5
28A	47. Stole from a drag show	3
29A	50. Shows	4
30A	51. "Keep this between us"	10
31A	53. Run time?	4
32A	54. Like some land no longer good for livestock	10
33A	55. Número de mosqueteros	4
34A	56. Viral phenomenon	4
35A	57. Waves away	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Resident of Seeb, Sohar or Sur"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a native or inhabitant of oman
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMANI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Company whose name, aptly, is an anagram of GAMES minus a letter"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Fail to include, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of driving away or warding off
• Words that mean the same thing: ignore, cut, rebuff
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "Smart!""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VERYCLEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Something that needs a key"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
• Words that mean the same thing: inscribe, computer code, codification
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Question from someone arriving in haste"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMITOOLATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Get behind something, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: obliterate, skin, pelt
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. [Cracking up]"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Idly moves (about)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states architect who was the presidentially appointed architect of washington d.c. (1781-1855)
• Words that mean the same thing: mill, James Mill, mill about
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Tough nut to crack"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
• Words that mean the same thing: model, toughie, stumper
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Pigs' digs"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
• Words that mean the same thing: penitentiary, pen, playpen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Ones who live large, in slang"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALLERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Tragic flaw for Oedipus"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that overbearing pride or presumption
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUBRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Polite denial"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOMAAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. One might read "Kiss the Cook""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
• Words that mean the same thing: proscenium, forestage
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Youth sports mismatch ender"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERCYRULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Flummox"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled
• Words that mean the same thing: dais, ambo, podium
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Really move"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
• Words that mean the same thing: reverence, veneration, fear
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Bacon bit?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
• Words that mean the same thing: test, try out, examine
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESSAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Shared a workspace, in modern parlance"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOTDESKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Cologne's place"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states parapsychologist (1895-1980)
• Words that mean the same thing: Rhein, Rhine River, Joseph Banks Rhine
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Teacher's sleeve, in a pinch"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an implement used to erase something
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERASER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. They come out of their shells eventually"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that young bird especially of domestic fowl
• Words that mean the same thing: biddy, skirt, dame
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHICKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. Gets to"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion
• Words that mean the same thing: impress, move, dissemble
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFFECTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "43. Action in the card game Spit"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
• Words that mean the same thing: smack, bolt, smacking
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "44. "Purple" stuff"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Calculus concept"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the greatest possible degree of something
• Words that mean the same thing: throttle, limit point, boundary
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. Stole from a drag show"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
• Words that mean the same thing: feather boa
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Shows"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that affected manners intended to impress others
• Words that mean the same thing: airwave, publicize, melodic phrase
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. "Keep this between us""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTONEWORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "53. Run time?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any competition
• Words that mean the same thing: hasten, rush, hotfoot
• The opposite would be: linger
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "54. Like some land no longer good for livestock"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVERGRAZED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "55. Número de mosqueteros"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "56. Viral phenomenon"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "57. Waves away"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that drive away by crying `shoo!'
• Words that mean the same thing: shoo away, shoo, shoo off
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOOS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - May 26, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Shaped like this answer's first letter, say	4
2D	2. Word on a check	4
3D	3. Seed case	4
4D	4. Co. that produces the "Modern Love" podcast	3
5D	5. Words from one extending an olive branch	12
6D	6. Moves	5
7D	7. Assessment, informally	4
8D	8. Loses interest, say	9
9D	9. Equal	3
10D	10. Knowledge, or a means to acquire it	11
11D	11. Nonmelodic genre	10
12D	12. Milk it	5
13D	13. Some chasers	5
14D	15. Mutton chops?	5
15D	21. Jealous critics, in slang	12
16D	22. Some formal attire	11
17D	24. "Better Call Saul" network	3
18D	25. Discuss, with "out"	4
19D	26. As far as	4
20D	27. Inelegant way to solve a problem	10
21D	28. Like posts at the top of a feed, typically	5
22D	30. Pursues a passion?	9
23D	31. Long and lean	4
24D	32. Body parts that an owl can't move	4
25D	37. Concorde, e.g.: Abbr.	3
26D	40. Stick	5
27D	41. Detached	5
28D	42. Man on a mission?	5
29D	43. Dessert often eaten outdoors	5
30D	46. Subject for gossips	4
31D	47. Ding-dong	4
32D	48. Nabisco offering	4
33D	49. Interjects	4
34D	51. Academy recognition, for short	3
35D	52. Infant's cry	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Shaped like this answer's first letter, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
• Words that mean the same thing: oviform, elliptic, ovate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Word on a check"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a written proposal or reminder
• Words that mean the same thing: memoranda, memorandum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Seed case"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Co. that produces the "Modern Love" podcast"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NYT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Words from one extending an olive branch"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICOMEINPEACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Moves"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the activity of persuading someone to buy
• Words that mean the same thing: betray, sell, trade
• The opposite would be: buy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SELLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Assessment, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Loses interest, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GETSBORED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Equal"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: be, equal, constitute
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Knowledge, or a means to acquire it"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
• Words that mean the same thing: erudition, encyclopedism, eruditeness
• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCHOLARSHIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Nonmelodic genre"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOISEMUSIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Milk it"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mammary gland of bovids (cows and sheep and goats)
• Words that mean the same thing: bag
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UDDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Some chasers"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
• Words that mean the same thing: beer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Mutton chops?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs
• Words that mean the same thing: lumbus, loin, pubic region
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Jealous critics, in slang"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLAYERHATERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Some formal attire"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROMDRESSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "Better Call Saul" network"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Discuss, with "out""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that chopped meat mixed with potatoes and browned
• Words that mean the same thing: hasheesh, hashish, haschisch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. As far as"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UPTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Inelegant way to solve a problem"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRUTEFORCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Like posts at the top of a feed, typically"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
• Words that mean the same thing: Modern, new, novel
• The opposite would be: worn, old
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Pursues a passion?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAKESLOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Long and lean"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that long and thin and often limp
• Words that mean the same thing: spindly
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Body parts that an owl can't move"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that opinion or judgment
• Words that mean the same thing: optic, oculus, eye
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Concorde, e.g.: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Stick"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit
• Words that mean the same thing: hang, cohere, cleave
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Detached"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that remote and separate physically or socially; ; - w.h.hudson
• Words that mean the same thing: asunder, aside, obscure
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Man on a mission?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male member of a religious order that originally relied solely on alms
• Words that mean the same thing: mendicant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRIAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Dessert often eaten outdoors"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Subject for gossips"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
• Words that mean the same thing: token, detail, particular
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Ding-dong"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
• Words that mean the same thing: twat, zany, cat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Nabisco offering"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
• Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Interjects"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: add together, add, bestow
• The opposite would be: subtract, take away
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Academy recognition, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Infant's cry"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	58	82.9%
Short Answer	7	10.0%
Sports	3	4.3%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 02, 2025 at 05:42 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 26, 2025 | 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
• Across Clues Table (35 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. Something tapped at a bar	3
2A	4. ___ monster (only venomous lizard native to the U.S.)	4
3A	8. Go caroling, say	4
4A	12. British weekly on business, politics and culture, with "The"	9
5A	15. Devils' center, appropriately	4
6A	16. Ones taking baby pictures in the delivery room, maybe	10
7A	18. Stead	4
8A	19. University just north of Harvard	5
9A	20. Overall impact	9
10A	22. Like drone photography	6
11A	23. "Look here …"	3
12A	24. Study of the mind, for short	6
13A	29. Tavern owner who's often prank-called by Bart Simpson	3
14A	31. Attire for a contemporary dancer	7
15A	33. Source of a certain essential oil	7
16A	37. R, as in a Rolls-Royce?	7
17A	38. Hush-hush	7
18A	39. What the shepherd heard, perhaps	5
19A	40. Highest level of minor-league baseball	3
20A	42. They spike during the holidays	5
21A	43. Apt name for a socialite?	3
22A	45. Some pre-streaming music purchases	3
23A	47. Goose of Hawaii	4
24A	48. Global movement to end violence against women	4
25A	51. That's unbelievable!	3
26A	53. "That's unbelievable!"	4
27A	55. Fish that can burrow into the seabed	3
28A	56. Subtle acknowledgment	3
29A	57. Carpenter or plumber's kit	7
30A	60. Fruit traditionally eaten with the fish it's named for	11
31A	63. Toilette water	3
32A	64. Like goods bought before they hit the shelves	10
33A	65. Alternative to AOL	3
34A	66. Unusual feature of this puzzle … or, when parsed as two words (1,8), another unusual feature of this puzzle	9
35A	67. When a plane is due in, in brief	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Something tapped at a bar"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the quantity contained in a keg
• Similar words include: kegful
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. ___ monster (only venomous lizard native to the U.S.)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a river that rises in western new mexico and flows westward through southern arizona to become a tributary of the colorado river
• Similar words include: Gila River
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GILA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Go caroling, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that deliver by singing
• Similar words include: whistle, spill the beans, peach
• Opposite of: keep quiet

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. British weekly on business, politics and culture, with "The""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an expert in the science of economics
• Similar words include: economic expert
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECONOMIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Devils' center, appropriately"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that morally objectionable behavior
• Similar words include: wickedness, iniquity, malign
• Opposite of: goodness, good

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ones taking baby pictures in the delivery room, maybe"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PROUDPAPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Stead"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
• Similar words include: position, place, stead
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. University just north of Harvard"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass
• Similar words include: tuft, tussock
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Overall impact"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NETEFFECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Like drone photography"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a pass to a receiver downfield from the passer
• Similar words include: aeriform, aery, transmitting aerial
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AERIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Look here …""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Similar words include: project, check, understand
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Study of the mind, for short"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: COGSCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Tavern owner who's often prank-called by Bart Simpson"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Attire for a contemporary dancer"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tight-fitting garment of stretchy material that covers the body from the shoulders to the thighs (and may have long sleeves or legs reaching down to the ankles); worn by ballet dancers and acrobats for practice or performance
• Similar words include: body suit, leotard, cat suit
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNITARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Source of a certain essential oil"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEATREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. R, as in a Rolls-Royce?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a relation of direct opposition
• Similar words include: reverse gear, blow, rescind
• Opposite of: forward, obverse

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REVERSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Hush-hush"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONTHEDL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. What the shepherd heard, perhaps"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sound of sheep or goats (or any sound resembling this)
• Similar words include: baa, blate, blat
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Highest level of minor-league baseball"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
• Similar words include: abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. They spike during the holidays"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
• Similar words include: sales agreement, gross sales, cut-rate sale
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Apt name for a socialite?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a young woman making her debut into society
• Similar words include: debutante
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Some pre-streaming music purchases"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a soft bluish-white ductile malleable toxic bivalent metallic element; occurs in association with zinc ores
• Similar words include: cadmium, CD, compact disc
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Goose of Hawaii"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Global movement to end violence against women"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. That's unbelievable!"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Similar words include: dwell, prevarication, Trygve Lie
• Opposite of: arise, stand

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. "That's unbelievable!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Fish that can burrow into the seabed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Subtle acknowledgment"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Carpenter or plumber's kit"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOOLSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Fruit traditionally eaten with the fish it's named for"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that creeping raspberry of north temperate regions with yellow or orange berries
• Similar words include: dwarf mulberry, cloudberry, baked-apple berry
• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALMONBERRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Toilette water"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Like goods bought before they hit the shelves"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PREORDERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Alternative to AOL"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MSN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Unusual feature of this puzzle … or, when parsed as two words (1,8), another unusual feature of this puzzle"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (mathematics) a lack of symmetry
• Similar words include: imbalance, dissymmetry
• Opposite of: symmetry

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASYMMETRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. When a plane is due in, in brief"

3 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: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Didn't tell, as a secret	4
2D	2. Light beige	4
3D	3. Blooper	4
4D	4. Combatants in the Titanomachy	4
5D	5. Teacher's pest	3
6D	6. Former NPR host Hansen	5
7D	7. In line with	5
8D	8. Beginning of consciousness?	4
9D	9. Group of elite colleges	5
10D	10. Mother's daughter's daughter, perhaps	5
11D	11. Largest human muscle, informally	5
12D	13. Little fastener	3
13D	14. Comic actor Jacques	4
14D	17. Sailors	6
15D	21. A&W specialties	6
16D	22. Broadcasts	4
17D	24. Where the sidewalk ends	4
18D	25. First-year legal student, informally	4
19D	26. Donate	4
20D	27. Like a good sharpshooter's hand	6
21D	28. À la ___	5
22D	30. Renewable gasoline additive	7
23D	32. Anti-trafficking org.	3
24D	33. ___ Hall ("The Wind in the Willows" residence)	4
25D	34. Cry to a captor	9
26D	35. Idyllic spot	4
27D	36. Ultimatum word	4
28D	41. ___ in the hole	3
29D	44. Marilyn Monroe or Britney Spears	6
30D	46. Cutlass, e.g.	5
31D	48. Italian scooter brand	5
32D	49. Darlings	5
33D	50. Spot for cats and rats	5
34D	52. "My gut says …"	5
35D	54. Today, in Tijuana	3
36D	56. What you'd expect when you're expecting?	4
37D	57. Shot that made its N.B.A. debut in 1979, slangily	4
38D	58. Big ___ (college conference)	4
39D	59. Common sushi fish	4
40D	61. Certain parent	3
41D	62. Make a typo, say	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Didn't tell, as a secret"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
• Similar words include: continue, hold open, prevent
• Opposite of: lose, broken

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Light beige"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a very light brown
• Similar words include: beige
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Blooper"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
• Similar words include: clown, zany, blunder
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Combatants in the Titanomachy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
• Similar words include: Supreme Being, immortal, divinity
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Teacher's pest"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Similar words include: monkey, scalawag, elf
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Former NPR host Hansen"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. In line with"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 20 aspers equal 1 kurus in turkey
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Beginning of consciousness?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that your consciousness of your own identity
• Similar words include: ego
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Group of elite colleges"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that old world vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
• Similar words include: common ivy, ivy, Hedera helix
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mother's daughter's daughter, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
• Opposite of: nephew
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Largest human muscle, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any one of three large skeletal muscles that form the buttock and move the thigh
• Similar words include: gluteal muscle, gluteus, gluteus muscle
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Little fastener"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that usually large hard-shelled seed
• Similar words include: nut case, orchis, junkie
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Comic actor Jacques"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that french filmmaker (1908-1982)
• Similar words include: Jacques Tati, Jacques Tatischeff
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Sailors"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a man who serves as a sailor
• Similar words include: Jack-tar, old salt, seafarer
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEAMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. A&W specialties"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
• Similar words include: be adrift, float, drift
• Opposite of: sink

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FLOATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Broadcasts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
• Similar words include: publicize, air out, airwave
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Where the sidewalk ends"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
• Similar words include: restrict, moderate, check
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CURB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. First-year legal student, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Donate"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
• Similar words include: gift, founder, open
• Opposite of: take, starve

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Like a good sharpshooter's hand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person loved by another person
• Similar words include: unbendable, regular, calm
• Opposite of: unsteadily, unsteady

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. À la ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Similar words include: carte du jour, card, bill of fare
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Renewable gasoline additive"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel; proposed as a renewable clean-burning additive to gasoline
• Similar words include: ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, fermentation alcohol
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETHANOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Anti-trafficking org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
• Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. ___ Hall ("The Wind in the Willows" residence)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
• Similar words include: toad frog, batrachian, anuran
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Cry to a captor"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RELEASEME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "35. Idyllic spot"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

27D: "36. Ultimatum word"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. ___ in the hole"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: Allied Command Europe, I, hotshot
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Marilyn Monroe or Britney Spears"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person with fair skin and hair
• Similar words include: blond, light-haired
• Opposite of: brunet

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLONDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Cutlass, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
• Similar words include: brand, steel, blade
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Italian scooter brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that type genus of the vespidae: various hornets and yellow jackets
• Similar words include: genus Vespa
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VESPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Darlings"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
• Similar words include: honey, lamb, love
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Spot for cats and rats"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
• Similar words include: alleyway, bowling alley, skittle alley
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. "My gut says …""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDBET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Today, in Tijuana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a flatbottom boat for carrying heavy loads (especially on canals)
• Similar words include: barge, flatboat, lighter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. What you'd expect when you're expecting?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
• Similar words include: average
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NORM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Shot that made its N.B.A. debut in 1979, slangily"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Similar words include: terzetto, ternion, trio
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TREY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Big ___ (college conference)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
• Similar words include: due east, Orient, eastern United States
• Opposite of: west

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Common sushi fish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Similar words include: Anguilla sucklandii, tunny, Opuntia tuna
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. Certain parent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal terms for a mother
• Similar words include: mamma, ma, momma
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Make a typo, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Similar words include: slip, stray, drift
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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

Last updated: August 26, 2025 at 03:58 AM