Thursday, May 14, 2026 – LA Times Crossword Answers & Hints

LA Times Crossword – May 14, 2026 (Thursday)

Today’s crossword puzzle is fun and a little tricky.

If you are stuck, don’t worry!

Here you can find the answers and help.

Crossword puzzles help us:

• Learn new words
• Improve spelling
• Think smart

Theme Answer: WOODCUT

Clue: Artistic printing method, and a feature of rows 2, 5, 11, and 14 in this puzzle

Answer: WOODCUT

Explanation:

A woodcut is a way of printing pictures. The artist carves a design into wood, puts ink on it, and prints it on paper. Today’s puzzle hides types of wood in four rows.

Across Clues

6A. Thurman of “Pretty Lethal”

Answer: UMA

Explanation: Uma Thurman is a famous actress.

13A. Moral principle

Answer: ETHIC

Explanation: An ethic is a rule about what is right or wrong.

14A. “MAS*H” setting, for short

Answer: KOR

Explanation: MASH takes place in Korea (KOR = short form).

15A. “Butterfly Dance” artist

Answer: YANNI

Explanation: Yanni is a music composer.

19A. College where Robert Frost taught English

Answer: AMHERST

Explanation: Robert Frost was a famous poet who taught at Amherst College.

22A. NYC home of Matisse’s “Landscape at Collioure”

Answer: MOMA

Explanation: MoMA is the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

25A. Taylor-Joy of “The Northman”

Answer: ANYA

Explanation: Anya Taylor-Joy is a movie actress.

34A. “Downton Abbey” cook

Answer: DAISY

Explanation: Daisy is a character in the TV show Downton Abbey.

38A. Here, in Honduras

Answer: ACA

Explanation: In Spanish, “aca” means “here.”

41A. Mod About You polish maker

Answer: OPI

Explanation: OPI is a brand that makes nail polish.

42A. Mexican sandwich

Answer: TORTA

Explanation: A torta is a Mexican sandwich.

50A. Electrically adaptable

Answer: AC/DC

Explanation: AC/DC means it can work with both types of electric current.

55A. Sazerac options

Answer: RYES

Explanation: Rye is a type of grain used in drinks.

58A. Abu Dhabi, e.g.

Answer: EMIRATE

Explanation: Abu Dhabi is one of the Emirates in the UAE.

61A. Expanse crossed by Odysseus

Answer: IONIAN SEA

Explanation: In Greek stories, Odysseus crossed the Ionian Sea.

65A. Like van Gogh and Vermeer

Answer: DUTCH

Explanation: Both artists were from the Netherlands (Dutch).

70A. Blades for some Olympians

Answer: EPEES

Explanation: An épée is a type of fencing sword used in the Olympics.

Down Clues

1D. Super Mario Bros. console

Answer: NES

Explanation: NES is a Nintendo gaming system.

2D. Jazzy James

Answer: ETTA

Explanation: Etta James was a famous singer.

3D. Guitar accessory that may create vibrato

Answer: WHAMMY BAR

Explanation: A whammy bar is used on guitars to change sound.

4D. Knights’ neighbors

Answer: BISHOPS

Explanation: In chess, bishops sit next to knights.

5D. Blueprint

Answer: SCHEMA

Explanation: A schema is a plan or design.

9D. Prehistoric supercontinent

Answer: PANGAEA

Explanation: Pangaea was one giant land before continents split.

11D. Moriarty, to Holmes

Answer: ENEMY

Explanation: Moriarty is the enemy of Sherlock Holmes.

18D. Latvian capital

Answer: RIGA

Explanation: Riga is the capital city of Latvia.

36D. Hormel product

Answer: SPAM

Explanation: Spam is a canned meat product.

43D. Elements of a strategy

Answer: TACTICS

Explanation: Tactics are small actions used in a plan.

51D. Easy part of a sky in a jigsaw puzzle

Answer: CLOUD

Explanation: Puzzle sky areas are often blue with clouds.

54D. Oscar winner Witherspoon

Answer: REESE

Explanation: Reese Witherspoon is an actress.

60D. Brontë orphan

Answer: EYRE

Explanation: Jane Eyre is a famous novel character.

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 09, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (39 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (42 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo	5
2A	6. Live the single man's life, slangily	6
3A	12. Part of some box sets	3
4A	15. Pungent	5
5A	16. Stick (to)	6
6A	17. Joey of kid-lit	3
7A	18. One with thick skin, notably	5
8A	19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish	10
9A	21. Charlatan	5
10A	22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly	4
11A	23. "Stay" singer Lisa	4
12A	24. In unison	5
13A	26. To an extreme degree	7
14A	29. [Oh no!]	4
15A	32. Stone that's often carved	4
16A	34. "And you ___ ...?"	3
17A	35. "No, thanks"	7
18A	37. Tiny pieces of technology	8
19A	42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole	5
20A	43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool	4
21A	45. Tone used to create an antique vibe	5
22A	46. So darling	8
23A	48. Scare the bejesus out of	7
24A	50. Lead-in to Pen	3
25A	51. Speck in the sea	4
26A	53. Zebras in the field?	4
27A	54. Article of summer wear	7
28A	58. On which to watch the Beeb	5
29A	60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters	4
30A	61. Bring home	4
31A	63. In base eight	5
32A	67. Oil bigwig?	10
33A	70. Cease-fire	5
34A	71. Bit of ticket info	3
35A	72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway	6
36A	73. Shadow	5
37A	74. ___-Man	3
38A	75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet	6
39A	76. Aerodynamic, maybe	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOIPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BACHIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television set
• Similar words include: videodisk, videodisc
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DVD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Pungent"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that strong and sharp
• Similar words include: blistering, caustic, sulphurous
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stick (to)"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
• Similar words include: stick by, bind, hold fast
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast asia and africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
• Similar words include: rhinoceros
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RHINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOODLEBOWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Charlatan"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
• Similar words include: stumper, toughie, sticker
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states physiologist (born in germany) who did research on parthenogenesis (1859-1924)
• Similar words include: Jacques Loeb
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. In unison"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. To an extreme degree"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that used as intensifiers
• Similar words include: abysmally, rottenly, dreadfully
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWFULLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
• Similar words include: pant, puff, heave
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
• Similar words include: wear down, tire, hussy
• Opposite of: refresh

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Similar words include: represent, ar, exist
• Opposite of: differ

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILLPASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Tiny pieces of technology"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NANOBOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROALD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
• Similar words include: plunk down, plank, plump down
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shade of brown with a tinge of red
• Similar words include: reddish brown, burnt sienna, mahogany
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. So darling"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that having characteristics that attract love or affection
• Similar words include: lovable
• Opposite of: hateful

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOVEABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cause to become stonelike or stiff or dazed and stunned
• Similar words include: rigidify, ossify, lapidify
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PETRIFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Speck in the sea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small island
• Similar words include: islet
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Article of summer wear"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TANKTOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
• Similar words include: television set, tv set, television receiver
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TELLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IKEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Bring home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Similar words include: bring in, pull in, clear
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. In base eight"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Oil bigwig?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARTCURATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Cease-fire"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
• Similar words include: cease-fire, armistice
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Bit of ticket info"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Similar words include: words, dustup, wrangle
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MALIBU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Shadow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UMBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. ___-Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
• Similar words include: emmet, pismire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
• Similar words include: six, half a dozen, 6
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SESTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "76. Aerodynamic, maybe"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make slick or smooth
• Similar words include: flowing, satiny, silken
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anatomical ring"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
• Similar words include: flag, iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

23 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PINEAPPLEUPSIDEDOWNCAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
• Similar words include: odor, olfactory perception, smell
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BANANASPLIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Found darling"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that love intensely
• Similar words include: worshipped, idolized, idolised
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Jimmy known for shoes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEDDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ball bearer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: teeing ground, football tee, tee up
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that pretentious or silly talk or writing
• Similar words include: drivel, taradiddle, tarradiddle
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DROOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a speech sound made with the vocal tract open
• Similar words include: vowel sound
• Opposite of: consonant

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VOWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states electrical engineer who devised the dolby system used to reduce background noise in tape recording
• Similar words include: Ray M. Dolby
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOLBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

16 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLUEBERRYCRUMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OJS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Peaked"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
• Similar words include: pallid, wide area network, pale
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Cold-weather coat"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
• Similar words include: ice, Robert Lee Frost, rime
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FROST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a young woman
• Similar words include: miss, daughter, female child
• Opposite of: male child, son

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any member of the people of eastern europe or asian russia who speak a slavonic language
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Music producer Brian"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
• Similar words include: conform, adjust, accommodate
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADAPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Triangular dessert, literally"

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APPLETURNOVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Small squabble"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quarrel about petty points
• Similar words include: fuss, bickering, spat
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Comments"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the chance to speak
• Similar words include: enunciate, allege, say
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Aromatic bit of attire"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Similar words include: wreath, garland, coronal
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Flashing light"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object; can make moving object appear stationary
• Similar words include: strobe light, stroboscope
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STROBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city in northeastern ohio; the heart of the united states rubber industry
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AKRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Cereal box abbr."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NETWT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Sounds of laughter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
• Similar words include: peal, roll, ring
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that native to eastern asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers
• Similar words include: genus Lotus, Nymphaea lotus, Egyptian water lily
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOTUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Working hard"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. Lipstick unit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
• Similar words include: Akka, Akko, Accho
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
• Similar words include: leakage, wetting, passing water
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Syllables of hesitation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "69. "Norma ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues

42 Down Clues

81 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

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Last updated: April 09, 2026 at 05:27 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 28, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (35 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Set unambitious goals	6
2A	7. One playing beerball, perhaps	7
3A	14. Tolkien ring bearer	7
4A	16. Precious person	7
5A	17. Phrase you might say while pointing at a photograph	7
6A	18. Goes against the rule?	7
7A	19. Musical set in Alphabet City	4
8A	20. Term of endearment appropriated from 9-Down	3
9A	22. Part of a Blues Brothers outfit	6
10A	23. Animated friend of Sebastian the crab	5
11A	25. Some arm muscles, informally	4
12A	27. Cassiterite is a source of it	3
13A	28. Robert Frost's middle name	3
14A	29. ___ Allen Express, Amtrak train from New York City to Burlington, Vt.	5
15A	31. Innermost moon of Neptune	5
16A	33. Pressure gauge?	11
17A	35. Past, colloquially	11
18A	36. Symbols used to group blocks of computer code	11
19A	37. Was on the sidelines	5
20A	38. Breathlessness	5
21A	39. Polynesian staple	3
22A	42. Not mainstream, as some music genres	3
23A	43. Fuss	4
24A	44. Weakens, as an overly strong character, in video game lingo	5
25A	46. Angora fabric	6
26A	49. Utmost	3
27A	51. ___ Tung, star of cable TV's "The Summer I Turned Pretty"	4
28A	52. Did a bedtime task	7
29A	54. Modern banking convenience	7
30A	56. Musical sample added for excitement	7
31A	57. Animals in an early-2000s virtual fad	7
32A	58. Entered again	7
33A	59. One might play at home	6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Set unambitious goals"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIMLOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. One playing beerball, perhaps"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRATBOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Tolkien ring bearer"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SMEAGOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Precious person"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEARONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Phrase you might say while pointing at a photograph"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THATSME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Goes against the rule?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
• Similar words include: gross out, uprising, insurrection
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REVOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Musical set in Alphabet City"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
• Similar words include: let, lease, snag
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Term of endearment appropriated from 9-Down"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Part of a Blues Brothers outfit"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hat made of felt with a creased crown
• Similar words include: felt hat, homburg, Stetson
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FEDORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Animated friend of Sebastian the crab"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARIEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Some arm muscles, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Cassiterite is a source of it"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
• Similar words include: can, Sn, put up
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Robert Frost's middle name"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
• Similar words include: Bruce Lee, Tsung Dao Lee, leeward
• Opposite of: windward

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. ___ Allen Express, Amtrak train from New York City to Burlington, Vt."

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETHAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Innermost moon of Neptune"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
• Similar words include: water nymph
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Pressure gauge?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRESSLEVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Past, colloquially"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEFORETIMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Symbols used to group blocks of computer code"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CURLYBRACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Was on the sidelines"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SATBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Breathlessness"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that transient cessation of respiration
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APNEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Polynesian staple"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Not mainstream, as some music genres"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Similar words include: elevation, altitude, EL
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Fuss"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
• Similar words include: sweat, gall, swither
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Weakens, as an overly strong character, in video game lingo"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NERFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Angora fabric"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fabric made with yarn made from the silky hair of the angora goat
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOHAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Utmost"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
• Similar words include: n-th
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. ___ Tung, star of cable TV's "The Summer I Turned Pretty""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Did a bedtime task"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rub with a brush, or as if with a brush
• Similar words include: napped, fleecy, sweep
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRUSHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Modern banking convenience"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AUTOPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Musical sample added for excitement"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIRHORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Animals in an early-2000s virtual fad"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEOPETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Entered again"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RETYPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. One might play at home"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
• Similar words include: two-channel, stereophonic, stereo system
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Kind of projection	6
2D	2. Call at a roll call	6
3D	3. Big jerk	6
4D	4. Drink often sipped	5
5D	5. Rap pioneers, slangily	3
6D	6. Space to develop as a person?	4
7D	7. In brief, to whom Grover Cleveland once said "I am making a strange wish for you ... that you may never be president of the United States"	3
8D	8. School houses?	5
9D	9. Dialect that is responsible for a large majority of Gen Z slang	4
10D	10. Put one's foot down	4
11D	11. Decorative items worn at Western galas	8
12D	12. Like defendants at court	7
13D	13. Principle of improv comedy	6
14D	15. Gay nightlife spot with a dress requirement	10
15D	21. Error correction tool	9
16D	24. Uncork, so to speak	6
17D	26. Body bronzer	10
18D	30. ___ Story (punny nickname for the "Iliad")	4
19D	31. Like the lion killed by Hercules	6
20D	32. Scientific classification for birds	4
21D	33. Tesla, for one	4
22D	34. Affliction treated with a nit comb	4
23D	35. Acting like a sore loser, informally	8
24D	36. ___ counter	7
25D	37. South Indian lentil stew	6
26D	39. Following etiquette	6
27D	40. Recently	6
28D	41. Declaration after "because"	6
29D	43. French relative	5
30D	45. Skip the ceremony, say	5
31D	47. Like some unmoisturized skin	4
32D	48. Blue-roofed restaurant	4
33D	50. Coral and sand, for two	4
34D	53. Popular role-playing game since 1974, informally	3
35D	55. One whose eyes are "all aglow" in "The Christmas Song"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kind of projection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that being or relating to or resembling or emanating from stars
• Similar words include: stellar
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASTRAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Call at a roll call"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Big jerk"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person of mean disposition
• Similar words include: unkind person, meany
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MEANIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Drink often sipped"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
• Similar words include: caffe latte
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LATTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Rap pioneers, slangily"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Space to develop as a person?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hollow muscular organ in the pelvic cavity of females; contains the developing fetus
• Similar words include: uterus
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. In brief, to whom Grover Cleveland once said "I am making a strange wish for you ... that you may never be president of the United States""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 32nd president of the united states; elected four times; instituted new deal to counter the great depression and led country during world war ii (1882-1945)
• Similar words include: F. D. Roosevelt, Roosevelt, President Roosevelt
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FDR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. School houses?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
• Similar words include: Witwatersrand, reef, Reef
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REEFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Dialect that is responsible for a large majority of Gen Z slang"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a nonstandard form of american english characteristically spoken by african americans in the united states
• Similar words include: Black English Vernacular, African American English, Ebonics
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Put one's foot down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that put down or press the foot, place the foot
• Similar words include: step, trample, tread
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Decorative items worn at Western galas"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOLOTIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Like defendants at court"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONTRIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Principle of improv comedy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YESAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Gay nightlife spot with a dress requirement"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEATHERBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Error correction tool"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERASERPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Uncork, so to speak"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LETFLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Body bronzer"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INSTANTTAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. ___ Story (punny nickname for the "Iliad")"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
• Similar words include: Ilium, troy weight, Ilion
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TROY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Like the lion killed by Hercules"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEMEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Scientific classification for birds"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (ornithology) the class of birds
• Similar words include: class Aves
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Tesla, for one"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
• Similar words include: Serbian
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Affliction treated with a nit comb"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
• Similar words include: insect, biting louse, bird louse
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Acting like a sore loser, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BUTTHURT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. ___ counter"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree at one atmosphere pressure; used by nutritionists to characterize the energy-producing potential in food
• Similar words include: large calorie, small calorie, kilogram calorie
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CALORIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. South Indian lentil stew"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a deer of southern asia with antlers that have three tines
• Similar words include: Cervus unicolor, sambur
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAMBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Following etiquette"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
• Similar words include: right
• Opposite of: improper

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PROPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Recently"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OFLATE

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28D: "41. Declaration after "because""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISAYSO

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29D: "43. French relative"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRERE

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30D: "45. Skip the ceremony, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that run away secretly with one's beloved
• Similar words include: run off
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELOPE

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31D: "47. Like some unmoisturized skin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of a light grey
• Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASHY

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32D: "48. Blue-roofed restaurant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IHOP

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33D: "50. Coral and sand, for two"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
• Similar words include: imbue, hue, chromaticity
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUES

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34D: "53. Popular role-playing game since 1974, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DND

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35D: "55. One whose eyes are "all aglow" in "The Christmas Song""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
• Similar words include: yearling, summate, tote up
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOT

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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

33 Across Clues

35 Down Clues

68 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 28, 2026 at 04:39 AM