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Thursday, August 6, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 06, 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. Singer Braxton 4
2A 5. Like some winter windshields 4
3A 9. ___ Bauer (brand of outdoor gear) 5
4A 14. Soon 4
5A 15. "Me, too" 4
6A 16. Stable job 5
7A 17. Spirit of the Caribbean 11
8A 19. Haggard 5
9A 20. Creamy dish made with arborio rice 7
10A 21. Angela on "The Office," e.g. 4
11A 22. "Bring it on!" 5
12A 23. Four-time N.B.A. M.V.P. 11
13A 28. Nick, e.g. 3
14A 30. Collected 4
15A 31. Evil computer of classic film 3
16A 32. Kind of seeds found in a basket in King Tutankhamen's tomb 6
17A 35. Alternate nickname for the "Hollywood of the South" 8
18A 37. Group with a coat of arms 4
19A 38. Unspecified ones 5
20A 40. Wednesday a.k.a. ___ day 4
21A 41. Like some fat 8
22A 43. Purposely wrongs 6
23A 45. "What's more ..." 3
24A 46. Joan known for his "dream paintings" 4
25A 47. Make out, perhaps? 3
26A 48. Pillow fight setting 11
27A 51. Juicer's "juice" 5
28A 55. Determination 4
29A 56. Shade provider along Central Park's Literary Walk 7
30A 58. A-tier 5
31A 60. Chock-full ... like three squares (and foods) in this puzzle 9
32A 62. Touch-and-go 5
33A 63. Force felt on Earth, for short 4
34A 64. Goddess whose name is an anagram of her mother's 4
35A 65. Feelings of getting older 5
36A 66. Volcano seen on HBO's "The White Lotus" 4
37A 67. Port in 50-Down 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Singer Braxton"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Like some winter windshields"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ Bauer (brand of outdoor gear)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Soon"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Me, too""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an indigenous nomadic people living in northern scandinavia and herding reindeer
  • Similar words include: like, Saame, Sami
  • Opposite of: unlike, different
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Stable job"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man participant in his own marriage ceremony
  • Similar words include: stableman, stableboy, prepare
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Spirit of the Caribbean"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Haggard"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  • Similar words include: haggard, skeletal, pinched
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Creamy dish made with arborio rice"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice cooked with broth and sprinkled with grated cheese
  • Similar words include: Italian rice
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISOTTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Angela on "The Office," e.g."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: snot, snoot, snob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Bring it on!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Four-time N.B.A. M.V.P."

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Nick, e.g."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following february and preceding april
  • Similar words include: deflower, spoil, defect
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Collected"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of being at a refreshingly low temperature
  • Similar words include: poise, sang-froid, cool down
  • Opposite of: warm, heat
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Evil computer of classic film"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Kind of seeds found in a basket in King Tutankhamen's tomb"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that east indian annual erect herb; source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil
  • Similar words include: Sesamum indicum, benni, benne
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Alternate nickname for the "Hollywood of the South""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Group with a coat of arms"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group of people related by blood or marriage
  • Similar words include: kin group, kindred, kinship group
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Unspecified ones"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Wednesday a.k.a. ___ day"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that bulges out or is protuberant or projects from its surroundings
  • Similar words include: have a go at it, know, jut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Like some fat"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to become
  • Similar words include: render, try, depict
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENDERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Purposely wrongs"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Similar words include: bruise, sprinkle, cattiness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. "What's more ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Joan known for his "dream paintings""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that new zealand conifer used for lumber; the dark wood is used for interior carpentry
  • Similar words include: black pine, Joan Miro, Podocarpus ferruginea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Make out, perhaps?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Similar words include: tail, mark, tatter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pillow fight setting"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Juicer's "juice""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Determination"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Shade provider along Central Park's Literary Walk"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. A-tier"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the principal part of a duet (especially a piano duet)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Chock-full ... like three squares (and foods) in this puzzle"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that crowd or pack to capacity
  • Similar words include: jam, jampack, cram
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAMPACKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Touch-and-go"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk; - new yorker
  • Similar words include: chanceful, dodgy, chancy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DICEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Force felt on Earth, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Goddess whose name is an anagram of her mother's"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Feelings of getting older"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: ache, aching, smart
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Volcano seen on HBO's "The White Lotus""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
  • Similar words include: bunsen burner, Mt Etna, bunsen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Port in 50-Down"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Fruity pastry 7
2D 2. Live 5
3D 3. Like the jungle at daybreak 5
4D 4. At the helm 9
5D 5. "___ that right?" 4
6D 6. Number for December 5
7D 7. Bird with noted calf muscles 3
8D 8. Short blue person? 3
9D 9. ChαΊ£ giΓ², on a Vietnamese menu 7
10D 10. Enervate 5
11D 11. Temptation for Homer Simpson 11
12D 12. Na+ or Cl- 3
13D 13. Real lifesaver, for short 3
14D 18. Starting group 5
15D 21. Not accept an outrage, say 7
16D 24. Amazon smart speaker 7
17D 25. Jeers 4
18D 26. Tempting words on a Wonderland cake 5
19D 27. Is really good, in modern slang 5
20D 29. Legal mulligan 7
21D 32. What an old car might be sold for 5
22D 33. ___ Ferrante, author of the "Neapolitan Novels" 5
23D 34. Brown-bag item 11
24D 36. "OK, that makes sense" 9
25D 39. MΓΌnster man 4
26D 42. Puts to work 7
27D 44. Northern Italian city known for its cheese 5
28D 49. "The White Lotus" actress ___ Lou Wood 5
29D 50. Arabia Felix, now 5
30D 52. Perturbed 5
31D 53. Fortune 500 company started by a blacksmith, informally 5
32D 54. Civic's class 5
33D 57. Sports org. with a Tour 4
34D 58. Open show of intimacy, for short 3
35D 59. Nickname that drops "hard" 3
36D 60. Mud 3
37D 61. Tiny "farmer" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Fruity pastry"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Live"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Like the jungle at daybreak"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
  • Opposite of: quiet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. At the helm"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "___ that right?""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Number for December"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joyful religious song celebrating the birth of christ
  • Similar words include: Christmas carol
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAROL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bird with noted calf muscles"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Similar words include: Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Short blue person?"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ChαΊ£ giΓ², on a Vietnamese menu"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Enervate"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it
  • Similar words include: drainage, enfeeble, waste pipe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Temptation for Homer Simpson"

11 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Na+ or Cl-"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Real lifesaver, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Starting group"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Not accept an outrage, say"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal and solemn declaration of objection
  • Similar words include: dissent, resist, objection
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Amazon smart speaker"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Jeers"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt
  • Similar words include: snort, bird, boo
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Tempting words on a Wonderland cake"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Is really good, in modern slang"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: smacking, slap, smack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Legal mulligan"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new trial in which issues already litigated and to which the court has already rendered a verdict or decision are reexamined by the same court; occurs when the initial trial is found to have been improper or unfair due to procedural errors
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. What an old car might be sold for"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small fragment of something broken off from the whole
  • Similar words include: fleck, quarrel, flake
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. ___ Ferrante, author of the "Neapolitan Novels""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Brown-bag item"

11 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "OK, that makes sense""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. MΓΌnster man"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a german man; used before the name as a title equivalent to mr in english
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Puts to work"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of being employed or having a job
  • Similar words include: use, employment, apply
  • Opposite of: unemployment, fire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPLOYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Northern Italian city known for its cheese"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "49. "The White Lotus" actress ___ Lou Wood"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "50. Arabia Felix, now"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the southwestern shores of the arabian peninsula on the indian ocean; formed in 1990
  • Similar words include: Republic of Yemen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "52. Perturbed"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irritate or vex
  • Similar words include: gall, irk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "53. Fortune 500 company started by a blacksmith, informally"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states industrialist who manufactured plows suitable for working the prairie soil (1804-1886)
  • Similar words include: John Deere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Civic's class"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a car that is closed and that has front and rear seats and two or four doors
  • Similar words include: saloon, sedan chair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEDAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Sports org. with a Tour"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Open show of intimacy, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
  • Similar words include: personal organizer, personal organiser, personal digital assistant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Nickname that drops "hard""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. Mud"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Tiny "farmer""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

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: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

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
37 Down Clues
74 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 06, 2026 at 06:08 AM

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 05, 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: Moderate

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. Tried-and-true choice, informally 4
2A 5. It's perfect for some musicians 5
3A 10. Motorcyclist's invitation 5
4A 15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea 4
5A 16. Ruckus 5
6A 17. Where Boise is 5
7A 18. It's a piece of cake 10
8A 20. Computer geeks 5
9A 21. Source of some South American wool 5
10A 22. Alaska politico Palin 5
11A 24. ___-Ball 4
12A 25. Alternative to a Word doc 3
13A 27. It's child's play 9
14A 29. Glassblower, e.g. 7
15A 33. One of three statistical averages 4
16A 34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 4
17A 35. Ones always blowing off steam? 7
18A 39. Altar promise 3
19A 42. It's a no-brainer 16
20A 45. Starchy tuber 3
21A 46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song 7
22A 47. Drug buster 4
23A 48. Heavy, spiked club 4
24A 50. Bared one's teeth, say 7
25A 52. It's a breeze 9
26A 57. ___-fi 3
27A 58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision 4
28A 59. Lipstick blunder 5
29A 61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich 5
30A 65. Oscars host, e.g. 5
31A 67. It's a walk in the park 10
32A 69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission 5
33A 70. Piano exercise 5
34A 71. Fencing blade 4
35A 72. "OMG, same!" 5
36A 73. About 50.7% of all Americans 5
37A 74. Like typical communicators in sign language 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tried-and-true choice, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's perfect for some musicians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: auction pitch, tilt, toss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Motorcyclist's invitation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Ruckus"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Where Boise is"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. It's a piece of cake"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small finger-shaped sponge cake
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADYFINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Computer geeks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school, tech
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Source of some South American wool"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alaska politico Palin"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. ___-Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Alternative to a Word doc"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. It's child's play"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Glassblower, e.g."

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
  • Similar words include: craftsman, artificer, journeyman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. One of three statistical averages"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Similar words include: tight, signify, mean value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Ones always blowing off steam?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: kettleful, kettle, boiler
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KETTLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Altar promise"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. It's a no-brainer"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Starchy tuber"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Drug buster"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
  • Similar words include: narcotics agent, nark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Heavy, spiked club"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: Chemical Mace, macebearer, macer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Bared one's teeth, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
  • Similar words include: snarl up, entangle, knotty
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. It's a breeze"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. ___-fi"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: foolhardy, blizzard, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Lipstick blunder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slanderous defamation
  • Similar words include: calumniate, daub, smudge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Oscars host, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

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: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. It's a walk in the park"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Fencing blade"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. "OMG, same!""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: total, tote, tug
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. About 50.7% of all Americans"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: woman, cleaning woman, adult female
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like typical communicators in sign language"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe hearing impairments
  • Similar words include: indifferent, deafen
  • Opposite of: hearing
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Effrontery 4
2D 2. Not in writing, as an exam 4
3D 3. Magician's "Look what I did!" 4
4D 4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines 8
5D 5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" 3
6D 6. Charged particles 4
7D 7. Roman robes 5
8D 8. French sweetheart 5
9D 9. Prohibited in Islam 5
10D 10. Chart-topper 3
11D 11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" 6
12D 12. Mule or burro 10
13D 13. "Fancy seeing you here!" 5
14D 14. They may be counted when taking attendance 5
15D 19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s 4
16D 23. Undeniable successes 8
17D 26. Media misinformation 8
18D 28. Loch ___ monster 4
19D 29. Like a campfire by morning, typically 4
20D 30. Flightless bird from South America 4
21D 31. Figure in a school pep rally 10
22D 32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) 4
23D 36. Chinese general on a menu 3
24D 37. "___ will be done" 3
25D 38. English facilities 4
26D 40. "Don't you ___!" 4
27D 41. How much 1990s music was issued 4
28D 43. Pet pests 4
29D 44. Having added nutrients 8
30D 49. Obey, with "to" 6
31D 51. Apex 4
32D 52. Pay for at a restaurant, say 5
33D 53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone 5
34D 54. "This is my first day on the job" 5
35D 55. "Groovy" 5
36D 56. Unit of information 5
37D 60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date 4
38D 62. Fully matured 4
39D 63. Swedish furniture supplier 4
40D 64. Complaint, informally 4
41D 66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief 3
42D 68. ___ Faire (historical event) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Effrontery"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
  • Similar words include: saddle sore, freshness, irk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not in writing, as an exam"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva voce, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Magician's "Look what I did!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four-year intervals between olympic games; used to reckon time in ancient greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 bc
  • Similar words include: Olympics, Olympic Games
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLYMPIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Charged particles"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Similar words include: ion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Roman robes"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Similar words include: toga
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chart-topper"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Similar words include: stumble, reach, slay
  • Opposite of: miss
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city of south central ukraine on an arm of the black sea
  • Similar words include: Odesa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODESSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Fancy seeing you here!""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. They may be counted when taking attendance"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Similar words include: horn in, wind, pry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: craze, rage, cult
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Like a campfire by morning, typically"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Flightless bird from South America"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: nandu, Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Figure in a school pep rally"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, cuddle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Chinese general on a menu"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "___ will be done""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. English facilities"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian architect (1870-1933)
  • Similar words include: closet, Adolf Loos, water closet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. "Don't you ___!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. How much 1990s music was issued"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Pet pests"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  • Similar words include: bird louse, worm, dirt ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Having added nutrients"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or improve in quality
  • Similar words include: enrich
  • Opposite of: deprive, impoverish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRICHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Obey, with "to""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Apex"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: vertex, summit, pinnacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Pay for at a restaurant, say"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: care for, plow, deal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "This is my first day on the job""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Unit of information"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
  • Similar words include: data point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socially incorrect in behavior
  • Similar words include: uncivil, unmannered, underbred
  • Opposite of: civil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Fully matured"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Complaint, informally"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cattle that are reared for their meat
  • Similar words include: gripe, bellyache, bitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. ___ Faire (historical event)"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: May 05, 2026 at 06:01 AM