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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 15, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Laffy ___, candy with a rhyming name 5
2A 6. Poker buy-in 4
3A 10. "The windows to the soul," metaphorically 4
4A 14. Frighten 5
5A 15. Villain's hideout 4
6A 16. American Girl toy 4
7A 17. Cringey ad campaign going viral, for example 10
8A 19. Madonna's "La ___ Bonita" 4
9A 20. Goes out with 4
10A 21. Piglet and Pooh's marsupial friend 3
11A 22. "Well, in that case ..." 6
12A 24. Clic Stic and Wite-Out brand 3
13A 26. Character at the heart of the "Who shot ...?" cliffhanger of 1980s TV 7
14A 27. Colombian cornmeal cake 5
15A 29. San José, ___ Rica 5
16A 30. Oculus Rift or Meta Quest 3 9
17A 32. Opposite of chaos 5
18A 36. Texter's "I think ..." 3
19A 37. Started a game of blackjack, say 5
20A 38. 18-wheeler 4
21A 39. Agrees nonverbally 4
22A 41. Red root vegetables 5
23A 44. Kind of rally at high school 3
24A 45. Put up, as a building 5
25A 47. Many characters on "The Pitt" 9
26A 49. "Quick!" 5
27A 51. Group holding a nominating convention 5
28A 52. Scannable squares often used in place of paper menus 7
29A 55. ___-Wan Kenobi 3
30A 56. Rang, as a bell 6
31A 57. Pooch's bark 3
32A 59. Paddington Bear's country of origin 4
33A 63. What a light bulb represents, in comics 4
34A 64. Puppet dragon of 1960s kids' TV 10
35A 67. Bottom-heavy fruit 4
36A 68. Britney Spears's "___! ... I Did It Again" 4
37A 69. Perform better than 5
38A 70. Daughters' brothers 4
39A 71. Exam 4
40A 72. French fries-to-be 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Laffy ___, candy with a rhyming name"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chewy candy of sugar or syrup boiled until thick and pulled until glossy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAFFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Poker buy-in"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "The windows to the soul," metaphorically"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: oculus, eye, eyeball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Frighten"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
  • Similar words include: frighten off, pall, scare off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Villain's hideout"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. American Girl toy"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Similar words include: dame, wench, chick
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Cringey ad campaign going viral, for example"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Madonna's "La ___ Bonita""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Goes out with"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: view, visit, escort
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Piglet and Pooh's marsupial friend"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Well, in that case ...""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Clic Stic and Wite-Out brand"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Character at the heart of the "Who shot ...?" cliffhanger of 1980s TV"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Colombian cornmeal cake"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. San José, ___ Rica"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a riblike part of a plant or animal (such as a middle rib of a leaf or a thickened vein of an insect wing)
  • Similar words include: rib
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COSTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Oculus Rift or Meta Quest 3"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Opposite of chaos"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: ordination, edict, purchase order
  • Opposite of: deregulate, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Texter's "I think ...""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Started a game of blackjack, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
  • Similar words include: dispense, address, make out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. 18-wheeler"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: tractor trailer, trailer truck, trucking rig
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Agrees nonverbally"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Similar words include: nod
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Red root vegetables"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
  • Similar words include: Beta vulgaris, beet, beetroot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Kind of rally at high school"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Put up, as a building"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that construct, build, or erect
  • Similar words include: raise, upright, vertical
  • Opposite of: level, unerect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Many characters on "The Pitt""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "Quick!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
  • Similar words include: rush, festinate, haste
  • Opposite of: delay
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Group holding a nominating convention"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Scannable squares often used in place of paper menus"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. ___-Wan Kenobi"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Rang, as a bell"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ring slowly
  • Similar words include: toll
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Pooch's bark"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Paddington Bear's country of origin"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
  • Similar words include: Republic of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a light bulb represents, in comics"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
  • Similar words include: musical theme, mind, estimate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Puppet dragon of 1960s kids' TV"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Bottom-heavy fruit"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
  • Similar words include: Pyrus communis, pear tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Britney Spears's "___! ... I Did It Again""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Perform better than"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be or do something to a greater degree
  • Similar words include: exceed, surmount, outgo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Daughters' brothers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "71. Exam"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that trying something to find out about it
  • Similar words include: tryout, try out, mental test
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "72. French fries-to-be"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: tater, bourgeon, sprout
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Cough syrup amts. 4
2D 2. Farmland measure 4
3D 3. Haircut that transitions from shorter sides to longer top 4
4D 4. Ultimate ___ (team sport) 7
5D 5. Word of consent 3
6D 6. Too 4
7D 7. Grp. with a phonetic alphabet 4
8D 8. Cause for overtime 3
9D 9. Screw-ups 6
10D 10. Conflicts over Wikipedia content 8
11D 11. Mario's dinosaur sidekick 5
12D 12. Actress Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" 5
13D 13. Vernacular found in Urban Dictionary 5
14D 18. Place for coin-op game machines 6
15D 23. Kind of high-fat diet 4
16D 25. Tablet with Pro, Air and mini versions 4
17D 26. Scribbled (down) 6
18D 27. Knight's wear 5
19D 28. The "R" in R.I. 5
20D 29. The "log" in "ants on a log" 6
21D 30. Trellis-climbing plant 4
22D 31. "Light" Jedi weapons 6
23D 33. Railroad station 5
24D 34. Manicurist's filing board 5
25D 35. Laces (into) 4
26D 40. Well-educated sorts 8
27D 42. Fill back to capacity, as a glass 6
28D 43. Healing cover 4
29D 46. "Lose the ___, dude!" 4
30D 48. Causes to make a mistake 7
31D 50. Bit of fiery cinnamon candy 6
32D 52. Cotton swabs not recommended for ear canal use 5
33D 53. Cowboy contest 5
34D 54. Fresh from the dishwasher 5
35D 57. Grindr and Tinder, for two 4
36D 58. Sign of decay 4
37D 60. "___, Brute?" 4
38D 61. "Ant-Man" star Paul 4
39D 62. Sights that make you go "What the ...?!" 4
40D 65. ___ v. Wade (1973 Supreme Court decision) 3
41D 66. Rejections 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Cough syrup amts."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Farmland measure"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Haircut that transitions from shorter sides to longer top"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer
  • Similar words include: slice, evanesce, languish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Ultimate ___ (team sport)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, plastic disk about 10 inches in diameter; propelled with a flip of the wrist for recreation or competition
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRISBEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Word of consent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Too"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: likewise, besides, too
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Grp. with a phonetic alphabet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cause for overtime"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Screw-ups"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: wrongdoing, error, mistake
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Conflicts over Wikipedia content"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mario's dinosaur sidekick"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Actress Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Vernacular found in Urban Dictionary"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar
  • Similar words include: befool, put on, slang expression
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Place for coin-op game machines"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
  • Similar words include: colonnade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Kind of high-fat diet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Tablet with Pro, Air and mini versions"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Scribbled (down)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that write briefly or hurriedly; write a short note of
  • Similar words include: jot, jot down
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOTTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Knight's wear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. The "R" in R.I."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. The "log" in "ants on a log""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that widely cultivated herb with aromatic leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked
  • Similar words include: cultivated celery, Apium graveolens dulce
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CELERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Trellis-climbing plant"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. "Light" Jedi weapons"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
  • Similar words include: sabre, cavalry sword, saber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SABERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Railroad station"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods
  • Similar words include: storage, store, terminus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Manicurist's filing board"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite; used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Laces (into)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dissolute man in fashionable society
  • Similar words include: pull, rake, rent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Well-educated sorts"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
  • Similar words include: student, scholarly person, assimilator
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCHOLARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Fill back to capacity, as a glass"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Healing cover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • Similar words include: rat, fink, blackleg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. "Lose the ___, dude!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Causes to make a mistake"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Bit of fiery cinnamon candy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Cotton swabs not recommended for ear canal use"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Cowboy contest"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Fresh from the dishwasher"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
  • Similar words include: sporty, houseclean, fair
  • Opposite of: unfairly, dirty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Grindr and Tinder, for two"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Sign of decay"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
  • Similar words include: corrode, rusting, eat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. "___, Brute?""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. "Ant-Man" star Paul"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european freshwater fish resembling the roach
  • Similar words include: Scardinius erythrophthalmus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Sights that make you go "What the ...?!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Similar words include: unidentified flying object, UFO, flying saucer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UFOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "65. ___ v. Wade (1973 Supreme Court decision)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Rejections"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Similar words include: nobelium, atomic number 102, No
  • Opposite of: yes
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOS

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

40 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
81 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: September 15, 2026 at 08:49 AM

Friday, September 11, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 11, 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. Impediments to collaboration 4
2A 5. It's the thing 4
3A 9. Motion on a screen 5
4A 14. Anchor's spot 4
5A 15. "I've had enough of this!" 10
6A 17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa 4
7A 18. Unexpected twists 10
8A 19. Singer/actress Carrere 3
9A 20. U.S. senators Warnock and Duckworth, for two 4
10A 21. How often blue moons occur 6
11A 22. Track-and-field challenges 7
12A 24. Nods at a lot? 4
13A 25. Barrel (along) 5
14A 26. Big name in 23-Down 4
15A 27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps 3
16A 30. Jazz Age Disney princess 5
17A 31. Drives for money? 9
18A 33. Actor Elba 5
19A 34. A long time follower? 3
20A 35. Expert in worldwide fulfillment and distribution operations? 5
21A 36. "I'll wait for your update" 9
22A 38. Attire for a high-pressure job? 5
23A 39. Put down 3
24A 40. Pad 4
25A 41. Ramadan, e.g. 5
26A 42. Particles in a particle accelerator 4
27A 43. Comforts 7
28A 45. Fairly low-risk investment 6
29A 48. Chip source, informally 4
30A 49. Guard at the gates of Mordor 3
31A 50. Tool for adding sparkle to lackluster prose? 10
32A 52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant) 4
33A 53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say 10
34A 54. How one might feel at a support group meeting 4
35A 55. "Ergo ..." 5
36A 56. Wraps 4
37A 57. [Look at me!] 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Impediments to collaboration"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self-importance, ego, self
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's the thing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Motion on a screen"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweeping stroke or blow
  • Similar words include: filch, purloin, pilfer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Anchor's spot"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "I've had enough of this!""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Incan, Inka
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Unexpected twists"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Singer/actress Carrere"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. U.S. senators Warnock and Duckworth, for two"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study
  • Similar words include: PhD, Ph.D.
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. How often blue moons occur"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: seldom
  • Opposite of: often
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Track-and-field challenges"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles
  • Similar words include: hurdle, vault, hurdle race
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURDLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Nods at a lot?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
  • Similar words include: offer, tender, call
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Barrel (along)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distance travelled per unit time
  • Similar words include: hasten, quicken, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Big name in 23-Down"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
  • Similar words include: St. Matthew, St. Matthew the Apostle, Matthew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Jazz Age Disney princess"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Drives for money?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Actor Elba"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. A long time follower?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Expert in worldwide fulfillment and distribution operations?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at christmas
  • Similar words include: Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kriss Kringle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. "I'll wait for your update""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Attire for a high-pressure job?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Put down"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: ballad, dwell, secular
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "40. Pad"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an excavation for ore or precious stones or for archaeology
  • Similar words include: barb, toil, apprehend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "41. Ramadan, e.g."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
  • Similar words include: calendar month
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "42. Particles in a particle accelerator"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "43. Comforts"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give moral or emotional strength to
  • Similar words include: soothe, solace, comfort
  • Opposite of: irritate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOTHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "45. Fairly low-risk investment"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. Chip source, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: murphy, tater, potato
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "49. Guard at the gates of Mordor"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "50. Tool for adding sparkle to lackluster prose?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. How one might feel at a support group meeting"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
  • Similar words include: meet, determine, go steady
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. "Ergo ...""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "56. Wraps"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: final stage, remainder, closing
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "57. [Look at me!]"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character) 5
2D 2. "That's brilliant!" 10
3D 3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete 10
4D 4. Export from Jamaica 3
5D 5. Had a hankering 6
6D 6. Sounds of fall? 5
7D 7. Sound wave amplifiers 4
8D 8. Network debut of 1981 3
9D 9. Assessment of something enjoyed ironically 12
10D 10. Sports 5
11D 11. Part of a key chain 4
12D 12. Prop in "The Matrix" 4
13D 13. "Keep Commerce Human" website 4
14D 16. Infer (from) 6
15D 20. "I'll be sad if you leave" 12
16D 23. Fabric related to chambray 5
17D 24. Down under 5
18D 26. Bricks used in some castles 5
19D 27. Timbits from Tim Hortons, e.g. 10
20D 28. Flawed protagonists 10
21D 29. Trial that an attorney may not remember fondly? 4
22D 30. Cash register part 4
23D 31. Blue ___ (coral reef swimmers like Pixar's Dory) 5
24D 32. Lacks 5
25D 37. More compassionate 6
26D 41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't" 6
27D 42. Ptolemy III? 5
28D 43. Welcome advice from a financial planner 5
29D 44. Lavender or lilac 5
30D 45. City where Shah Jahan built a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal 4
31D 46. Film composer Silvestri 4
32D 47. Pickle 4
33D 48. Like silk or yarn 4
34D 51. Pseudonym cited repeatedly in the 2022 Dobbs decision 3
35D 52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "That's brilliant!""

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Export from Jamaica"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Had a hankering"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scrape or rub as if to relieve itching
  • Similar words include: scratch, spoil, itch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Sounds of fall?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)
  • Similar words include: thumping, crump, clunk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sound wave amplifiers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: pinna, capitulum, auricle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Network debut of 1981"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Assessment of something enjoyed ironically"

12 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Sports"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that impairment resulting from long use
  • Similar words include: fall apart, don, have on
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Part of a key chain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Prop in "The Matrix""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size
  • Similar words include: tab, anovulatory drug, lozenge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Keep Commerce Human" website"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Infer (from)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reason by deduction; establish by deduction
  • Similar words include: deduct, come, descend
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "I'll be sad if you leave""

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Fabric related to chambray"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
  • Similar words include: dungaree, blue jean, jean
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Down under"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in or to a place that is lower
  • Similar words include: at a lower place, infra, downstairs
  • Opposite of: above, upstairs
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Bricks used in some castles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
  • Similar words include: Lego, Lego set
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Timbits from Tim Hortons, e.g."

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Flawed protagonists"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine)
  • Similar words include: antihero
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTIHEROES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Trial that an attorney may not remember fondly?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Cash register part"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
  • Similar words include: trough, boulder clay, public treasury
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Blue ___ (coral reef swimmers like Pixar's Dory)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tart spicy quality
  • Similar words include: savor, Tang dynasty, flavour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Lacks"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. More compassionate"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
  • Similar words include: kind, tolerant, genial
  • Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands
  • Similar words include: agglomerate, pitcher's mound, pitcher
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUNDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Ptolemy III?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: iota, scintilla, shred
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Welcome advice from a financial planner"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass time in a specific way
  • Similar words include: pass, drop, expend
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Lavender or lilac"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive odor that is pleasant
  • Similar words include: fragrance, odorize, aroma
  • Opposite of: deodourise, deodorize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. City where Shah Jahan built a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Film composer Silvestri"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Pickle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that hinders as if with bonds
  • Similar words include: attach, obligate, tie up
  • Opposite of: untie, unbind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Like silk or yarn"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Pseudonym cited repeatedly in the 2022 Dobbs decision"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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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35D: "52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 11, 2026 at 08:10 AM