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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 29, 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. Marx with a manifesto 4
2A 5. ___ Romeo 4
3A 9. Tracker in a speed trap 5
4A 14. Offshore 4
5A 15. Into oneself 4
6A 16. Optics, so to speak 5
7A 17. Part of a story line 9
8A 19. Some golf shirts 5
9A 20. I came uninvited 12
10A 22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett 6
11A 23. French city on the Rhone 4
12A 24. Deg. for a writer 3
13A 27. Pop in the Midwest? 4
14A 29. Some postpartum exercises 6
15A 31. Not yet decided, for short 3
16A 34. I saw the future 11
17A 37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility 4
18A 39. Wrath 3
19A 40. Fishy Hawaiian dish 4
20A 41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight 11
21A 46. Action between a bump and a spike 3
22A 47. "We're on!" 6
23A 48. "Roll the ___!" 4
24A 50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers 3
25A 51. Feature of a slasher film 4
26A 54. Haphazard 6
27A 58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 12
28A 60. Direction in a challah recipe 5
29A 63. After 11:30 p.m., say 9
30A 64. Longtime Stallone role 5
31A 65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller 4
32A 66. Home of County Donegal 4
33A 67. Colorado resort town 5
34A 68. Blue side, informally 4
35A 69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Marx with a manifesto"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. ___ Romeo"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tracker in a speed trap"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
  • Similar words include: radiolocation, radio detection and ranging, microwave radar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Offshore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Into oneself"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
  • Similar words include: swollen-headed, egotistical, egotistic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Optics, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: range of a function, fancy, envision
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Part of a story line"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Some golf shirts"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Marco Polo, Polo, polo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. I came uninvited"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. French city on the Rhone"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in east-central france on the rhone river; a principal producer of silk and rayon
  • Similar words include: Lyons
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Deg. for a writer"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in fine arts
  • Similar words include: Master of Fine Arts
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Pop in the Midwest?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: sodium carbonate, washing soda, soda ash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Some postpartum exercises"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Not yet decided, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. I saw the future"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french astrologer who wrote cryptic predictions whose interpretations are still being debated (1503-1566)
  • Similar words include: Michel de Notredame
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSTRADAMUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: domain, arena, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Wrath"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: anger, choler, ira
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Fishy Hawaiian dish"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall coarse perennial american herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous
  • Similar words include: pigeon berry, jab, nose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Action between a bump and a spike"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "We're on!""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. "Roll the ___!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
  • Similar words include: tape recording, magnetic tape, tape measure
  • Opposite of: erase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Feature of a slasher film"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that vice president of the united states under bill clinton (born in 1948)
  • Similar words include: Albert Gore Jr., panel, Al Gore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Haphazard"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
  • Opposite of: nonrandom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANDOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Direction in a challah recipe"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: lace, braiding, gold braid
  • Opposite of: unbraid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. After 11:30 p.m., say"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Longtime Stallone role"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Home of County Donegal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Irish Republic, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Colorado resort town"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Blue side, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Head of Kronos? 5
2D 2. Narnia lion 5
3D 3. Corp. shake-up 5
4D 4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand 6
5D 5. Green toast spread 7
6D 6. Hideout 4
7D 7. Championship game 5
8D 8. Raring to go, say 5
9D 9. Now blue, as a blueberry 7
10D 10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment) 4
11D 11. Lentil dish 3
12D 12. In the past 3
13D 13. Lo-___ 3
14D 18. Traffic marker 5
15D 21. Trendy sneaker brand 4
16D 24. Workplace notes 5
17D 25. It's unlikely to happen again 5
18D 26. It's of use 5
19D 28. "Like ..." 4
20D 30. Word after age or before year 3
21D 31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor 5
22D 32. Name inside of a libretto? 5
23D 33. Packed in 5
24D 35. Prefix with state or county 3
25D 36. "Seasons of Love" musical 4
26D 38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P. 3
27D 42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker 7
28D 43. 12, say 4
29D 44. Sites of large beds 7
30D 45. Source of Manchego cheese 5
31D 49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins 6
32D 52. Irritated 5
33D 53. Dodge 5
34D 55. "Soup's on!" 5
35D 56. Earthy tone 5
36D 57. Some skin irritants 5
37D 58. Get on (with) 4
38D 59. Pair in the press 4
39D 60. Supportive garment 3
40D 61. Dorm V.I.P.s 3
41D 62. Bit of gig gear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Head of Kronos?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 10th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAPPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Narnia lion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Corp. shake-up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
  • Similar words include: latte, caffe latte
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Green toast spread"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed
  • Similar words include: aguacate, alligator pear, avocado tree
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOCADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Hideout"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Championship game"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: final exam, net, concluding
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Raring to go, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nervous and unable to relax
  • Similar words include: itchy, fretful, fidgety
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Now blue, as a blueberry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to ripen or develop fully
  • Similar words include: aged, mature, ripen
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
  • Similar words include: Cupid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Lentil dish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
  • Similar words include: dkl, dekalitre, decaliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. In the past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Lo-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: reticuloendothelial system, Re, re
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Traffic marker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
  • Similar words include: power pylon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Trendy sneaker brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a north american indian people speaking one of the hokan languages
  • Similar words include: Hokan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Workplace notes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written proposal or reminder
  • Similar words include: memo, memorandum, memoranda
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. It's unlikely to happen again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stroke of luck
  • Similar words include: good luck, trematode, good fortune
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLUKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. It's of use"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. "Like ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh month of the hindu calendar
  • Similar words include: Asvina
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Word after age or before year"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
  • Similar words include: break, opening, breach
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Name inside of a libretto?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Packed in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
  • Similar words include: dull, impenetrable, slow
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Prefix with state or county"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. "Seasons of Love" musical"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: snag, lease, take
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. 12, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the middle of the day
  • Similar words include: high noon, noonday, twelve noon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Sites of large beds"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
  • Similar words include: garden
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARDENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Source of Manchego cheese"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
  • Similar words include: Kingdom of Spain, Espana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
  • Similar words include: envy, begrudge, invidia
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Irritated"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: annoy, vex, get at
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Dodge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • Similar words include: hedge, dodge, put off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. "Soup's on!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Earthy tone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide; used as a pigment
  • Similar words include: ocher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCHRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Some skin irritants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Get on (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively
  • Similar words include: vibration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Pair in the press"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: token, point, detail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Supportive garment"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. Dorm V.I.P.s"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
  • Similar words include: right ascension, Re, radium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Bit of gig gear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of electric current adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: adenylic acid, ampere, adenosine monophosphate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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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

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: July 29, 2026 at 06:11 AM

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 17, 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. Forerunner of reggae 3
2A 4. Because 5
3A 9. Fluster with embarrassment 5
4A 14. Buddy 3
5A 15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo" 5
6A 16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo" 5
7A 17. White rodent often used in lab research 9
8A 19. Hunter in the night sky 5
9A 20. "Cool!" 5
10A 21. Hit maker? 4
11A 23. Big name in pet food 4
12A 24. Complete fiasco 5
13A 26. "I suppose that's right" 7
14A 28. Some fancy finger painting 7
15A 30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey 4
16A 31. Classic skin-care brand 4
17A 32. Film performers' union, for short 3
18A 34. Spanish appetizers 5
19A 38. Prospector's receptacle 3
20A 39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them? 7
21A 42. German cry of dismay 3
22A 43. Old Ford Motor offering 5
23A 45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party 3
24A 46. No more than 4
25A 47. Sources of quick $$$ 4
26A 50. Break up, as a group 7
27A 52. Someone's public identity 7
28A 55. Workout inspired by martial arts 5
29A 56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan) 4
30A 57. Daddy-o 4
31A 59. "___ Jacques" (children's song) 5
32A 61. "The Addams Family" butler 5
33A 63. Spoken evaluations 9
34A 65. Island greeting 5
35A 66. Starts daydreaming, with "out" 5
36A 67. Sound heard at the door 3
37A 68. Amped up 5
38A 69. Call off the relationship 5
39A 70. Furtive 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Forerunner of reggae"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Fluster with embarrassment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious
  • Similar words include: embarrass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Buddy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: pal up, brother, crony
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. White rodent often used in lab research"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Hunter in the night sky"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a giant boeotian hunter who pursued the pleiades and was eventually slain by artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation
  • Similar words include: Hunter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Cool!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Hit maker?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
  • Similar words include: clenched fist
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Big name in pet food"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Complete fiasco"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acronym often used by soldiers in world war ii: situation normal all fucked up
  • Similar words include: fucked-up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAFU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. "I suppose that's right""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Some fancy finger painting"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Classic skin-care brand"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Film performers' union, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that sags
  • Similar words include: flag, sag down, swag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Spanish appetizers"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
  • Similar words include: tapa, tapa bark, tappa bark
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Prospector's receptacle"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
  • Similar words include: cooking pan, goat god, pan out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them?"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the historic period from about 1600 until 1750 when the baroque style of art, architecture, and music flourished in europe
  • Similar words include: churrigueresco, churrigueresque, Baroque era
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAROQUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. German cry of dismay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Old Ford Motor offering"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: hideout, hideaway, lair
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. No more than"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Sources of quick $$$"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Similar words include: ATM, automated teller, cash machine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Break up, as a group"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to break up or cease to function
  • Similar words include: dissolve
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISBAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Someone's public identity"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's portrayal of someone in a play
  • Similar words include: part, image, character
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERSONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Workout inspired by martial arts"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Daddy-o"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "___ Jacques" (children's song)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. "The Addams Family" butler"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unsteady uneven gait
  • Similar words include: careen, pitching, shift
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Spoken evaluations"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Island greeting"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Starts daydreaming, with "out""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
  • Similar words include: district, zone, geographical zone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Sound heard at the door"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: tap, strike, rap music
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Amped up"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with electrical circuits
  • Similar words include: pumped up, cable, electrify
  • Opposite of: wireless, unwire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Call off the relationship"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Furtive"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Distance from end to end 4
2D 2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K 9
3D 3. Residents of Tirana 9
4D 4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ..." 6
5D 5. Wall Street debut, for short 3
6D 6. Toy brand with foam ammo 4
7D 7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies 5
8D 8. Devours 6
9D 9. Fuss and flurry 3
10D 10. Many a Starbucks employee 7
11D 11. Highlights of a 15-Across 5
12D 12. Smartphone video effect 5
13D 13. Film composer Zimmer 4
14D 18. Boot out of Europe? 5
15D 22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart 3
16D 25. ___ Major 4
17D 27. Fill fully 4
18D 28. "Uh-uh" 4
19D 29. Material for a roof repair 3
20D 33. Mars, but not Earth 3
21D 35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally 9
22D 36. "Don't be so weird!" 9
23D 37. Equipped with footwear 4
24D 39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread 4
25D 40. Proof-ending inits. 3
26D 41. Troop group 4
27D 44. Aural ailment 7
28D 46. Standard option on a rideshare app 5
29D 48. Shaggy head of hair 3
30D 49. Get some Z's 6
31D 51. Least risky 6
32D 52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle" 5
33D 53. Blunder 5
34D 54. Front part of a stage 5
35D 56. Barbecue side dish 4
36D 58. Material in a classical timepiece 4
37D 60. Sneak a peek at 4
38D 62. Suckered 3
39D 64. Ring of flowers 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Distance from end to end"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the complete duration of something
  • Similar words include: distich, duet, yoke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Residents of Tirana"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of albania
  • Similar words include: Albanian
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALBANIANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ...""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Wall Street debut, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Similar words include: initial public offering, initial offering
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Toy brand with foam ammo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Devours"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Fuss and flurry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: stir, flurry, fuss
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Many a Starbucks employee"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Highlights of a 15-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Similar words include: aria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Smartphone video effect"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Film composer Zimmer"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
  • Similar words include: Han dynasty, Han
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Boot out of Europe?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
  • Similar words include: Italia, Italian Republic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, golf tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. ___ Major"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Fill fully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill to satisfaction
  • Similar words include: replete, satiate, fill
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. "Uh-uh""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Material for a roof repair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: mariner, Jack-tar, pitch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Mars, but not Earth"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Similar words include: immortal, deity, divinity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. "Don't be so weird!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Equipped with footwear"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that furnish with shoes
  • Similar words include: shodden, calced, shoe
  • Opposite of: discalced, unshod
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, BLT
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Proof-ending inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relativistic quantum theory of the electromagnetic interactions of photons and electrons and muons
  • Similar words include: quantum electrodynamics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Troop group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
  • Similar words include: building block, unit of measurement, whole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Aural ailment"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
  • Similar words include: otalgia
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Standard option on a rideshare app"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Shaggy head of hair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: swab, swob, mow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Get some Z's"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
  • Similar words include: forty winks, doze, short sleep
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Least risky"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that free from danger or the risk of harm
  • Similar words include: good, dependable, safe
  • Opposite of: dangerous, out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states physicist (born in austria) who proposed the exclusion principle (thus providing a theoretical basis for the periodic table) (1900-1958)
  • Similar words include: Wolfgang Pauli
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAULI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Blunder"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, wrongdoing, erroneous belief
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Front part of a stage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
  • Similar words include: proscenium, forestage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Barbecue side dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that basically shredded cabbage
  • Similar words include: coleslaw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Material in a classical timepiece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
  • Similar words include: moxie, sandpaper, grit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Sneak a peek at"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that catch sight of
  • Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Suckered"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: let, birth, make
  • Opposite of: refuse, lack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Ring of flowers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: chaplet, coronal, leu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 17, 2026 at 05:08 AM