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Wednesday, July 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 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: 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. Bold way to go when bluffing 5
2A 6. Blade brand 4
3A 10. Mocked, in a way 4
4A 14. One of approximately three million in Finland (for a population of less than six million) 5
5A 15. Artery 4
6A 16. Place for a hero 4
7A 17. Giving up one's amateur status 10
8A 19. Valhalla V.I.P. 4
9A 20. Ben Jonson wrote one to himself 3
10A 21. Name repeated in a hit 1963 rock song 5
11A 22. Emulate Cicero 5
12A 23. Frantic rushes 12
13A 25. Apple variety named for the state it was developed in 6
14A 28. Daffy Duck characteristic 4
15A 29. Thing to rule, proverbially 5
16A 30. Moon's path 5
17A 33. Largest human cells 3
18A 36. Rapper born Tracy Lauren Marrow 4
19A 37. Good source of vitamin C 5
20A 38. Thunderstruck 4
21A 39. Ballpark fig. 3
22A 40. Liam Neeson action trilogy 5
23A 41. Many a rosΓ© wine 5
24A 42. Budget airline of Ireland, informally 4
25A 44. Word with college or message 6
26A 45. Something it's good to pass with 12
27A 50. Places for hot dates? 5
28A 51. Moves pawn to e4, e.g. 5
29A 52. "Hazy" drink 3
30A 55. One flying in to the coast, maybe 4
31A 56. Competitor suggested by 17-, 23- and 45-Across ... or by the name of the inventor jumbled in the circled letters 10
32A 58. Mortarboard wearer 4
33A 59. Steve with nine N.B.A. titles as a player and coach 4
34A 60. Island country that's an anagram of TAHITI minus T 5
35A 61. Major export of Ghana 4
36A 62. Brit's exclamation 4
37A 63. Thompson who plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Bold way to go when bluffing"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Blade brand"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Mocked, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imitate uncritically and in every aspect
  • Similar words include: caricature, ape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. One of approximately three million in Finland (for a population of less than six million)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
  • Similar words include: sweat room
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Artery"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Place for a hero"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: delicatessen, food shop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Giving up one's amateur status"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Valhalla V.I.P."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Ben Jonson wrote one to himself"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Name repeated in a hit 1963 rock song"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Emulate Cicero"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Frantic rushes"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Apple variety named for the state it was developed in"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
  • Similar words include: conglomerate, imperium
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Daffy Duck characteristic"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech defect that involves pronouncing `s' like voiceless `th' and `z' like voiced `th'
  • Similar words include: list-processing language
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LISP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Thing to rule, proverbially"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shelter with perches for fowl or other birds
  • Similar words include: rest, perch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Moon's path"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another
  • Similar words include: range, compass, cranial orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORBIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Largest human cells"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: egg cell, ovum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Rapper born Tracy Lauren Marrow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Good source of vitamin C"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
  • Similar words include: yield
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Thunderstruck"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inspire awe in
  • Similar words include: awestricken, awful, awe
  • Opposite of: unawed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Ballpark fig."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Liam Neeson action trilogy"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that require (time or space)
  • Similar words include: rent, film, select
  • Opposite of: disclaim, abstain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Many a rosΓ© wine"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of thorough mixing
  • Similar words include: blending, portmanteau, commingle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Budget airline of Ireland, informally"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Word with college or message"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the stage of a theater
  • Similar words include: display panel, plank, add-in
  • Opposite of: get off
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOARDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Something it's good to pass with"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Places for hot dates?"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
  • Similar words include: haven, oasis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Moves pawn to e4, e.g."

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: afford, outdoors, spread out
  • Opposite of: fold, close
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. "Hazy" drink"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. One flying in to the coast, maybe"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  • Similar words include: patsy, mug, mark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GULL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Competitor suggested by 17-, 23- and 45-Across ... or by the name of the inventor jumbled in the circled letters"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Mortarboard wearer"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one-hundredth of a right angle
  • Similar words include: alum, alumna, grade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Steve with nine N.B.A. titles as a player and coach"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Island country that's an anagram of TAHITI minus T"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in the west indies on the western part of the island of hispaniola; achieved independence from france in 1804; the poorest and most illiterate nation in the western hemisphere
  • Similar words include: Republic of Haiti, Hispaniola, Hayti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAITI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Major export of Ghana"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant, yam
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. Brit's exclamation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Thompson who plays Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Regarding 4
2D 2. Hail 4
3D 3. Draw 4
4D 4. Days or Knights follower 3
5D 5. Finger painting? 7
6D 6. Many-eyed giant of Greek myth 5
7D 7. Hot ___ (fast-fashion company) 5
8D 8. Like triplets vis-Γ -vis twins 5
9D 9. Botheration 3
10D 10. Cute to the max 6
11D 11. Standard bicycle propulsion 10
12D 12. Upper echelon 5
13D 13. Patronizes a four-star restaurant, say 5
14D 18. Central point 4
15D 22. Pass over 4
16D 23. Atomizer output 4
17D 24. Came to rest 4
18D 25. The "E" in HOMES 4
19D 26. Some comfy kicks 4
20D 27. Spoken-word event 10
21D 30. Mork's planet on an old sitcom 3
22D 31. Narrator on "Euphoria" 3
23D 32. Storage container 3
24D 34. Peddle 4
25D 35. Tacks on 4
26D 37. Vampire double feature? 4
27D 38. "What a pity!" 4
28D 40. Catches some rays 4
29D 41. Sour soup 7
30D 43. Rates of return 6
31D 44. Whom Austin Powers parodies 4
32D 45. Like San Francisco, frequently 5
33D 46. Early 2000s first lady 5
34D 47. Hangs in there 5
35D 48. Work with a libretto 5
36D 49. Distrustful 5
37D 52. Sacred bird of ancient Egypt 4
38D 53. Contents of some carriers 4
39D 54. Highlight of a 48-Down 4
40D 56. Word with run or lift 3
41D 57. Burj Khalifa's home, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Regarding"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Hail"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Draw"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
  • Similar words include: tempt, enticement, come-on
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Days or Knights follower"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: lodge, hostel, auberge
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Finger painting?"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Many-eyed giant of Greek myth"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a giant with 100 eyes; was guardian of the heifer io and was slain by hermes
  • Similar words include: argus pheasant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Hot ___ (fast-fashion company)"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
  • Similar words include: theme, issue, matter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Like triplets vis-Γ -vis twins"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rarefied, uncommon, rare
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Botheration"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: bustle, fuss, stir
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Cute to the max"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Standard bicycle propulsion"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Upper echelon"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
  • Similar words include: elect, elite group
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Patronizes a four-star restaurant, say"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Similar words include: boom, din, dine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Central point"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a connecting point at which several lines come together
  • Similar words include: thickening, client, guest
  • Opposite of: antinode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Pass over"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Similar words include: drop, neglect, except
  • Opposite of: include, attend to
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Atomizer output"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: haze over, obscure, befog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Came to rest"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. The "E" in HOMES"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

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!

19D: "26. Some comfy kicks"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Spoken-word event"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Mork's planet on an old sitcom"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Narrator on "Euphoria""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
  • Similar words include: Ruta graveolens, regret, sorrow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Storage container"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: binful, ABA transit number, bank identification number
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Peddle"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sell or offer for sale from place to place
  • Similar words include: hawk, huckster, monger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Tacks on"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: impart, tot, tote up
  • Opposite of: take away, subtract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Vampire double feature?"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bantu language spoken in cameroon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. "What a pity!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Catches some rays"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: suntan, tangent, burn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. Sour soup"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a russian or polish soup usually containing beet juice as a foundation
  • Similar words include: bortsch, borsht, borsch
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORSCHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Rates of return"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that production of a certain amount
  • Similar words include: cede, move over, take
  • Opposite of: survive, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YIELDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. Whom Austin Powers parodies"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical force linking atoms
  • Similar words include: adhesiveness, stick to, tie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "45. Like San Francisco, frequently"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stunned or confused and slow to react (as from blows or drunkenness or exhaustion)
  • Similar words include: bleary, groggy, misty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOGGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "46. Early 2000s first lady"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "47. Hangs in there"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall
  • Similar words include: get by, apprehend, manage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COPES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "48. Work with a libretto"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "49. Distrustful"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
  • Similar words include: untrusting, mistrustful, wary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. Sacred bird of ancient Egypt"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "53. Contents of some carriers"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
  • Similar words include: dearie, deary, favourite
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "54. Highlight of a 48-Down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. Word with run or lift"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "57. Burj Khalifa's home, in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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
41 Down Clues
78 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: July 15, 2026 at 05:44 AM

Thursday, May 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 28, 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. Surname of two Indian prime ministers 6
2A 7. Fly-by-night types? 4
3A 11. Go (for) 3
4A 14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally 6
5A 15. Baroque instrument 4
6A 16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly) 3
7A 17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti? 11
8A 19. Veto 3
9A 20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire" 4
10A 21. Cry of frustration 5
11A 22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B. 4
12A 23. Hajj destination 5
13A 25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s 6
14A 27. Preacher's gift? 13
15A 29. Fly catcher? 4
16A 30. Kind of a drag? 4
17A 31. Parrot 3
18A 32. Perceptive 7
19A 35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station 7
20A 37. Get ___ (shine scholastically) 3
21A 38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly 4
22A 40. Billionaire Musk 4
23A 41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example? 13
24A 45. Fan of "I" statements 6
25A 46. Dissect with a diagram 5
26A 47. "___, actually ..." 4
27A 48. Start of many first-year course names 5
28A 50. Lawman who got out of Dodge 4
29A 54. 60 minuti 3
30A 55. Local leader is prohibited? 11
31A 57. Clear 3
32A 58. Bum around Europe 4
33A 59. Intentional creases 6
34A 60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad" 3
35A 61. Changes the locks? 4
36A 62. Acted all crabby? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Surname of two Indian prime ministers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that daughter of nehru who served as prime minister of india from 1966 to 1977 (1917-1984)
  • Similar words include: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANDHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Fly-by-night types?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: owl, bird of night, hooter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Go (for)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, prefer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of ohio
  • Similar words include: Buckeye
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIOAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Baroque instrument"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Veto"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: disallow, zero, aught
  • Opposite of: permit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Cry of frustration"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Hajj destination"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joint capital (with riyadh) of saudi arabia; located in western saudi arabia; as the birthplace of muhammad it is the holiest city of islam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MECCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Preacher's gift?"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTORPRESENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Fly catcher?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
  • Similar words include: glove, manus, hand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Kind of a drag?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
  • Similar words include: independent, principal, master
  • Opposite of: dependent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Parrot"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
  • Similar words include: anthropoid, aper, caricature
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Perceptive"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having physical sensation
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Get ___ (shine scholastically)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Billionaire Musk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FACTORFICTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Fan of "I" statements"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conceited and self-centered person
  • Similar words include: egocentric, egotist, swellhead
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Dissect with a diagram"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that analyze syntactically by assigning a constituent structure to (a sentence)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. "___, actually ...""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
  • Similar words include: comfortably, considerably, intimately
  • Opposite of: badly, disadvantageously
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Start of many first-year course names"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
  • Similar words include: introduction, presentation
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Lawman who got out of Dodge"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. 60 minuti"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: operating system, atomic number 76, OS
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Local leader is prohibited?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Clear"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relieve from
  • Similar words include: free, disembarrass
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Bum around Europe"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: keister, butt, asshole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Intentional creases"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
  • Similar words include: pleat, ruffle, plicate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Changes the locks?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Similar words include: dye, dyestuff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. Acted all crabby?"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move unobtrusively or furtively
  • Similar words include: sidle, sashay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIDLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code 4
2D 2. [Excuse me] 4
3D 3. Totenberg of public radio 4
4D 4. People who get walked all over 8
5D 5. Bit of a laugh 3
6D 6. Not separated 6
7D 7. Throwing style 7
8D 8. Bit of a lark 4
9D 9. Lady-killer 8
10D 10. Machiavellian, in a way 3
11D 11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?" 10
12D 12. Written with venom 9
13D 13. Oil, they say 8
14D 18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper 4
15D 22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two 3
16D 24. MΓ©xico's Tabasco, Jalisco and others 7
17D 26. Guardians of bushido tradition 7
18D 27. National drink of Puerto Rico 10
19D 28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole 3
20D 29. It's a zoo out there 9
21D 32. Blue stop sign? 8
22D 33. Third in order 8
23D 34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien 3
24D 36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze 8
25D 39. Comes on little cat feet 7
26D 42. "___ death do us part" 3
27D 43. Comedian Jimmy 4
28D 44. Opposite of 39-Down 6
29D 49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines) 4
30D 51. Fussbudgety, say 4
31D 52. Mindless repetition 4
32D 53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief 4
33D 55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine 3
34D 56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. [Excuse me]"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Totenberg of public radio"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. People who get walked all over"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
  • Similar words include: welcome mat, doormat, wuss
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOORMATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bit of a laugh"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Not separated"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged; - bacon
  • Similar words include: inviolate, entire, integral
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Throwing style"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
  • Similar words include: overhand, overhanded
  • Opposite of: underhand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Bit of a lark"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
  • Similar words include: extension, annex, flank
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lady-killer"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a successful womanizer; a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTHARIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Machiavellian, in a way"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: wily, dodgy, slick
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?""

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Written with venom"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Oil, they say"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in east central texas
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. MΓ©xico's Tabasco, Jalisco and others"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Guardians of bushido tradition"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. National drink of Puerto Rico"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equality, equivalence, equation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. It's a zoo out there"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of live animals for study or display
  • Similar words include: zoological garden, zoo
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENAGERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Blue stop sign?"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Third in order"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that from 63 million to 2 million years ago
  • Similar words include: Tertiary period, 3rd, third
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERTIARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixie, gremlin, pixy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Comes on little cat feet"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the tip of a toe
  • Similar words include: tip, tippytoe, tiptoe
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIPTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. "___ death do us part""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Comedian Jimmy"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Opposite of 39-Down"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: New York Stock Exchange, N. Y. Stock Exchange, big board
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Fussbudgety, say"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to the anus
  • Similar words include: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Mindless repetition"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that memorization by repetition
  • Similar words include: rote learning
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images
  • Similar words include: posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

36 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: May 28, 2026 at 07:07 AM