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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 14, 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. Hot stuff 5
2A 6. Target 4
3A 10. Worshiper's locale, at times 4
4A 14. Poe's middle name 5
5A 15. Lingerie material 4
6A 16. Glimpse 4
7A 17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!" 10
8A 19. Glazier's product 4
9A 20. Consumed 3
10A 21. Debunked "facts" 5
11A 22. Amish, Shakers and others 5
12A 23. Long (for) 4
13A 24. Former Mideast bigwig 4
14A 25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going" 13
15A 30. Wrap, as rope 4
16A 32. Word before or after butt 4
17A 33. Flesh and blood 3
18A 34. Tree with edible nuts 5
19A 36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov 3
20A 37. Give in 5
21A 39. Triumphant cry 3
22A 40. Prefix with -meter 4
23A 42. Chilean money 4
24A 43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?" 13
25A 48. Small valley 4
26A 49. They may be subject to inflation 4
27A 50. Flora and fauna, collectively 5
28A 52. Sharp part of a kite 5
29A 54. Chicago sights, for short 3
30A 57. Apartment option 4
31A 58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle 10
32A 60. Off base? 4
33A 61. ___ test 4
34A 62. Isolated 5
35A 63. Befuddled state 4
36A 64. Deep-six 4
37A 65. Source of strength and resilience 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Hot stuff"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that molten rock in the earth's crust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Target"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
  • Similar words include: end, destination, finish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Worshiper's locale, at times"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Poe's middle name"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Lingerie material"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Similar words include: braid, lace up, enlace
  • Opposite of: untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Glimpse"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret look
  • Similar words include: glint, glance, peep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Glazier's product"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Similar words include: window glass, paneling, panelling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Consumed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: rust, consume, corrode
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Debunked "facts""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
  • Similar words include: myth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Amish, Shakers and others"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Similar words include: religious sect, religious order, sect
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Long (for)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: yen, yearn, ache
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Former Mideast bigwig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
  • Similar words include: Shah of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going""

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Wrap, as rope"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  • Similar words include: gyre, gyrate, scroll
  • Opposite of: uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Word before or after butt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
  • Similar words include: channelize, forefront, heading
  • Opposite of: foot, rear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Flesh and blood"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person having kinship with another or others
  • Similar words include: tribe, cognate, clan
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tree with edible nuts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that australian tree grown especially for ornament and its fine-grained wood and bearing edible nuts
  • Similar words include: Pomaderris apetala, hazelnut tree, hazel tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
  • Similar words include: arouse, gender, excite
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Give in"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that production of a certain amount
  • Similar words include: pay, bear, takings
  • Opposite of: survive, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YIELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Triumphant cry"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Prefix with -meter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Chilean money"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in uruguay; equal to 100 centesimos
  • Similar words include: Mexican peso, Chilean peso, Guinea-Bissau peso
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Small valley"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small wooded hollow
  • Similar words include: dingle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. They may be subject to inflation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self-importance, ego, egotism
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Flora and fauna, collectively"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that all the plant and animal life of a particular region
  • Similar words include: biology
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Sharp part of a kite"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Chicago sights, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: el, ALT, elevated
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Apartment option"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space
  • Similar words include: attic, garret, pigeon loft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Off base?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. ___ test"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Isolated"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that isolated from others
  • Similar words include: unparalleled, unequaled, unique
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Befuddled state"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
  • Similar words include: fog, daze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Deep-six"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cover from sight
  • Similar words include: lay to rest, immerse, forget
  • Opposite of: remember
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Source of strength and resilience"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: brawniness, tendon, muscularity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization 4
2D 2. Oodles 4
3D 3. Affix, in a way 4
4D 4. Besmirch 3
5D 5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps 6
6D 6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat 6
7D 7. Requirement for a juror 4
8D 8. Wild cards, at times 4
9D 9. Took the helm 3
10D 10. Look 6
11D 11. Dandy 10
12D 12. Label on an email folder 4
13D 13. Scratches (out) 4
14D 18. Talkative bird 4
15D 22. Like a good tree or a bad deal 5
16D 23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos 4
17D 24. Word before green or after Red 3
18D 25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen 10
19D 26. Pronoun with two homophones 5
20D 27. Curse 3
21D 28. Mechanic's canfuls 4
22D 29. Edit menu command 4
23D 30. Shoot the breeze 4
24D 31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial 4
25D 35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit 5
26D 36. "Rugrats" dad 3
27D 38. Announcements in The Economist, for short 4
28D 41. "What a riot!," in brief 3
29D 44. Irk 6
30D 45. Something to hum 6
31D 46. Sikorsky of aviation fame 4
32D 47. Cuban drums 6
33D 50. Unexciting 4
34D 51. "American Gothic" setting 4
35D 52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn" 4
36D 53. Way off 4
37D 54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie 4
38D 55. Cue from a cuer 4
39D 56. Hearty dish 4
40D 58. Ball 3
41D 59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an american indian people of yucatan and belize and guatemala who had a culture (which reached its peak between ad 300 and 900) characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy
  • Similar words include: Mayan language, Mayan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oodles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Affix, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
  • Similar words include: paste, mucilage, gum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Besmirch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking vigor or energy
  • Similar words include: anaemic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains; gives cohesiveness to dough
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Requirement for a juror"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
  • Similar words include: curse, swearing, swearword
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Wild cards, at times"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: single, wiz, whizz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Took the helm"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: conduce, go, take
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Look"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
  • Similar words include: come out, seem, look
  • Opposite of: disappear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dandy"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Label on an email folder"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
  • Similar words include: ship, post, transmit
  • Opposite of: unsent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Scratches (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Talkative bird"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tropical asian starlings
  • Similar words include: mina, minah, mynah bird
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Like a good tree or a bad deal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous
  • Similar words include: umbrageous, fishy, suspicious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Word before green or after Red"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: ocean
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Pronoun with two homophones"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Curse"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Mechanic's canfuls"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Similar words include: petroleum, crude oil, anoint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Edit menu command"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
  • Similar words include: loosen, unmake, untie
  • Opposite of: wrap, make
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Shoot the breeze"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal conversation
  • Similar words include: claver, Old World chat, chew the fat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Similar words include: Oahu Island
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAHU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. "Rugrats" dad"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Announcements in The Economist, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "What a riot!," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Irk"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus urtica or family urticaceae)
  • Similar words include: urticate, rile, rag
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NETTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Something to hum"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: line, tonal pattern, melodic line
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELODY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Sikorsky of aviation fame"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Cuban drums"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that music composed for dancing the conga
  • Similar words include: conga
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Unexciting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: fustian, bombast, rant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "American Gothic" setting"

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: IA, Hawkeye State, Ioway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: chiliad, G, thousand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Way off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. Cue from a cuer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formation of people or things one beside another
  • Similar words include: dividing line, wrinkle, agate line
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Hearty dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: brood, fret, sweat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Ball"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
  • Similar words include: orbit, eyeball, revolve
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 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: October 14, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 23, 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. Meh 4
2A 5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs 5
3A 10. Looped in via email 4
4A 14. Covid-19, colloquially 4
5A 15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998 5
6A 16. Mauna Loa output 4
7A 17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings 4
8A 18. Start of a counting rhyme 5
9A 19. Slightly 4
10A 20. Honorable conduct on the field 13
11A 23. Recluses 7
12A 24. On-schedule 6
13A 27. Musician's gift 3
14A 28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head 4
15A 30. Fish eggs 3
16A 31. Kid around 4
17A 34. When hunting restrictions are lifted 10
18A 37. Epic poem originally passed down orally 5
19A 39. CPR expert 3
20A 40. Pretense 5
21A 41. Carnival diversion requiring precision 10
22A 44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle 4
23A 45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux 3
24A 46. "Hmm ... I pass" 4
25A 47. Word before data or deal 3
26A 49. Peak in the Alaska Range 6
27A 51. Slender e-cig 7
28A 55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 13
29A 58. Genderqueer identity, informally 4
30A 60. Windowside perches 5
31A 61. "Back in my day ..." 4
32A 62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion" 4
33A 63. Greek salad morsel 5
34A 64. Gave the green light 4
35A 65. Catches red-handed 4
36A 66. "Duly ___" 5
37A 67. They go for bucks 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Meh"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: claptrap, rant, fustian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Labors like the Seven Dwarfs"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
  • Similar words include: mine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Looped in via email"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Covid-19, colloquially"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Brand acquired by Hasbro in 1998"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Mauna Loa output"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Car with a logo similar to the Olympic rings"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Start of a counting rhyme"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Slightly"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Honorable conduct on the field"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fairness in following the rules of the game
  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORTSMANSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Recluses"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one retired from society for religious reasons
  • Similar words include: troglodyte, solitary, hermit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERMITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. On-schedule"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that before a time limit expires
  • Similar words include: well-timed, seasonably, seasonable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Musician's gift"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, capitulum, auricle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Super Mario character with a mushroom for a head"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
  • Similar words include: frog, salientian, anuran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fish eggs"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kid around"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: jocularity, laugh, joke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. When hunting restrictions are lifted"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Epic poem originally passed down orally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a greek epic poem (attributed to homer) describing the siege of troy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. CPR expert"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Pretense"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the side that is forward or prominent
  • Similar words include: battlefront, front line, straw man
  • Opposite of: rear, back
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRONT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Carnival diversion requiring precision"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. One-named singer who lives in an Irish castle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Bikini season, in Bordeaux"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. "Hmm ... I pass""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Word before data or deal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for nakedness
  • Similar words include: stark naked, naked as a jaybird, new
  • Opposite of: cooked
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Peak in the Alaska Range"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain in south central alaska; the highest peak in north america (20,300 feet high)
  • Similar words include: Mount McKinley, Mt. McKinley, McKinley
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Slender e-cig"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. "You're free to criticize it" ... or a comment one might make about 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Genderqueer identity, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Windowside perches"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states operatic soprano (born in 1929)
  • Similar words include: Beverly Sills, sill, Belle Miriam Silverman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. "Back in my day ...""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: one time, at one time, erst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Instrument also called the "sprightly companion""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Greek salad morsel"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: Olea europaea, European olive tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Gave the green light"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Catches red-handed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: cop, nail, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. "Duly ___""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make mention of
  • Similar words include: far-famed, take down, remark
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. They go for bucks"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: perform, Department of Energy, behave
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Brazen 5
2D 2. Jeweler's magnifying glass 5
3D 3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna 5
4D 4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos 9
5D 5. Distinguished conductor 7
6D 6. Agenda topics 5
7D 7. Nickname for grandma 4
8D 8. Environmental activist Brockovich 4
9D 9. Naps, in Nicaragua 7
10D 10. ___ to fame 5
11D 11. One preferring purrs to pooches 9
12D 12. Actress Mendes 3
13D 13. "Old man" 3
14D 21. Spanish aunt 3
15D 22. 720p+ resolution, informally 5
16D 25. Bonkers 5
17D 26. Gossip, from the Yiddish 5
18D 28. It's kept by a metronome 5
19D 29. Not fooled by 4
20D 31. Meshed (with) 5
21D 32. Thrill 5
22D 33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom 9
23D 35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally 4
24D 36. "Is everything cool between us?" 9
25D 38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant 5
26D 42. "Them's fightin' words!" 7
27D 43. Talked up 7
28D 48. Arbor Day mo. 3
29D 50. "Now I remember" 5
30D 51. Part of a heart or faucet 5
31D 52. Japanese bread crumbs 5
32D 53. Host with a mic 5
33D 54. More than wants 5
34D 56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph 4
35D 57. Dart (about) 4
36D 58. Seemingly for-EH-ver 3
37D 59. Thunder setting, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Brazen"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively bold
  • Similar words include: cheeky, nervy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Jeweler's magnifying glass"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small magnifying glass (usually set in an eyepiece) used by jewelers and horologists
  • Similar words include: jeweler's loupe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOUPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Star Wars" series starring Diego Luna"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Music genre named for its voluminous dos"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Distinguished conductor"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artist of consummate skill
  • Similar words include: master
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAESTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Agenda topics"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: item, particular, token
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Nickname for grandma"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Environmental activist Brockovich"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Naps, in Nicaragua"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
  • Similar words include: siesta
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIESTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___ to fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
  • Similar words include: call, exact, title
  • Opposite of: forfeit, disclaim
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One preferring purrs to pooches"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Actress Mendes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Old man""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Spanish aunt"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. 720p+ resolution, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Bonkers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone deranged and possibly dangerous
  • Similar words include: round the bend, crackers, nuts
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Gossip, from the Yiddish"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YENTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. It's kept by a metronome"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
  • Similar words include: pacing, pace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Not fooled by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Meshed (with)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
  • Similar words include: correspond, change course, tally
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JIBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Thrill"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, intoxicate, pick up
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Jay's reticent partner of filmdom"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Ivy League school with a dolphin on its coat of arms, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that englishman and quaker who founded the colony of pennsylvania (1644-1718)
  • Similar words include: Pennsylvania, William Penn, University of Pennsylvania
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "Is everything cool between us?""

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Nonmedical childbirth assistant"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
  • Similar words include: monitrice, labor coach, birthing coach
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOULA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. "Them's fightin' words!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Talked up"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express approval of
  • Similar words include: praise
  • Opposite of: criticize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAISED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Arbor Day mo."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "50. "Now I remember""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Part of a heart or faucet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in a hollow organ (like the heart) with a flap to insure one-way flow of fluid through it
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VALVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Japanese bread crumbs"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Host with a mic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. More than wants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: demand, necessitate, postulate
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Rural structure seen in a Grant Wood lithograph"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cylindrical tower used for storing silage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Dart (about)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden quick movement
  • Similar words include: fleet, dart, flutter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Seemingly for-EH-ver"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longest division of geological time
  • Similar words include: aeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Thunder setting, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 23, 2026 at 08:42 AM