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

Monday, May 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 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: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout 4
2A 5. Luxury handbag brand 5
3A 10. Petri dish gel 4
4A 14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024 4
5A 15. Stereotypical meal for a college student 5
6A 16. "Veni, ___, vici" 4
7A 17. Like the Code of Hammurabi 10
8A 19. Enterprise rival 4
9A 20. Got to one's feet 5
10A 21. Elmer's product 4
11A 23. "There's a cockroach!" 3
12A 24. Patch up some clothes, say 3
13A 25. Pioneering hybrid car 11
14A 29. Pouty expression 4
15A 30. Future atty.'s exam 4
16A 31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie" 4
17A 34. Tackling of the quarterback 4
18A 37. Nebraska's largest city 5
19A 40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe 15
20A 43. Fibrous part of broccoli 5
21A 44. Nothin' 4
22A 45. Cool, slangily 4
23A 46. "___ Calm and Carry On" 4
24A 48. Region 4
25A 50. Gardener's tool 11
26A 54. Kit ___ bar 3
27A 57. Woodcutter's tool 3
28A 58. Beauty queen's accessory 4
29A 59. Garlicky condiment 5
30A 61. Eye irritation 4
31A 63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across 10
32A 66. ___ leches cake 4
33A 67. Oopsie 5
34A 68. Lotion ingredient 4
35A 69. Toward sunrise 4
36A 70. "Same!" 5
37A 71. Stereotypically antisocial pets 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
  • Similar words include: trussed, draw, bind
  • Opposite of: untied, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Luxury handbag brand"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Petri dish gel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
  • Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Stereotypical meal for a college student"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Veni, ___, vici""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Like the Code of Hammurabi"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inhabitant of ancient babylon
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYLONIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Enterprise rival"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Got to one's feet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: get up, grow, rise up
  • Opposite of: sit down, fall
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Elmer's product"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
  • Similar words include: gum, paste, mucilage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "There's a cockroach!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Patch up some clothes, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: sew together, tailor, run up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Pioneering hybrid car"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Pouty expression"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disdainful grimace
  • Similar words include: pout, wry face
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Future atty.'s exam"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Tackling of the quarterback"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
  • Similar words include: paper bag, poke, sacking
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Nebraska's largest city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Fibrous part of broccoli"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  • Similar words include: stem, husk, angry walk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Nothin'"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cypher, nil, null
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Cool, slangily"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for marijuana
  • Similar words include: the skinny, Mary Jane, dope up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. "___ Calm and Carry On""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the financial means whereby one lives
  • Similar words include: livelihood, dungeon, hold on
  • Opposite of: discontinue, break
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Region"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: surface area, sphere, domain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Gardener's tool"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Kit ___ bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
  • Similar words include: cat, African tea, qat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Woodcutter's tool"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Beauty queen's accessory"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
  • Similar words include: waistband, girdle, window sash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Garlicky condiment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that garlic mayonnaise
  • Similar words include: aioli sauce, garlic sauce
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIOLI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Eye irritation"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. ___ leches cake"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Oopsie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, erroneous belief, misplay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Lotion ingredient"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Toward sunrise"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. "Same!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Stereotypically antisocial pets"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: throw up, CT, computerized tomography
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large brass instruments 5
2D 2. "You have my sympathy" 5
3D 3. Macaroni shape 5
4D 4. 14 of these make up a fortnight 4
5D 5. Con's opposite 3
6D 6. Sprinted 3
7D 7. Friend in Mexico 5
8D 8. Gave out cards 5
9D 9. Zinnia or sunflower 6
10D 10. Director DuVernay 3
11D 11. Attempt something 9
12D 12. "Au revoir!" 5
13D 13. Puts on the line 5
14D 18. Oscar winner Jared 4
15D 22. English town famous for its salts 5
16D 26. Throw out of office 4
17D 27. Long (for) 5
18D 28. Holiday Inn competitor 6
19D 29. Sent by post 6
20D 31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief 3
21D 32. Puppy school command 3
22D 33. Roll of two ones 9
23D 35. "Ta-ta," in a text 3
24D 36. Camera company known for its "moments" 5
25D 38. With it 3
26D 39. Unreturned serve 3
27D 41. Distorts, as data 5
28D 42. Ticket price 4
29D 47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example 6
30D 49. Chapters of history 4
31D 50. Squander 5
32D 51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang 5
33D 52. Houston baseballer 5
34D 53. Swiss ___ (salad green) 5
35D 54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear" 5
36D 55. Apportion 5
37D 56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game 5
38D 60. Apple desktop 4
39D 62. Superlative suffix 3
40D 64. Down Under bounder, for short 3
41D 65. Prefix between bi- and tetra- 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large brass instruments"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest brass wind instrument
  • Similar words include: bass horn, tuba, sousaphone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "You have my sympathy""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Macaroni shape"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
  • Similar words include: human elbow, cubital joint, articulatio cubiti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELBOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. 14 of these make up a fortnight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time during which someone's life continues
  • Similar words include: Day, daylight, Clarence Day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Con's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an athlete who plays for pay
  • Similar words include: professional
  • Opposite of: amateur, anti
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Sprinted"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Similar words include: function, bunk, be given
  • Opposite of: idle, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Friend in Mexico"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friend or comrade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMIGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Gave out cards"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Zinnia or sunflower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
  • Similar words include: one-year, yearbook, yearly
  • Opposite of: biennial
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Attempt something"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Au revoir!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: cheerio, bye, au revoir
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Puts on the line"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  • Similar words include: risk of exposure, take chances, risk of infection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Oscar winner Jared"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wife or mistress of zeus and mother of apollo and artemis in ancient mythology; called latona in roman mythology
  • Similar words include: Latona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. English town famous for its salts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Throw out of office"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from a position or office
  • Similar words include: throw out, boot out, drum out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Long (for)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that desire strongly or persistently
  • Similar words include: hanker, pine, ache
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Holiday Inn competitor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Sent by post"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that send via the postal service
  • Similar words include: get off, mail-clad, mail
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Puppy school command"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: model, sit around, baby-sit
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Roll of two ones"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. "Ta-ta," in a text"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Camera company known for its "moments""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. With it"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
  • Similar words include: hip joint, coxa, articulatio coxae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Unreturned serve"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: 1, sensation, breeze through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Distorts, as data"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn or place at an angle
  • Similar words include: skew
  • Opposite of: align
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Ticket price"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agenda of things to do
  • Similar words include: menu, make out, come
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: phase angle, form, phase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Chapters of history"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Squander"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
  • Similar words include: wild, consume, thriftlessness
  • Opposite of: conserve
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor actor in crowd scenes
  • Similar words include: additional, excess, superfluous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Houston baseballer"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Swiss ___ (salad green)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beet lacking swollen root; grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks
  • Similar words include: spinach beet, Swiss chard, leaf beet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
  • Similar words include: kangaroo bear, native bear, koala bear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Apportion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that allow to have
  • Similar words include: dish out, accord, assign
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
  • Similar words include: roofing tile, tile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Apple desktop"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Superlative suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

40D: "64. Down Under bounder, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. Prefix between bi- and tetra-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

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Last updated: May 18, 2026 at 07:10 AM

Monday, January 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 12, 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. Intimidate, with "out" 5
2A 6. Bird's dramatic dive 5
3A 11. Place to store a lawn mower 4
4A 15. Hawaiian greeting 5
5A 16. ___ cold brew 5
6A 17. Concluding part of a song 4
7A 18. Rhyming advice to a spitting talker 16
8A 21. "Halt!" 4
9A 22. ___-anxiety (fear of harm to the environment caused by human activity) 3
10A 23. Use, as machinery 7
11A 24. Lots and lots 6
12A 27. Acronym of affection in ASL 3
13A 28. E.M.T. process often administered to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" 3
14A 31. Rhyming advice to a gym rat 12
15A 36. Avoids, as capture 6
16A 38. French "not" 3
17A 39. Prefix that means "all" 4
18A 40. Garage jobs involving grease guns 5
19A 41. "If all ___ fails ..." 4
20A 43. Comic/TV host O'Brien 5
21A 44. Man's name that's a citrus fruit spelled backward 4
22A 45. Substance that's a homophone and anagram of 51-Across 3
23A 46. Reddish-brown antiseptic in a first-aid kit 6
24A 47. Rhyming advice to a renter of VHS tapes 12
25A 51. Contraction that's a homophone and anagram of 45-Across 3
26A 52. Massachusetts' Cape ___ 3
27A 53. Smooched 6
28A 55. "I'll take the blame here" 7
29A 59. Liquid that circulates in a plant 3
30A 60. Locale for Adam and Eve 4
31A 64. Rhyming advice to a procrastinator 16
32A 67. Fairy tale villain 4
33A 68. Lock of hair 5
34A 69. Leaf on a sushi tray 5
35A 70. Broad inlets 4
36A 71. Handle, as matters 5
37A 72. Conceal for the time being, as information 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Intimidate, with "out""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Bird's dramatic dive"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (music) rapid sliding up or down the musical scale
  • Similar words include: swoop up, slide, pounce
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Place to store a lawn mower"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: moult, slough, caducous
  • Opposite of: persistent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Hawaiian greeting"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. ___ cold brew"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Concluding part of a song"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the closing section of a musical composition
  • Similar words include: finale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Rhyming advice to a spitting talker"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. "Halt!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something ending
  • Similar words include: turn back, intercept, blockage
  • Opposite of: start, continue
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. ___-anxiety (fear of harm to the environment caused by human activity)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Use, as machinery"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
  • Similar words include: run, control, manoeuver
  • Opposite of: disengage, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Lots and lots"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Acronym of affection in ASL"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. E.M.T. process often administered to the beat of "Stayin' Alive""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
  • Similar words include: kiss of life, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Rhyming advice to a gym rat"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "36. Avoids, as capture"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that escape, either physically or mentally
  • Similar words include: fudge, evade, escape
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELUDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. French "not""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
  • Similar words include: protoactinium, atomic number 91, papa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Prefix that means "all""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Garage jobs involving grease guns"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
  • Similar words include: lube, lubricant, lubricator
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. "If all ___ fails ...""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Comic/TV host O'Brien"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Man's name that's a citrus fruit spelled backward"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Substance that's a homophone and anagram of 51-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Reddish-brown antiseptic in a first-aid kit"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
  • Similar words include: I, iodin, atomic number 53
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IODINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Rhyming advice to a renter of VHS tapes"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Contraction that's a homophone and anagram of 45-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Massachusetts' Cape ___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: gull, fool, C.O.D.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Smooched"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
  • Similar words include: snog, buss, osculate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KISSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "I'll take the blame here""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Liquid that circulates in a plant"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Locale for Adam and Eve"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: heaven, promised land, paradise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Rhyming advice to a procrastinator"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Fairy tale villain"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: fiend, demon, monster
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Lock of hair"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: twist, plait, braid
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Leaf on a sushi tray"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Broad inlets"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
  • Similar words include: bay, true laurel, bay tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Handle, as matters"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "72. Conceal for the time being, as information"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Get a grade other than an F 4
2D 2. Mattress supporter 4
3D 3. Toy that can go "around the world" 4
4D 4. You might let these "fall where they may" 5
5D 5. A chef might wear a puffy white one 3
6D 6. Chocolate treat designed to look like a mountaintop 6
7D 7. Actress Ryder of "Beetlejuice" 6
8D 8. Baseball's Mel 3
9D 9. " ... in that range" 4
10D 10. Mary who sings "In every job that must be done there is an element of fun" 7
11D 11. So great it's unnerving 9
12D 12. Georgetown athlete 4
13D 13. Put in a good word, perhaps? 4
14D 14. Something circled on a calendar 4
15D 19. Presentations during a product unveiling 5
16D 20. Move, to a Realtor 4
17D 25. More than 10 billion of them are currently in circulation in the U.S. 4
18D 26. Plaints of puppies 4
19D 28. One with many Insta followers, perhaps 5
20D 29. Fancy feather 5
21D 30. Toy cube inventor Erno 5
22D 32. Scottish negative 3
23D 33. Test an OB may perform in the second trimester 5
24D 34. Silly 5
25D 35. Football player with a team name inspired by the California gold rush 5
26D 37. Where meats and cheeses are often displayed 9
27D 41. Blunder 3
28D 42. Vegetable that looks like a large scallion 4
29D 43. Girls Who ___ (nonprofit promoting women in computer science) 4
30D 45. Incomplete sets on sale 7
31D 46. Source of motivation, in modern lingo 5
32D 48. Verb preceder, typically 4
33D 49. Most sagacious 6
34D 50. Parent's declaration in response to defiance 6
35D 54. New ___, capital of India 5
36D 55. "Get outta my hair!," in a text 4
37D 56. Discipline for the flexible 4
38D 57. Rage 4
39D 58. Ripped (up) 4
40D 61. Phrase sometimes chanted after a dare 4
41D 62. Canadian gas brand 4
42D 63. Element with the symbol Ne 4
43D 65. Last of 26 letters 3
44D 66. Initialism on a Navy carrier 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Get a grade other than an F"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
  • Similar words include: perish, drop dead, authorize
  • Opposite of: failing, be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mattress supporter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Toy that can go "around the world""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. You might let these "fall where they may""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strips of potato fried in deep fat
  • Similar words include: microprocessor chip, cow dung, silicon chip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. A chef might wear a puffy white one"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
  • Similar words include: chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Chocolate treat designed to look like a mountaintop"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Actress Ryder of "Beetlejuice""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Baseball's Mel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. " ... in that range""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mary who sings "In every job that must be done there is an element of fun""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. So great it's unnerving"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Georgetown athlete"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant of the genus hoya having fleshy leaves and usually nectariferous flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Put in a good word, perhaps?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: edit out, cut, delete
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Something circled on a calendar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the specified day of the month
  • Similar words include: go out, escort, engagement
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Presentations during a product unveiling"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: demonstration, exhibit, show
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "20. Move, to a Realtor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. More than 10 billion of them are currently in circulation in the U.S."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ace, 1, one
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Plaints of puppies"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nervous tension that causes an athlete to fail (especially causes golfers to miss short putts)
  • Similar words include: yelping, yap, yip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. One with many Insta followers, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Fancy feather"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that anything that resembles a feather in shape or lightness
  • Similar words include: rob, gazump, dress
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Toy cube inventor Erno"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Scottish negative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Test an OB may perform in the second trimester"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
  • Similar words include: amniocentesis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMNIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Silly"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that devoid of intelligence
  • Similar words include: vacuous, mindless, asinine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Football player with a team name inspired by the California gold rush"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Similar words include: IX, Nina from Carolina, 9
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Where meats and cheeses are often displayed"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Vegetable that looks like a large scallion"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves; used in cooking; believed derived from the wild allium ampeloprasum
  • Similar words include: Allium porrum, scallion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Girls Who ___ (nonprofit promoting women in computer science)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
  • Similar words include: cypher, encrypt, computer code
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Incomplete sets on sale"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Source of motivation, in modern lingo"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Verb preceder, typically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Most sagacious"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
  • Similar words include: judicious, heady, wise to
  • Opposite of: foolish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WISEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Parent's declaration in response to defiance"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. New ___, capital of India"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in north central india
  • Similar words include: Old Delhi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "Get outta my hair!," in a text"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Discipline for the flexible"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Rage"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of intense anger
  • Similar words include: frenzy, Erinyes, madness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FURY

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39D: "58. Ripped (up)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "61. Phrase sometimes chanted after a dare"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "62. Canadian gas brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "63. Element with the symbol Ne"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "65. Last of 26 letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Similar words include: z, ezed, izzard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZEE

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44D: "66. Initialism on a Navy carrier"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
  • Similar words include: U.S., USA, United States
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USS

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
44 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 12, 2026 at 04:34 AM