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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 08, 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. "I'm afraid not," quaintly 6
2A 7. Food brand for Fido 4
3A 11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr. 4
4A 15. Cash in 6
5A 16. Avocado dip, informally 4
6A 17. Take a risk 4
7A 18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale? 11
8A 20. Keenly interested 4
9A 21. Shakespearean "soon" 4
10A 22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"? 11
11A 24. Commotion 3
12A 25. Measure of college readiness, for short 4
13A 26. Knuckled rub to the scalp 6
14A 27. Publishing house workers: Abbr. 3
15A 28. Goal 3
16A 29. Wood-shaping hand tool 4
17A 31. Tagging symbols 3
18A 32. ___-Magnon 3
19A 33. Vegas opener? 3
20A 34. Perry of pop 4
21A 36. Opportunity for a choral understudy? 12
22A 39. Belgrade native 4
23A 40. "Beats me," in a text 3
24A 41. Caviar, essentially 3
25A 42. Miss Piggy, for one 3
26A 43. Assns. 4
27A 45. Extended comedic riff 3
28A 46. Hindi for "rule" 3
29A 49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot" 6
30A 51. Girl in Glasgow 4
31A 52. Alias initialism 3
32A 53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis? 11
33A 56. "Groovy, man" 4
34A 57. Popular flavor of bubble tea 4
35A 58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.? 11
36A 60. Volunteer's offer 4
37A 61. Hits hard 4
38A 62. Respond, as a pupil might 6
39A 63. Ending with kitchen 4
40A 64. Painter Paul 4
41A 65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "I'm afraid not," quaintly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Food brand for Fido"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Cash in"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save from sins
  • Similar words include: ransom, pay off, save
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Avocado dip, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Take a risk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: make bold, defy, presume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Keenly interested"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: zealous, greedy, devouring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Shakespearean "soon""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Commotion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: blaring, clamor, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Measure of college readiness, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Knuckled rub to the scalp"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Publishing house workers: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Goal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Similar words include: point, intent, direct
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Wood-shaping hand tool"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uttering in an irritated tone
  • Similar words include: rasping, wood file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, atomic number 85, astatine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. ___-Magnon"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
  • Similar words include: cathode-ray oscilloscope, oscilloscope, scope
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Vegas opener?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
  • Similar words include: Louisiana, lanthanum, La
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Perry of pop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Opportunity for a choral understudy?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Belgrade native"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
  • Similar words include: Serbian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. "Beats me," in a text"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Caviar, essentially"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. Miss Piggy, for one"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, seed, sow in
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "43. Assns."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Extended comedic riff"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: second, piece, act
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Hindi for "rule""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british dominion over india (1757-1947)
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAJ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Girl in Glasgow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: young girl, lassie, jeune fille
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Alias initialism"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis?"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. "Groovy, man""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Popular flavor of bubble tea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: dasheen, Colocasia esculenta, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Volunteer's offer"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "61. Hits hard"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
  • Similar words include: Aries the Ram, ram, read/write memory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "62. Respond, as a pupil might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become wider
  • Similar words include: exposit, elaborate, distend
  • Opposite of: contract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "63. Ending with kitchen"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "64. Painter Paul"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swiss painter influenced by kandinsky (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Paul Klee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Covered passageway 6
2D 2. Meteor in a November shower 6
3D 3. Enhancing accessories 6
4D 4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films 4
5D 5. Original Super Mario Bros. console 3
6D 6. Oversight 8
7D 7. Author's representative 5
8D 8. Moon over Managua 4
9D 9. Treaty 4
10D 10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have 6
11D 11. The Gem State 5
12D 12. Find one's way 8
13D 13. Dublin college founded in 1592 7
14D 14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps 6
15D 19. Good gardening soil 4
16D 23. Traditional samurai hairstyles 8
17D 25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example 8
18D 29. Frame for a game of pool 4
19D 30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent 3
20D 32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address 3
21D 33. Dudes, in British English 4
22D 35. Big name in hardware stores 3
23D 36. Underground scurrier 8
24D 37. Half of a darting motion 3
25D 38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader 8
26D 39. One-man band, for example 7
27D 42. Sentimental sort 6
28D 44. Comment 6
29D 45. Make ___ (earn vast sums) 4
30D 46. Unit of angular measurement 6
31D 47. Like 6
32D 48. Rolling Stones frontman 6
33D 50. Absorber of UV light 5
34D 51. Charter 5
35D 54. Word with cavity or contraceptive 4
36D 55. One acting rather quiet? 4
37D 56. Savory South Asian rice cake 4
38D 59. Lower, as lights 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Covered passageway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Meteor in a November shower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Enhancing accessories"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Original Super Mario Bros. console"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: Nebraska, Ne, nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Oversight"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake resulting from neglect
  • Similar words include: deletion, skip
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMISSION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Author's representative"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: agentive role, broker, federal agent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Moon over Managua"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Treaty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
  • Similar words include: ocean, sea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The Gem State"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Find one's way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
  • Similar words include: pilot, sail, voyage
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVIGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Dublin college founded in 1592"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: deuce-ace, tercet, III
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRINITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf, ledge
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Good gardening soil"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Traditional samurai hairstyles"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair
  • Similar words include: topknot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPKNOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an element of the curve
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARABOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Frame for a game of pool"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that framework for holding objects
  • Similar words include: extort, scud, squeeze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Dudes, in British English"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy or man
  • Similar words include: fellow, fella, cub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Big name in hardware stores"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Underground scurrier"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Half of a darting motion"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
  • Similar words include: zigzag, zag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. One-man band, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Sentimental sort"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
  • Similar words include: softy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Comment"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
  • Similar words include: observe, notice, input
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Make ___ (earn vast sums)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
  • Similar words include: banking company, coin bank, rely
  • Opposite of: withdraw, mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Unit of angular measurement"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the unit of plane angle adopted under the systeme international d'unites; equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius (approximately 57.295 degrees)
  • Similar words include: rad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Like"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Rolling Stones frontman"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english rock star (born in 1943)
  • Similar words include: Mick Jagger, Michael Philip Jagger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAGGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Absorber of UV light"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless gas (o3) soluble in alkalis and cold water; a strong oxidizing agent; can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OZONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Charter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that property that is leased or rented out or let
  • Similar words include: take, rental, letting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Word with cavity or contraceptive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: unwritten, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. One acting rather quiet?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: dumb show, pantomime, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Savory South Asian rice cake"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Lower, as lights"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
  • Similar words include: shadowy, wispy, blind
  • Opposite of: undimmed, focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIM

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

41 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: April 08, 2026 at 05:26 AM

Monday, February 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 23, 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. Buffoons 5
2A 6. Paula of "American Idol" 5
3A 11. Final use for an old T-shirt 3
4A 14. Enraged 5
5A 15. What "my guitar gently" does, in a classic George Harrison song 5
6A 16. Mesozoic or Paleozoic 3
7A 17. Home for a single guy 11
8A 19. Animation sheet 3
9A 20. Hole for threading a lace 6
10A 21. ___ fide (genuine) 4
11A 22. "Please like and subscribe" and the like, on YouTube videos 6
12A 25. Dr. Seuss book with the quote "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." 8
13A 28. ___ Today 3
14A 29. Kind of computer port 3
15A 31. Like the smell of trees 6
16A 32. Showed again 5
17A 34. Zoom past 6
18A 37. Psychotherapy switcheroos ... or what are hidden in 17-, 25-, 50- and 59-Across? 13
19A 41. Text on a red, white and blue sticker 6
20A 42. Gender-neutral possessive 5
21A 44. Ran after 6
22A 47. Opposite of WNW 3
23A 49. To and ___ 3
24A 50. Time machine car in "Back to the Future" 8
25A 53. Made a grand speech 6
26A 55. Brother of Abel 4
27A 56. Times between dusk and dawn 6
28A 58. Had lunch, say 3
29A 59. Fruit with a "bellybutton" 11
30A 64. What planets revolve around 3
31A 65. How often the time is 12:00 each day 5
32A 66. Decorate 5
33A 67. Mini-albums 3
34A 68. ___ of Troy 5
35A 69. Sat for a portrait 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buffoons"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
  • Similar words include: cat, goose, goof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOZOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Paula of "American Idol""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Final use for an old T-shirt"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
  • Similar words include: reprimand, bait, trounce
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Enraged"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
  • Similar words include: ireful
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. What "my guitar gently" does, in a classic George Harrison song"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain
  • Similar words include: cry, weep
  • Opposite of: laugh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Mesozoic or Paleozoic"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

7A: "17. Home for a single guy"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Animation sheet"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Hole for threading a lace"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hole (usually round and finished around the edges) in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord or hook or bar
  • Similar words include: eyehole, grommet, grummet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYELET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. ___ fide (genuine)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Please like and subscribe" and the like, on YouTube videos"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Dr. Seuss book with the quote "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. ___ Today"

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: the States, America, U.S.A.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Kind of computer port"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Like the smell of trees"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic or suggestive of woods
  • Similar words include: arboreous, arboraceous, woody
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOODSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Showed again"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broadcast again, as of a film
  • Similar words include: rerun, rebroadcast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Zoom past"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Psychotherapy switcheroos ... or what are hidden in 17-, 25-, 50- and 59-Across?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Text on a red, white and blue sticker"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Gender-neutral possessive"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Ran after"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is being chased
  • Similar words include: tail, chase, dog
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Opposite of WNW"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between east and southeast
  • Similar words include: east southeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. To and ___"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Time machine car in "Back to the Future""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Made a grand speech"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Similar words include: orate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Brother of Abel"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) cain and abel were the first children of adam and eve born after the fall of man; cain killed abel out of jealousy and was exiled by god
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Times between dusk and dawn"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
  • Similar words include: night, Night, dark
  • Opposite of: day
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIGHTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Had lunch, say"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Fruit with a "bellybutton""

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. What planets revolve around"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. How often the time is 12:00 each day"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to double the degree
  • Similar words include: doubly, double
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Decorate"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  • Similar words include: grace, clothe, invest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Mini-albums"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. ___ of Troy"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the beautiful daughter of zeus and leda who was abducted by paris; the greek army sailed to troy to get her back which resulted in the trojan war
  • Similar words include: Helen of Troy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Sat for a portrait"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assume a posture as for artistic purposes
  • Similar words include: beat, impersonate, put
  • Opposite of: unposed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Accessory for a baby in a highchair 3
2D 2. British singer Rita 3
3D 3. Efron of "The Greatest Showman" 3
4D 4. Last multiple-choice option, often 5
5D 5. Rude goodbye to an enemy 11
6D 6. Soldier who has failed to report 4
7D 7. Military cap 5
8D 8. One of the three dimensions 5
9D 9. Kick ___ fuss 3
10D 10. Counterculture drug, in brief 3
11D 11. 4.75 seconds to assemble a Mr. Potato Head, per Guinness 6
12D 12. Concert venues 6
13D 13. Milky Way, e.g. 6
14D 18. Not as much 4
15D 21. "I crushed it!!!" 6
16D 22. Not just my 3
17D 23. ___-friendly 4
18D 24. Root used in making poi 4
19D 26. Large jug 4
20D 27. Cage for crustaceans 11
21D 30. "American Psycho" author ___ Easton Ellis 4
22D 33. Cartoonist Bechdel 6
23D 35. Mass ___ (Boston thoroughfare) 3
24D 36. Give up 4
25D 38. Was a passenger 4
26D 39. Democrats and Socialists, with "the" 4
27D 40. Father 4
28D 43. Axle, e.g. 3
29D 44. Jewel box 6
30D 45. Start to escalate 6
31D 46. Extraterrestrials 6
32D 48. London theater district 4
33D 51. Object hitting people's heads in old cartoons 5
34D 52. Sibling's daughter 5
35D 54. South American barbecue 5
36D 57. Valley 4
37D 59. High degree 3
38D 60. Response to seeing an aurora, maybe 3
39D 61. Rejections 3
40D 62. College sr.'s test 3
41D 63. 63-Down, in this puzzle 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Accessory for a baby in a highchair"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that top part of an apron; covering the chest
  • Similar words include: tipple
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. British singer Rita"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Efron of "The Greatest Showman""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Last multiple-choice option, often"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
  • Similar words include: early, former
  • Opposite of: same
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Rude goodbye to an enemy"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Soldier who has failed to report"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Military cap"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cap with no brim or bill; made of soft cloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BERET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. One of the three dimensions"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the extent downward or backward or inward
  • Similar words include: profundity, astuteness, deepness
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Kick ___ fuss"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Counterculture drug, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. 4.75 seconds to assemble a Mr. Potato Head, per Guinness"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
  • Similar words include: read, immortalize, enter
  • Opposite of: erase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Concert venues"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: sphere, area, arena
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Milky Way, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a splendid assemblage (especially of famous people)
  • Similar words include: galax, beetleweed, wandflower
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALAXY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Not as much"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
  • Similar words include: to a lesser extent
  • Opposite of: more
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. "I crushed it!!!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Not just my"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. ___-friendly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Similar words include: drug user, substance abuser, exploiter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Root used in making poi"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: dalo, taro plant, eddo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Large jug"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
  • Similar words include: pitcher
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Cage for crustaceans"

11 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. "American Psycho" author ___ Easton Ellis"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Cartoonist Bechdel"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Mass ___ (Boston thoroughfare)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Give up"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  • Similar words include: concede, surrender, grant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Was a passenger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
  • Similar words include: bait, drive, depend on
  • Opposite of: walk
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Democrats and Socialists, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
  • Similar words include: forget, leave, will
  • Opposite of: right, arrive
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Father"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
  • Similar words include: bring forth, mother, get
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Axle, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Jewel box"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Start to escalate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Extraterrestrials"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
  • Similar words include: noncitizen, alienate, alien
  • Opposite of: acquaintance, citizen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. London theater district"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a district in southwestern manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
  • Similar words include: South of Houston
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Object hitting people's heads in old cartoons"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
  • Similar words include: incus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANVIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Sibling's daughter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Opposite of: nephew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. South American barbecue"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Valley"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. High degree"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
  • Similar words include: n-th
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Response to seeing an aurora, maybe"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: fear, reverence, veneration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Rejections"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. College sr.'s test"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. 63-Down, in this puzzle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: destruction, oddment, goal
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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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

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Last updated: February 23, 2026 at 05:13 AM