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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Professional wrestler's takedown 4
2A 5. Halt, to a horse 4
3A 9. "You've ___ this!" 3
4A 12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer 5
5A 14. Devout 5
6A 15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits 3
7A 16. Big name in pain relief 5
8A 17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him 5
9A 18. Anti-trafficking agcy. 3
10A 19. *Knack for success 10
11A 21. Makes angry, old-style 4
12A 22. Reveal 5
13A 23. Still on the run 7
14A 25. Something grilled at a tailgating party 4
15A 27. *Source of ongoing income, informally 10
16A 29. Do more work on, as a farrier might 6
17A 31. Slow-moving tree-dweller 5
18A 32. Landscape photographer Adams 5
19A 33. Green-lights 3
20A 34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse" 5
21A 38. Warning before your breaking point? 5
22A 40. Fund-raising drive participants 6
23A 41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows" 10
24A 45. Mothers in a flock 4
25A 46. Plans (to) 7
26A 47. Ctrl+V action 5
27A 49. Dragon's den 4
28A 50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues 10
29A 54. What the prefix "omni-" means 3
30A 55. Easily broken 5
31A 56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast 5
32A 57. Rolled randomizer 3
33A 58. Like some martinis and jokes 5
34A 59. Sweat ___ 5
35A 60. "Sure thing!" 3
36A 61. Workers in a colony 4
37A 62. Made haste 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: totally, wholly, altogether
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: June 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM

Monday, April 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 20, 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: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Solicit with a goodie 5
2A 6. School support grps. 4
3A 10. Egyptian cobra 3
4A 13. Well-informed 5
5A 14. Teaser, for short 5
6A 15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names 3
7A 16. Low red card in a deck 11
8A 18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother 3
9A 19. Window shades 6
10A 20. Follow orders 4
11A 21. Locomotives, to kids 14
12A 25. Comic figure at a circus 5
13A 26. "Impressive!" 3
14A 27. Stir up, as waters 4
15A 28. "The worst!" 9
16A 34. ___-backward 3
17A 35. Walk wearily 7
18A 37. ___-Magnon (early human) 3
19A 38. City and its surroundings 9
20A 40. German refusal 4
21A 41. Alternative to .com or .edu 3
22A 42. Ridiculous 5
23A 43. "Don't mention it — it was easy" 14
24A 50. "Just doin' my job" 4
25A 51. Insect with pincers 6
26A 52. X, for a sorority 3
27A 53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell? 11
28A 58. Skirt feature 3
29A 59. Decorations around the United Nations 5
30A 60. "Sauer" hot dog topping 5
31A 61. Triage sites, for short 3
32A 62. Mascara coats one 4
33A 63. Full of know-how 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Solicit with a goodie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dispose or incline or entice to
  • Similar words include: charm, influence, entice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPT

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2A: "6. School support grps."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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3A: "10. Egyptian cobra"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: Vipera aspis, Egyptian cobra, Naja haje
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASP

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4A: "13. Well-informed"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
  • Similar words include: cognizant, mindful, cognisant
  • Opposite of: unaware, unmindful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWARE

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5A: "14. Teaser, for short"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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6A: "15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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7A: "16. Low red card in a deck"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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8A: "18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: Provisional Irish Republican Army, Irish Republican Army, ire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

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9A: "19. Window shades"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
  • Similar words include: subterfuge, screen, blind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLINDS

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10A: "20. Follow orders"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Opposite of: disobey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEY

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11A: "21. Locomotives, to kids"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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12A: "25. Comic figure at a circus"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rude or vulgar fool
  • Similar words include: goofball, clown around, goof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOWN

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13A: "26. "Impressive!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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14A: "27. Stir up, as waters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be agitated
  • Similar words include: moil, rile, boil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROIL

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15A: "28. "The worst!""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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16A: "34. ___-backward"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: derriere, backside, tail end
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

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17A: "35. Walk wearily"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk or tramp about
  • Similar words include: shlep
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAIPSE

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18A: "37. ___-Magnon (early human)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
  • Similar words include: scope, oscilloscope, cathode-ray oscilloscope
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRO

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19A: "38. City and its surroundings"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "40. German refusal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "41. Alternative to .com or .edu"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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22A: "42. Ridiculous"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a word used for misbehaving children
  • Similar words include: punch-drunk, light-headed, empty-headed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILLY

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23A: "43. "Don't mention it — it was easy""

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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24A: "50. "Just doin' my job""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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25A: "51. Insect with pincers"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous insects of the order dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARWIG

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26A: "52. X, for a sorority"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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27A: "53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "58. Skirt feature"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
  • Similar words include: ahem
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEM

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29A: "59. Decorations around the United Nations"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
  • Similar words include: fleur-de-lis, ease off, pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAGS

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30A: "60. "Sauer" hot dog topping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensive term for a person of german descent
  • Similar words include: Jerry, Krauthead, Hun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRAUT

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31A: "61. Triage sites, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: Er, ER, atomic number 68
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

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32A: "62. Mascara coats one"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
  • Similar words include: strap, slash, flog
  • Opposite of: unlash
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASH

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33A: "63. Full of know-how"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cognitive condition of someone who understands
  • Similar words include: understanding, comprehend, dig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAVVY

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Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally 3
2D 2. "Gross!" 3
3D 3. Chinese revolutionary 3
4D 4. Football all-star game 7
5D 5. Cookware coating 6
6D 6. National museum in Madrid 5
7D 7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt 5
8D 8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM? 3
9D 9. ...---... in Morse 3
10D 10. Cover story, in court 5
11D 11. Sound that warns of a tornado 5
12D 12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade 5
13D 14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital 4
14D 17. Kool-Aid rival 3
15D 20. Site of Pearl Harbor 4
16D 21. Not far away 5
17D 22. Lift 5
18D 23. Throw (out) 4
19D 24. Valentine's Day flower 4
20D 25. Stow tightly, with "in" 4
21D 28. Cigarette substance 3
22D 29. Move in a hurry, old-style 3
23D 30. Craft brew designation letters 3
24D 31. Medium-sized battery 5
25D 32. Filtered food for whales 5
26D 33. PlayStation maker 4
27D 35. Matador charger 4
28D 36. Pasta sauce brand 4
29D 39. Golfer McIlroy 4
30D 40. Big U.S./Canada falls 7
31D 42. (The) boondocks 6
32D 43. Specialty 5
33D 44. Catchall survey option 5
34D 45. Cuts at the margins 5
35D 46. Apps undergoing testing 5
36D 47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___" 5
37D 48. Flubs 4
38D 49. Slack-jawed feeling 3
39D 53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars 3
40D 54. In the style of 3
41D 55. Bathroom, informally 3
42D 56. Sweetie, to Brits 3
43D 57. Total dump 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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2D: "2. "Gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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3D: "3. Chinese revolutionary"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Similar words include: monoamine oxidase, Mao Zedong, Mao Tsetung
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAO

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4D: "4. Football all-star game"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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5D: "5. Cookware coating"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided
  • Similar words include: polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEFLON

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6D: "6. National museum in Madrid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • Similar words include: trunk, body
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORSO

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8D: "8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. ...---... in Morse"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: sol, so, soh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

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10D: "10. Cover story, in court"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  • Similar words include: exculpation, excuse, self-justification
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIBI

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11D: "11. Sound that warns of a tornado"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sea nymph (part woman and part bird) supposed to lure sailors to destruction on the rocks where the nymphs lived
  • Similar words include: Delilah, femme fatale, enchantress
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIREN

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12D: "12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
  • Similar words include: work, sport, drama
  • Opposite of: tightness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAYS

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13D: "14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "17. Kool-Aid rival"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "20. Site of Pearl Harbor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Similar words include: Oahu Island
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAHU

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16D: "21. Not far away"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: close-fitting, conclusion, secretive
  • Opposite of: open, distant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSE

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17D: "22. Lift"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
  • Similar words include: wind, lift, run up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOIST

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18D: "23. Throw (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of flipping a coin
  • Similar words include: cast out, jactitate, discard
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOSS

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19D: "24. Valentine's Day flower"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
  • Similar words include: climb up, rose wine, roseate
  • Opposite of: set, wane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSE

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20D: "25. Stow tightly, with "in""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that crowd or pack to capacity
  • Similar words include: ram, mug up, drum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAM

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21D: "28. Cigarette substance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: mariner, seaman, sea dog
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

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22D: "29. Move in a hurry, old-style"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: rush, race, rush along
  • Opposite of: linger
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIE

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23D: "30. Craft brew designation letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "31. Medium-sized battery"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "32. Filtered food for whales"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans; major source of food for e.g. baleen whales
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRILL

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26D: "33. PlayStation maker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "35. Matador charger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "36. Pasta sauce brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "39. Golfer McIlroy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "40. Big U.S./Canada falls"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterfall in canada is the horseshoe falls; in the united states it is the american falls
  • Similar words include: Niagara Falls, Niagara River
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIAGARA

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31D: "42. (The) boondocks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement consisting of a length of wood
  • Similar words include: bond, marijuana cigarette, stay
  • Opposite of: move, dislodge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STICKS

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32D: "43. Specialty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
  • Similar words include: recession, corner, ecological niche
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICHE

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33D: "44. Catchall survey option"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
  • Similar words include: former, early
  • Opposite of: same
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTHER

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34D: "45. Cuts at the margins"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of arrangement or appearance
  • Similar words include: trim down, crop, prune
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIMS

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35D: "46. Apps undergoing testing"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of laughing
  • Similar words include: joke, express joy, express mirth
  • Opposite of: cry
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAUGH

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37D: "48. Flubs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: slip, stray, err
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRS

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38D: "49. Slack-jawed feeling"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: fear, veneration, reverence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

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39D: "53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "54. In the style of"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "55. Bathroom, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • Similar words include: can, lavatory, toilet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAV

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42D: "56. Sweetie, to Brits"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "57. Total dump"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: pigpen, hordeolum, eye infection
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues
43 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 20, 2026 at 06:00 AM