Search Clues

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

Thursday, August 6, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 06, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Singer Braxton 4
2A 5. Like some winter windshields 4
3A 9. ___ Bauer (brand of outdoor gear) 5
4A 14. Soon 4
5A 15. "Me, too" 4
6A 16. Stable job 5
7A 17. Spirit of the Caribbean 11
8A 19. Haggard 5
9A 20. Creamy dish made with arborio rice 7
10A 21. Angela on "The Office," e.g. 4
11A 22. "Bring it on!" 5
12A 23. Four-time N.B.A. M.V.P. 11
13A 28. Nick, e.g. 3
14A 30. Collected 4
15A 31. Evil computer of classic film 3
16A 32. Kind of seeds found in a basket in King Tutankhamen's tomb 6
17A 35. Alternate nickname for the "Hollywood of the South" 8
18A 37. Group with a coat of arms 4
19A 38. Unspecified ones 5
20A 40. Wednesday a.k.a. ___ day 4
21A 41. Like some fat 8
22A 43. Purposely wrongs 6
23A 45. "What's more ..." 3
24A 46. Joan known for his "dream paintings" 4
25A 47. Make out, perhaps? 3
26A 48. Pillow fight setting 11
27A 51. Juicer's "juice" 5
28A 55. Determination 4
29A 56. Shade provider along Central Park's Literary Walk 7
30A 58. A-tier 5
31A 60. Chock-full ... like three squares (and foods) in this puzzle 9
32A 62. Touch-and-go 5
33A 63. Force felt on Earth, for short 4
34A 64. Goddess whose name is an anagram of her mother's 4
35A 65. Feelings of getting older 5
36A 66. Volcano seen on HBO's "The White Lotus" 4
37A 67. Port in 50-Down 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Singer Braxton"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Like some winter windshields"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decorate with frosting
  • Similar words include: frost, ice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ Bauer (brand of outdoor gear)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Soon"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Me, too""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern scandinavia and herding reindeer
  • Similar words include: like, Saame, Sami
  • Opposite of: unlike, different
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Stable job"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man participant in his own marriage ceremony
  • Similar words include: stableman, stableboy, prepare
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Spirit of the Caribbean"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Haggard"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  • Similar words include: haggard, skeletal, pinched
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Creamy dish made with arborio rice"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice cooked with broth and sprinkled with grated cheese
  • Similar words include: Italian rice
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISOTTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Angela on "The Office," e.g."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: snot, snoot, snob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Bring it on!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Four-time N.B.A. M.V.P."

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Nick, e.g."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following february and preceding april
  • Similar words include: deflower, spoil, defect
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Collected"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of being at a refreshingly low temperature
  • Similar words include: poise, sang-froid, cool down
  • Opposite of: warm, heat
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Evil computer of classic film"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Kind of seeds found in a basket in King Tutankhamen's tomb"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that east indian annual erect herb; source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil
  • Similar words include: Sesamum indicum, benni, benne
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Alternate nickname for the "Hollywood of the South""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Group with a coat of arms"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group of people related by blood or marriage
  • Similar words include: kin group, kindred, kinship group
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Unspecified ones"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Wednesday a.k.a. ___ day"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings
  • Similar words include: have a go at it, know, jut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Like some fat"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to become
  • Similar words include: render, try, depict
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENDERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Purposely wrongs"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Similar words include: bruise, sprinkle, cattiness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. "What's more ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Joan known for his "dream paintings""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that new zealand conifer used for lumber; the dark wood is used for interior carpentry
  • Similar words include: black pine, Joan Miro, Podocarpus ferruginea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Make out, perhaps?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Similar words include: tail, mark, tatter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pillow fight setting"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Juicer's "juice""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Determination"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capability of conscious choice and decision and intention; - george meredith
  • Similar words include: leave, volition, bequeath
  • Opposite of: disinherit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Shade provider along Central Park's Literary Walk"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. A-tier"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the principal part of a duet (especially a piano duet)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Chock-full ... like three squares (and foods) in this puzzle"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that crowd or pack to capacity
  • Similar words include: jam, jampack, cram
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAMPACKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Touch-and-go"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk; - new yorker
  • Similar words include: chanceful, dodgy, chancy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DICEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Force felt on Earth, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Goddess whose name is an anagram of her mother's"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Feelings of getting older"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: ache, aching, smart
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Volcano seen on HBO's "The White Lotus""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
  • Similar words include: bunsen burner, Mt Etna, bunsen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Port in 50-Down"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Fruity pastry 7
2D 2. Live 5
3D 3. Like the jungle at daybreak 5
4D 4. At the helm 9
5D 5. "___ that right?" 4
6D 6. Number for December 5
7D 7. Bird with noted calf muscles 3
8D 8. Short blue person? 3
9D 9. ChαΊ£ giΓ², on a Vietnamese menu 7
10D 10. Enervate 5
11D 11. Temptation for Homer Simpson 11
12D 12. Na+ or Cl- 3
13D 13. Real lifesaver, for short 3
14D 18. Starting group 5
15D 21. Not accept an outrage, say 7
16D 24. Amazon smart speaker 7
17D 25. Jeers 4
18D 26. Tempting words on a Wonderland cake 5
19D 27. Is really good, in modern slang 5
20D 29. Legal mulligan 7
21D 32. What an old car might be sold for 5
22D 33. ___ Ferrante, author of the "Neapolitan Novels" 5
23D 34. Brown-bag item 11
24D 36. "OK, that makes sense" 9
25D 39. MΓΌnster man 4
26D 42. Puts to work 7
27D 44. Northern Italian city known for its cheese 5
28D 49. "The White Lotus" actress ___ Lou Wood 5
29D 50. Arabia Felix, now 5
30D 52. Perturbed 5
31D 53. Fortune 500 company started by a blacksmith, informally 5
32D 54. Civic's class 5
33D 57. Sports org. with a Tour 4
34D 58. Open show of intimacy, for short 3
35D 59. Nickname that drops "hard" 3
36D 60. Mud 3
37D 61. Tiny "farmer" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Fruity pastry"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Live"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Like the jungle at daybreak"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
  • Opposite of: quiet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. At the helm"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "___ that right?""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Number for December"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joyful religious song celebrating the birth of christ
  • Similar words include: Christmas carol
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAROL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bird with noted calf muscles"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Similar words include: Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Short blue person?"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ChαΊ£ giΓ², on a Vietnamese menu"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Enervate"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it
  • Similar words include: drainage, enfeeble, waste pipe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Temptation for Homer Simpson"

11 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Na+ or Cl-"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Real lifesaver, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Starting group"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Not accept an outrage, say"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal and solemn declaration of objection
  • Similar words include: dissent, resist, objection
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Amazon smart speaker"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Jeers"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
  • Similar words include: snort, bird, boo
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Tempting words on a Wonderland cake"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Is really good, in modern slang"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: smacking, slap, smack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Legal mulligan"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new trial in which issues already litigated and to which the court has already rendered a verdict or decision are reexamined by the same court; occurs when the initial trial is found to have been improper or unfair due to procedural errors
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. What an old car might be sold for"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
  • Similar words include: fleck, quarrel, flake
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. ___ Ferrante, author of the "Neapolitan Novels""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Brown-bag item"

11 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "OK, that makes sense""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. MΓΌnster man"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a german man; used before the name as a title equivalent to mr in english
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Puts to work"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of being employed or having a job
  • Similar words include: use, employment, apply
  • Opposite of: unemployment, fire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPLOYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Northern Italian city known for its cheese"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "49. "The White Lotus" actress ___ Lou Wood"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "50. Arabia Felix, now"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the southwestern shores of the arabian peninsula on the indian ocean; formed in 1990
  • Similar words include: Republic of Yemen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "52. Perturbed"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irritate or vex
  • Similar words include: gall, irk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "53. Fortune 500 company started by a blacksmith, informally"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states industrialist who manufactured plows suitable for working the prairie soil (1804-1886)
  • Similar words include: John Deere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Civic's class"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a car that is closed and that has front and rear seats and two or four doors
  • Similar words include: saloon, sedan chair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEDAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Sports org. with a Tour"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Open show of intimacy, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
  • Similar words include: personal organizer, personal organiser, personal digital assistant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Nickname that drops "hard""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. Mud"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Tiny "farmer""

3 letters πŸ’­ 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: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
74 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 06, 2026 at 06:08 AM

Saturday, July 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 18, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Unite, with "up" 4
2A 5. Many an extra in the "Lord of the Rings" movies 3
3A 8. Like fondue, traditionally 5
4A 13. Nairobi-based collection of NGOs 5
5A 15. Restriction on how much one can serve 9
6A 17. Conductor's reference 5
7A 18. Opportunity to compare notes, perhaps 9
8A 19. Very traditional sort 6
9A 21. Khloe, Kim or Kourtney, familiarly 3
10A 22. Jennifer who won a Pulitzer for "A Visit From the Goon Squad" 4
11A 23. Concerning 4
12A 24. Weight 4
13A 26. Orange video game character who appears in "Wreck-It Ralph" 5
14A 27. Retailer with mountains in its logo 3
15A 28. Persuade, as on a course of action 4
16A 29. Shade 3
17A 30. Smartphone feature that debuted worldwide in 2011 13
18A 34. Hot 6
19A 35. Kind of acid partly responsible for sourdough's tang 6
20A 37. "Sorry, that's way above my pay grade" 13
21A 40. Black ___ 3
22A 41. Line holders 4
23A 42. Brilliant example 3
24A 43. Digs up by the roots 5
25A 46. Cry at the end of a countdown 4
26A 47. Dead center? 4
27A 48. Song whose titular subject has a "dark brown voice" 4
28A 49. Mesh 3
29A 50. One side of many a transaction 6
30A 52. Backs up on its own, say 9
31A 55. Titular animated dog of children's TV 5
32A 56. Go down swinging, perhaps 9
33A 57. What might add a bit of flavor to a salsa? 5
34A 58. Company bought by Tempur-Pedic in 2012 5
35A 59. W.W. II-era occupation for baseball's Moe Berg, following his playing career 3
36A 60. Rides 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Unite, with "up""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
  • Similar words include: squad, team up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Many an extra in the "Lord of the Rings" movies"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: extremely low frequency, brownie, pixy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Like fondue, traditionally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natives or inhabitants of switzerland
  • Similar words include: Swiss people
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Nairobi-based collection of NGOs"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Restriction on how much one can serve"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Conductor's reference"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
  • Similar words include: hit, musical score, sexual conquest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Opportunity to compare notes, perhaps"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Very traditional sort"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who insists on great precision and correctness (especially in the use of words)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Khloe, Kim or Kourtney, familiarly"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: te, atomic number 14, sister
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Jennifer who won a Pulitzer for "A Visit From the Goon Squad""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Concerning"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Weight"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of being large in mass
  • Similar words include: ponderousness, ponderosity, heave up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Orange video game character who appears in "Wreck-It Ralph""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Retailer with mountains in its logo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Persuade, as on a course of action"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of persuading someone to buy
  • Similar words include: deal, trade, betray
  • Opposite of: buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Shade"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
  • Similar words include: imbue, chromaticity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Smartphone feature that debuted worldwide in 2011"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Hot"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erotic person
  • Similar words include: titillating
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Kind of acid partly responsible for sourdough's tang"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. "Sorry, that's way above my pay grade""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Black ___"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Line holders"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin implement made of metal or wood
  • Similar words include: retinal rod, pole, rod
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Brilliant example"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  • Similar words include: stone, precious stone, gemstone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Digs up by the roots"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a meal
  • Similar words include: mooch, eats, bum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Cry at the end of a countdown"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instance or single occasion for some event
  • Similar words include: clock time, clock, sentence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Dead center?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
  • Similar words include: grave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Song whose titular subject has a "dark brown voice""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Mesh"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a display of bad temper
  • Similar words include: agree, fit out, primed
  • Opposite of: disagree, unfit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "50. One side of many a transaction"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
  • Similar words include: principal, trader, monger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "52. Backs up on its own, say"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Titular animated dog of children's TV"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Go down swinging, perhaps"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an out resulting from the batter getting three strikes
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRIKEOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. What might add a bit of flavor to a salsa?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drum; played with the hands
  • Similar words include: Tragelaphus eurycerus, bongo drum, Boocercus eurycerus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BONGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "58. Company bought by Tempur-Pedic in 2012"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "59. W.W. II-era occupation for baseball's Moe Berg, following his playing career"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
  • Similar words include: stag, spot, snoop
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Rides"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
  • Similar words include: scold, plug, hen-peck
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Left 7
2D 2. "Um ... what?!" 8
3D 3. With even stronger reasoning, in law 9
4D 4. Super man? 5
5D 5. Quite a few characters in 2025's "Elio," for short 3
6D 6. Unleashes 7
7D 7. Results of one's labors, so to speak 5
8D 8. Shrewd 3
9D 9. You might give this to someone you want to avoid 9
10D 10. Outward appearance 5
11D 11. Instrument that's held at about a 45-degree angle from the player's body 5
12D 12. Inner tube? 5
13D 14. "Bonjour, ___ amis!" 3
14D 16. Figures listed on Zocdoc, for short 3
15D 20. Gustav Klimt masterpiece 7
16D 25. Choose 5
17D 26. Charlatans 6
18D 28. Exercises with a "butterfly" variation, in which the soles of one's feet are pressed together 6
19D 29. Overtook? 7
20D 31. Cosmetic additive that comes from the Southwest 9
21D 32. Flowering period 5
22D 33. Actor who plays the title role on TV's "Andor" 9
23D 36. Classic Easter treat 8
24D 38. Report 7
25D 39. Items frozen in cryopreservation 7
26D 43. Flute, for one 5
27D 44. Way 5
28D 45. Prefix with marathon 5
29D 46. Bygone recorders 5
30D 47. Grabber 5
31D 49. Race of supernatural spirits 3
32D 51. Fall back 3
33D 53. You might look up to this 3
34D 54. Unpleasant digs 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Left"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Um ... what?!""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. With even stronger reasoning, in law"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Super man?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Quite a few characters in 2025's "Elio," for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Unleashes"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Results of one's labors, so to speak"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
  • Similar words include: yield
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Shrewd"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: guileful, slick, dodgy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. You might give this to someone you want to avoid"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Outward appearance"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: visualise, paradigm, ikon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Instrument that's held at about a 45-degree angle from the player's body"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Inner tube?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. "Bonjour, ___ amis!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in new england
  • Similar words include: ME, Pine Tree State, Maine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Figures listed on Zocdoc, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (md is the current symbol for mendelevium but mv was formerly the symbol)
  • Similar words include: Dr., Md, physician
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Gustav Klimt masterpiece"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Choose"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exclusive group of people
  • Similar words include: elite, chosen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Charlatans"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice
  • Similar words include: quack
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUACKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Exercises with a "butterfly" variation, in which the soles of one's feet are pressed together"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Overtook?"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save up as for future use
  • Similar words include: collect, hoard, stash
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOARDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Cosmetic additive that comes from the Southwest"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Flowering period"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organic process of bearing flowers
  • Similar words include: heyday, rosiness, bloom of youth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Actor who plays the title role on TV's "Andor""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Classic Easter treat"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Report"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Items frozen in cryopreservation"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium
  • Similar words include: embryo, fertilized egg, conceptus
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMBRYOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Flute, for one"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
  • Similar words include: drinking glass, meth, deoxyephedrine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Way"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an established line of travel or access
  • Similar words include: itinerary, road, path
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Prefix with marathon"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
  • Similar words include: radical, extremist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ULTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Bygone recorders"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Grabber"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Race of supernatural spirits"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device consisting of a container of fuel and two explosive charges; the first charge bursts open the fuel container at a predetermined height and spreads the fuel in a cloud that mixes with atmospheric oxygen; the second charge detonates the cloud which creates an enormous blast wave and incinerates whatever is below
  • Similar words include: fuel-air explosive
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Fall back"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Similar words include: ebbing, ebb out, wane
  • Opposite of: tide
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. You might look up to this"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • Similar words include: flip, toss, pitch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Unpleasant digs"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

36 Across Clues
34 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: July 18, 2026 at 05:39 AM