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Tuesday, June 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 16, 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. Bluffer's giveaway 4
2A 5. Dessert that wiggles 5
3A 10. Obsessive captain of fiction 4
4A 14. "___, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio" 4
5A 15. Like a loud crowd 5
6A 16. Trio minus one 4
7A 17. Pontiff's emblem with three horizontal bars 10
8A 19. Martial art with shoulder throws 4
9A 20. On the line 7
10A 21. Bottom of a long column, say 5
11A 23. "Capisce?" 3
12A 24. Spearheaded 3
13A 25. Think pieces, for short 5
14A 28. Incensed 3
15A 29. Amigo 8
16A 32. Ancient Brit for whom a language was named 4
17A 34. Opening of a news article, in journalism lingo 4
18A 35. It scratches the itch 4
19A 36. Hemingway tale about an elderly fisherman, with "The" ... or a phonetic hint to four sets of circled letters in this puzzle? 15
20A 39. Party with glowsticks 4
21A 40. Smidgens 4
22A 41. The Beatles' "Back in the ___" 4
23A 42. Crustaceans sometimes called "mudbugs" 8
24A 44. Test for a future Ph.D. 3
25A 45. Monsieur, in Madrid 5
26A 46. Fishing tool 3
27A 47. Maple tree harvest 3
28A 50. Where the rubber meets the road 5
29A 53. "That's my next move" 7
30A 55. "... ???" 4
31A 57. Open some bubbly with a bang 10
32A 59. "Logan" actor Jackman 4
33A 60. "The Price Is Right" unveiling 5
34A 61. Cleveland's lake 4
35A 62. Be a good dog, say 4
36A 63. Half-goat follower of Dionysus 5
37A 64. Honeybunch 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Bluffer's giveaway"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: say, order, distinguish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Dessert that wiggles"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark jell-o) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder
  • Similar words include: Jell-O
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JELLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Obsessive captain of fiction"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "___, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: unfortunately, ala, regrettably
  • Opposite of: luckily, fortunately
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Like a loud crowd"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Trio minus one"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of two similar things considered as a unit
  • Similar words include: twain, yoke, partner off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Pontiff's emblem with three horizontal bars"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Martial art with shoulder throws"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in japan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. On the line"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Bottom of a long column, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the whole amount
  • Similar words include: tote up, come, summate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Capisce?""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: escort, image, find out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Spearheaded"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: guide, light-emitting diode, lead
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Think pieces, for short"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Incensed"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
  • Similar words include: crazy, unhinged, harebrained
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Amigo"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Ancient Brit for whom a language was named"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gaelic-speaking celt in ireland or scotland or the isle of man
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Opening of a news article, in journalism lingo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the introductory section of a story
  • Similar words include: lead, lead-in
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. It scratches the itch"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
  • Similar words include: sail through, collar, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Hemingway tale about an elderly fisherman, with "The" ... or a phonetic hint to four sets of circled letters in this puzzle?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Party with glowsticks"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dance party that lasts all night and electronically synthesized music is played
  • Similar words include: gush, jabber, spout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Smidgens"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: flake, fleck, second
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. The Beatles' "Back in the ___""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia, Soviet Union
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Crustaceans sometimes called "mudbugs""

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tiny lobster-like crustaceans usually boiled briefly
  • Similar words include: crayfish, crawfish, ecrevisse
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAWDADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Test for a future Ph.D."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Monsieur, in Madrid"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the english `mr' or `sir'
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Fishing tool"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin implement made of metal or wood
  • Similar words include: perch, rod cell, gat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Maple tree harvest"

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: run down, blackjack, tomfool
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Where the rubber meets the road"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a step in walking or running
  • Similar words include: trample, stride, step
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. "That's my next move""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. "... ???""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Open some bubbly with a bang"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. "Logan" actor Jackman"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. "The Price Is Right" unveiling"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
  • Similar words include: appreciate, respect, trophy
  • Opposite of: disrespect, disesteem
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Cleveland's lake"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Be a good dog, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Opposite of: disobey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Half-goat follower of Dionysus"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that man with strong sexual desires
  • Similar words include: lech, letch, forest god
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATYR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Honeybunch"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
  • Similar words include: costly, honey, dearly
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Patatas bravas and croquetas, e.g. 5
2D 2. Fill with joy 5
3D 3. Momentary slip 5
4D 4. Exam for a future J.D. 4
5D 5. Very muscular, in slang 6
6D 6. Dropped the ball 5
7D 7. "Facilities," in Britain 3
8D 8. Place for the highest-scoring golfer 4
9D 9. Ish 4
10D 10. College-credit class that says sayonara to H.S.? 10
11D 11. Really booked it 9
12D 12. Charitable contributions, collectively 3
13D 13. "Dude!" 3
14D 18. Fingers-in-ears syllables 6
15D 22. Word with tank or tip 3
16D 26. Less sweet, as a wine 5
17D 27. "House" actress Ward 4
18D 28. Like an image just begging to be captioned and shared 10
19D 29. Word appearing on the nickel but not the dime or quarter, surprisingly 5
20D 30. Casino calculations 4
21D 31. Rendezvoused with 3
22D 32. Blinding light 5
23D 33. Upper hand 9
24D 34. Put down gently 4
25D 36. Green-skinned World of Warcraft characters 4
26D 37. Org. with Bulls and Bucks 3
27D 38. Obstacle to overcome 6
28D 43. "The Chronic" rapper, informally 3
29D 44. Animal symbol of the University of Minnesota 6
30D 46. Fancy-schmancy 5
31D 47. [Zzzz] 5
32D 48. Light-filled lobbies 5
33D 49. Game with a World Series held in Las Vegas 5
34D 51. Plates to share, informally 4
35D 52. Cartoon explorer who teaches Spanish 4
36D 54. Crushed, as a test 4
37D 55. Word sung over 100 times in "___ Are You" by the ___ 3
38D 56. Center of activity 3
39D 58. Part of a speedway or the stomach 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Patatas bravas and croquetas, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
  • Similar words include: tappa bark, tappa, tapa bark
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fill with joy"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, pick up, intoxicate
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Momentary slip"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake resulting from inattention
  • Similar words include: recidivate, pass, sink
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAPSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Exam for a future J.D."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Very muscular, in slang"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lift with a special device
  • Similar words include: jacklight, jack up, jack
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JACKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Dropped the ball"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Facilities," in Britain"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toilet in britain
  • Similar words include: closet, W.C., water closet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Place for the highest-scoring golfer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: utmost, concluding, in conclusion
  • Opposite of: first
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ish"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. College-credit class that says sayonara to H.S.?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Really booked it"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Charitable contributions, collectively"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
  • Similar words include: assist, attention, tending
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Dude!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Fingers-in-ears syllables"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Word with tank or tip"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of anything
  • Similar words include: tiptop, elevation, exceed
  • Opposite of: bottom
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Less sweet, as a wine"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance that promotes drying (e.g., calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to remove moisture)
  • Similar words include: ironic, dry, wry
  • Opposite of: phlegmy, sweet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "House" actress Ward"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Like an image just begging to be captioned and shared"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Word appearing on the nickel but not the dime or quarter, surprisingly"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of several countries
  • Similar words include: penny, cent, centime
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Casino calculations"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Rendezvoused with"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come together
  • Similar words include: foregather, converge, touch
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Blinding light"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
  • Similar words include: brilliance, limelight, glower
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Upper hand"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
  • Similar words include: reward, vantage
  • Opposite of: penalty, disadvantage
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADVANTAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Put down gently"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into a certain place or abstract location
  • Similar words include: place, repose, pose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Green-skinned World of Warcraft characters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Org. with Bulls and Bucks"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Obstacle to overcome"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races
  • Similar words include: vault
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. "The Chronic" rapper, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Animal symbol of the University of Minnesota"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a zealously energetic person (especially a salesman)
  • Similar words include: Gopherus polypemus, ground squirrel, pouched rat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOPHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Fancy-schmancy"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that luxuriously elegant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITZY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. [Zzzz]"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rattling noise produced when snoring
  • Similar words include: saw logs, snoring, saw wood
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Light-filled lobbies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
  • Similar words include: atrium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATRIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Game with a World Series held in Las Vegas"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fire iron consisting of a metal rod with a handle; used to stir a fire
  • Similar words include: stove poker, fire hook, salamander
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Plates to share, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Cartoon explorer who teaches Spanish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Crushed, as a test"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succeed at easily
  • Similar words include: nail, sail through, pass with flying colors
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Word sung over 100 times in "___ Are You" by the ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
  • Similar words include: World Health Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Center of activity"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Part of a speedway or the stomach"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: Hell, pitfall, orchestra pit
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIT

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
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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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: June 16, 2026 at 09:09 AM

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 03, 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. Daytona 500 org. 6
2A 7. Cloth shopping bags 5
3A 12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say 3
4A 15. "Their exact words were ..." 6
5A 16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops 5
6A 17. "Sex and the City" network 3
7A 18. Narrow, focused perspective 12
8A 20. "___ for one and one for ___!" 3
9A 21. E, on a compass 4
10A 22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin" 4
11A 23. Assigned a job 6
12A 25. Pizzeria fixtures 5
13A 27. Blackjack player's request 5
14A 28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953 7
15A 31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?" 7
16A 33. Ballet dancer's handrail 5
17A 34. Unaccompanied 4
18A 35. "You can say ___ again!" 4
19A 37. Place for a seaweed body wrap 3
20A 38. Sign near a freshly applied coat 8
21A 42. Number represented by candles on a cake 3
22A 43. Toe treatment, in brief 4
23A 45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac) 4
24A 46. ''You win! I give up!'' 5
25A 48. One might be sworn to it 7
26A 50. Golf count 7
27A 52. Dog harness attachment 5
28A 53. Beyond well-done 5
29A 54. Maker of skintight swimwear 6
30A 56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang 4
31A 57. "Very funny!" 4
32A 61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short 3
33A 62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle 12
34A 65. Any number raised to the 0th power 3
35A 66. "Say cheese!" 5
36A 67. People with custody of things, typically 6
37A 68. Toothpaste type 3
38A 69. Evil spells 5
39A 70. Feel remorse about 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Daytona 500 org."

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Cloth shopping bags"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: seat, sit around, Saturday
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Their exact words were ...""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. "Sex and the City" network"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Narrow, focused perspective"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "___ for one and one for ___!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: altogether, whole, totally
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. E, on a compass"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: due east, eastward, E
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IAGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Assigned a job"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a task to
  • Similar words include: task, tax
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Pizzeria fixtures"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Similar words include: oven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Blackjack player's request"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Ballet dancer's handrail"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Unaccompanied"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: unaccompanied, alone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "You can say ___ again!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Place for a seaweed body wrap"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Sign near a freshly applied coat"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Number represented by candles on a cake"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: old age, geezerhood, mature
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Toe treatment, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
  • Similar words include: class, yr, twelvemonth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. ''You win! I give up!''"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
  • Opposite of: aunt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNCLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. One might be sworn to it"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trait of keeping things secret
  • Similar words include: privateness, concealment, silence
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECRECY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Golf count"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
  • Similar words include: slash, fortuity, virgule
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Dog harness attachment"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
  • Similar words include: troika, tether, trine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Beyond well-done"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that destroy by fire
  • Similar words include: burned-out, burnt-out, fire
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Maker of skintight swimwear"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
  • Similar words include: evoke, give the axe, burn
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. "Very funny!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Any number raised to the 0th power"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. "Say cheese!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
  • Similar words include: smiling, grinning, grin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. People with custody of things, typically"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
  • Similar words include: possessor, owner, proprietor
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Toothpaste type"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Evil spells"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: jinx, witch, hex
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Feel remorse about"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment
  • Similar words include: ruefulness, rue, repent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Evening, in ads 4
2D 2. Blue-green hue 4
3D 3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine 4
4D 4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features 7
5D 5. Had a meal 3
6D 6. Depended (on) 6
7D 7. Tiny tree branches 5
8D 8. Very 4
9D 9. Word before chi or after mai 3
10D 10. 8-) or ;-P 8
11D 11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___" 6
12D 12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks 10
13D 13. Ready, willing and ___ 4
14D 14. Spilled the beans 4
15D 19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow 4
16D 24. Salacious material 4
17D 26. Oceanfront room feature 4
18D 27. Prefix with pad or port 4
19D 28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr. 4
20D 29. Uses an e-cigarette 5
21D 30. Stage of education 10
22D 31. Tusked swine 4
23D 32. Bird on Mexico's flag 5
24D 34. Fix, at the vet's 4
25D 36. Some concert souvenirs 4
26D 39. "Look this way, class" 8
27D 40. The "T" in STEM, informally 4
28D 41. Go sour, as milk 4
29D 44. Slurpee alternative 4
30D 47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?" 7
31D 49. Red bit in a salad 6
32D 50. "You betcha!" 4
33D 51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth) 6
34D 53. ___ one's time (waits patiently) 5
35D 54. Skyline haze 4
36D 55. Window section 4
37D 56. Submit one's taxes 4
38D 58. Taiwanese PC maker 4
39D 59. "Present!" 4
40D 60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr. 4
41D 63. Highest roll of a standard die 3
42D 64. Have debts 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Evening, in ads"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Blue-green hue"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shade of blue tinged with green
  • Similar words include: peacock blue, cobalt blue, aquamarine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AQUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Sunday, Dominicus, sunbathe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
  • Similar words include: contour line, form, shape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONTOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Had a meal"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: run through, eat on, corrode
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Depended (on)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have confidence or faith in
  • Similar words include: swear, bank, rely
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tiny tree branches"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
  • Similar words include: cotton on, sprig, branchlet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Very"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Word before chi or after mai"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. 8-) or ;-P"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters in sending email
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTICON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Ready, willing and ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: capable, able-bodied
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Spilled the beans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: state, secern, enjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
  • Similar words include: blade, weather vane, weathervane
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Salacious material"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
  • Similar words include: vulgarism, carbon black, smut fungus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Oceanfront room feature"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
  • Similar words include: sentiment, purview, aspect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Prefix with pad or port"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Uses an e-cigarette"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Stage of education"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Tusked swine"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: Sus scrofa, wild boar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Bird on Mexico's flag"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
  • Similar words include: bird of Jove, double birdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Fix, at the vet's"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, alter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Some concert souvenirs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: tee, teeing ground, golf tee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. "Look this way, class""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. The "T" in STEM, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Go sour, as milk"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a circular segment of a curve
  • Similar words include: release, round, change by reversal
  • Opposite of: unbend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Slurpee alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: nix, nada, goose egg
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Red bit in a salad"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pungent fleshy edible root
  • Similar words include: daikon, Raphanus sativus longipinnatus, Japanese radish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. "You betcha!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: trusted, certainly, indisputable
  • Opposite of: unsure, uncertain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. ___ one's time (waits patiently)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that propose a payment
  • Similar words include: call, press, abide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Skyline haze"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

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36D: "55. Window section"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Similar words include: acid, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, paneling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANE

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37D: "56. Submit one's taxes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
  • Similar words include: register, charge, data file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FILE

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38D: "58. Taiwanese PC maker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

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39D: "59. "Present!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

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40D: "60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "63. Highest roll of a standard die"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sextet, sixer, half dozen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

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42D: "64. Have debts"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

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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

39 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 03, 2026 at 05:01 AM