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Thursday, October 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 01, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip" 4
2A 5. "Thank You for the Music" group 4
3A 9. Some instructors, for short 5
4A 14. Gator's relative 4
5A 15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly 4
6A 16. Features of gathering clouds? 5
7A 17. Patriotic recitation since 1892 18
8A 20. Concoct, with "up" 4
9A 21. It may include toms and a snare 7
10A 22. Abbr. on a scale 3
11A 25. First lady 3
12A 26. Tagging symbols 3
13A 27. Expresses support without meaning it 14
14A 31. Bit of ink 3
15A 34. Quite the stir 6
16A 35. Bygone "before" 3
17A 36. Means of self-defense 4
18A 37. Joan of Arc, for one 5
19A 38. It's just a state of mind, to some 3
20A 39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa" 5
21A 40. Some midflight announcements, in brief 4
22A 41. Molecule in protein synthesis 3
23A 42. Disposes of securely, in a way 6
24A 43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities 3
25A 44. Obsolescent credit card feature 14
26A 46. Term of affection in the U.K. 3
27A 47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ..." 3
28A 48. Is long ago? 3
29A 49. Chickpeas, e.g. 7
30A 53. "Uh-huh, sure it is" 4
31A 55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle 15
32A 60. Lost 5
33A 61. Identify 4
34A 62. Goddess of the earth 4
35A 63. All together, in music 5
36A 64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing 4
37A 65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: catamount, painter, mountain lion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. "Thank You for the Music" group"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some instructors, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
  • Similar words include: professor, prof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Gator's relative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Features of gathering clouds?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Patriotic recitation since 1892"

18 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Concoct, with "up""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who cooks food
  • Similar words include: manipulate, Captain Cook, prepare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. It may include toms and a snare"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Abbr. on a scale"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. First lady"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, astatine, at
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Expresses support without meaning it"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bit of ink"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Similar words include: Thematic Apperception Test, sleaze, cheapness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Quite the stir"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • Similar words include: garboil, katzenjammer, tumultuousness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Bygone "before""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Means of self-defense"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

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: macer, macebearer, Chemical Mace
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Joan of Arc, for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
  • Similar words include: nonesuch, apotheosis, paragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. It's just a state of mind, to some"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: old age, geezerhood, mature
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Some midflight announcements, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Molecule in protein synthesis"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Disposes of securely, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: tear up, whit, iota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Obsolescent credit card feature"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Term of affection in the U.K."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: atomic number 11, sodium, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Is long ago?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chickpeas, e.g."

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family leguminosae
  • Similar words include: legume, leguminous plant
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGUMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. "Uh-huh, sure it is""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Lost"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Identify"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: describe, identify, make
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Goddess of the earth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Ge, Gaea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. All together, in music"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of atlantic coast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
  • Similar words include: United States Army, regular army, US Army
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Doc seen for an annual checkup 3
2D 2. Address letters 3
3D 3. A Stooge 3
4D 4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt 4
5D 5. Came by for dinner 7
6D 6. Word with power or pawn 6
7D 7. Happen to 6
8D 8. Cut 4
9D 9. Great Basin tribe 6
10D 10. Chews (out) 5
11D 11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald 4
12D 12. Central points 4
13D 13. Woodpecker food 4
14D 18. Attacks 6
15D 19. Words that might come before a meal 5
16D 22. Major works of art 6
17D 23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano 6
18D 24. Resident of Aleppo 6
19D 28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g. 7
20D 29. Free of animal products 5
21D 30. Wrath 3
22D 31. Writer Gay 6
23D 32. Hallucinatory experiences 9
24D 33. It comes with cups and saucers 6
25D 36. Chicago exchange, in brief 4
26D 38. Director Lee 3
27D 39. Sculptor's tool 6
28D 41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920 5
29D 42. Skewered 7
30D 44. Gateway of India locale 6
31D 45. Tough nut to crack 6
32D 46. "Network" director Sidney 5
33D 49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty. 4
34D 50. Words of reproach following a betrayal 4
35D 51. Big blow 4
36D 52. Things confessed 4
37D 54. Ancient wrap 4
38D 56. "I don't wanna" 3
39D 57. It might be on a lot 3
40D 58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series) 3
41D 59. Perchance 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Doc seen for an annual checkup"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: phencyclidine hydrochloride, primary care provider, angel dust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Address letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. A Stooge"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Came by for dinner"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Word with power or pawn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
  • Similar words include: stone-broke, skint, bust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BROKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Happen to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become of; happen to
  • Similar words include: happen, bechance, betide
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chop or split with an ax
  • Similar words include: axe, ax
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Great Basin tribe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of either of two shoshonean peoples (northern paiute and southern paiute) related to the aztecs and living in the southwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Piute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chews (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large quantity of written matter
  • Similar words include: ream
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
  • Similar words include: squeal, grunt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Central points"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of attention or energy on something
  • Similar words include: direction, stress, centering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Woodpecker food"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words that might come before a meal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christian theology) a state of sanctification by god; the state of one who is under such divine influence
  • Similar words include: saving grace, adorn, embellish
  • Opposite of: unseemliness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Major works of art"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical work that has been created
  • Similar words include: piece, opus, piece of music
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919)
  • Similar words include: Emiliano Zapata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZAPATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Resident of Aleppo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of syria
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYRIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Free of animal products"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Wrath"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: wrath, ira, choler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Writer Gay"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Hallucinatory experiences"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. It comes with cups and saucers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Chicago exchange, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Director Lee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a civilian reserve component of the united states air force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies
  • Similar words include: Air National Guard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sculptor's tool"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  • Similar words include: cheat, rip off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHISEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french composer and exponent of impressionism (1875-1937)
  • Similar words include: ladder, ravel out, Maurice Ravel
  • Opposite of: unknot, unravel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Skewered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use a knife on
  • Similar words include: stab, poke, jab
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STABBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Gateway of India locale"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western india just off the coast of the arabian sea; india's 2nd largest city (after calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western india
  • Similar words include: Bombay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUMBAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Tough nut to crack"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  • Similar words include: riddle, closed book, conundrum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. "Network" director Sidney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Words of reproach following a betrayal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Big blow"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong current of air
  • Similar words include: blow, blast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Things confessed"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: Sin, sinning, blunder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Ancient wrap"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. "I don't wanna""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. It might be on a lot"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: elevator car, auto, gondola
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Perchance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: allege, order, enjoin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAY

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
41 Down Clues
78 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: October 01, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 29, 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. *Failed internet company? 10
2A 8. Rinse with water, as grain in the brewing process 6
3A 14. Exaggerated the merits of 8
4A 16. "That's actually pretty neat!" 6
5A 17. Trait for a good waiter? 8
6A 18. Ingredient in shepherd's pie 6
7A 19. Strange 3
8A 20. Pirate's booty 4
9A 22. Swabbie's tool 3
10A 23. In the ___ (intensely focused) 4
11A 25. *Assurance from an internet company? 13
12A 28. "Your pick" 3
13A 29. Lightly strike, as a windowpane 5
14A 30. Many a 24-hour eatery 5
15A 31. *Puzzling question for an internet company? 11
16A 33. Some épéeists' moves 6
17A 34. Had remorse for 4
18A 35. Trial version 4
19A 36. One-___ (pithy jokes) 6
20A 39. *Exposure for an internet company? 11
21A 43. Ancient theater 5
22A 44. Assuages 5
23A 45. Status ___ 3
24A 46. *Illustrative story from an internet company? 13
25A 48. What a track athlete may do three times in one attempt 4
26A 49. World War I Flying ___ (Snoopy alter ego) 3
27A 50. Just 4
28A 51. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao Zedong 3
29A 52. Samples 6
30A 54. Rose up 8
31A 59. Get situated 6
32A 60. Shoe with a "kitten" variety 8
33A 61. Zeroes 6
34A 62. *Blog message from an internet company? 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. *Failed internet company?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Rinse with water, as grain in the brewing process"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of sprinkling or splashing water
  • Similar words include: besprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Exaggerated the merits of"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. "That's actually pretty neat!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Trait for a good waiter?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
  • Similar words include: longanimity, forbearance, solitaire
  • Opposite of: impatience
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATIENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Ingredient in shepherd's pie"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: tater, white potato vine, Solanum tuberosum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Strange"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not divisible by two
  • Similar words include: singular, unmatched, unmated
  • Opposite of: even
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Pirate's booty"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goods or money obtained illegally
  • Similar words include: scratch, ransack, dirty money
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Swabbie's tool"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: wipe up, mop up, swab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. In the ___ (intensely focused)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
  • Similar words include: geographical zone, district, partition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. *Assurance from an internet company?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. "Your pick""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Lightly strike, as a windowpane"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Many a 24-hour eatery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person eating a meal (especially in a restaurant)
  • Similar words include: dining car, dining compartment, buffet car
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. *Puzzling question for an internet company?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Some épéeists' moves"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of moving forward suddenly
  • Similar words include: lurch, passado, straight thrust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Had remorse for"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
  • Similar words include: rue, repent, regret
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Trial version"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: demonstrate, exhibit, present
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. One-___ (pithy jokes)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. *Exposure for an internet company?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Ancient theater"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Assuages"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steadiness of mind under stress
  • Similar words include: quiet, sedate, equanimity
  • Opposite of: stimulate, discomposure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Status ___"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. *Illustrative story from an internet company?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. What a track athlete may do three times in one attempt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden and decisive increase
  • Similar words include: climb up, jumpstart, start
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. World War I Flying ___ (Snoopy alter ego)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: first-rate, superstar, sweep through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Just"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small pond of standing water
  • Similar words include: bare, simple
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao Zedong"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Samples"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Rose up"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
  • Similar words include: arise, renegade, rise up
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBELLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Get situated"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the countries of asia
  • Similar words include: point, East, eastern hemisphere
  • Opposite of: disorient
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Shoe with a "kitten" variety"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small dagger with a tapered blade
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILETTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Zeroes"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust, reset
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. *Blog message from an internet company?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Robber's pursuer 3
2D 2. Reproductive cells 3
3D 3. "Wall Street," for the U.S. financial industry 7
4D 4. Half of many a union-to-be 5
5D 5. Secondhand 4
6D 6. Recipient of many dad jokes 3
7D 7. "Little People, Big World" network 3
8D 8. Deep sleep 5
9D 9. Uncurated Instagram collections 10
10D 10. Do something 3
11D 11. On a different network, say 7
12D 12. Visit 7
13D 13. They usually get no reception 7
14D 15. Coastal resort city in southern California 6
15D 21. Select, with "for" 3
16D 23. Actor Efron 3
17D 24. "Mrs. Lennon" writer 3
18D 25. They're on the docket 5
19D 26. Paper view? 4
20D 27. Student's subspecialty 5
21D 29. Where seeds might be placed 10
22D 32. Before surgery, for short 5
23D 33. "___ at 'em!" 5
24D 35. Cabbage Patch Kid, e.g. 4
25D 36. Part of URL 7
26D 37. "Actually, this matters to me a lot!" 7
27D 38. The Road Runner, to Wile E. Coyote 7
28D 39. Poles tossed in a Highland competition 6
29D 40. On par with 7
30D 41. Total 3
31D 42. Soak (up), as gravy 3
32D 44. Elevator part 3
33D 47. Takes a breather 5
34D 48. Derby drink 5
35D 51. Spot for a ship's captain 4
36D 53. Control center? 3
37D 55. ... and so on 3
38D 56. Life story, for short 3
39D 57. Trisolarans in "The Three-Body Problem," e.g., informally 3
40D 58. Preceder of the answer to each of this puzzle's starred clues 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Robber's pursuer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
  • Similar words include: glom, bull, collar
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Reproductive cells"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: egg cell, ovum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Wall Street," for the U.S. financial industry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METONYM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Half of many a union-to-be"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman who has recently been married
  • Similar words include: Bridget, St. Brigid, Saint Brigid
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Secondhand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • Similar words include: practice, secondhand, utilise
  • Opposite of: misused
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Recipient of many dad jokes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, Word, boy
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Little People, Big World" network"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that considerate and solicitous care
  • Similar words include: tender loving care
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TLC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Deep sleep"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a torpid state resembling deep sleep
  • Similar words include: sleep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOPOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Uncurated Instagram collections"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Do something"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
  • Similar words include: behave, bit, play
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. On a different network, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: stray, ramble, tramp
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAMING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Visit"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. They usually get no reception"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Coastal resort city in southern California"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Select, with "for""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: prefer, choose
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Actor Efron"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. "Mrs. Lennon" writer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. They're on the docket"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of something
  • Similar words include: example, subject, typesetter's case
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Paper view?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Student's subspecialty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young person of either sex
  • Similar words include: underage, venial, kid
  • Opposite of: major
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Where seeds might be placed"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sporting competition in which contestants play a series of games to decide the winner
  • Similar words include: tourney
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOURNAMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Before surgery, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. "___ at 'em!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Cabbage Patch Kid, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Similar words include: dolly, chick, skirt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Part of URL"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who fixes the boundaries of land claims
  • Similar words include: locater
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. "Actually, this matters to me a lot!""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. The Road Runner, to Wile E. Coyote"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance
  • Similar words include: bane, curse, scourge
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEMESIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Poles tossed in a Highland competition"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy wooden pole (such as the trunk of a young fir) that is tossed as a test of strength (in the highlands of northern scotland)
  • Similar words include: caber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "40. On par with"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "41. Total"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of money
  • Similar words include: join, summarize, total
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Soak (up), as gravy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
  • Similar words include: soak, sops, drench
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "44. Elevator part"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: gondola, railroad car, railway car
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Takes a breather"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something left after other parts have been taken away
  • Similar words include: rest period, breathe, residue
  • Opposite of: be active, change
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Derby drink"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
  • Similar words include: mint julep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JULEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Spot for a ship's captain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Control center?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: football tee, golf tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. ... and so on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Life story, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. Trisolarans in "The Three-Body Problem," e.g., informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Preceder of the answer to each of this puzzle's starred clues"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small circular shape
  • Similar words include: point, sprinkle, disperse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOT

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

34 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 29, 2026 at 10:38 AM