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Saturday, August 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 15, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Began 6
2A 7. Show faces? 8
3A 15. Bring back into the fold, so to speak 6
4A 16. Worth looking back on 8
5A 17. One from "Japan's kitchen" 6
6A 18. Appeal 8
7A 19. Bit of ceramic ware 3
8A 20. Cast off 7
9A 22. 7/ 3
10A 23. "Lovely" and "wonderful" food, per Monty Python 4
11A 25. Rose Bowl Stadium athlete 5
12A 26. Big ring 4
13A 27. Patient privacy law, in brief 5
14A 29. World Cup team nicknamed "The Three Lions": Abbr. 3
15A 30. Say "Hey," say 5
16A 31. "Speak up" 12
17A 34. Intermezzo and trou normand dishes, essentially 15
18A 38. Hoedown get-down? 12
19A 39. Long-___ squid 5
20A 42. "Wayne's World" exclamation 3
21A 43. Christina of "Buffalo '66" 5
22A 44. Ring location 4
23A 45. Oil wells? 5
24A 47. Nickname for Eleanor 4
25A 48. Eye-catching stage prop 3
26A 49. "Got it?" 7
27A 51. Thru 3
28A 52. Underlining, e.g. 8
29A 54. Classical figure in an 1898 Gustav Klimt oil 6
30A 56. Some back-and-forth 8
31A 57. Big name in fashion 6
32A 58. Go in the wrong way? 8
33A 59. "I beg you!" 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Began"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
  • Similar words include: come home, fall into place, dawn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAWNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Show faces?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Bring back into the fold, so to speak"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Worth looking back on"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past
  • Similar words include: historical
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HISTORIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. One from "Japan's kitchen""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Appeal"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest or urgent request
  • Similar words include: prayer, appeal
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTREATY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Bit of ceramic ware"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
  • Similar words include: heap, toilet, throne
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Cast off"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. 7/"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. "Lovely" and "wonderful" food, per Monty Python"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
  • Similar words include: junk e-mail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Rose Bowl Stadium athlete"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic `reynard the fox'
  • Similar words include: brown bear, Ursus arctos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Big ring"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
  • Similar words include: pealing, rolling, roll
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Patient privacy law, in brief"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. World Cup team nicknamed "The Three Lions": Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Say "Hey," say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very loud utterance (like the sound of an animal)
  • Similar words include: bellow, holloa, holler
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOLLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. "Speak up""

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Intermezzo and trou normand dishes, essentially"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Hoedown get-down?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Long-___ squid"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare oneself for a military confrontation
  • Similar words include: gird, fortify, arm
  • Opposite of: disarm, unarmed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. "Wayne's World" exclamation"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: non
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Christina of "Buffalo '66""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Ring location"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Oil wells?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)
  • Similar words include: centre, rivet, concentrate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Nickname for Eleanor"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Eye-catching stage prop"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Similar words include: feather boa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "Got it?""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Thru"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Underlining, e.g."

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that special importance or significance
  • Similar words include: stress, vehemence, accent
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPHASIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Classical figure in an 1898 Gustav Klimt oil"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent warfare; guardian of athens; identified with roman minerva
  • Similar words include: Pallas, Pallas Athene, Pallas Athena
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Some back-and-forth"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adroitness and cleverness in reply
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPARTEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Big name in fashion"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Go in the wrong way?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrongful interference with the possession of property (personal property as well as realty), or the action instituted to recover damages
  • Similar words include: violation, intrusion, intrude
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRESPASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. "I beg you!""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give pleasure to or be pleasing to
  • Similar words include: delight
  • Opposite of: displease
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Cut out the middleman, for delivery 8
2D 2. Fabulous collection 8
3D 3. "You're the best!" 8
4D 4. No-good ending? 3
5D 5. Diamond figs. 4
6D 6. Leftmost star of the Summer Triangle 5
7D 7. Classic 1926 novel often published with a bull and matador on its cover 15
8D 8. Dressing group 12
9D 9. Gamgee player in "Lord of the Rings" 5
10D 10. ___-C 4
11D 11. The second one on the Statue of Liberty is longer than its first one 3
12D 12. Toothache care option 6
13D 13. Communion, e.g. 6
14D 14. Charybdis' man-eating opposite, in myth 6
15D 21. Upper regions of forests 12
16D 24. Sea cow 7
17D 26. French Baroque artist Nicolas 7
18D 28. Challenged on X, say 5
19D 30. Scout's follower? 5
20D 32. Bad spell 3
21D 33. Partner of pitch and roll 3
22D 35. "You get the point" 8
23D 36. Kicks back, in a way 8
24D 37. Crime writer Mickey who created the Mike Hammer stories 8
25D 39. Prince of Monaco beginning in 2005 6
26D 40. Certain tenant 6
27D 41. French soccer superstar Kylian 6
28D 45. Some bow ties 5
29D 46. Where roots take hold 5
30D 49. Complain 4
31D 50. Citation shortener 4
32D 53. Tricks 3
33D 55. Orange or lime 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Cut out the middleman, for delivery"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fabulous collection"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "You're the best!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. No-good ending?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Diamond figs."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Leftmost star of the Summer Triangle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the brightest star in cygnus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Classic 1926 novel often published with a bull and matador on its cover"

15 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Dressing group"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oil and vinegar with mustard and garlic
  • Similar words include: sauce vinaigrette, vinaigrette, French dressing
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINAIGRETTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Gamgee player in "Lord of the Rings""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___-C"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The second one on the Statue of Liberty is longer than its first one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Similar words include: toenail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Toothache care option"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Communion, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any customary observance or practice
  • Similar words include: rite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Charybdis' man-eating opposite, in myth"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a sea nymph transformed into a sea monster who lived on one side of a narrow strait; drowned and devoured sailors who tried to escape charybdis (a whirlpool) on the other side of the strait
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCYLLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Upper regions of forests"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Sea cow"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sirenian mammal of tropical coastal waters of america; the flat tail is rounded
  • Similar words include: Trichechus manatus
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANATEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. French Baroque artist Nicolas"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french painter in the classical style (1594-1665)
  • Similar words include: Nicolas Poussin
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POUSSIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Challenged on X, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Scout's follower?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • Similar words include: honour, purity, pureness
  • Opposite of: dishonor, disrespect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Bad spell"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: curse, bewitch, glamour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Partner of pitch and roll"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erratic deflection from an intended course
  • Similar words include: gape, swerve, yawn
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. "You get the point""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that additional unspecified odds and ends; more of the same
  • Similar words include: etc., and so forth, and so on
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCETERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Kicks back, in a way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move the upper body backwards and down
  • Similar words include: repose, lean back, recumb
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECLINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Crime writer Mickey who created the Mike Hammer stories"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of popular detective novels (born in 1918)
  • Similar words include: Mickey Spillane, Frank Morrison Spillane
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPILLANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Prince of Monaco beginning in 2005"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prince consort of queen victoria of england (1819-1861)
  • Similar words include: Prince Albert, Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALBERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Certain tenant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tenant in someone's house
  • Similar words include: boarder, lodger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. French soccer superstar Kylian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Some bow ties"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: alimentary paste
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Where roots take hold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the skin that covers the top of the head
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Complain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed; can be baked or braised
  • Similar words include: chicane, cavil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Citation shortener"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Tricks"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
  • Similar words include: feature, make, let
  • Opposite of: abstain, refuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Orange or lime"

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!

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

33 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
66 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 15, 2026 at 03:59 AM

Friday, April 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 24, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Once-in-a-lifetime events 6
2A 7. They might have good track records 8
3A 15. "Ah, right right right" 6
4A 16. Field for both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. 8
5A 17. Oscar winner for "The African Queen" 6
6A 18. Low volume? 8
7A 19. Treat mercifully 5
8A 20. Charges 5
9A 21. Concern for a seamstress 3
10A 22. "Sounds good!" 4
11A 23. Best-selling author who founded Paris's Théâtre Historique 5
12A 24. "Green" 4
13A 25. Rocker Brian 3
14A 26. Green spots 5
15A 27. Game with a board numbered from 1 to 20 5
16A 28. Peace sign? 12
17A 31. "The best cheese of its type in the world," per George Orwell 7
18A 32. Approach surreptitiously 7
19A 36. Where somebody might be washed up? 12
20A 38. One who's generous to a fault, say 5
21A 41. They're held in bondage 5
22A 42. Org. whose motto translates to "Through adversity to the stars" 3
23A 43. Neural transmitter 4
24A 44. Certain exposition 5
25A 45. Children's author Kinney 4
26A 46. ?!?!?! 3
27A 47. Something you might get at a wedding 5
28A 48. Grand duke of Luxembourg until 2025 5
29A 49. It has a light bulb 8
30A 51. No comment? 6
31A 52. Toss and turn, perhaps 8
32A 53. Role for John Travolta on "Welcome Back, Kotter" 6
33A 54. Takes to the next level 8
34A 55. Tree nymphs 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Once-in-a-lifetime events"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time when something begins (especially life)
  • Similar words include: nascence, deliver, give birth
  • Opposite of: death
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIRTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. They might have good track records"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person trained to compete in sports
  • Similar words include: jock, athlete
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHLETES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. "Ah, right right right""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Field for both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr."

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rational and systematic study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truth
  • Similar words include: divinity, theological system
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEOLOGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Oscar winner for "The African Queen""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states film actor (1899-1957)
  • Similar words include: Humphrey Bogart, Humphrey DeForest Bogart
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOGART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Low volume?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as much as a teaspoon will hold
  • Similar words include: teaspoonful
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASPOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Treat mercifully"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extra component of a machine or other apparatus
  • Similar words include: excess, unornamented, superfluous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARE

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8A: "20. Charges"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statute in draft before it becomes law
  • Similar words include: card, invoice, charge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BILLS

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9A: "21. Concern for a seamstress"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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10A: "22. "Sounds good!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, net ball, Army of the Pure
  • Opposite of: prevent, forbid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETS

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11A: "23. Best-selling author who founded Paris's Théâtre Historique"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french writer remembered for his swashbuckling historical tales (1802-1870)
  • Similar words include: Duma, Alexandre Dumas
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUMAS

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12A: "24. "Green""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that money in the form of bills or coins
  • Similar words include: immediate payment, hard currency, hard cash
  • Opposite of: credit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASH

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13A: "25. Rocker Brian"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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14A: "26. Green spots"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. Game with a board numbered from 1 to 20"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a game in which small pointed missiles are thrown at a dartboard
  • Similar words include: flit, flash, flutter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARTS

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16A: "28. Peace sign?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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17A: "31. "The best cheese of its type in the world," per George Orwell"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english blue cheese
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILTON

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18A: "32. Approach surreptitiously"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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19A: "36. Where somebody might be washed up?"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "38. One who's generous to a fault, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "41. They're held in bondage"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (middle ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
  • Similar words include: villein, serf, helot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERFS

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22A: "42. Org. whose motto translates to "Through adversity to the stars""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the airforce of great britain
  • Similar words include: Royal Air Force, Red Army Faction
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAF

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23A: "43. Neural transmitter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
  • Similar words include: axone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXON

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24A: "44. Certain exposition"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
  • Similar words include: assay, test, examine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSAY

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25A: "45. Children's author Kinney"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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26A: "46. ?!?!?!"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27A: "47. Something you might get at a wedding"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "48. Grand duke of Luxembourg until 2025"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "49. It has a light bulb"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous varieties of narcissus plants having showy often yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped central crown
  • Similar words include: Narcissus pseudonarcissus
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAFFODIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. No comment?"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)
  • Similar words include: abnegation, self-denial, defense
  • Opposite of: prosecution
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Toss and turn, perhaps"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "53. Role for John Travolta on "Welcome Back, Kotter""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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33A: "54. Takes to the next level"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a promotion to or assign to a higher position
  • Similar words include: lift, advance, bring up
  • Opposite of: demote, lower
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELEVATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "55. Tree nymphs"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deity or nymph of the woods
  • Similar words include: wood nymph, dryad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRYADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Goes downhill at the Olympics, in a way 8
2D 2. "Perish the thought!" 8
3D 3. Tubes that go down? 8
4D 4. The first of these was Terrible 5
5D 5. Accounted for 4
6D 6. Murderer of Osiris, in myth 3
7D 7. Every now and then 7
8D 8. You just can't take it 12
9D 9. Recovers 5
10D 10. Competitor's setback 4
11D 11. Half of hip-hop's Run the Jewels, alongside Killer Mike 3
12D 12. How a troublemaker might go 6
13D 13. One prioritizing self-care? 6
14D 14. Electronica instruments, informally 6
15D 20. Professional 12
16D 23. Woodworkers' grooves 5
17D 24. Vicious circle? 5
18D 26. Animal known to hold another's paws while sleeping 5
19D 27. Attire 5
20D 29. From time past 5
21D 30. Coalesce 5
22D 33. Surname of a Tolstoy heroine 8
23D 34. Game 8
24D 35. Acrobat's display 8
25D 37. Secondhand offerings 7
26D 38. Dillydally 6
27D 39. Hearty soup ingredient in Caribbean cooking 6
28D 40. Brittle confection 6
29D 44. Finish up with 5
30D 45. Female donkey 5
31D 47. Where the Red Delicious apple originated 4
32D 48. Dauphin, e.g. 4
33D 50. Number one, informally 3
34D 51. It might have a director's commentary 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Goes downhill at the Olympics, in a way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly two short sleds coupled together
  • Similar words include: bobsled, bobsleigh, bob
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOBSLEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Perish the thought!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tubes that go down?"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tubular pasta in short ribbed pieces
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIGATONI

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4D: "4. The first of these was Terrible"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: tsar, czar, tzar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Accounted for"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Murderer of Osiris, in myth"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: band, curing, exercise set
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Every now and then"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. You just can't take it"

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Recovers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heal or recover
  • Similar words include: heal, bring around, mend
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Competitor's setback"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is lost
  • Similar words include: red ink, release, personnel casualty
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Half of hip-hop's Run the Jewels, alongside Killer Mike"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. How a troublemaker might go"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. One prioritizing self-care?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conceited and self-centered person
  • Similar words include: swellhead, egotist, egocentric
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Electronica instruments, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "20. Professional"

12 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business
  • Similar words include: earnest
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUSINESSLIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Woodworkers' grooves"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that panel forming the lower part of an interior wall when it is finished differently from the rest of the wall
  • Similar words include: wainscot, dado
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Vicious circle?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
  • Similar words include: conspire, camarilla, junto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Animal known to hold another's paws while sleeping"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fur of an otter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Attire"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
  • Similar words include: prune, tog, clip
  • Opposite of: undress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. From time past"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "30. Coalesce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to bring or combine together or with something else
  • Similar words include: unite, amalgamate, commix
  • Opposite of: divide, disunify
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIFY

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22D: "33. Surname of a Tolstoy heroine"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "34. Game"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oblivious of dangers or perils or calmly resolute in facing them
  • Similar words include: fearless, untroubled, secure
  • Opposite of: afraid, insecure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNAFRAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Acrobat's display"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "37. Secondhand offerings"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the selling of something purchased
  • Similar words include: resale
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Dillydally"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take one's time; proceed slowly
  • Similar words include: dally, linger, fall behind
  • Opposite of: rush
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAWDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Hearty soup ingredient in Caribbean cooking"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the skinned tail of cattle; used especially for soups
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OXTAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Brittle confection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets
  • Similar words include: brittle, toffy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOFFEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Finish up with"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Female donkey"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states architect who designed the first skyscraper in which a metal skeleton was used (1832-1907)
  • Similar words include: William Le Baron Jenny, jennet, jenny ass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JENNY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Where the Red Delicious apple originated"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: Hawkeye State, IA, Ioway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Dauphin, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another
  • Similar words include: inheritor, heritor, successor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Number one, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. It might have a director's commentary"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television set
  • Similar words include: videodisk, videodisc
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DVD

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

34 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 24, 2026 at 05:55 AM