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Monday, August 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 03, 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. What's paid 4
2A 5. Slowpoke in a "mobile home" 5
3A 10. Figure that might be measured in acres 4
4A 14. What a diaper pail helps minimize 4
5A 15. ___ bear (cuddly toy) 5
6A 16. Device used in a lactation room 4
7A 17. Size between mini and maxi 4
8A 18. Humiliate 5
9A 19. Ancient Peruvian society 4
10A 20. Idler along the seashore 8
11A 22. "Pumpkin eater" in a nursery rhyme 5
12A 23. Speak at the top of one's lungs 4
13A 24. Needle-working craft 7
14A 26. Kitchen appliance for desserts 13
15A 30. Division in a supermarket 5
16A 31. Travel like slime 4
17A 32. One lacking refinement 3
18A 35. Chess game's end 4
19A 36. Children's author A.A. ___ 5
20A 38. Throw with force 4
21A 39. ___ constrictor 3
22A 40. Phase in which users help catch bugs 4
23A 41. Instrument on which reveille is played 5
24A 42. Series that may feature forensics experts 13
25A 46. Ninja's quality 7
26A 48. ___ whiskey 4
27A 49. Surgery that leaves the patient looking better? 5
28A 50. Adjective describing 20-, 26- and 42-Across 8
29A 54. Guesstimates for when planes are due, for short 4
30A 55. Donation at some Red Cross events 5
31A 57. "Best Dad ___" (message on a mug) 4
32A 58. "The King" in soccer 4
33A 59. Competitive thing to "bring" 5
34A 60. Still red, as steak 4
35A 61. Uno + dos 4
36A 62. All gone from the dinner plate 5
37A 63. Winter forecast 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. What's paid"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
  • Similar words include: price, monetary value, be
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Slowpoke in a "mobile home""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually having an external enclosing spiral shell
  • Similar words include: escargot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Figure that might be measured in acres"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. What a diaper pail helps minimize"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. ___ bear (cuddly toy)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)
  • Similar words include: chemise, shift, slip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEDDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Device used in a lactation room"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mechanical device that moves fluid or gas by pressure or suction
  • Similar words include: heart, ticker
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Size between mini and maxi"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the southern part of france
  • Similar words include: musical instrument digital interface
  • Opposite of: maxi
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIDI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Humiliate"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
  • Similar words include: chagrin, mortify, humiliate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Ancient Peruvian society"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inka, Incan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Idler along the seashore"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Pumpkin eater" in a nursery rhyme"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that disciple of jesus and leader of the apostles; regarded by catholics as the vicar of christ on earth and first pope
  • Similar words include: shaft, dick, prick
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Speak at the top of one's lungs"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
  • Similar words include: vociferation, squall, holler
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Needle-working craft"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that needlework done by interlocking looped stitches with a hooked needle
  • Similar words include: hook, crocheting
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROCHET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Kitchen appliance for desserts"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Division in a supermarket"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
  • Similar words include: gangway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Travel like slime"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: transude, exudate, gunk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. One lacking refinement"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lubber, clod, lump
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Chess game's end"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the officer below the master on a commercial ship
  • Similar words include: partner, married person, twin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Children's author A.A. ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english writer of stories for children (1882-1956)
  • Similar words include: Alan Alexander Milne, A. A. Milne
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Throw with force"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a violent throw
  • Similar words include: hurtle, lunge, cast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. ___ constrictor"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Similar words include: feather boa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Phase in which users help catch bugs"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 2nd letter of the greek alphabet
  • Similar words include: genus Beta
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Instrument on which reveille is played"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brass instrument without valves; used for military calls and fanfares
  • Similar words include: bugleweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Series that may feature forensics experts"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Ninja's quality"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoiding detection by moving carefully
  • Similar words include: stealing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEALTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. ___ whiskey"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a milkshake made with malt powder
  • Similar words include: malt liquor, malted milk, malted
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Surgery that leaves the patient looking better?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
  • Similar words include: laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASIK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Adjective describing 20-, 26- and 42-Across"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of becoming cooler; a falling temperature
  • Similar words include: scarey, temperature reduction, scary
  • Opposite of: heat
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHILLING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Guesstimates for when planes are due, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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: ETA, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, eta
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Donation at some Red Cross events"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fluid (red in vertebrates) that is pumped through the body by the heart and contains plasma, blood cells, and platelets
  • Similar words include: parentage, lineage, blood line
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. "Best Dad ___" (message on a mug)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at any time
  • Similar words include: always, e'er, ever so
  • Opposite of: never
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. "The King" in soccer"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Competitive thing to "bring""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Still red, as steak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rarified, rarefied, uncommon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Uno + dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. All gone from the dinner plate"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: exhaust, feed, run through
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Winter forecast"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
  • Similar words include: pull the wool over someone's eyes, Baron Snow of Leicester, bamboozle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Head-scratcher? 4
2D 2. Garfield's perky-eared canine buddy 4
3D 3. Coke or Pepsi 4
4D 4. Toddler's wheels 8
5D 5. Horses' hangout 6
6D 6. Cosmic cloud 6
7D 7. Eve's man 4
8D 8. Passports and driver's licenses, for short 3
9D 9. Aid in making soap 3
10D 10. Per individual 6
11D 11. Rehearsal 10
12D 12. Host with a mic 5
13D 13. A world ___ 5
14D 21. "Present!" 4
15D 22. Hawaiian seafood dish 4
16D 24. "Let's go, man!" 4
17D 25. Demolish 4
18D 26. First two syllables of "I am what I am," aptly 4
19D 27. Farewell in Florence 4
20D 28. Opportunity to buy some antiques 10
21D 29. Back tooth 5
22D 33. Guthrie who sang "You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant" 4
23D 34. Went by plane 4
24D 36. Convene 4
25D 37. What a mosquito bite causes 4
26D 38. Swindling sorts 8
27D 40. Swoleness 4
28D 41. Taco ___ 4
29D 43. Rewards for excellent employees 6
30D 44. Stereotypical cry after "Honey ..." 6
31D 45. ___ voyage (first trip) 6
32D 46. Caught some Z's 5
33D 47. Product of Maine or Idaho, informally 5
34D 50. Jacket 4
35D 51. Pavlov known for canine experiments 4
36D 52. Roman emperor who competed in the Olympics (and "won" every event he was in) 4
37D 53. Got bigger 4
38D 55. Snookums 3
39D 56. Alternative to JFK and EWR 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Head-scratcher?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat device with narrow pointed teeth on one edge; disentangles or arranges hair
  • Similar words include: disentangle, cockscomb, ransack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Garfield's perky-eared canine buddy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Coke or Pepsi"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Toddler's wheels"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle with three wheels that is moved by foot pedals
  • Similar words include: trike, velocipede
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRICYCLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Horses' hangout"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farm building for housing horses or other livestock
  • Similar words include: static, horse barn, unchanging
  • Opposite of: unstable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Cosmic cloud"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medicinal liquid preparation intended for use in an atomizer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEBULA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Eve's man"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
  • Similar words include: disco biscuit, cristal, X
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Passports and driver's licenses, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Idaho, id, I.D.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Aid in making soap"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Per individual"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to or from every one of two or more (considered individually)
  • Similar words include: for each one, each, to each one
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Rehearsal"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Host with a mic"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. A world ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remote and separate physically or socially; ; - w.h.hudson
  • Similar words include: obscure, asunder, isolated
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. "Present!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Hawaiian seafood dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. "Let's go, man!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Demolish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tear down so as to make flat with the ground
  • Similar words include: tear down, rase, level
  • Opposite of: raise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. First two syllables of "I am what I am," aptly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metrical unit with unstressed-stressed syllables
  • Similar words include: iambus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IAMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Farewell in Florence"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Opportunity to buy some antiques"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Back tooth"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grinding tooth with a broad crown; located behind the premolars
  • Similar words include: grinder
  • Opposite of: molecular
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Guthrie who sang "You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Went by plane"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel through the air; be airborne
  • Similar words include: vanish, vaporize, aviate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Convene"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: play, foregather, cope with
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. What a mosquito bite causes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: itchiness, spoil, rub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Swindling sorts"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prostitute who attracts customers by walking the streets
  • Similar words include: hooker, floozie, wheeler dealer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUSTLERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Swoleness"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part
  • Similar words include: mass, majority, bulge
  • Opposite of: minority
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Taco ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
  • Similar words include: Vanessa Stephen, campana, ship's bell
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Rewards for excellent employees"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: climb, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: lower, descent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Stereotypical cry after "Honey ...""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. ___ voyage (first trip)"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)
  • Similar words include: initiatory, maid, inaugural
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Caught some Z's"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be able to accommodate for sleeping
  • Similar words include: slumber, log Z's, kip
  • Opposite of: wake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Product of Maine or Idaho, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: Irish potato, white potato, murphy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Jacket"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
  • Similar words include: coating, cake, pelage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Pavlov known for canine experiments"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Roman emperor who competed in the Olympics (and "won" every event he was in)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of rome in 64) but the roman empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
  • Similar words include: Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. Got bigger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
  • Similar words include: grow, spring up, maturate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. Snookums"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Alternative to JFK and EWR"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
39 Down Clues
76 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: August 03, 2026 at 06:41 AM

Thursday, July 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 23, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. More than just a disapproving look 10
2A 10. Scruff of the neck 4
3A 13. Fondita offerings 10
4A 15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly 4
5A 16. "The Devil's radio" 10
6A 17. Pollution portmanteau 4
7A 18. Really peeved 3
8A 19. What a pointless game has? 7
9A 21. Outfitted 8
10A 25. Password preceder 6
11A 26. Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix 6
12A 27. Passover month 5
13A 29. ___-turvy 5
14A 30. Sprint, e.g. 4
15A 31. Home run hitter's gait 4
16A 35. Downed 3
17A 36. Part in a play 4
18A 37. "That's the spot!" 3
19A 38. "Tyrone" singer Erykah 4
20A 40. Not much 4
21A 41. "Will you let me?" 5
22A 43. Desert for which an African country is named 5
23A 45. Like obsidian rock, once 6
24A 46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt 6
25A 49. Last hurrah 8
26A 51. Trials by fire 7
27A 53. Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr. 3
28A 54. Helen of Troy's mother 4
29A 55. Ignominious outcome 10
30A 61. Tech product discontinued in 2022 4
31A 62. Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe — and six squares in this puzzle's grid? 10
32A 63. Not admit 4
33A 64. Pottery so named for its hardness 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. More than just a disapproving look"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Scruff of the neck"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back side of the neck
  • Similar words include: scruff, nucha
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Fondita offerings"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tortilla with meat filling baked in tomato sauce seasoned with chili
  • Similar words include: enchilada
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENCHILADAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. "The Devil's radio""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Pollution portmanteau"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

7A: "18. Really peeved"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Similar words include: red-hot, blistering, live
  • Opposite of: cold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. What a pointless game has?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Outfitted"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose
  • Similar words include: fit out, furnished, equip
  • Opposite of: unequipped, unfurnished
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EQUIPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Password preceder"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Passover month"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh month of the civil year; the first month of the ecclesiastic year (in march and april)
  • Similar words include: Nissan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. ___-turvy"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Sprint, e.g."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: bucket along, run, backwash
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Home run hitter's gait"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slow pace of running
  • Similar words include: crib, Trotskyite, pony
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Downed"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat up, run through, feed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Part in a play"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: theatrical role, character, function
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "That's the spot!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Tyrone" singer Erykah"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Not much"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Will you let me?""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Desert for which an African country is named"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Like obsidian rock, once"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating
  • Similar words include: liquified, mellow out, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOLTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient egyptians
  • Similar words include: Scarabaeus sacer, scarabaeus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Last hurrah"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Trials by fire"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Helen of Troy's mother"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a queen of sparta who was raped by zeus who had taken the form of a swan; helen of troy was conceived in the rape of leda
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Ignominious outcome"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Tech product discontinued in 2022"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a pocket-sized device used to play music files
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe — and six squares in this puzzle's grid?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Not admit"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that declare untrue; contradict
  • Similar words include: refuse, traverse, abnegate
  • Opposite of: admit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Pottery so named for its hardness"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ceramic ware that is fired in high heat and vitrified and nonporous
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONEWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Agnus ___ 3
2D 2. Word after tight or defensive 3
3D 3. Knee stabilizer, in brief 3
4D 4. Not just any 3
5D 5. Attractive feature of a job 7
6D 6. Single-masted vessels 6
7D 7. Sweet or sour 5
8D 8. Podcast interruptions 3
9D 9. Frequent forecast in Seattle 4
10D 10. Strong suit? 5
11D 11. Unleavened South Asian flatbread 5
12D 12. Follower of double or gilt 5
13D 14. Champion, as a cause 7
14D 15. Budding 7
15D 20. Org. with a list of popular baby names 3
16D 21. Minimum, in a way 5
17D 22. Increased 5
18D 23. Letters before ".gov" 3
19D 24. Forensic facilities 7
20D 26. Sign abbr. meaning "founded in" 5
21D 28. Coffee or tea specification 4
22D 30. Unleavened South Asian flatbread 4
23D 32. Sought comfort from, say 5
24D 33. Like granola 5
25D 34. Unnamed article 5
26D 39. Ill-prepared 7
27D 40. Didn't stay on topic 7
28D 41. Come together 7
29D 42. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short 3
30D 44. One level below the majors 3
31D 45. Infuriate 6
32D 46. Sphere, e.g. 5
33D 47. Crinkly fabric 5
34D 48. Extension 5
35D 50. Totally bizarre 5
36D 52. Places to get masks 4
37D 56. Original N.Y.C. subway line 3
38D 57. Handful 3
39D 58. Long stretch 3
40D 59. Cabinet dept. since 1889 3
41D 60. Gospel musician Tribbett 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Agnus ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Word after tight or defensive"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: conclusion, goal, terminal
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Knee stabilizer, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Not just any"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Attractive feature of a job"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Single-masted vessels"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow
  • Similar words include: sloop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sweet or sour"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
  • Similar words include: taste perception, discernment, sample
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Podcast interruptions"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Frequent forecast in Seattle"

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, pelting, rainwater
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Strong suit?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Unleavened South Asian flatbread"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Follower of double or gilt"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that advance slowly, as if by inches
  • Similar words include: border, butt against, edge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Champion, as a cause"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  • Similar words include: follow, hook up with, conjoin
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Budding"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being born or beginning
  • Opposite of: dying
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASCENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Org. with a list of popular baby names"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent government agency responsible for the social security system
  • Similar words include: Social Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Minimum, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prescribed number
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Increased"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Letters before ".gov""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Forensic facilities"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Sign abbr. meaning "founded in""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Coffee or tea specification"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decorate with frosting
  • Similar words include: ice, frost
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Unleavened South Asian flatbread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Sought comfort from, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Like granola"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to or derived from oats
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Unnamed article"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a special situation
  • Similar words include: matter, affair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Ill-prepared"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not prepared or in a state of readiness; slow to understand or respond
  • Opposite of: ready
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNREADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Didn't stay on topic"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continue talking or writing in a desultory manner
  • Similar words include: roam, swan, wander
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMBLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Come together"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meet formally
  • Similar words include: convoke
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONVENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
  • Similar words include: Heart of Dixie, Camellia State, Alabama
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. One level below the majors"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
  • Similar words include: abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Infuriate"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go crazy; cause to lose one's mind
  • Similar words include: craze
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Sphere, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that matter that is solid at room temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: self-colored, whole, hearty
  • Opposite of: hollow, liquid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Crinkly fabric"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that paper with a crinkled texture; usually colored and used for decorations
  • Similar words include: crape, French pancake, crepe paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Extension"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Totally bizarre"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad
  • Similar words include: whacko, nutter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WACKO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Places to get masks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Original N.Y.C. subway line"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Handful"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small elite group
  • Opposite of: many
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Long stretch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Cabinet dept. since 1889"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "60. Gospel musician Tribbett"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

33 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 23, 2026 at 06:13 AM