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Monday, September 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 28, 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. Widespread disorder 5
2A 6. Like the exteriors of armadillos 5
3A 11. Fall behind in payments 3
4A 14. Boxing locale 5
5A 15. Classic radio song 5
6A 16. Dessert with a crust 3
7A 17. Solid baseball hit 5
8A 18. Complete shocker 9
9A 20. Bicycle built for two 6
10A 22. Round Table title 3
11A 23. "___ time will tell" 4
12A 24. Prefix with physics or thermal 3
13A 25. Make into law 5
14A 27. Alternative to French fries 9
15A 31. Skill needed to solve sudoku 5
16A 35. Suffix with fail or forfeit 3
17A 36. Apple platform 3
18A 37. "Time flies like an [50-Down]; fruit flies like a ___" 6
19A 38. With 41-Across, ball hit out of the park by the very first batter for either side ... or a hint to the starts of 18-, 27-, 46- and 60-Across 7
20A 41. See 38-Across 7
21A 42. Coconut Girl Scout cookies 6
22A 43. "La Cage ___ Folles" 3
23A 44. Frat member 3
24A 45. Liability's opposite 5
25A 46. Detonation region 9
26A 49. "___ I compare thee to a summer's day?": Shak. 5
27A 51. Before, poetically 3
28A 52. What's more 4
29A 55. Spoil 3
30A 56. Performs a stylish ballroom dance 6
31A 60. Tropical tree whose product is sometimes used as a meat substitute 9
32A 63. San Francisco ballplayer 5
33A 64. Actress de Armas 3
34A 65. "Take a look!" 5
35A 66. Helper for computer problems, informally 5
36A 67. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars" 3
37A 68. Stockholm native 5
38A 69. Pursue 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Widespread disorder"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that violent and needless disturbance
  • Similar words include: mayhem
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Like the exteriors of armadillos"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rough to the touch; covered with scales or scurf
  • Similar words include: scaled, leprose, scabrous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Fall behind in payments"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Boxing locale"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: bowl, scene of action, stadium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Classic radio song"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a song that was formerly popular
  • Similar words include: golden oldie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Dessert with a crust"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Similar words include: Proto-Indo European
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Solid baseball hit"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a hit that flies straight out from the batter
  • Similar words include: lining, ocean liner, line drive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Complete shocker"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an entertainer who has a sensational effect
  • Similar words include: thunderclap, thunderbolt
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOMBSHELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Bicycle built for two"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of two or more objects or persons one behind another
  • Similar words include: in tandem, tandem bicycle, bicycle-built-for-two
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANDEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Round Table title"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "___ time will tell""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being the only one; single and isolated from others
  • Similar words include: alone, exclusively, solitary
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Prefix with physics or thermal"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Make into law"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that order by virtue of superior authority; decree
  • Similar words include: reenact, ordain, act out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Alternative to French fries"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Skill needed to solve sudoku"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference
  • Similar words include: system of logic, logical system
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Suffix with fail or forfeit"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Apple platform"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a maiden seduced by zeus; when hera was about to discover them together zeus turned her into a white heifer
  • Similar words include: Io
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "Time flies like an [50-Down]; fruit flies like a ___""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits
  • Similar words include: banana tree
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. With 41-Across, ball hit out of the park by the very first batter for either side ... or a hint to the starts of 18-, 27-, 46- and 60-Across"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. See 38-Across"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Coconut Girl Scout cookies"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a constitutional monarchy on the western part of the islands of samoa in the south pacific
  • Similar words include: Samoa i Sisifo, Western Samoa, Samoa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMOAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. "La Cage ___ Folles""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Frat member"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Liability's opposite"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Detonation region"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "___ I compare thee to a summer's day?": Shak."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Before, poetically"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. What's more"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: likewise, besides, too
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Spoil"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Similar words include: decompose, guff, molder
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Performs a stylish ballroom dance"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ballroom dance of latin-american origin
  • Similar words include: tango
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Tropical tree whose product is sometimes used as a meat substitute"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that east indian tree cultivated for its immense edible fruit and seeds
  • Similar words include: jak, jack, Artocarpus heterophyllus
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JACKFRUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. San Francisco ballplayer"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any creature of exceptional size
  • Similar words include: titan, gargantuan, goliath
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Actress de Armas"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. "Take a look!""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Helper for computer problems, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Stockholm native"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of sweden
  • Similar words include: rutabaga, rutabaga plant, turnip cabbage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Pursue"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
  • Similar words include: pursuit, chamfer, chase after
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Stop!" 4
2D 2. Puccini's "O mio babbino caro," e.g. 4
3D 3. Kind of diagram with overlapping circles 4
4D 4. Antsy 6
5D 5. One's employment pursuit 6
6D 6. Bawl 3
7D 7. Places to hang clothes 7
8D 8. Forum overseers 6
9D 9. The Scales, zodiacally 5
10D 10. "Definitely!" 3
11D 11. Certain golf or tennis tournament 4
12D 12. Funny Ferrell or Rogers 4
13D 13. Slippery 4
14D 19. Scorcher 6
15D 21. Recurring thematic elements 6
16D 26. Happy as a ___ 4
17D 27. City NE of Oklahoma City 5
18D 28. Fields 5
19D 29. The N.H.L. has 32 5
20D 30. Cartoon brawl sound effect 3
21D 32. Actress Greta of "Queen Christina" 5
22D 33. Store, as ashes 5
23D 34. Dugout, e.g. 5
24D 37. Complete series, maybe 6
25D 39. Gets by 6
26D 40. Solemn vow 4
27D 41. ___ Guofeng, successor of Mao Zedong 3
28D 43. Like the score going into extra innings 7
29D 46. Top to accompany a skirt 6
30D 47. Like the fate of Ophelia 6
31D 48. Peak 6
32D 50. See 37-Across 5
33D 52. Cracked slightly, as a door 4
34D 53. Word following bike or memory 4
35D 54. Look at carefully 4
36D 57. "Shallow" singer Lady ___ 4
37D 58. Burden 4
38D 59. Ailment that aptly rhymes with "eye" 4
39D 61. N.F.L. three-pointers: Abbr. 3
40D 62. Top to accompany shorts 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "Stop!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Similar words include: lame, stoppage, stem
  • Opposite of: start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Puccini's "O mio babbino caro," e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Kind of diagram with overlapping circles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english logician who introduced venn diagrams (1834-1923)
  • Similar words include: John Venn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Antsy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. One's employment pursuit"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the particular occupation for which you are trained
  • Similar words include: life history, calling, vocation
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAREER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bawl"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dyspneic condition
  • Similar words include: bastard, asshole, sobbing
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Places to hang clothes"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
  • Similar words include: W.C., closet, loo
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Forum overseers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. The Scales, zodiacally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in libra
  • Similar words include: Balance, Libra the Scales, Libra the Balance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Definitely!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Certain golf or tennis tournament"

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: out-of-doors, give, heart-to-heart
  • Opposite of: closed, fold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Funny Ferrell or Rogers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Slippery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Scorcher"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Recurring thematic elements"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration
  • Similar words include: theme, motive, motif
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTIFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Happy as a ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
  • Similar words include: one dollar bill, dollar, buck
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. City NE of Oklahoma City"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a major city of northeastern oklahoma on the arkansas river; once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TULSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Fields"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. The N.H.L. has 32"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Cartoon brawl sound effect"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Actress Greta of "Queen Christina""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states film actress (born in sweden) known for her reclusiveness (1905-1990)
  • Similar words include: Greta Louisa Gustafsson, Greta Garbo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Store, as ashes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Dugout, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Complete series, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Gets by"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Solemn vow"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. ___ Guofeng, successor of Mao Zedong"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an islamic fundamentalist group in pakistan that fought the soviet union in afghanistan in the 1980s; now operates as a terrorist organization primarily in kashmir and seeks kashmir's accession by pakistan
  • Similar words include: HUM, Harkat ul-Ansar, Harkat ul-Mujahedeen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Like the score going into extra innings"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Top to accompany a skirt"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a top worn by women
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Like the fate of Ophelia"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction
  • Similar words include: tragical
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Peak"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
  • Opposite of: nadir
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZENITH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. See 37-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark to indicate a direction or relation
  • Similar words include: pointer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Cracked slightly, as a door"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly open
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AJAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Word following bike or memory"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Look at carefully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: skim, run down, read
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Shallow" singer Lady ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally or physically infirm with age
  • Similar words include: doddering, senile, dotty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Burden"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Similar words include: incumbrance, load, burden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Ailment that aptly rhymes with "eye""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: eye infection, hordeolum, sty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. N.F.L. three-pointers: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Top to accompany shorts"

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, golf tee, football tee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

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

38 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 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: 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. Important info to have while you're waiting in a cellphone lot, for short 3
2A 4. Fall or fell 6
3A 10. Cause of a sudden change in interest, informally? 4
4A 14. Close 4
5A 15. Pho soup garnishes 7
6A 16. Conduit of neural signals 4
7A 17. Early models 10
8A 19. Relative of a gull 4
9A 20. "Ain't gonna happen" 4
10A 21. Big bang cause 3
11A 22. Chilling 5
12A 24. The remotest of remote jobs? 9
13A 27. Kid 5
14A 28. Supermodel Banks 4
15A 29. Break into loud cheers, as a crowd 5
16A 31. Answer to "Who's ready to go?" 3
17A 33. Broadcast 3
18A 35. Uno + due 3
19A 36. Mononymous Irish singer 4
20A 37. Animated film that was the highest-grossing movie of 1992 7
21A 41. "Impossible!" 7
22A 43. Hibernation spots 4
23A 44. Dip target, maybe 3
24A 46. Things entered in a sudoku grid: Abbr. 3
25A 47. Messy dorm room, figuratively 3
26A 48. Fruits often seen in still lifes 5
27A 50. Take back, for short 4
28A 53. City haze 4
29A 55. Canine guard? 8
30A 57. Dishwasher cycle 5
31A 59. "A form of madness," it's said 3
32A 60. Actress Pinkett Smith of "Girls Trip" 4
33A 62. Singer/songwriter Mitchell 4
34A 63. Fruits named after a mythical drink 10
35A 66. Noted cartoon dog 5
36A 67. Its first video, "Me at the zoo," has over 400 million views 7
37A 68. State whose outline can be made by connecting seven particular squares in this puzzle 4
38A 69. Valley 4
39A 70. Give a once-over 6
40A 71. Crafty 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Important info to have while you're waiting in a cellphone lot, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Fall or fell"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fall down, as if collapsing
  • Similar words include: tip, tumble
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Cause of a sudden change in interest, informally?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Close"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
  • Similar words include: closed, exclude, shut out
  • Opposite of: admit, open
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Pho soup garnishes"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any new growth of a plant such as a new branch or a bud
  • Similar words include: bourgeon, stock, sprout
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPROUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Conduit of neural signals"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Early models"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a standard or typical example
  • Similar words include: prototype, image, paradigm
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROTOTYPES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Relative of a gull"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Ain't gonna happen""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Big bang cause"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Chilling"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. The remotest of remote jobs?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person trained to travel in a spacecraft
  • Similar words include: cosmonaut, spaceman
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTRONAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Kid"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young person (especially a young man or boy)
  • Similar words include: young, early days, spring chicken
  • Opposite of: aged
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOUTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Supermodel Banks"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Break into loud cheers, as a crowd"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start abruptly
  • Similar words include: flare, belch, burst
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Answer to "Who's ready to go?""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Broadcast"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: air out, melodic phrase, air travel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Uno + due"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Mononymous Irish singer"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Animated film that was the highest-grossing movie of 1992"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the arabian nights a boy who acquires a magic lamp from which he can summon a genie
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALADDIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Impossible!""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Hibernation spots"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Dip target, maybe"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Things entered in a sudoku grid: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Similar words include: No, no, nobelium
  • Opposite of: yes
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Messy dorm room, figuratively"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Fruits often seen in still lifes"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
  • Similar words include: pear tree, pear, Pyrus communis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Take back, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. City haze"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Canine guard?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
  • Similar words include: consideration, servant
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETAINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Dishwasher cycle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a liquid preparation used on wet hair to give it a tint
  • Similar words include: rinsing, wash, gargle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RINSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "A form of madness," it's said"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
  • Similar words include: warfare, state of war
  • Opposite of: make peace, peace
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Actress Pinkett Smith of "Girls Trip""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Singer/songwriter Mitchell"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Fruits named after a mythical drink"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that variety or mutation of the peach bearing fruit with smooth skin and (usually) yellow flesh
  • Similar words include: Prunus persica nectarina, nectarine tree, nectarine
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NECTARINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Noted cartoon dog"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cartoon character created by walt disney
  • Similar words include: Aides, Aidoneus, Hades
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Its first video, "Me at the zoo," has over 400 million views"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. State whose outline can be made by connecting seven particular squares in this puzzle"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Mormon State, Beehive State, UT
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Valley"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Give a once-over"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
  • Similar words include: value, appraise, tax
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "71. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Channel with "2" and "U" spinoffs 4
2D 2. Pharynx setting 6
3D 3. Post-mortem 7
4D 4. General on a Chinese menu 3
5D 5. Decide one will 5
6D 6. Hester of "The Scarlet Letter" 6
7D 7. Grab-and-go breakfast option 7
8D 8. Guitar relative 4
9D 9. Gas brand seen in Edward Hopper's "Portrait of Orleans" 4
10D 10. Betting odds, e.g. 5
11D 11. Concern for a gymnastics judge 9
12D 12. Certain pickleball shot 8
13D 13. Greenwich Village's Stonewall, e.g. 3
14D 18. Groups of four 7
15D 23. Paper competing with the W.S.J. 3
16D 25. Debugger? 4
17D 26. Remedy for a missed exit 5
18D 30. Lowly worker 4
19D 32. Farm sound 3
20D 34. Ready to eat 4
21D 36. Small hound that doesn't bark 7
22D 37. What a premium subscription may help you avoid 3
23D 38. "Time to go!" 8
24D 39. Very soon 9
25D 40. By 4
26D 42. What "Coco" is a nickname for, for tennis's Coco Gauff 4
27D 45. Military hairstyles 8
28D 48. Family-friendly movie ratings 3
29D 49. The Sphinx, for one 6
30D 51. Classic comic strip that's the source for nine Emmys and two Tonys 7
31D 52. Folding a fitted sheet, it may seem 6
32D 54. Edible bulb 5
33D 56. Many Moroccans 5
34D 58. Mononymous Irish singer 4
35D 61. Grayish 4
36D 62. Profile pic format, in brief 3
37D 64. Dawn deity 3
38D 65. In medias ___ 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Channel with "2" and "U" spinoffs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Pharynx setting"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the passage to the stomach and lungs; in the front part of the neck below the chin and above the collarbone
  • Similar words include: pharynx
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THROAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Post-mortem"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
  • Similar words include: post-mortem, PM, post-mortem examination
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUTOPSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. General on a Chinese menu"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Decide one will"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Hester of "The Scarlet Letter""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Grab-and-go breakfast option"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Guitar relative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
  • Similar words include: luting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Gas brand seen in Edward Hopper's "Portrait of Orleans""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Betting odds, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the relative magnitudes of two quantities (usually expressed as a quotient)
  • Similar words include: proportion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Concern for a gymnastics judge"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that putting a condemned person to death
  • Similar words include: instruction execution, writ of execution, execution of instrument
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXECUTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Certain pickleball shot"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) a return made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the stroke (as in tennis or badminton or squash)
  • Similar words include: forehanded, forehand stroke, forehand shot
  • Opposite of: backhand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOREHAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Greenwich Village's Stonewall, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: hostel, lodge, hostelry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Groups of four"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
  • Similar words include: IV, tetrad, quaternity
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TETRADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Paper competing with the W.S.J."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Debugger?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden short attack
  • Similar words include: foray, bust, maraud
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Remedy for a missed exit"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. Lowly worker"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
  • Similar words include: navvy, drudge, galley slave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "32. Farm sound"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
  • Similar words include: low
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "34. Ready to eat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: mature, good, advanced
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "36. Small hound that doesn't bark"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small smooth-haired breed of african origin having a tightly curled tail and the inability to bark
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASENJI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. What a premium subscription may help you avoid"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: ad, advert, advertizing
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. "Time to go!""

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Very soon"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. By"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: dear, draw near, approach
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. What "Coco" is a nickname for, for tennis's Coco Gauff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Military hairstyles"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Family-friendly movie ratings"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. The Sphinx, for one"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sculpture representing a human or animal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Classic comic strip that's the source for nine Emmys and two Tonys"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an insignificant sum of money; a trifling amount
  • Similar words include: peanut, goober, peanut vine
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEANUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Folding a fitted sheet, it may seem"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a severe or trying experience
  • Similar words include: trial by ordeal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Edible bulb"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: onion plant, Allium cepa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Many Moroccans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
  • Similar words include: Arab, Arabian
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Mononymous Irish singer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "61. Grayish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHY

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36D: "62. Profile pic format, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "64. Dawn deity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EOS

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38D: "65. In medias ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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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

40 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 16, 2026 at 08:43 AM