Search Clues

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

Saturday, August 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 01, 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. Dis/cuss? 9
2A 10. Some radio messages, in brief 4
3A 14. Notions 10
4A 16. So-called "Island of a Thousand Temples" 4
5A 17. Festival at the center of the classic novel "Under the Volcano" 15
6A 19. Marching band? 4
7A 20. 21-time Emmy nominee for "All My Children" 10
8A 21. Add color to, perhaps 3
9A 22. Teensy amounts 5
10A 23. Unit on the autobahn, say: Abbr. 3
11A 24. Hwy. overseer, for short 3
12A 25. Wackadoodle 3
13A 27. Wear the same clothes, in slang 4
14A 30. Wirelessly driven toy, for short 5
15A 33. Field whose prospects are looking up? 9
16A 35. Like the 2003 Peace Nobelist Shirin Ebadi 7
17A 37. Some prominent Mexico City murals 7
18A 38. Rabelais character who, as a baby, was fed by 17,913 cows, "for it was impossible to find a nurse sufficient for him in all the country" 9
19A 40. "Shoot" 5
20A 41. Basilica setting for Bernini's Throne of Saint Peter 4
21A 42. Even so 3
22A 43. C-section sections 3
23A 44. Menopause treatment option, in brief 3
24A 46. Full of hot gossip 5
25A 48. Base unit 3
26A 51. Incredible, in modern parlance 10
27A 54. Erin's onetime love interest on "The Office" 4
28A 55. Attire for a ceremony at Westminster Abbey 15
29A 57. Bearing 4
30A 58. Fulfilled a business obligation 10
31A 59. "What ___?" 4
32A 60. Upset tummy, medically speaking 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Dis/cuss?"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Some radio messages, in brief"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Notions"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. So-called "Island of a Thousand Temples""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island in indonesia to the east of java; striking volcanic scenery; culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Festival at the center of the classic novel "Under the Volcano""

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Marching band?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: ant, pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. 21-time Emmy nominee for "All My Children""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Add color to, perhaps"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Teensy amounts"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight but appreciable amount
  • Similar words include: soupcon, mite, jot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Unit on the autobahn, say: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ratio of the distance traveled (in kilometers) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
  • Similar words include: km/h, kilometers per hour, kilometres per hour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KPH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Hwy. overseer, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small circular shape
  • Similar words include: Zen, dose, window pane
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Wackadoodle"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually large hard-shelled seed
  • Similar words include: junkie, testis, crank
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Wear the same clothes, in slang"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
  • Similar words include: pair, matching, Gemini
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Wirelessly driven toy, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Field whose prospects are looking up?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole
  • Similar words include: uranology
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTRONOMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Like the 2003 Peace Nobelist Shirin Ebadi"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of iran
  • Similar words include: Iranian language, Irani, Persian
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRANIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Some prominent Mexico City murals"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socialist mexican painter of murals (1886-1957)
  • Similar words include: Rivera, Diego Rivera
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIVERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Rabelais character who, as a baby, was fed by 17,913 cows, "for it was impossible to find a nurse sufficient for him in all the country""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a voracious giant in francois rabelais' book of the same name
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARGANTUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. "Shoot""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Basilica setting for Bernini's Throne of Saint Peter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Similar words include: apsis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Even so"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that up to the present time
  • Similar words include: until now, as yet, nonetheless
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. C-section sections"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: Beaver State, surgery, OR
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Menopause treatment option, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hormones (estrogen and progestin) are given to postmenopausal women; believed to protect them from heart disease and osteoporosis
  • Similar words include: hormone replacement therapy, hormone-replacement therapy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Full of hot gossip"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (informal british) sexually attractive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Base unit"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: fingerstall, camp bed, crib
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Incredible, in modern parlance"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Erin's onetime love interest on "The Office""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Attire for a ceremony at Westminster Abbey"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Bearing"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dignified manner or conduct
  • Similar words include: bearing, presence, comportment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Fulfilled a business obligation"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "What ___?""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Upset tummy, medically speaking"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
  • Similar words include: indigestion, stomach upset, upset stomach
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYSPEPSIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Frank Costanza or Morty Seinfeld, e.g. 5
2D 2. Precipitous? 5
3D 3. Source of some classic rock bands 5
4D 4. Brewski 4
5D 5. Part of a giggle 3
6D 6. Cheese named after a Prussian town near the Baltic coast 6
7D 7. Result of bad service, maybe 5
8D 8. Dials down 7
9D 9. Ancient text whose Sanskrit title means "Principles of Love" 9
10D 10. Opposite of verbosity 10
11D 11. A little of this and that 9
12D 12. Group of like-minded individuals 4
13D 13. Enthusiastic approval abroad 4
14D 15. Amar'e Stoudemire, for his first eight seasons in the N.B.A. 3
15D 18. Bugling game 3
16D 22. Durin's burial place in "The Lord of the Rings" 5
17D 24. Red light district? 10
18D 26. Angular opening? 3
19D 28. Divinely appointed successor of Muhammad, in Shia Islam 4
20D 29. The Big Board of Wall St. 4
21D 30. Capital on the mouth of the Daugava River 4
22D 31. Losing roll 4
23D 32. Alternatives to some rentals 9
24D 33. Showed up earlier than 9
25D 34. Egg maker 5
26D 36. "Your choice" 3
27D 39. Sewerage, for example 7
28D 43. Sassy response to a put-down 6
29D 45. Pearl Jam's debut album, which went 13x platinum 3
30D 47. Dinners in sties 5
31D 48. Los ___ (Mexican tourist destination) 5
32D 49. Manuscript marks 5
33D 50. Unit equal to one weber per square meter 5
34D 51. Fictional maker of Rocket-Powered Roller Skates and Dehydrated Boulders 4
35D 52. Participate in drudgery 4
36D 53. "Kapow!" 3
37D 54. Snack in a sack in a backpack 4
38D 56. Deli selection 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Frank Costanza or Morty Seinfeld, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Precipitous?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of weather) wet by periods of rain
  • Similar words include: showery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Source of some classic rock bands"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Brewski"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the froth produced by soaps or detergents
  • Similar words include: spume, froth, lather
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Part of a giggle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Cheese named after a Prussian town near the Baltic coast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Result of bad service, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Dials down"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decrease in size, extent, or range
  • Similar words include: diminish, subside, decrease
  • Opposite of: increase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESSENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ancient text whose Sanskrit title means "Principles of Love""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) an ancient sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with hindu law
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMASUTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Opposite of verbosity"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an abrupt discourteous manner
  • Similar words include: steepness, precipitateness, precipitancy
  • Opposite of: gradualness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABRUPTNESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. A little of this and that"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas
  • Similar words include: patchwork quilt, hodgepodge, jumble
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATCHWORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Group of like-minded individuals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of countries in special alliance
  • Similar words include: axis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Enthusiastic approval abroad"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Amar'e Stoudemire, for his first eight seasons in the N.B.A."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: sunshine, insolate, sunlight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Bugling game"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: moose, Alces alces, red deer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Durin's burial place in "The Lord of the Rings""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Red light district?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Angular opening?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Divinely appointed successor of Muhammad, in Shia Islam"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for shiites an imam is a recognized authority on islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
  • Similar words include: imaum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. The Big Board of Wall St."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Capital on the mouth of the Daugava River"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city on the gulf of riga that is the capital and largest city of latvia; formerly a member of the hanseatic league
  • Similar words include: capital of Latvia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Losing roll"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that obscene terms for feces
  • Similar words include: shit, bullshit, defecate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Alternatives to some rentals"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Showed up earlier than"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be earlier in time; go back further
  • Similar words include: precede, forego, predate
  • Opposite of: postdate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTEDATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Egg maker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ that bears the ovules of a flower
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. "Your choice""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sewerage, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
  • Similar words include: usefulness, public utility company, service program
  • Opposite of: inutility, uselessness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTILITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Sassy response to a put-down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Pearl Jam's debut album, which went 13x platinum"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: x, ten-spot, 10
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Dinners in sties"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
  • Similar words include: spill, splatter, swill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Los ___ (Mexican tourist destination)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Manuscript marks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Unit equal to one weber per square meter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Fictional maker of Rocket-Powered Roller Skates and Dehydrated Boulders"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: pinnacle, top, peak
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Participate in drudgery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be agitated
  • Similar words include: dig, fag, grind
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. "Kapow!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient city in southeastern iran; destroyed by an earthquake in 2003
  • Similar words include: eruption, bang, blast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Snack in a sack in a backpack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Deli selection"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: Secale cereale, rye whisky, rye whiskey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

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

32 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: August 01, 2026 at 06:12 AM

Sunday, April 26, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 26, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Touch up text 4
2A 5. One might be used for stepping up or sitting down 5
3A 10. Hoot or holler 4
4A 14. "Let's go, guys!" 4
5A 18. Like the Islamic calendar 5
6A 20. Windy City airport 5
7A 21. Birmingham bum 4
8A 22. "Stay in your ___!" 4
9A 23. Fashion item for an aspiring grocer? 11
10A 25. ... for an aspiring nanny? 9
11A 27. Place to dive in 7
12A 28. Became apparent 5
13A 30. Stands around an art gallery 6
14A 31. Neither's counterpart 3
15A 32. Small detail 4
16A 33. Central 5
17A 34. ... for an aspiring manicurist? 13
18A 40. Outmoded component of a car's dashboard 7
19A 43. Biblical garden 4
20A 44. Did some doughnuts? 5
21A 45. Dermatology case 4
22A 47. What gives a wine tartness 4
23A 48. Quip 3
24A 49. Fragile mineral 4
25A 50. ... for an aspiring housekeeper? 10
26A 53. Scored 100 on a test 6
27A 55. Soaks up the sun 4
28A 59. ___ One (presidential helicopter) 6
29A 60. Church spaces 5
30A 61. Your wish is his command 5
31A 62. Córdoba's country: Abbr. 3
32A 63. Soccer star Hamm 3
33A 66. Corporate fashion advice embraced by the candidates in eight clues 21
34A 72. One in 100: Abbr. 3
35A 73. Ming in the Basketball Hall of Fame 3
36A 74. Holiday seasons 5
37A 75. Works on an ice cream cone 5
38A 76. Tawdry 6
39A 79. All over again 4
40A 80. Japanese floor mat 6
41A 81. ... for an aspiring travel agent? 10
42A 85. In the distance 4
43A 87. Wiping cloth 3
44A 88. Italian cooking staple, for short 4
45A 89. "Progress through technology" automaker 4
46A 90. Like contact lenses for astigmatism 5
47A 92. "I wasn't ___ yesterday" 4
48A 93. Make it through 7
49A 96. ... for an aspiring dry cleaner? 13
50A 99. Machines in some print shops 5
51A 100. Tour de France peaks 4
52A 101. Nutrient in avocados 3
53A 102. Apartment cooler, for short 6
54A 104. Palm spring? 5
55A 106. Stroll 7
56A 110. ... for an aspiring flutist? 9
57A 112. ... for an aspiring photographer? 11
58A 115. Used the doorbell 4
59A 116. Hides 4
60A 117. As of now 5
61A 118. Solution strength 5
62A 119. It has its ups and downs 4
63A 120. Accomplishment 4
64A 121. UnitedHealthcare competitor 5
65A 122. Absolutely nothing 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Touch up text"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. One might be used for stepping up or sitting down"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a simple seat without a back or arms
  • Similar words include: defecate, tiller, ca-ca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Hoot or holler"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
  • Similar words include: call, shout out, scream
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Let's go, guys!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Like the Islamic calendar"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or associated with the moon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Windy City airport"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Birmingham bum"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. "Stay in your ___!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Fashion item for an aspiring grocer?"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. ... for an aspiring nanny?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Place to dive in"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Became apparent"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Stands around an art gallery"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
  • Similar words include: easel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Neither's counterpart"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Small detail"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
  • Similar words include: specification
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Central"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that located inward; - leonard bernstein; - david denby; - a.r.gurney,jr.
  • Similar words include: intimate, inside, privileged
  • Opposite of: outer
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. ... for an aspiring manicurist?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Outmoded component of a car's dashboard"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. Biblical garden"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Did some doughnuts?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
  • Similar words include: broil, parched, adust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Dermatology case"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. What gives a wine tartness"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
  • Similar words include: pane, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, acrid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Quip"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clever remark
  • Similar words include: MOT test, bon mot, Ministry of Transportation test
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Fragile mineral"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect cleavage into very thin leaves; used as dielectrics because of their resistance to electricity
  • Similar words include: isinglass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. ... for an aspiring housekeeper?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Scored 100 on a test"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Soaks up the sun"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. ___ One (presidential helicopter)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the united states marine corps
  • Similar words include: maritime, shipboard soldier, leatherneck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Church spaces"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central area of a church
  • Similar words include: nave
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Your wish is his command"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the koran and believed by muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
  • Similar words include: djinny, jinni, jinnee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Córdoba's country: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Soccer star Hamm"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Corporate fashion advice embraced by the candidates in eight clues"

21 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRESSFORTHEJOBYOUWANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. One in 100: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of japan and indonesia and cambodia; equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Ming in the Basketball Hall of Fame"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "74. Holiday seasons"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
  • Similar words include: Noel, Christmas, Yuletide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YULES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "75. Works on an ice cream cone"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a salt deposit that animals regularly lick
  • Similar words include: figure out, slug, work out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "76. Tawdry"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that morally degraded; ; ; ; - seattle weekly; - james joyce
  • Similar words include: seamy, squalid, flyblown
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORDID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "79. All over again"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that again but in a new or different way
  • Similar words include: afresh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "80. Japanese floor mat"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "81. ... for an aspiring travel agent?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "85. In the distance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "87. Wiping cloth"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "88. Italian cooking staple, for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "89. "Progress through technology" automaker"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "90. Like contact lenses for astigmatism"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "92. "I wasn't ___ yesterday""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british nuclear physicist (born in germany) honored for his contributions to quantum mechanics (1882-1970)
  • Similar words include: assume, wear, accept
  • Opposite of: unborn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "93. Make it through"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "96. ... for an aspiring dry cleaner?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "99. Machines in some print shops"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that duplicator that transmits the copy by wire or radio
  • Similar words include: telefax, facsimile machine, facsimile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "100. Tour de France peaks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: the Alps, alp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "101. Nutrient in avocados"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
  • Similar words include: avoirdupois, fatten out, productive
  • Opposite of: leanness, nonfat
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "102. Apartment cooler, for short"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "104. Palm spring?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "106. Stroll"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a careless leisurely gait
  • Similar words include: perambulation, stroll, promenade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAUNTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "110. ... for an aspiring flutist?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a truncated cloth cone mounted on a mast; used (e.g., at airports) to show the direction of the wind
  • Similar words include: windsock, sock, air-sleeve
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WINDSOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "112. ... for an aspiring photographer?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "115. Used the doorbell"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound loudly and sonorously
  • Similar words include: band, ring, telephone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "116. Hides"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
  • Similar words include: pelt, fur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "117. As of now"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "118. Solution strength"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of a solution as determined by titration
  • Similar words include: titre
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "119. It has its ups and downs"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "120. Accomplishment"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a notable achievement
  • Similar words include: exploit, effort
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "121. UnitedHealthcare competitor"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "122. Absolutely nothing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Massachusetts' state tree 3
2D 2. Pair 4
3D 3. Memo starter 4
4D 4. Consumed, say 7
5D 5. Planted 4
6D 6. Trumpeter Jones 4
7D 7. Bit in a horse's mouth? 3
8D 8. Group spotted on an Alaskan cruise, perhaps 7
9D 9. "Hanukkah in Santa Monica" songwriter Tom 6
10D 10. Jabbers 4
11D 11. Lake from which the Niagara River flows 4
12D 12. Trip strip 3
13D 13. Tale as old as time 6
14D 14. Anyone's game 9
15D 15. Independent thinker 8
16D 16. Justice Kagan in '83, e.g. 4
17D 17. Scottish loch 4
18D 19. Transplant, as a plant 5
19D 24. Large measure of computer data 7
20D 26. Earth 4
21D 29. Four 2-Downs 5
22D 32. Yacht's pronoun 3
23D 33. Freeze frames? 8
24D 34. Calls for 7
25D 35. "It's truly important to me" 7
26D 36. Settle the score 7
27D 37. Standing eau? 3
28D 38. Blade runner? 6
29D 39. Dirty film 4
30D 41. Compete 3
31D 42. Summer setting in Somerset, in brief 3
32D 46. Fed. intelligence group 3
33D 49. "Come home soon" 7
34D 51. "___ Dreams of Sushi" (acclaimed 2011 documentary) 4
35D 52. Sharp-cornered 7
36D 54. From abroad? 3
37D 56. Insect with more than 14,000 known species 3
38D 57. PubMed org. 3
39D 58. "I'm outta here!" 5
40D 61. Super food? 8
41D 63. Patisserie treat 7
42D 64. Stain from a pen 7
43D 65. Name tags? 7
44D 67. Jamie with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 4
45D 68. End of Q2 3
46D 69. World Cup cheer 3
47D 70. "Watch your back!" 6
48D 71. Intelligent humor 3
49D 76. Like rush-hour traffic 9
50D 77. Post-op area, in brief 3
51D 78. Pops 4
52D 80. Diplomatic 7
53D 81. Not do much of anything, say 3
54D 82. Night before 3
55D 83. Like a comedian who bombs 8
56D 84. Stack at a falafel shop 5
57D 86. Tree whose wood is used for telephone poles 3
58D 90. One clicking with an audience? 7
59D 91. Meditation syllables 3
60D 92. Interrupts rudely 7
61D 94. Grid line 4
62D 95. Leave on a trip 6
63D 97. Michigan politician Slotkin 6
64D 98. Charged 5
65D 102. Out of its correct position 4
66D 103. Florentine farewell 4
67D 104. Pod in Creole cooking 4
68D 105. Helper: Abbr. 4
69D 106. Marvel-ous Lee 4
70D 107. Taj Mahal city 4
71D 108. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.) 4
72D 109. Marsh grass 4
73D 111. Stick used for breaking 3
74D 113. O'er and o'er 3
75D 114. Madrid Mme. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Massachusetts' state tree"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Pair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two items of the same kind
  • Similar words include: couple, pair, twain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Memo starter"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Consumed, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Planted"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth
  • Similar words include: inseminate, seeded, sow in
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Trumpeter Jones"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bit in a horse's mouth?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Group spotted on an Alaskan cruise, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Hanukkah in Santa Monica" songwriter Tom"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Jabbers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yakety-yak, cackle, yak
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Lake from which the Niagara River flows"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Trip strip"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

13D: "13. Tale as old as time"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a story about mythical or supernatural beings or events
  • Similar words include: caption, fable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Anyone's game"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Independent thinker"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
  • Similar words include: irregular, rebel, unorthodox
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAVERICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Justice Kagan in '83, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Scottish loch"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. Transplant, as a plant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put in a new, usually larger, pot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Large measure of computer data"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of information equal to 1000 gigabits or 10^12 (1,000,000,000,000) bits
  • Similar words include: Tbit, Tb
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERABIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Earth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land on which real estate is located
  • Similar words include: commonwealth, shoot down, realm
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Four 2-Downs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: 8, ogdoad, VIII
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Yacht's pronoun"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Freeze frames?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tray for making cubes of ice in a refrigerator
  • Similar words include: icetray
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICETRAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Calls for"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an urgent or peremptory request
  • Similar words include: requirement, demand, need
  • Opposite of: obviate, supply
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMANDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. "It's truly important to me""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Settle the score"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Standing eau?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that resinlike substance secreted by certain lac insects; used in e.g. varnishes and sealing wax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "38. Blade runner?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who skates
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "39. Dirty film"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that worthless people
  • Similar words include: trash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Compete"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
  • Similar words include: contend, compete
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Summer setting in Somerset, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Fed. intelligence group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. "Come home soon""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "___ Dreams of Sushi" (acclaimed 2011 documentary)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Sharp-cornered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that measured by an angle or by the rate of change of an angle
  • Similar words include: angulate
  • Opposite of: rounded
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGULAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. From abroad?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
  • Similar words include: stilboestrol, stilbesterol, diethylstilboestrol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Insect with more than 14,000 known species"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. PubMed org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of health and human services whose mission is to employ science in the pursuit of knowledge to improve human health; is the principal biomedical research agency of the federal government
  • Similar words include: National Institutes of Health
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. "I'm outta here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. Super food?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Patisserie treat"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. Stain from a pen"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "65. Name tags?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "67. Jamie with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "68. End of Q2"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "69. World Cup cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "70. "Watch your back!""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be on one's guard; be cautious or wary about; be alert to
  • Similar words include: mind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "71. Intelligent humor"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
  • Similar words include: wittiness, card, brainpower
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "76. Like rush-hour traffic"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "77. Post-op area, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
  • Similar words include: intensive care unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "78. Pops"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: pa, papa, pop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "80. Diplomatic"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
  • Similar words include: kid-glove
  • Opposite of: tactless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACTFUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "81. Not do much of anything, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible seeds or roots or stems or leaves or bulbs or tubers or nonsweet fruits of any of numerous herbaceous plant
  • Similar words include: veggie, vegetable
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "82. Night before"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: evening, even, eventide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "83. Like a comedian who bombs"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "84. Stack at a falafel shop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Similar words include: pita, pocket bread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "86. Tree whose wood is used for telephone poles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: fir tree, true fir
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "90. One clicking with an audience?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "91. Meditation syllables"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "92. Interrupts rudely"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "94. Grid line"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
  • Similar words include: bloc, axis vertebra, axis of rotation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "95. Leave on a trip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that structure where a wall or building narrows abruptly
  • Similar words include: offset, set-back
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETOFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "97. Michigan politician Slotkin"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "98. Charged"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "102. Out of its correct position"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turned or twisted toward one side; - g.k.chesterton
  • Similar words include: amiss, wrong, haywire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "103. Florentine farewell"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "104. Pod in Creole cooking"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
  • Similar words include: Abelmoschus esculentus, gumbo, okra plant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "105. Helper: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "106. Marvel-ous Lee"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "107. Taj Mahal city"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "108. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "109. Marsh grass"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: beating-reed instrument, vibrating reed, John Reed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "111. Stick used for breaking"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Similar words include: cue stick, pool cue, clew
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "113. O'er and o'er"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that many times at short intervals
  • Similar words include: oftentimes, ofttimes, often
  • Opposite of: infrequently, rarely
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "114. Madrid Mme."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

65 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: April 26, 2026 at 05:55 AM