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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 30, 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. Professional wrestler's takedown 4
2A 5. Halt, to a horse 4
3A 9. "You've ___ this!" 3
4A 12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer 5
5A 14. Devout 5
6A 15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits 3
7A 16. Big name in pain relief 5
8A 17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him 5
9A 18. Anti-trafficking agcy. 3
10A 19. *Knack for success 10
11A 21. Makes angry, old-style 4
12A 22. Reveal 5
13A 23. Still on the run 7
14A 25. Something grilled at a tailgating party 4
15A 27. *Source of ongoing income, informally 10
16A 29. Do more work on, as a farrier might 6
17A 31. Slow-moving tree-dweller 5
18A 32. Landscape photographer Adams 5
19A 33. Green-lights 3
20A 34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse" 5
21A 38. Warning before your breaking point? 5
22A 40. Fund-raising drive participants 6
23A 41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows" 10
24A 45. Mothers in a flock 4
25A 46. Plans (to) 7
26A 47. Ctrl+V action 5
27A 49. Dragon's den 4
28A 50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues 10
29A 54. What the prefix "omni-" means 3
30A 55. Easily broken 5
31A 56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast 5
32A 57. Rolled randomizer 3
33A 58. Like some martinis and jokes 5
34A 59. Sweat ___ 5
35A 60. "Sure thing!" 3
36A 61. Workers in a colony 4
37A 62. Made haste 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Professional wrestler's takedown"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
  • Similar words include: bang, mosh, sweep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Halt, to a horse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "You've ___ this!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: bring, experience, aim
  • Opposite of: take away, end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  • Opposite of: impious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: one and only, I, nonpareil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Big name in pain relief"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks aleve and anaprox and aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
  • Similar words include: Anaprox, naproxen sodium, Aflaxen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Anti-trafficking agcy."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Makes angry, old-style"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Something grilled at a tailgating party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very troublesome child
  • Similar words include: little terror, bratwurst, terror
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. *Source of ongoing income, informally"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Do more work on, as a farrier might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Slow-moving tree-dweller"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: laziness, slothfulness, tree sloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, okey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient numidian town in northwestern africa adjoining present-day annaba in northeastern algeria
  • Similar words include: river horse, hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIPPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Warning before your breaking point?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Fund-raising drive participants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that person who makes a gift of property
  • Similar words include: conferrer, bestower, presenter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in mind as a purpose
  • Similar words include: intend, mean, specify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
  • Similar words include: glue, library paste, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. What the prefix "omni-" means"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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: totally, wholly, altogether
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs; between 50 and 75 pounds
  • Similar words include: fallible, weak, delicate
  • Opposite of: robust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that region of western asia minor colonized by ancient greeks
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: kick the bucket, give way, pop off
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Like some martinis and jokes"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make soiled, filthy, or dirty
  • Similar words include: cheating, begrime, pestiferous
  • Opposite of: clean
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
  • Similar words include: secreter, secretor, secretory organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. "Sure thing!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

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!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 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, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move faster
  • Similar words include: quicken, hie, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Meat sold in a can 4
2D 2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song 4
3D 3. Vessel for a pub pint 8
4D 4. *Where new features are released? 12
5D 5. Nintendo Switch predecessor 4
6D 6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!" 8
7D 7. Really should 7
8D 8. Total jerk 3
9D 9. Suddenly cease all communication 6
10D 10. Tightly wound, maybe 6
11D 11. Mad Hatter's collection 6
12D 13. Breakaway group 4
13D 14. Word after smart or flip 5
14D 20. Thick book 4
15D 21. *Metal lathes and drill presses 12
16D 24. Printmaking process, for short 5
17D 25. Supportive undergarment 3
18D 26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain 3
19D 28. Extend an invitation for 5
20D 30. Bygone 5
21D 33. Get the better of 8
22D 35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say 8
23D 36. Historic introduction? 3
24D 37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group 3
25D 39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps 7
26D 40. Historic Normandy date 4
27D 41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman 6
28D 42. Bad way to get caught 6
29D 43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You" 6
30D 44. In an appropriate way 5
31D 48. Big gulp 4
32D 51. Cherry discards 4
33D 52. Break bread 4
34D 53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth 4
35D 55. Medicine-approving grp. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Meat sold in a can"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Vessel for a pub pint"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. *Where new features are released?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: piece of ass, roll in the hay, As
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mad Hatter's collection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Word after smart or flip"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
  • Similar words include: call, speech sound, earpiece
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. *Metal lathes and drill presses"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Printmaking process, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat through cleverness and wit
  • Similar words include: circumvent, outfox, outwit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTSMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: OS, bone, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english noblewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Bad way to get caught"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright that is a member in a door or window frame
  • Similar words include: stile
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • Similar words include: capably, ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Similar words include: quaff, slug, draught
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: pitfall, stone, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Medicine-approving grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
  • Similar words include: Food and Drug Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 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: June 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM

Sunday, May 24, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Second attempt 4
2A 5. Hunk of marble, e.g. 4
3A 9. Very proficient 5
4A 14. What many plants do in the heat 4
5A 18. Neighbor of Turkmenistan 4
6A 19. Word with happy or half 4
7A 20. Unusual trinket 5
8A 21. ___ furniture 5
9A 22. Stoical British guys? 15
10A 25. Creative spark, in slang 5
11A 26. Avoid 6
12A 27. Sleepover challenge 4
13A 28. It's made with grains 7
14A 30. They twist beneath the surface 4
15A 31. Poles support this 4
16A 33. Prefix with watt 4
17A 34. "___ Miz" 3
18A 35. Assortment 5
19A 37. "The skin cream you're using must be Neutrogena or CeraVe!"? 14
20A 40. Hollywood's Johnny 4
21A 41. Stuck in the mud 5
22A 43. Fitting 3
23A 44. Baseball legend who dated J.Lo 4
24A 45. Lying on 4
25A 46. Tai ___ 3
26A 47. Filthy, in slang 5
27A 49. Like 2026, but not 2025 4
28A 51. Pined for an ex-boyfriend? 11
29A 55. Awl, for one 4
30A 57. Richard of "Pretty Woman" 4
31A 58. Grasp 3
32A 59. Muscle below a delt 3
33A 60. [Pow!] 4
34A 62. Save the Children, e.g., in brief 3
35A 63. Roughly 4
36A 64. Exasperated television producer's plea? 15
37A 68. '20s architecture style 4
38A 71. Bridal line 3
39A 72. They can be candied 4
40A 73. HVAC measure 3
41A 74. Molecule with the nucleotides G, U, A and C 3
42A 77. The Arabian Sea's Gulf of ___ 4
43A 78. Pickle type 4
44A 80. Reach out to people born between July 23 and August 22? 11
45A 83. When repeated, "Oh, please" 4
46A 84. Phrase on a Spanish candy heart 5
47A 86. ___ carte 3
48A 87. Sister of Osiris 4
49A 88. Actress Ryan of the "Star Trek" franchise 4
50A 90. "Me?!" 3
51A 91. Like milk that isn't worth crying over 5
52A 93. Warning after a slice 4
53A 94. Good name for a salon specializing in mani-pedis? 14
54A 98. Floppy hat 5
55A 99. Aromatherapist's workplace 3
56A 100. Common forecast in Portland 4
57A 101. Struggling to decide 4
58A 102. Musical group? 4
59A 103. Princess Leia or Hester Prynne 7
60A 105. Visitor center handouts 4
61A 107. City west of Montreal 6
62A 110. Worship 5
63A 111. Loading the dishes and unloading the dishes, e.g.? 15
64A 116. Agitated 5
65A 117. Selfish person 5
66A 118. Coin, commonly 4
67A 119. Stink 4
68A 120. Pen ___ (corresponding pair) 4
69A 121. Like the strawberry champagne in Bruno Mars's "That's What I Like" 5
70A 122. Neuter's partner 4
71A 123. Tibetan oxen 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Second attempt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: refashion, make over, remake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Hunk of marble, e.g."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Very proficient"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: wizard, superstar, practiced
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. What many plants do in the heat"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant disease characterized by drooping and shriveling; usually caused by parasites attacking the roots
  • Similar words include: wilting, droop, wilt disease
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Neighbor of Turkmenistan"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Islamic Republic of Iran, Persia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Word with happy or half"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
  • Similar words include: hr, 60 minutes, time of day
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Unusual trinket"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting
  • Similar words include: rarity, curiosity, peculiarity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. ___ furniture"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
  • Similar words include: terrace
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Stoical British guys?"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Creative spark, in slang"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Avoid"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  • Similar words include: shun
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESCHEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Sleepover challenge"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, daring, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. It's made with grains"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. They twist beneath the surface"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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
  • Similar words include: eel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Poles support this"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
  • Similar words include: encamp, camp out, camp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Prefix with watt"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. "___ Miz""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: lupus erythematosus, LE
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Assortment"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an orderly arrangement
  • Similar words include: range, set out, lay out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. "The skin cream you're using must be Neutrogena or CeraVe!"?"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THATSSONOTOLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Hollywood's Johnny"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Stuck in the mud"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to get stuck as if in a mire
  • Similar words include: muck, bog down, get stuck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Fitting"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: disposed, pertinent, given
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Baseball legend who dated J.Lo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Lying on"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Tai ___"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the circulating life energy that in chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
  • Similar words include: qi, ch'i, ki
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Filthy, in slang"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Like 2026, but not 2025"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
  • Similar words include: flush, evening, regular
  • Opposite of: odd, uneven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Pined for an ex-boyfriend?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Awl, for one"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used in the practice of a vocation
  • Similar words include: creature, instrument, joyride
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Richard of "Pretty Woman""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Grasp"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: take care, visualise, meet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Muscle below a delt"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
  • Similar words include: latissimus dorsi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. [Pow!]"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: whop, wallop, whack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Save the Children, e.g., in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: nongovernmental organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Roughly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Exasperated television producer's plea?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. '20s architecture style"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
  • Similar words include: art deco
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "71. Bridal line"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "72. They can be candied"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant, yam
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "73. HVAC measure"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure; equivalent to 251.997 calories
  • Similar words include: British thermal unit, B.Th.U.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "74. Molecule with the nucleotides G, U, A and C"

3 letters Category: Common Word

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!

42A: "77. The Arabian Sea's Gulf of ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the arabian peninsula; the economy is dominated by oil
  • Similar words include: Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Oman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "78. Pickle type"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic old world herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning
  • Similar words include: Anethum graveolens, dill weed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "80. Reach out to people born between July 23 and August 22?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "83. When repeated, "Oh, please""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
  • Similar words include: do, ejaculate, fall
  • Opposite of: leave, go
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "84. Phrase on a Spanish candy heart"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "86. ___ carte"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "87. Sister of Osiris"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian goddess of fertility; daughter of geb; sister and wife of osiris
  • Similar words include: ISI, Inter-Services Intelligence, Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "88. Actress Ryan of the "Star Trek" franchise"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "90. "Me?!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "91. Like milk that isn't worth crying over"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container
  • Similar words include: slop, shed, disgorge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "93. Warning after a slice"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that front part of a vessel or aircraft
  • Similar words include: stem, prow, bow
  • Opposite of: aft
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "94. Good name for a salon specializing in mani-pedis?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRSTCLASSNAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "98. Floppy hat"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cap with no brim or bill; made of soft cloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BERET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "99. Aromatherapist's workplace"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, watering place, health spa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "100. Common forecast in Portland"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: rain down, rainwater, pelting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "101. Struggling to decide"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that separate or cause to separate abruptly
  • Similar words include: snap, deplumate, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "102. Musical group?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actors in a play
  • Similar words include: chuck, roam, rove
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "103. Princess Leia or Hester Prynne"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main good female character in a work of fiction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEROINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "105. Visitor center handouts"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
  • Similar words include: map, represent, single-valued function
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "107. City west of Montreal"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the algonquian people of southern ontario
  • Similar words include: capital of Canada, Outaouais, Ottawa river
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTTAWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "110. Worship"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "111. Loading the dishes and unloading the dishes, e.g.?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "116. Agitated"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "117. Selfish person"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who accepts an offer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "118. Coin, commonly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate
  • Similar words include: phonograph record, phonograph recording, saucer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "119. Stink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
  • Similar words include: stench, smell, fetor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "120. Pen ___ (corresponding pair)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum up, sidekick, chum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69A: "121. Like the strawberry champagne in Bruno Mars's "That's What I Like""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70A: "122. Neuter's partner"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: alter, castrate, neuter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71A: "123. Tibetan oxen"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yack, Bos grunniens, gab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. White bed, perhaps 4
2D 2. Love god 4
3D 3. Stance that resembles a ballerina on one leg 10
4D 4. Using Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, etc. 9
5D 5. "The Conners" and "The Jeffersons" 5
6D 6. Common palindromic text 3
7D 7. "___ Lang Syne" 4
8D 8. "Relax. Calm yourself" 7
9D 9. One of two found on résumés? 6
10D 10. "Of course!" 3
11D 11. Distinct period 3
12D 12. Domino dot 3
13D 13. Add at no extra cost 6
14D 14. Sorcerer's stick 4
15D 15. "We're toast!" 10
16D 16. Experts in body language? 10
17D 17. Foot, cutesily 6
18D 21. Something a child takes a swing at 6
19D 23. Count (on) 4
20D 24. Really not look forward to 5
21D 29. Earlier 3
22D 32. Ruler in Russian history 4
23D 33. Finished 7
24D 35. President in 1800 5
25D 36. Knot again 5
26D 37. Windy City paper, with "the" 4
27D 38. Trouble ___ 4
28D 39. Only U.S. state whose flag features a different design on each side (the back is a beaver!) 6
29D 41. N.H.L. star Connor ___ 7
30D 42. "Awful! Awful! Awful!" 8
31D 47. Relative of an alpaca 7
32D 48. Accessory used in some stretches 8
33D 50. Paleo- : old :: ___ : new 3
34D 52. Pharmacist Lilly 3
35D 53. She may have a little lamb 3
36D 54. Sailor's opener 4
37D 56. Feline that a neighbor may find 7
38D 61. Note to staff 4
39D 64. They're toast 6
40D 65. Supervillain in "Fantastic Four" comics 7
41D 66. XXX-XX-XXXX ID 3
42D 67. Away from the office 3
43D 68. OB/GYN, e.g. 3
44D 69. Online reference with many faces 10
45D 70. Miniature photo gallery 10
46D 74. Touristy destination 10
47D 75. Bête ___ 5
48D 76. Insider, in spy lingo 5
49D 79. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants" 4
50D 81. Follow closely 4
51D 82. Individual account? 9
52D 85. Spray, in a way 4
53D 89. "It was my best effort" 6
54D 91. Wrap name 5
55D 92. Parts of card-swiping machines 7
56D 94. G flat's equivalent 6
57D 95. Pink-slip 3
58D 96. Misinformed, say 6
59D 97. "Stop!" 6
60D 98. Place for miniature boats 4
61D 102. Arrogant 5
62D 104. Sources of lead or gold 4
63D 106. Cut quickly 4
64D 108. Half of a fortnight 4
65D 109. Invites 4
66D 112. "Mean Girls" character Janis ___ 3
67D 113. Jet ___ 3
68D 114. Jiff 3
69D 115. It may request that you remove your coat, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. White bed, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished
  • Similar words include: Timothy Miles Bindon Rice, Sir Tim Rice, Elmer Rice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Love god"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
  • Similar words include: sexual desire, concupiscence, physical attraction
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Stance that resembles a ballerina on one leg"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Using Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, etc."

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "The Conners" and "The Jeffersons""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
  • Similar words include: demo, evidence, render
  • Opposite of: disprove, hide
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOWS

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6D: "6. Common palindromic text"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. "___ Lang Syne""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a scottish word
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AULD

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8D: "8. "Relax. Calm yourself""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
  • Similar words include: suspire, emit, catch one's breath
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BREATHE

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9D: "9. One of two found on résumés?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive manner of oral expression
  • Similar words include: emphasis, accentuate, dialect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCENT

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10D: "10. "Of course!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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11D: "11. Distinct period"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Domino dot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: spot, whip, rack up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIP

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13D: "13. Add at no extra cost"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Sorcerer's stick"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rod used by a magician or water diviner
  • Similar words include: scepter, baton, verge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAND

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15D: "15. "We're toast!""

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Experts in body language?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. Foot, cutesily"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "21. Something a child takes a swing at"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plaything consisting of a container filled with toys and candy; suspended from a height for blindfolded children to break with sticks
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINATA

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19D: "23. Count (on)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have confidence or faith in
  • Similar words include: trust, swear, bank
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELY

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20D: "24. Really not look forward to"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fearful expectation or anticipation
  • Similar words include: dreadful, apprehension, frightening
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREAD

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21D: "29. Earlier"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "32. Ruler in Russian history"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "33. Finished"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "35. President in 1800"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that american revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the boston tea party and signer of the declaration of independence (1722-1803)
  • Similar words include: ecstasy, XTC, Mount Adams
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAMS

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25D: "36. Knot again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tie again or anew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETIE

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26D: "37. Windy City paper, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "38. Trouble ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: spy, maculation, smudge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

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28D: "39. Only U.S. state whose flag features a different design on each side (the back is a beaver!)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: Beaver State, OR
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREGON

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29D: "41. N.H.L. star Connor ___"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "42. "Awful! Awful! Awful!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "47. Relative of an alpaca"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: Lama guanicoe
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUANACO

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32D: "48. Accessory used in some stretches"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "50. Paleo- : old :: ___ : new"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

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34D: "52. Pharmacist Lilly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "53. She may have a little lamb"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

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36D: "54. Sailor's opener"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "56. Feline that a neighbor may find"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "61. Note to staff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "64. They're toast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person in desperate straits; someone doomed
  • Similar words include: goner, toast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GONERS

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40D: "65. Supervillain in "Fantastic Four" comics"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "66. XXX-XX-XXXX ID"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "67. Away from the office"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
  • Similar words include: come out, come out of the closet, prohibited
  • Opposite of: safe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUT

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43D: "68. OB/GYN, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Similar words include: Department of Commerce, physician, Commerce Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOC

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44D: "69. Online reference with many faces"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "70. Miniature photo gallery"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "74. Touristy destination"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "75. Bête ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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48D: "76. Insider, in spy lingo"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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

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49D: "79. So-called "Land of a Million Elephants""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laotian, Lao
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

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50D: "81. Follow closely"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
  • Similar words include: backside, stern, tag
  • Opposite of: head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAIL

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51D: "82. Individual account?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "85. Spray, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: fog, obscure, haze over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIST

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53D: "89. "It was my best effort""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "91. Wrap name"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various thermoplastic resins used to make things
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAN

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55D: "92. Parts of card-swiping machines"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "94. G flat's equivalent"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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57D: "95. Pink-slip"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: bathroom, backside, stern
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

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58D: "96. Misinformed, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "97. "Stop!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "98. Place for miniature boats"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)
  • Similar words include: bathtub, bathe, bathroom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATH

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61D: "102. Arrogant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overly self-confident or self-assertive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCKY

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62D: "104. Sources of lead or gold"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

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63D: "106. Cut quickly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
  • Similar words include: nip off, snippet, lop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIP

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64D: "108. Half of a fortnight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any period of seven consecutive days
  • Similar words include: calendar week, workweek, hebdomad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEK

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65D: "109. Invites"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: take, ask, demand
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKS

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66D: "112. "Mean Girls" character Janis ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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67D: "113. Jet ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

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68D: "114. Jiff"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: Securities and Exchange Commission, s, unsweet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEC

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69D: "115. It may request that you remove your coat, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

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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

71 Across Clues
69 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 24, 2026 at 06:49 AM