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Thursday, April 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 09, 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. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo 5
2A 6. Live the single man's life, slangily 6
3A 12. Part of some box sets 3
4A 15. Pungent 5
5A 16. Stick (to) 6
6A 17. Joey of kid-lit 3
7A 18. One with thick skin, notably 5
8A 19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish 10
9A 21. Charlatan 5
10A 22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly 4
11A 23. "Stay" singer Lisa 4
12A 24. In unison 5
13A 26. To an extreme degree 7
14A 29. [Oh no!] 4
15A 32. Stone that's often carved 4
16A 34. "And you ___ ...?" 3
17A 35. "No, thanks" 7
18A 37. Tiny pieces of technology 8
19A 42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole 5
20A 43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool 4
21A 45. Tone used to create an antique vibe 5
22A 46. So darling 8
23A 48. Scare the bejesus out of 7
24A 50. Lead-in to Pen 3
25A 51. Speck in the sea 4
26A 53. Zebras in the field? 4
27A 54. Article of summer wear 7
28A 58. On which to watch the Beeb 5
29A 60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters 4
30A 61. Bring home 4
31A 63. In base eight 5
32A 67. Oil bigwig? 10
33A 70. Cease-fire 5
34A 71. Bit of ticket info 3
35A 72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway 6
36A 73. Shadow 5
37A 74. ___-Man 3
38A 75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet 6
39A 76. Aerodynamic, maybe 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Live the single man's life, slangily"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Part of some box sets"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Pungent"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong and sharp
  • Similar words include: blistering, caustic, sulphurous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stick (to)"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
  • Similar words include: stick by, bind, hold fast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Joey of kid-lit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. One with thick skin, notably"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast asia and africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
  • Similar words include: rhinoceros
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Charlatan"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
  • Similar words include: stumper, toughie, sticker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Stay" singer Lisa"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states physiologist (born in germany) who did research on parthenogenesis (1859-1924)
  • Similar words include: Jacques Loeb
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. In unison"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. To an extreme degree"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used as intensifiers
  • Similar words include: abysmally, rottenly, dreadfully
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWFULLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. [Oh no!]"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
  • Similar words include: pant, puff, heave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Stone that's often carved"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
  • Similar words include: wear down, tire, hussy
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. "And you ___ ...?""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: represent, ar, exist
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. "No, thanks""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Tiny pieces of technology"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
  • Similar words include: plunk down, plank, plump down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Tone used to create an antique vibe"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shade of brown with a tinge of red
  • Similar words include: reddish brown, burnt sienna, mahogany
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. So darling"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having characteristics that attract love or affection
  • Similar words include: lovable
  • Opposite of: hateful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOVEABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Scare the bejesus out of"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to become stonelike or stiff or dazed and stunned
  • Similar words include: rigidify, ossify, lapidify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETRIFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Lead-in to Pen"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Similar words include: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Speck in the sea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Zebras in the field?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Similar words include: referee, ref
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Article of summer wear"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. On which to watch the Beeb"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
  • Similar words include: television set, tv set, television receiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Bring home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: bring in, pull in, clear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. In base eight"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Oil bigwig?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Cease-fire"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
  • Similar words include: cease-fire, armistice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Bit of ticket info"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: words, dustup, wrangle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Shadow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. ___-Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, pismire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: six, half a dozen, 6
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "76. Aerodynamic, maybe"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make slick or smooth
  • Similar words include: flowing, satiny, silken
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. John Irving's "The World According to ___" 4
2D 2. Número that's half of dieciséis 4
3D 3. Anatomical ring 4
4D 4. Dessert with rings on top, literally 23
5D 5. Features of leftovers, at times 5
6D 6. Dessert in a boat, literally 11
7D 7. Found darling 6
8D 8. Jimmy known for shoes 4
9D 9. "___ Gabler" (Ibsen play) 5
10D 10. Opposite of virtually, to texters 3
11D 11. Ball bearer 3
12D 12. [That looks so delicious!] 5
13D 13. "Wheel of Fortune" purchase 5
14D 14. Big name in surround sound 5
15D 20. Dessert with a streusel-like topping, literally 16
16D 25. Drinks with or without pulp, for short 3
17D 27. Peaked 3
18D 28. Cold-weather coat 5
19D 29. Follower of "Gossip" or "Gone" 4
20D 30. Potatoes, in some Asian cuisines 4
21D 31. Pole, e.g. 4
22D 33. Music producer Brian 3
23D 36. "Intelligence is the ability to ___ to change": Stephen Hawking 5
24D 38. Triangular dessert, literally 13
25D 39. Early Ron Howard TV role 4
26D 40. Small squabble 4
27D 41. Comments 4
28D 44. Aromatic bit of attire 3
29D 47. Some text beneath a headshot, in brief 3
30D 49. Fish that may return to the ocean to spawn 3
31D 52. Flashing light 6
32D 54. Accessory on "Downton Abbey" or "Bridgerton" 5
33D 55. So-called "Rubber City," home of Goodyear 5
34D 56. Cereal box abbr. 5
35D 57. Sounds of laughter 5
36D 59. Pose for which you must plant your body on the mat? 5
37D 62. Working hard 4
38D 64. Lipstick unit 4
39D 65. It's a lot! 4
40D 66. Damage caused by a mole, maybe 4
41D 68. Syllables of hesitation 3
42D 69. "Norma ___" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. John Irving's "The World According to ___""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Número that's half of dieciséis"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anatomical ring"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: flag, iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Dessert with rings on top, literally"

23 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINEAPPLEUPSIDEDOWNCAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Features of leftovers, at times"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Similar words include: odor, olfactory perception, smell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Dessert in a boat, literally"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Found darling"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Similar words include: worshipped, idolized, idolised
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Jimmy known for shoes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "___ Gabler" (Ibsen play)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Opposite of virtually, to texters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ball bearer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. [That looks so delicious!]"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pretentious or silly talk or writing
  • Similar words include: drivel, taradiddle, tarradiddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Wheel of Fortune" purchase"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech sound made with the vocal tract open
  • Similar words include: vowel sound
  • Opposite of: consonant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Big name in surround sound"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states electrical engineer who devised the dolby system used to reduce background noise in tape recording
  • Similar words include: Ray M. Dolby
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Dessert with a streusel-like topping, literally"

16 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLUEBERRYCRUMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Drinks with or without pulp, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Peaked"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
  • Similar words include: pallid, wide area network, pale
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Cold-weather coat"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
  • Similar words include: ice, Robert Lee Frost, rime
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FROST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Follower of "Gossip" or "Gone""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: miss, daughter, female child
  • Opposite of: male child, son
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Potatoes, in some Asian cuisines"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Pole, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any member of the people of eastern europe or asian russia who speak a slavonic language
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Music producer Brian"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "Intelligence is the ability to ___ to change": Stephen Hawking"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
  • Similar words include: conform, adjust, accommodate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Triangular dessert, literally"

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Early Ron Howard TV role"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Small squabble"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quarrel about petty points
  • Similar words include: fuss, bickering, spat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Comments"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: enunciate, allege, say
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Aromatic bit of attire"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Some text beneath a headshot, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Fish that may return to the ocean to spawn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Flashing light"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object; can make moving object appear stationary
  • Similar words include: strobe light, stroboscope
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Accessory on "Downton Abbey" or "Bridgerton""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. So-called "Rubber City," home of Goodyear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northeastern ohio; the heart of the united states rubber industry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Cereal box abbr."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Sounds of laughter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
  • Similar words include: peal, roll, ring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Pose for which you must plant your body on the mat?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that native to eastern asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: genus Lotus, Nymphaea lotus, Egyptian water lily
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Working hard"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. Lipstick unit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
  • Similar words include: subway system, thermionic tube, underground
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. It's a lot!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Akka, Akko, Accho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Damage caused by a mole, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
  • Similar words include: leakage, wetting, passing water
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Syllables of hesitation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "69. "Norma ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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
42 Down Clues
81 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: April 09, 2026 at 05:27 AM

Friday, January 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 16, 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. Coming-out party? 10
2A 11. Finish (up) 4
3A 15. "Hello-o-o?" 10
4A 16. Dialect featured in the literature of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, for short 4
5A 17. Scenario calling for self-reliance 10
6A 18. Summer flier 4
7A 19. Classic 1926 poem associated with the Harlem Renaissance 4
8A 20. Do some cleaning 4
9A 21. Creatures that can turn into humans on land, in Scottish folklore 5
10A 22. Sound around a summer cornfield 3
11A 23. Wood used for flooring 3
12A 24. Trunk item 6
13A 25. Shortest-reigning English monarch (9 days) 8
14A 28. Molecule that can self-splice 3
15A 29. Enthusiasm-curbing 6
16A 32. "Here we go!" 8
17A 34. Uncovered 4
18A 35. Some cuts of meat 5
19A 37. Tennis great who had a tennis scholarship from U.C.L.A. 4
20A 38. Place for trading stories? 8
21A 40. Diverts 6
22A 42. It takes a long time to get this 3
23A 43. Leading character on social media? 8
24A 45. White House partner, for short 6
25A 47. Assume, as costs 3
26A 48. Do some cleaning 3
27A 51. Market for currencies, informally 5
28A 52. Financial aid basis 4
29A 54. Hand count? 4
30A 55. Ian : Scotland :: ___ : Wales 4
31A 56. One might help you hitch a ride 10
32A 58. Parmesan cheese feature 4
33A 59. Novel whence the line "Four legs good, two legs bad" 10
34A 60. Rests 4
35A 61. They're green year-round 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Coming-out party?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Finish (up)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
  • Similar words include: roll, twine, enwrap
  • Opposite of: unwrap, unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. "Hello-o-o?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Dialect featured in the literature of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonstandard form of american english characteristically spoken by african americans in the united states
  • Similar words include: Black English Vernacular, Black Vernacular, Black Vernacular English
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Scenario calling for self-reliance"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Summer flier"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Classic 1926 poem associated with the Harlem Renaissance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Do some cleaning"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air
  • Similar words include: detritus, disperse, scatter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Creatures that can turn into humans on land, in Scottish folklore"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealskin, SEAL, cachet
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Sound around a summer cornfield"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by corvine birds
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Wood used for flooring"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: true fir, fir tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Trunk item"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Shortest-reigning English monarch (9 days)"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Molecule that can self-splice"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Enthusiasm-curbing"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
  • Similar words include: wear down, tire, fatigue
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. "Here we go!""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Uncovered"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: spread out, afford, heart-to-heart
  • Opposite of: covert, closed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Some cuts of meat"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the irregular motion of waves (usually caused by wind blowing in a direction opposite to the tide)
  • Similar words include: chop up, chopper, chop
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Tennis great who had a tennis scholarship from U.C.L.A."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states tennis player who was the first black to win united states and english singles championships (1943-1993)
  • Similar words include: Arthur Ashe, Arthur Robert Ashe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Place for trading stories?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fair organized by publishers or booksellers to promote the sale of books
  • Similar words include: book fair
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOKFAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Diverts"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
  • Similar words include: divert, disport, amuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. It takes a long time to get this"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: older, sure-enough, sometime
  • Opposite of: new, young
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Leading character on social media?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. White House partner, for short"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Assume, as costs"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: eat on, deplete, run through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Do some cleaning"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Market for currencies, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Financial aid basis"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: ask, call for, necessitate
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Hand count?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
  • Similar words include: quintuplet, quint, fin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Ian : Scotland :: ___ : Wales"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. One might help you hitch a ride"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Parmesan cheese feature"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Novel whence the line "Four legs good, two legs bad""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Rests"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: sit, pose, posture
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. They're green year-round"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bare-bones 5
2D 2. Oscar-winning musical role for Rita Moreno 5
3D 3. Already 5
4D 4. "The Memory Police" author ___ Ogawa 4
5D 5. Brand lead-in to Caps or Balls 3
6D 6. Unwieldy situation, metaphorically 11
7D 7. "As if!" 6
8D 8. Blows away 4
9D 9. Release 4
10D 10. Kind of cycle 3
11D 11. Listing on a W-2 form 5
12D 12. Stumbled upon 9
13D 13. Overwhelming amount 9
14D 14. Some terrarium denizens 9
15D 21. Declares 4
16D 23. Tai chi accessory 3
17D 24. Receives unfair criticism 11
18D 25. Nimble, zigzagging maneuver 4
19D 26. Best Original Song Oscar winner from 2014's "Selma" 5
20D 27. P.E. unit 3
21D 29. Invitations to come on board 9
22D 30. First NASA mission broadcast live from orbit 9
23D 31. Secret offering? 9
24D 33. Julia of "The Addams Family" 4
25D 36. ___ Excellency 3
26D 39. Like leatherette 4
27D 41. Witticism 3
28D 44. Start of a secret invitation, perhaps 6
29D 46. Leans 5
30D 48. Locale of a semiannual fashion week 5
31D 49. Opposite of subtle 5
32D 50. Makes do for a while? 5
33D 52. Gram, by another name 4
34D 53. Composer Satie 4
35D 54. Goal-oriented global org.? 4
36D 56. Half-___ 3
37D 57. Totally 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bare-bones"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
  • Similar words include: staple, canonical, canonic
  • Opposite of: incidental
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oscar-winning musical role for Rita Moreno"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Already"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "The Memory Police" author ___ Ogawa"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Brand lead-in to Caps or Balls"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Unwieldy situation, metaphorically"

11 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "As if!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Blows away"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a joke that seems extremely funny
  • Similar words include: sidesplitter, scream, belly laugh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Release"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel (gases or odors)
  • Similar words include: give off, pass off, utter
  • Opposite of: absorb
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Kind of cycle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
  • Similar words include: rapid eye movement, paradoxical sleep, REM sleep
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Listing on a W-2 form"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
  • Similar words include: reward, waggle, earnings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Stumbled upon"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Overwhelming amount"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain
  • Similar words include: roll down
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVALANCHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Some terrarium denizens"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Declares"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: enunciate, enjoin, pronounce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Tai chi accessory"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: lover, buff, devotee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Receives unfair criticism"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Nimble, zigzagging maneuver"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Best Original Song Oscar winner from 2014's "Selma""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of high honor
  • Similar words include: glorification, nimbus, aureole
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLORY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. P.E. unit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal abbreviation of `representative'
  • Similar words include: repp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Invitations to come on board"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. First NASA mission broadcast live from orbit"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Secret offering?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toiletry applied to the skin in order to mask unpleasant odors
  • Similar words include: deodourant
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEODORANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Julia of "The Addams Family""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. ___ Excellency"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Like leatherette"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article
  • Similar words include: fake, imitation, simulated
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAUX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Witticism"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clever remark
  • Similar words include: Ministry of Transportation test, bon mot, MOT test
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Start of a secret invitation, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Leans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Similar words include: be given, run, tend
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Locale of a semiannual fashion week"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital of lombardy in northern italy; has been an international center of trade and industry since the middle ages
  • Similar words include: Milano
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Opposite of subtle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Makes do for a while?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in the european part of russia
  • Similar words include: permanent wave, permanent, Perm
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Gram, by another name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Composer Satie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Goal-oriented global org.?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Half-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Totally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: wholly, totally, entirely
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

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

35 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: January 16, 2026 at 04:13 AM