May 20, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - May 20, 2022 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Prefix with directional	4
2A	5. Border	4
3A	9. Sort who refuses to answer	4
4A	13. A sumo wrestler's is called a mawashi	9
5A	15. Catherine of "Schitt's Creek"	5
6A	16. Spot remover?	9
7A	17. Candle holders, sometimes	5
8A	18. Close	4
9A	19. Prophetic	9
10A	21. ___-jongg	3
11A	23. U.S. locale that, when said quickly, sounds like a cheer	4
12A	24. Highway exit sign	3
13A	25. As seen in chemistry class?	7
14A	29. Velvet-voiced Mel	5
15A	31. Word with happy or rush	4
16A	32. Causing a boom, maybe	10
17A	36. Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam	4
18A	37. Digital alternative	5
19A	38. ___ of Citium, philosopher who founded Stoicism	4
20A	39. Vulnerable area	10
21A	41. Keen	4
22A	42. Monster's opposite	5
23A	43. Doctrines	7
24A	45. ___-term test for divergence (calculus concept)	3
25A	47. Improvise on stage	4
26A	49. San Francisco's ___ Hill	3
27A	50. Grammy winner for 1983's "Flashdance ... What a Feeling"	9
28A	53. Small flaw	4
29A	56. Ambulatory aids	5
30A	57. Manet called him "the painter of painters"	9
31A	60. Cousin of an aardwolf	5
32A	61. Unlikely match	9
33A	62. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)	4
34A	63. Source	4
35A	64. Its website has a "Fantasy" page	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Prefix with directional"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Border"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
• Words that mean the same thing: border, adjoin, edge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Sort who refuses to answer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Words that mean the same thing: one dollar bill, buck, dollar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. A sumo wrestler's is called a mawashi"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a garment that provides covering for the loins
• Words that mean the same thing: breechclout, breechcloth
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOINCLOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Catherine of "Schitt's Creek""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Spot remover?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGNAPPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Candle holders, sometimes"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
• Words that mean the same thing: patty, coat, cake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Close"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
• Words that mean the same thing: close, exclude, unopen
• The opposite would be: open, admit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Prophetic"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that perceiving the significance of events before they occur; -r.h.rovere
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRESCIENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. ___-jongg"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. U.S. locale that, when said quickly, sounds like a cheer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
• Words that mean the same thing: Oahu Island
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAHU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Highway exit sign"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Words that mean the same thing: gasoline, flatulence, gasolene
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. As seen in chemistry class?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a white powdered poisonous trioxide of arsenic; used in manufacturing glass and as a pesticide (rat poison) and weed killer
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 33, white arsenic, ratsbane
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARSENIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Velvet-voiced Mel"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Word with happy or rush"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: hr, time of day, minute
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Causing a boom, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air)
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrasonic
• The opposite would be: sonic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUPERSONIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Digital alternative"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
• Words that mean the same thing: impress, mark, photographic print
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. ___ of Citium, philosopher who founded Stoicism"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ancient greek philosopher who formulated paradoxes that defended the belief that motion and change are illusory (circa 495-430 bc)
• Words that mean the same thing: Zeno of Citium, Zeno of Elea
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Vulnerable area"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOFTTARGET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Keen"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
• Words that mean the same thing: zealous, greedy, esurient
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Monster's opposite"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (used informally) very small
• Words that mean the same thing: wee, weensy, teensy-weensy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEENY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Doctrines"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
• Words that mean the same thing: tenet, dogma
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGMATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. ___-term test for divergence (calculus concept)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
• Words that mean the same thing: n-th
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Improvise on stage"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a berber living in northern morocco
• Words that mean the same thing: Riffian, flick, riffle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. San Francisco's ___ Hill"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal term for an upper-class or wealthy person
• Words that mean the same thing: toff
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Grammy winner for 1983's "Flashdance ... What a Feeling""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRENECARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Small flaw"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
• Words that mean the same thing: gouge, dent, chip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Ambulatory aids"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a stick that people can lean on to help them walk
• Words that mean the same thing: cane, tin, terminate
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Manet called him "the painter of painters""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that spanish painter (1599-1660)
• Words that mean the same thing: Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VELAZQUEZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Cousin of an aardwolf"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
• Words that mean the same thing: hyaena
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Unlikely match"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODDCOUPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Source"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: rootle, theme, rout
• The opposite would be: descendant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Its website has a "Fantasy" page"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESPN

  Great job if you got it right!

May 20, 2022 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Up there, you might say	3
2D	2. Stock exchange?	4
3D	3. Close	4
4D	4. Unable to perform operations	10
5D	5. Weisshorn, e.g.	3
6D	6. Astronomer Thomas for whom a comet is named	4
7D	7. Not yet delivered, after "in"	5
8D	8. Status on a conservationist's "Red List"	10
9D	9. Non-coffee Starbucks order	4
10D	10. Germans call it Genfersee	10
11D	11. Political ___	5
12D	12. They're rigged	5
13D	14. Board game set on an island	5
14D	15. "It ___ to me ..."	6
15D	20. Unit equal to 907.2 kilograms	8
16D	22. Like only one member of the Supreme Court in its history (Sonia Sotomayor)	8
17D	25. Solvers' reactions	4
18D	26. Lead-in to call	4
19D	27. Browse, say	10
20D	28. Seek advancement through flattery	10
21D	30. Only one-word country that contains all five vowels	10
22D	33. Literature's Napoleon, e.g.	3
23D	34. Contending	4
24D	35. Best Picture winner in 2022	4
25D	40. W.N.B.A. great Weatherspoon	6
26D	44. Highly exaggerated and subjective, as journalism	5
27D	45. Specialization	5
28D	46. High-chair features	5
29D	48. Italian nickname that omits Al-	5
30D	51. "99 Luftballons" singer	4
31D	52. Big name in fashion footwear	4
32D	54. Holds gingerly, maybe	4
33D	55. Underwater forest	4
34D	58. Charade	3
35D	59. Kind of garden	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Up there, you might say"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: previous, former, quondam
• The opposite would be: new, young
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Stock exchange?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound made by a cow or bull
• Words that mean the same thing: moo, low
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Close"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
• Words that mean the same thing: close, near, almost
• The opposite would be: far
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Unable to perform operations"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lacking knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and methods
• The opposite would be: numerate
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNUMERATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Weisshorn, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any high mountain
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Astronomer Thomas for whom a comet is named"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOPP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Not yet delivered, after "in""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UTERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Status on a conservationist's "Red List""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that pose a threat to; present a danger to
• Words that mean the same thing: imperil, peril, endanger
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THREATENED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Non-coffee Starbucks order"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Germans call it Genfersee"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAKEGENEVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Political ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a particular environment or walk of life
• Words that mean the same thing: area, scene of action, sphere
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. They're rigged"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vertical spar for supporting sails
• Words that mean the same thing: mast
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Board game set on an island"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CATAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. "It ___ to me ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that come to pass
• Words that mean the same thing: occur, happen, take place
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCCURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Unit equal to 907.2 kilograms"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHORTTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Like only one member of the Supreme Court in its history (Sonia Sotomayor)"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an american whose first language is spanish
• Words that mean the same thing: Hispanic American, Spanish American, Latino
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HISPANIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Solvers' reactions"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Lead-in to call"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Browse, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SURFTHENET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Seek advancement through flattery"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURRYFAVOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Only one-word country that contains all five vowels"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic on the southeastern coast of africa on the mozambique channel; became independent from portugal in 1975
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Mozambique, Mocambique
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOZAMBIQUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Literature's Napoleon, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that domestic swine
• Words that mean the same thing: Sus scrofa, fuzz, cop
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Contending"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Best Picture winner in 2022"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the closing section of a musical composition
• Words that mean the same thing: finale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. W.N.B.A. great Weatherspoon"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that indian nun and missionary in the roman catholic church (born of albanian parents in what is now macedonia); dedicated to helping the poor in india (1910-1997)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mother Theresa, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Theresa
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERESA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Highly exaggerated and subjective, as journalism"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
• Words that mean the same thing: bizarre, flakey, outre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GONZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Specialization"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
• Words that mean the same thing: corner, recess, recession
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. High-chair features"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
• Words that mean the same thing: tray
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Italian nickname that omits Al-"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. "99 Luftballons" singer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Big name in fashion footwear"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Holds gingerly, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: cupful, cup, loving cup
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Underwater forest"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KELP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Charade"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
• Words that mean the same thing: roleplay, do, play
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Kind of garden"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that school of mahayana buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; china and japan
• Words that mean the same thing: Elvis, loony toons, window pane
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	75.7%
Short Answer	8	11.4%
History	5	7.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Sports	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 09, 2025 at 10:17 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 06, 2025 | 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
• Across Clues Table (30 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (38 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. They help you see the big picture	12
2A	13. Swing states?	13
3A	15. Things you can't do without	14
4A	17. Animal that's born with a full set of teeth	5
5A	18. Actress Dawson of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay"	4
6A	19. Sound from a chicken	3
7A	21. Stop working, say	7
8A	24. Bash	4
9A	25. Half of a rhyming game name	4
10A	28. Not from Scotland?	3
11A	29. A little husky?	5
12A	30. One preparing eggs	8
13A	32. 19th-century naturalist buried in Westminster Abbey	6
14A	33. Bubble burster, perhaps	3
15A	34. Delta hub, in brief	3
16A	35. Nose around	3
17A	36. Inits. in a job posting	3
18A	37. Swellings in bodily tissues	6
19A	39. Dignified and gracious sort	8
20A	41. Checkers, e.g.	5
21A	42. Nothing needs to be said to do it	3
22A	43. First Nations people	4
23A	44. Down Under colleges	4
24A	45. Jazz fest?	7
25A	48. Child support, in brief?	3
26A	49. High-energy snack	4
27A	50. "People are wrong when they say ___ is not what it used to be. It is what it used to be. That is what's wrong with it": Noël Coward	5
28A	54. First science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship	14
29A	58. Reflective period	13
30A	59. Many TV panelists	12

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. They help you see the big picture"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOVIETICKETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "13. Swing states?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPENMARRIAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Things you can't do without"

14 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAREESSENTIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "17. Animal that's born with a full set of teeth"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Actress Dawson of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Sound from a chicken"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Stop working, say"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAKETEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "24. Bash"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an elaborate party (often outdoors)
• Similar words include: celebrate, fiesta, festival
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "25. Half of a rhyming game name"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "28. Not from Scotland?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "29. A little husky?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a young dog
• Similar words include: pup
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PUPPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. One preparing eggs"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAMABIRD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "32. 19th-century naturalist buried in Westminster Abbey"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that english natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882)
• Similar words include: Charles Darwin, Charles Robert Darwin
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARWIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Bubble burster, perhaps"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
• Similar words include: bowling pin, fall, personal identification number
• Opposite of: unpin

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Delta hub, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Nose around"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge
• Similar words include: wrecking bar, jimmy, nose
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Inits. in a job posting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Swellings in bodily tissues"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities
• Similar words include: oedema, edema, hydrops
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDEMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Dignified and gracious sort"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLASSACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Checkers, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove
• Similar words include: phonograph recording, record, disc
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DISCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Nothing needs to be said to do it"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity
• Similar words include: Harkat ul-Mujahedeen, seethe, HUA
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. First Nations people"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of an algonquian people living in central canada
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Down Under colleges"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Jazz fest?"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NBAGAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Child support, in brief?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. High-energy snack"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GORP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. "People are wrong when they say ___ is not what it used to be. It is what it used to be. That is what's wrong with it": Noël Coward"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
• Similar words include: opera house
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. First science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCTAVIAEBUTLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Reflective period"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SILENTRETREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Many TV panelists"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TALKINGHEADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Packs	4
2D	2. Sea creature also known as a redfin ocean pan	4
3D	3. Unseen wife on "Cheers"	4
4D	4. It keeps things going	7
5D	5. ___ Okafor, 6'10" Charlotte player who was the N.B.A.'s 2005 Rookie of the Year	5
6D	6. Many lab instructors, informally	3
7D	7. Org. whose logo includes scales and an olive branch	3
8D	8. Reached the maximum	7
9D	9. "Roots" surname	5
10D	10. Polished off	5
11D	11. Cry of relief	4
12D	12. It's "wine-dark," in Homer's "Odyssey"	3
13D	14. Pajamas	9
14D	16. Free kick, e.g., in soccer lingo	8
15D	20. Special delivery at a conference	7
16D	22. Unites after a break	5
17D	23. Rank above viscount	4
18D	24. Subject of trade that gave rise to St. Louis and Detroit	3
19D	25. Jazzed	7
20D	26. Went at	8
21D	27. Ones with big blocks?	9
22D	29. Is worth the effort	4
23D	31. Some farm sounds	4
24D	32. Much "Real Housewives" doings	5
25D	35. Bang the drum for	4
26D	38. Makes some introductions, informally	3
27D	39. Bread whose dough is rolled on a chakla	7
28D	40. British royal Rod of Equity and Mercy, e.g.	7
29D	45. Unprecedented	5
30D	46. Lip	5
31D	47. Be sassy, with "off"	5
32D	49. Ball	4
33D	51. Ancient home to many pre-Socratic philosophers	4
34D	52. Verb before lips and palms	4
35D	53. They may be fine	4
36D	55. Small songbird	3
37D	56. Directional suffix	3
38D	57. Solicit	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Packs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
• Similar words include: family, rout, pack
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Sea creature also known as a redfin ocean pan"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of atlantic and pacific and mediterranean
• Similar words include: moonfish, Lampris regius
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Unseen wife on "Cheers""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. It keeps things going"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a disposition to remain inactive or inert
• Similar words include: inactiveness, inactivity
• Opposite of: activeness

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INERTIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. ___ Okafor, 6'10" Charlotte player who was the N.B.A.'s 2005 Rookie of the Year"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMEKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Many lab instructors, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
• Similar words include: atomic number 73, tantalum, Ta
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Org. whose logo includes scales and an olive branch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
• Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Reached the maximum"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lie at the top of
• Similar words include: crest, plumed, cap
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRESTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Roots" surname"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KINTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Polished off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that take in solid food
• Similar words include: corrode, use up, eat up
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cry of relief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TGIF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. It's "wine-dark," in Homer's "Odyssey""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Similar words include: ocean
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Pajamas"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that garments designed to be worn in bed
• Similar words include: nightwear, nightclothes
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLEEPWEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Free kick, e.g., in soccer lingo"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SETPIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Special delivery at a conference"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the principal theme in a speech or literary work
• Similar words include: tonic
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KEYNOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Unites after a break"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fabric made by knitting
• Similar words include: knit stitch, plain stitch, knitting
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KNITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Rank above viscount"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a british peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Subject of trade that gave rise to St. Louis and Detroit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the dressed hairy coat of a mammal
• Similar words include: pelt
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "25. Jazzed"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMPEDUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Went at"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAIDINTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "27. Ones with big blocks?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person suffering from amnesia
• Similar words include: amnesic, amnesiac
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMNESIACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Is worth the effort"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something that remunerates
• Similar words include: wage, remuneration, bear
• Opposite of: default

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Some farm sounds"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that south african term for `boss'
• Similar words include: blat, bleat, baa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Much "Real Housewives" doings"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• Similar words include: play, dramatic event, dramatic play
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRAMA

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25D: "35. Bang the drum for"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
• Similar words include: cud, stopple, jade
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLUG

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26D: "38. Makes some introductions, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one million periods per second
• Similar words include: MHz, Mc, megacycle
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MCS

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27D: "39. Bread whose dough is rolled on a chakla"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flat pancake-like bread cooked on a griddle
• Similar words include: chapatti
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHAPATI

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28D: "40. British royal Rod of Equity and Mercy, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the imperial authority symbolized by a scepter
• Similar words include: scepter, verge, wand
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCEPTRE

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29D: "45. Unprecedented"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
• Similar words include: refreshing, fresh, new
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOVEL

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30D: "46. Lip"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a region marking a boundary
• Similar words include: threshold, verge
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRINK

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31D: "47. Be sassy, with "off""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
• Similar words include: oral fissure, verbalise, talk
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOUTH

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32D: "49. Ball"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a gay festivity
• Similar words include: blowout, jamboree, gala affair
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GALA

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33D: "51. Ancient home to many pre-Socratic philosophers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELEA

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34D: "52. Verb before lips and palms"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something that is read
• Similar words include: interpret, record, take
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: READ

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35D: "53. They may be fine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Similar words include: artistry, artistic production, fine art
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARTS

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36D: "55. Small songbird"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman
• Similar words include: titmouse, breast, pap
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIT

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37D: "56. Directional suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that bulky greyish-brown eagle with a short wedge-shaped white tail; of europe and greenland
• Similar words include: European sea eagle, white-tailed sea eagle, gray sea eagle
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERN

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38D: "57. Solicit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that call upon in supplication; entreat
• Similar words include: solicit, implore, tap
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEG

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

30 Across Clues

38 Down Clues

68 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 06, 2025 at 03:48 AM