Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by date for query chat. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query chat. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 21, 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. Surrenders 6
2A 7. Wise thinker 4
3A 11. Form of poetry Pablo Neruda used to praise socks, onions and salt 3
4A 14. Realm of the Aztecs or Incas 6
5A 15. Do some farmwork 4
6A 16. ___ de plume 3
7A 17. Mentor from the beyond 11
8A 19. Whitney who invented the cotton gin 3
9A 20. Soak up 6
10A 21. "___ have to do" 4
11A 22. Grifters' schemes 4
12A 25. Major charity whose recipients include the Red Cross and Salvation Army 9
13A 28. Lexington or Madison in N.Y.C.: Abbr. 3
14A 29. Mo. with Aries and Taurus signs 3
15A 31. Soon-to-be graduates 7
16A 32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand 8
17A 35. Song and dance 3
18A 36. Wild West way of settling disputes 15
19A 41. Broadway's ___-Manuel Miranda 3
20A 42. In a gloomy way 8
21A 43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches 7
22A 47. B&B 3
23A 48. Bambi's mother, for one 3
24A 49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker 9
25A 51. Reptiles on papyrus 4
26A 52. Ballet bend 4
27A 53. Puts pen to paper 6
28A 56. "But Daddy I Love ___" (Taylor Swift song) 3
29A 57. Early advantage ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across 11
30A 62. "Blueprint" for life 3
31A 63. Falsehoods 4
32A 64. Chemical "twin" 6
33A 65. "On the Basis of ___" (Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic) 3
34A 66. Circular tent 4
35A 67. Words often accompanying a present 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Surrenders"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Wise thinker"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: salvia, sage-green
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Form of poetry Pablo Neruda used to praise socks, onions and salt"

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!

4A: "14. Realm of the Aztecs or Incas"

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: imperium, conglomerate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Do some farmwork"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
  • Similar words include: plough, treat, deal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. ___ de plume"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Mentor from the beyond"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Whitney who invented the cotton gin"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Soak up"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become imbued
  • Similar words include: take over, ingest, draw
  • Opposite of: emit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABSORB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. "___ have to do""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Grifters' schemes"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an argument opposed to a proposal
  • Similar words include: flimflam, swindle, nobble
  • Opposite of: pro
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Major charity whose recipients include the Red Cross and Salvation Army"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Lexington or Madison in N.Y.C.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Mo. with Aries and Taurus signs"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Soon-to-be graduates"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
  • Similar words include: senior, elder
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENIORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweetened beverage of diluted lemon juice
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEMONADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Song and dance"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Wild West way of settling disputes"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Broadway's ___-Manuel Miranda"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states sculptor and architect whose public works include the memorial to veterans of the vietnam war in washington (born in 1959)
  • Similar words include: Maya Lin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. In a gloomy way"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a morose manner
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOROSELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. B&B"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Bambi's mother, for one"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: Energy, Energy Department, Department of Energy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Reptiles on papyrus"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Ballet bend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Puts pen to paper"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that produce a literary work
  • Similar words include: compose, pen, save
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. "But Daddy I Love ___" (Taylor Swift song)"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Early advantage ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. "Blueprint" for life"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Falsehoods"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: rest, lie, prevarication
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Chemical "twin""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compound that exists in forms having different arrangements of atoms but the same molecular weight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. "On the Basis of ___" (Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
  • Similar words include: sexual practice, sexual urge, turn on
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Circular tent"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a circular domed dwelling that is portable and self-supporting; originally used by nomadic mongol and turkic people of central asia but now used as inexpensive alternative or temporary housing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YURT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Words often accompanying a present"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Answer equivalent to "I do" 3
2D 2. Mischievous devil 3
3D 3. Prefix with center 3
4D 4. Coins spent in Turkey 5
5D 5. Tiny drop 4
6D 6. Tennis match units 4
7D 7. Snub 5
8D 8. They may crumble under cross-examination 6
9D 9. Zeus or Odin 3
10D 10. Female form of the animal that outnumbers humans in Iceland 3
11D 11. Boxing combo 6
12D 12. Big name in rental cars 6
13D 13. ___ List (PAC for Democratic female candidates) 6
14D 18. Haitian currency unit 6
15D 21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak 6
16D 22. Bovine baby 4
17D 23. ___ the moon 4
18D 24. Captain in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" 4
19D 26. Steeping container 6
20D 27. Finishes with 6
21D 29. Left-wing protest group 6
22D 30. Tormented 6
23D 33. Like "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live" 6
24D 34. Hesitation sound across the pond 3
25D 37. Enter the chat, so to speak 6
26D 38. Some military hazards, for short 4
27D 39. Hoofbeat 4
28D 40. Visually sizes up 4
29D 43. Dual degrees for physicians 6
30D 44. ___ Dion, the "Queen of Power Ballads" 6
31D 45. Apex 6
32D 46. Literary friend of Finn 6
33D 50. Body part that's flicked 5
34D 51. Businessman John Jacob ___ 5
35D 54. "Almost time for the weekend!" 4
36D 55. Canadian gas brand 4
37D 57. Cool, in '90s slang 3
38D 58. Common Chinese surname 3
39D 59. Funny Schumer or Poehler 3
40D 60. ___ Speedwagon 3
41D 61. "___ dat" (slangy agreement) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Answer equivalent to "I do""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mischievous devil"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: brownie, scamp, scallywag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Prefix with center"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Similar words include: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Coins spent in Turkey"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money on malta; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: Turkish lira, lira, Italian lira
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIRAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Tiny drop"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small indefinite quantity (especially of a liquid); ; ; ; --kipling
  • Similar words include: driblet, drop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Tennis match units"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: congeal, adjust, fix
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Snub"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reject with contempt
  • Similar words include: reject, pooh-pooh, freeze off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. They may crumble under cross-examination"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  • Similar words include: self-justification, alibi, excuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Zeus or Odin"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Similar words include: divinity, deity, immortal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Female form of the animal that outnumbers humans in Iceland"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Boxing combo"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Big name in rental cars"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: dollar bill, dollar sign, buck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ___ List (PAC for Democratic female candidates)"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Haitian currency unit"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in haiti
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOURDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person of subnormal intelligence
  • Similar words include: cretin, idiot, retard
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDIOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Bovine baby"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that young of domestic cattle
  • Similar words include: calfskin, sura
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. ___ the moon"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: all over, terminated, o'er
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Captain in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Steeping container"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Finishes with"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Left-wing protest group"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Tormented"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed
  • Similar words include: ail, pain, trouble
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAINED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Like "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Hesitation sound across the pond"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Enter the chat, so to speak"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Some military hazards, for short"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an explosive device that is improvised
  • Similar words include: I.E.D., IED, improvised explosive device
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Hoofbeat"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of a horse's hoofs hitting on a hard surface
  • Similar words include: clump, clunk, clopping
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Visually sizes up"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Dual degrees for physicians"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. ___ Dion, the "Queen of Power Ballads""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Apex"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding
  • Similar words include: orgasm, flood tide, culmination
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLIMAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Literary friend of Finn"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is employed to saw wood
  • Similar words include: sawyer beetle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAWYER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Body part that's flicked"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
  • Similar words include: radiocarpal joint, wrist joint, articulatio radiocarpea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Businessman John Jacob ___"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british politician (born in the united states) who was the first woman to sit in the british house of commons (1879-1964)
  • Similar words include: John Jacob Astor, Viscountess Astor, Nancy Witcher Astor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. "Almost time for the weekend!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Canadian gas brand"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Cool, in '90s slang"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two-winged insects characterized by active flight
  • Similar words include: fly front, take flight, tent flap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Common Chinese surname"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Funny Schumer or Poehler"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. ___ Speedwagon"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. "___ dat" (slangy agreement)"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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: April 21, 2026 at 05:39 AM

Trivia Week 3 April 21, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

NYT Mini Trivia Week 3 April 21, 2026 - Hints & Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: March 14 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 27 | March 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for April 21, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date April 21, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 22. Grifters' schemes
2 Across 32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand
3 Across 53. Puts pen to paper
4 Across 48. Bambi's mother, for one
5 Across 49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker
6 Across 51. Reptiles on papyrus
7 Across 35. Song and dance
8 Across 62. "Blueprint" for life
9 Across 43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches
10 Across 66. Circular tent

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "22. Grifters' schemes"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C__S

Answer:

Click to reveal CONS


2 Across: "32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L______E

Answer:

Click to reveal LEMONADE


3 Across: "53. Puts pen to paper"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W____S

Answer:

Click to reveal WRITES


4 Across: "48. Bambi's mother, for one"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: Energy

Answer:

Click to reveal DOE


5 Across: "49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D_______N

Answer:

Click to reveal DELTADAWN


6 Across: "51. Reptiles on papyrus"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S

Answer:

Click to reveal ASPS


7 Across: "35. Song and dance"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Another word like this: bustle

Answer:

Click to reveal ADO


8 Across: "62. "Blueprint" for life"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal DNA


9 Across: "43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal MCCAFES


10 Across: "66. Circular tent"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: Y__T

Answer:

Click to reveal YURT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Answer equivalent to "I do"
2 Down 6. Tennis match units
3 Down 5. Tiny drop
4 Down 21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak
5 Down 37. Enter the chat, so to speak
6 Down 40. Visually sizes up
7 Down 58. Common Chinese surname
8 Down 22. Bovine baby
9 Down 43. Dual degrees for physicians
10 Down 30. Tormented

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "1. Answer equivalent to "I do""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'S'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal YES


2 Down: "6. Tennis match units"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S

Answer:

Click to reveal SETS


3 Down: "5. Tiny drop"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: D__B

Answer:

Click to reveal DRIB


4 Down: "21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I____S

Answer:

Click to reveal IDIOTS


5 Down: "37. Enter the chat, so to speak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: J____N

Answer:

Click to reveal JOININ


6 Down: "40. Visually sizes up"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S

Answer:

Click to reveal EYES


7 Down: "58. Common Chinese surname"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'U'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal LIU


8 Down: "22. Bovine baby"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: C__F

Answer:

Click to reveal CALF


9 Down: "43. Dual degrees for physicians"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M____S

Answer:

Click to reveal MDPHDS


10 Down: "30. Tormented"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: P____D

Answer:

Click to reveal PAINED

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When can I play the Trivia Week 3 Mini?

The Trivia Week 3 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 3?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 3 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 3?

No! The Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 3 solver?

Good Trivia Week 3 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 3?

Trivia Week 3 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: April 21, 2026 at 05:38 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, April 21 2026 mini crossword

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 18, 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: Challenging

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. Genre for James Brown or Al Green, informally 5
2A 6. Biblical name for Syria 4
3A 10. International agreements 5
4A 15. "That's ___" (Dean Martin classic) 5
5A 16. Plumb mad 4
6A 17. Ancient Greek marketplace 5
7A 18. Dwindled away 10
8A 20. ___ Aran, heroine of Nintendo's Metroid 5
9A 21. πŸ•˜⏳⏰ 15
10A 23. Gullible one 3
11A 24. Pepper that's two steps above poblano on the Scoville scale 7
12A 25. Irritated outburst 3
13A 28. Carnaval city, informally 3
14A 30. Smallish batteries 3
15A 31. Reservoir producer 3
16A 34. Bounty 9
17A 38. Favorable starting point of an auto race 4
18A 39. πŸ€™πŸ‘πŸ‘‹ 16
19A 43. The Farm Service Agcy. is part of it 4
20A 44. Some wand wielders 9
21A 45. Trident-shaped letter 3
22A 46. QB's call 3
23A 49. Write "their" for "there," say 3
24A 50. Slopping spot 3
25A 51. Offensively odorous 7
26A 55. Noted wildlife refuge 3
27A 57. πŸ’¬πŸ—£️πŸ—―️ 15
28A 62. Cara of "Fame" fame 5
29A 63. Digital capture 10
30A 65. Enchantress of Greek mythology 5
31A 66. Popular D.I.Y. website 4
32A 67. Go after 5
33A 68. Nincompoops 5
34A 69. Rackets 4
35A 70. Reduced to crumbs, say 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Genre for James Brown or Al Green, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Biblical name for Syria"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the biblical name for ancient syria
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. International agreements"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
  • Similar words include: pact, accord, treaty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "That's ___" (Dean Martin classic)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Plumb mad"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Similar words include: kooky, wacky, around the bend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Ancient Greek marketplace"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Dwindled away"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. ___ Aran, heroine of Nintendo's Metroid"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. πŸ•˜⏳⏰"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Gullible one"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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: tomfool, exhaust, muggins
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Pepper that's two steps above poblano on the Scoville scale"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Irritated outburst"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Carnaval city, informally"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Smallish batteries"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an associate degree in applied science
  • Similar words include: Associate in Arts, aa, AA
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Reservoir producer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
  • Similar words include: dkm, dam up, decameter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Bounty"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
  • Similar words include: teemingness, copiousness
  • Opposite of: scarcity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABUNDANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Favorable starting point of an auto race"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
  • Similar words include: terminal, rod, magnetic pole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. πŸ€™πŸ‘πŸ‘‹"

16 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYMBOLICGESTURES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. The Farm Service Agcy. is part of it"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department that administers programs that provide services to farmers (including research and soil conservation and efforts to stabilize the farming economy); created in 1862
  • Similar words include: Agriculture, Agriculture Department, Department of Agriculture
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Some wand wielders"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who practices magic or sorcery
  • Similar words include: thaumaturgist, magician, necromancer
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORCERERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Trident-shaped letter"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. QB's call"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that temporary military shelter
  • Similar words include: shack, army hut, hovel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Write "their" for "there," say"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Slopping spot"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: hordeolum, pigpen, eye infection
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Offensively odorous"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing or able to cause nausea
  • Similar words include: stinking, funky, ill-scented
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Noted wildlife refuge"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Similar words include: Ark of the Covenant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. πŸ’¬πŸ—£️πŸ—―️"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Cara of "Fame" fame"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Digital capture"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Enchantress of Greek mythology"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sorceress who detained odysseus on her island and turned his men into swine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIRCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. Popular D.I.Y. website"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Go after"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
  • Similar words include: pursual, tag, track
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Nincompoops"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: can, buns, butt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Rackets"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: rumpus, blaring, boom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Reduced to crumbs, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: exhaust, deplete, eat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What a fall guy has to take, with "the" 3
2D 2. Home of the Big 12's Cyclones 4
3D 3. Terse denial 4
4D 4. Remains 5
5D 5. Leader of the Sharks in "West Side Story" 8
6D 6. Gucci of fashion 4
7D 7. Locales for some urban gardens 5
8D 8. Like the accents in "dΓ©classΓ©" 5
9D 9. Godzilla foe 6
10D 10. Elbows and bow ties 6
11D 11. Once more 5
12D 12. Best-selling home computers of the 1980s 10
13D 13. On the money 4
14D 14. Freshness 4
15D 19. Observation 6
16D 22. It might be a stretch for historians 3
17D 25. Fill an automobile tank ... or boost the confidence of, in slang 5
18D 26. Deep chasm 5
19D 27. Pips 10
20D 29. Demon of Japanese folklore 3
21D 32. On guard 5
22D 33. Like some buns and bedrooms 5
23D 35. Org. for Wizards and Magic 3
24D 36. Includes, in a way 3
25D 37. One of the "six enemies of the mind," in Hinduism 3
26D 38. Big name in water filters 3
27D 40. Old-fashioned word that's a homophone of 49-Across 3
28D 41. Distressing encounter 6
29D 42. ___ Howard, Oscar-nominated actor for 2005's "Hustle & Flow" 8
30D 46. New workmates 6
31D 47. Manipulate 3
32D 48. Cast 6
33D 52. Meager measure of compassion? 5
34D 53. Traditional rice cake snack on Japanese New Year 5
35D 54. Actor Zac of "High School Musical" 5
36D 56. Singer with the 2009 #1 hit "Tik Tok" 5
37D 57. Acronym on a W-2 4
38D 58. Bluish-purple bloom 4
39D 59. Wraps (up) 4
40D 60. TΓͺte-Γ -tΓͺte 4
41D 61. Firefighting aid 4
42D 64. X 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What a fall guy has to take, with "the""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Home of the Big 12's Cyclones"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Terse denial"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Remains"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
  • Similar words include: dreg, settlings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Leader of the Sharks in "West Side Story""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Gucci of fashion"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Locales for some urban gardens"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
  • Similar words include: roof, ceiling, cap
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Like the accents in "dΓ©classΓ©""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
  • Similar words include: ague, piercing, intense
  • Opposite of: chronic, obtuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Godzilla foe"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Elbows and bow ties"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: pasta, alimentary paste
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Once more"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: once more, over again, once again
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Best-selling home computers of the 1980s"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a captain and below a rear admiral; the lowest grade of admiral
  • Similar words include: commodore
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMMODORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. On the money"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
  • Similar words include: admittedly, dependable, dead on target
  • Opposite of: false, untruthful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Freshness"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: SAS, lip, back talk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Observation"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
  • Similar words include: catching, spotting, spying
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. It might be a stretch for historians"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: epoch, geological era, earned run average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Fill an automobile tank ... or boost the confidence of, in slang"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Deep chasm"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
  • Similar words include: abysm
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABYSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Pips"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone of remarkable excellence
  • Similar words include: humdinger
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUMDINGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Demon of Japanese folklore"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the military intelligence agency that provides for the intelligence and counterintelligence and investigative and security requirements of the united states navy
  • Similar words include: Office of Naval Intelligence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. On guard"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
  • Similar words include: lively, spanking, zippy
  • Opposite of: unalert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Like some buns and bedrooms"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dirty and disorderly
  • Similar words include: mussy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Org. for Wizards and Magic"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Includes, in a way"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
  • Similar words include: cubic centimetre, cubic centimeter, milliliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. One of the "six enemies of the mind," in Hinduism"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Big name in water filters"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Old-fashioned word that's a homophone of 49-Across"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Distressing encounter"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a harsh noise made by scraping
  • Similar words include: scratch, scar, scraping
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. ___ Howard, Oscar-nominated actor for 2005's "Hustle & Flow""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. New workmates"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that engage or hire for work
  • Similar words include: engage, lease, employ
  • Opposite of: fire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIREES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Manipulate"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: consumption, usage, economic consumption
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Cast"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that throw or toss with a light motion
  • Similar words include: cast out, toss away, cast aside
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOSSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Meager measure of compassion?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of apothecary weight equal to 480 grains or one twelfth of a pound
  • Similar words include: troy ounce, snow leopard, Panthera uncia
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUNCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Traditional rice cake snack on Japanese New Year"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Actor Zac of "High School Musical""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Singer with the 2009 #1 hit "Tik Tok""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Acronym on a W-2"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tax on employees and employers that is used to fund the social security system
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Bluish-purple bloom"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: flag, fleur-de-lis, sword lily
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Wraps (up)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: tailor-make, sew, stitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. TΓͺte-Γ -tΓͺte"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal conversation
  • Similar words include: chew the fat, confabulate, shoot the breeze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. Firefighting aid"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. X"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: tenner, decade, ten-spot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
77 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: February 18, 2026 at 05:09 AM