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Friday, August 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 14, 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. ___ Plateau, home to the tomb of King Khufu 4
2A 5. Discovers 9
3A 14. "There's my cue" 4
4A 15. "Dios mío!" 9
5A 16. Superbright 4
6A 17. Couple's last coupling, perhaps 10
7A 18. Mounted warrior skilled in martial arts 7
8A 20. Retired pro wrestler Flair 3
9A 21. Sibling's cry of protest, maybe 6
10A 22. Guard for some time? 8
11A 27. Unit whose name derives from the Latin word for "heat" 7
12A 29. Completely lose it 6
13A 30. Bunk alternatives 4
14A 31. Leave a lasting mark on 4
15A 33. Because 5
16A 34. Self-doubter's question 3
17A 35. Huddling, as teammates 7
18A 37. Mom-and-pop group 3
19A 38. Rock musician Bob 5
20A 40. "Enough out of you!" 4
21A 41. Costco competitor, informally 4
22A 42. England's George V vis-à-vis Russia's Nicholas II 6
23A 44. Good places for a deep dive into research? 7
24A 46. Recollection, say 8
25A 48. Primates found only in and around Madagascar 6
26A 50. Slip 3
27A 51. Explode, as a paintball 7
28A 52. Enthusiastic cry when one's favorite song comes on the radio 10
29A 57. Idle 4
30A 58. Excessively greedy 9
31A 59. Berkshire town 4
32A 60. Of an indefinitely large number 9
33A 61. Spanish muralist José María ___ 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ Plateau, home to the tomb of King Khufu"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient egyptian city on the west bank of the nile opposite cairo; site of three great pyramids and the sphinx
  • Similar words include: El Giza, Gizeh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Discovers"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. "There's my cue""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Dios mío!""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Superbright"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: atomic number 10, Ne
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Couple's last coupling, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Mounted warrior skilled in martial arts"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMURAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Retired pro wrestler Flair"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Sibling's cry of protest, maybe"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception
  • Similar words include: unjust
  • Opposite of: fair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNFAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Guard for some time?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Unit whose name derives from the Latin word for "heat""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Completely lose it"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Bunk alternatives"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: fingerstall, crib, camp bed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Leave a lasting mark on"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engrave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Self-doubter's question"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Huddling, as teammates"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surround completely
  • Similar words include: introduce, put in, shut in
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Mom-and-pop group"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Rock musician Bob"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. "Enough out of you!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poetic) tranquil silence
  • Similar words include: quiet, still, quiesce
  • Opposite of: louden
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Costco competitor, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: SAM, surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. England's George V vis-à-vis Russia's Nicholas II"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the child of your aunt or uncle
  • Similar words include: cousin-german, first cousin, full cousin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUSIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Good places for a deep dive into research?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Recollection, say"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANECDOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Primates found only in and around Madagascar"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails
  • Similar words include: lemur
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEMURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Slip"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: slip, drift, mistake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Explode, as a paintball"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Enthusiastic cry when one's favorite song comes on the radio"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Idle"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be idle; exist in a changeless situation
  • Similar words include: stagnate, idle, slug
  • Opposite of: work
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Excessively greedy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey
  • Similar words include: predatory, ravening, vulturine
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAPACIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Berkshire town"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Of an indefinitely large number"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that last in an indefinitely numerous series
  • Similar words include: umptieth, umteenth
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMPTEENTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Spanish muralist José María ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kitchen brand inspired by 18-Across 5
2D 2. "Seriously?!" 11
3D 3. Issue in a modern remote work setting 11
4D 4. Corn and wheat, for two 7
5D 5. Garment worn with a bodice called a choli 4
6D 6. 365th out of 365, in brief 3
7D 7. Words of comfort 5
8D 8. Not being real about 6
9D 9. Honey is high in this 8
10D 10. Deplete 3
11D 11. Yogis' utterances 3
12D 12. Purple drink ingredient at a boba tea shop 3
13D 13. "... plus ___" 3
14D 17. Unfruitful 6
15D 19. Animated 2011 film set in Brazil 3
16D 22. Person that's best left alone 7
17D 23. Wong of Netflix's "Beef" 3
18D 24. Shoot the breeze 11
19D 25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense 11
20D 26. "How do ___ grow? They grow out of your life": Robert Penn Warren 5
21D 28. Scratch that! 4
22D 30. "Julius Caesar" role 5
23D 32. Plot device? 4
24D 35. Shimmer colorfully 8
25D 36. Hello or goodbye, abroad 6
26D 39. Computer key that might be pressed repeatedly in a panic 3
27D 41. Tastes 7
28D 43. Average Joe, in modern slang 6
29D 45. ___ Bleus, nickname for France's World Cup team 3
30D 47. Check for fit 5
31D 49. What might go straight to the heart? 5
32D 51. Deep cut 4
33D 52. Monodrama that debuted in 1989 3
34D 53. Country ___ 3
35D 54. Unwanted place for bugs 3
36D 55. Parlor offering, for short 3
37D 56. Project 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kitchen brand inspired by 18-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Seriously?!""

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Issue in a modern remote work setting"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Corn and wheat, for two"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
  • Similar words include: yearly, annual, yearbook
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Garment worn with a bodice called a choli"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. 365th out of 365, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Words of comfort"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Not being real about"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make a copy of with the intent to deceive
  • Similar words include: wangle, forge, talk through one's hat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAKING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Honey is high in this"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a simple sugar found in honey and in many ripe fruits
  • Similar words include: levulose, fruit sugar, laevulose
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRUCTOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Deplete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
  • Similar words include: tire, muggins, fool
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Yogis' utterances"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Purple drink ingredient at a boba tea shop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "... plus ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Unfruitful"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation
  • Similar words include: waste, destitute, desolate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Animated 2011 film set in Brazil"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Person that's best left alone"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who lives in solitude
  • Similar words include: troglodyte, withdrawn, reclusive
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECLUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Wong of Netflix's "Beef""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay, Cassius Marcellus Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Shoot the breeze"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unconsciously replace fact with fantasy in one's memory
  • Similar words include: natter, chatter, consult
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONFABULATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "25. Philosophy of "Keep things simple," in a sense"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. "How do ___ grow? They grow out of your life": Robert Penn Warren"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
  • Similar words include: poem, verse form
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Scratch that!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: itchiness, scratch, urge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. "Julius Caesar" role"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Plot device?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
  • Similar words include: hose down, hosiery, hosepipe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Shimmer colorfully"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be iridescent
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIDESCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Hello or goodbye, abroad"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Computer key that might be pressed repeatedly in a panic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Tastes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small part of something intended as representative of the whole
  • Similar words include: taste, sample, try
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMPLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Average Joe, in modern slang"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. ___ Bleus, nickname for France's World Cup team"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: LE, lupus erythematosus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Check for fit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. What might go straight to the heart?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Deep cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wound made by cutting
  • Similar words include: slice, slash, cut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Monodrama that debuted in 1989"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Country ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Unwanted place for bugs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Parlor offering, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Similar words include: intertwine, Thematic Apperception Test, cheapness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Project"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings
  • Similar words include: project, bulge, prominence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: August 14, 2026 at 05:11 AM

Friday, July 31, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 31, 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. Withholding something? 3
2A 4. It'll pass! 3
3A 7. Silent type 4
4A 11. Sex work? 9
5A 14. Screen name 4
6A 15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years 10
7A 16. Grime 4
8A 17. Honey, for example 7
9A 18. Energy source for distance runners 3
10A 20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short 3
11A 21. Tripping 5
12A 22. Style secured with a scrunchie 8
13A 24. Tobiko or masago 3
14A 25. Twists of fate, say 11
15A 28. Pharyngitis docs 4
16A 30. Exuding joy 9
17A 31. Went hell for leather 4
18A 33. Cry when shaking hands 4
19A 34. "This is too much" 9
20A 37. Blind component 4
21A 41. Wiseacre 11
22A 43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L. 3
23A 44. Where to be above all the drama? 8
24A 45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian 5
25A 47. Maryland governor Moore 3
26A 48. Perspective, for short 3
27A 49. Casual Friday option 7
28A 51. Result of a shopping spree 4
29A 53. Highly flexible discipline? 10
30A 55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement 4
31A 56. Relative of a tumbler 9
32A 57. Cuisine with tom kha kai 4
33A 58. Business with lockers 3
34A 59. All good 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Withholding something?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. It'll pass!"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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3A: "7. Silent type"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: mummer, pantomimer, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

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4A: "11. Sex work?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) an ancient sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with hindu law
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMASUTRA

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5A: "14. Screen name"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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6A: "15. Tennis feat involving four consecutive major tournament wins in two calendar years"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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7A: "16. Grime"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
  • Similar words include: scandal, grease, grunge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRT

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8A: "17. Honey, for example"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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9A: "18. Energy source for distance runners"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: colloidal gel, mousse, gelatin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. World Economic Forum, e.g., for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: nongovernmental organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGO

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11A: "21. Tripping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12A: "22. Style secured with a scrunchie"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONYTAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Tobiko or masago"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

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14A: "25. Twists of fate, say"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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15A: "28. Pharyngitis docs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16A: "30. Exuding joy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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17A: "31. Went hell for leather"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: buck, torus, charge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

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18A: "33. Cry when shaking hands"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular instance of buying or selling
  • Similar words include: shell out, mint, administer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAL

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19A: "34. "This is too much""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "37. Blind component"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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

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21A: "41. Wiseacre"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22A: "43. What a closed fist with an extended index finger represents, in A.S.L."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ane, unity, unmatched
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

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23A: "44. Where to be above all the drama?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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24A: "45. Pierre : French :: ___ : Russian"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25A: "47. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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26A: "48. Perspective, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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27A: "49. Casual Friday option"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
  • Similar words include: canary, stoolpigeon, snitcher
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Result of a shopping spree"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of drawing or hauling something
  • Similar words include: haulage, drag, catch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAUL

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29A: "53. Highly flexible discipline?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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30A: "55. Brazilian state whose name is a unit of measurement"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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31A: "56. Relative of a tumbler"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "57. Cuisine with tom kha kai"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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33A: "58. Business with lockers"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, resort hotel, watering place
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

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34A: "59. All good"

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: determine, readiness, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Palm-sized pastry 7
2D 2. Assenting chorus 5
3D 3. Shangri-La 6
4D 4. Make one 4
5D 5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr. 3
6D 6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank" 10
7D 7. Just OK, in modern lingo 3
8D 8. "Mind. Blown." 7
9D 9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem 7
10D 10. Glorifies 6
11D 11. Into 6
12D 12. Tech mogul Altman 3
13D 13. Change for a bill 9
14D 15. Reproductive part of a fern 5
15D 19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice" 5
16D 22. Patrick, to SpongeBob 3
17D 23. Rings 5
18D 26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend? 9
19D 27. Some all-nighters 10
20D 29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist 5
21D 32. Ready to go 5
22D 34. Censure, in a way 7
23D 35. Formal pause in a line of poetry 7
24D 36. Certain shot, colloquially 3
25D 38. "Heads up!" 7
26D 39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng 6
27D 40. ___ incognita 5
28D 41. "And ...?" 6
29D 42. Brief periods 6
30D 46. Self-congratulation 5
31D 49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms 4
32D 50. Denial in Aberdeen 3
33D 52. Chain that can symbolize friendship 3
34D 54. Genre for Logic 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Palm-sized pastry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small tart usually used as a canape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARTLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Assenting chorus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amon, Amun, Amen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Shangri-La"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Make one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical device that can interrupt the flow of electrical current when it is overloaded
  • Similar words include: mix, primer, commingle
  • Opposite of: defuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Seat of Fulton County: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. British counterpart to "Shark Tank""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Just OK, in modern lingo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MID

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8D: "8. "Mind. Blown.""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Part of Fermat's copy of "Arithmetica" where he wrote his Last Theorem"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
  • Similar words include: security deposit, allowance, leeway
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARGINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Glorifies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: exalt, extol, glorify
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Into"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Tech mogul Altman"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Change for a bill"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of amending or correcting
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMENDMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Reproductive part of a fern"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Youngest Bennet sister in "Pride and Prejudice""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient region on the coast of western asia minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the persians in 546 bc
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYDIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Patrick, to SpongeBob"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, crony, pal up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Rings"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
  • Similar words include: toll, bell, cost
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Venue for events that guests are always on board to attend?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "27. Some all-nighters"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occasion of spending a night away from home or having a guest spend the night in your home (especially as a party for children)
  • Similar words include: sleepover
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEPOVERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. "Yellow Submarine" lead vocalist"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock star and drummer for the beatles (born in 1940)
  • Similar words include: Ringo Starr, Starkey, Richard Starkey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Ready to go"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Censure, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that challenge the honesty or veracity of
  • Similar words include: criminate, accuse, incriminate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPEACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Formal pause in a line of poetry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAESURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Certain shot, colloquially"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Heads up!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
  • Similar words include: watch, observation post, spotter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOKOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Insect product in the salad yum khai mod daeng"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. ___ incognita"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "And ...?""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "42. Brief periods"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a psychological state induced by (or as if induced by) a magical incantation
  • Similar words include: spell, trance, tour
  • Opposite of: unspell
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Self-congratulation"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Hindu deity depicted with four arms"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon
  • Similar words include: Shiva
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Denial in Aberdeen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Chain that can symbolize friendship"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: garland, chaplet, wreath
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Genre for Logic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: blame, whang, strike
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

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

34 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 31, 2026 at 06:27 AM