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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

Sunday, May 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 17, 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. Snag 6
2A 7. Italian sparkling wine 4
3A 11. John ___, personification of Objectivism, for Ayn Rand 4
4A 15. Code for Queens-landers? 3
5A 18. ___ polaris 6
6A 19. Intl. group formed in 1945 5
7A 20. Purple dish eaten with a spoon 8
8A 22. Lottery commission? 12
9A 24. Prison terms? 8
10A 25. Smell, e.g. 5
11A 26. University of Alabama rallying cry 8
12A 28. President's middle name (accented on the first syllable) or California city (accented on the second) 6
13A 29. Shower stall? 9
14A 31. Slanted type: Abbr. 4
15A 32. Get one's feet wet? 4
16A 36. Dir. from St. Paul to Duluth 3
17A 37. Guido ___, Baroque painter from Bologna 4
18A 38. Automates? 7
19A 42. How mashed avocado might be served 9
20A 45. Acquire, in a way 5
21A 47. "Yep, noticed that" 4
22A 48. Battle cry? 7
23A 49. PC IDs 3
24A 52. What regular customers pay less for? 3
25A 53. A good Wordle starting word, by the looks of it 5
26A 54. When Memorial Day is observed 5
27A 55. Grim Grimm character 4
28A 56. Trounce 4
29A 58. Bamboozled 3
30A 59. Upscale shirtmaker 4
31A 60. Symbol of the American West 7
32A 63. Former 7
33A 65. Yellow submarine? 15
34A 69. Infantile 7
35A 72. Prepares 7
36A 73. Put on the line 4
37A 77. Mien 3
38A 78. Surname for a family of fictional Kansans 4
39A 80. One whose pride can be protective 4
40A 81. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny line) 5
41A 82. Affect emotionally 5
42A 84. Cologne conjunction 3
43A 86. Freight weight 3
44A 87. Stolen base? 7
45A 89. Pelvic parts 4
46A 90. Love, in Lyon 5
47A 92. Bit of flooring for a patio, say 9
48A 94. Blood vessel? 7
49A 96. Page (through) 4
50A 99. Org. for pugilists 3
51A 100. Go downhill, in a way 4
52A 101. Pizzeria in "Do the Right Thing" 4
53A 102. Fire starter? 9
54A 105. Showy kind of push-up 6
55A 108. Salty cheese made from sheep's milk 8
56A 109. Creature-friendly org. 5
57A 114. Padlock? 8
58A 116. Confidence men? 12
59A 118. Rock-bottom review 8
60A 119. 1957 #1 hit for Debbie Reynolds 5
61A 120. Demonstrate complete disrespect for, in a way 6
62A 121. What a clear plastic bag is not 3
63A 122. "Right now!" 4
64A 123. "Your point being?" 4
65A 124. Roxane's beloved, in classic literature 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Snag"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fault or defect in a computer program, system, or machine
  • Similar words include: bug
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Italian sparkling wine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. John ___, personification of Objectivism, for Ayn Rand"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Code for Queens-landers?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. ___ polaris"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the first light of day
  • Similar words include: sunrise, daybreak, first light
  • Opposite of: sunset
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Intl. group formed in 1945"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Purple dish eaten with a spoon"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. Lottery commission?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Prison terms?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Smell, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general conscious awareness
  • Similar words include: sensory faculty, smell out, signified
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. University of Alabama rallying cry"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. President's middle name (accented on the first syllable) or California city (accented on the second)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Shower stall?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Slanted type: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Get one's feet wet?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
  • Similar words include: Virginia Wade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "36. Dir. from St. Paul to Duluth"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point that is midway between north and northeast
  • Similar words include: north northeast, nor'-nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Guido ___, Baroque painter from Bologna"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Automates?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the eight small bones of the wrist of primates
  • Similar words include: wrist bone, carpal bone, carpal
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARPALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. How mashed avocado might be served"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Acquire, in a way"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an addition that extends a main building
  • Similar words include: extension, wing, annexe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "47. "Yep, noticed that""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Battle cry?"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
  • Similar words include: countenance, stock warrant, warranty
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARRANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. PC IDs"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sciences concerned with gathering, manipulating, storing, retrieving, and classifying recorded information
  • Similar words include: information processing, informatics, IP
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. What regular customers pay less for?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  • Similar words include: brag, gasconade, flatulence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. A good Wordle starting word, by the looks of it"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
  • Similar words include: gaze
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. When Memorial Day is observed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Grim Grimm character"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: monster, demon, devil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Trounce"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Bamboozled"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: accept, cause, take
  • Opposite of: refuse, lack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Upscale shirtmaker"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Symbol of the American West"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extremely large treelike cactus of desert regions of southwestern united states having a thick columnar sparsely branched trunk bearing white flowers and edible red pulpy fruit
  • Similar words include: Carnegiea gigantea, sahuaro
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGUARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Former"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to some prior time
  • Similar words include: old, one-time, erstwhile
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONETIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Yellow submarine?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Infantile"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of a baby
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Prepares"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that poised for action
  • Similar words include: ready, set, cook
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: READIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Put on the line"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  • Similar words include: put on the line, peril, gamble
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "77. Mien"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: publicize, strain, publicise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. Surname for a family of fictional Kansans"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong wind moving 45-90 knots; force 7 to 10 on beaufort scale
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "80. One whose pride can be protective"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
  • Similar words include: king of beasts, Leo, Leo the Lion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "81. "___ a stinker?" (Bugs Bunny line)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "82. Affect emotionally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something coming in contact with the body
  • Similar words include: tactual sensation, tinge, disturb
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOUCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "84. Cologne conjunction"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "86. Freight weight"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
  • Similar words include: gross ton, long ton, short ton
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "87. Stolen base?"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a practical joke that involves inserting a match surreptitiously between the sole and upper of the victim's shoe and then lighting it
  • Similar words include: pelt along, bucket along, rush along
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTFOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "89. Pelvic parts"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient city in asia minor that was the site of the trojan war
  • Similar words include: Ilium, ilium, Ilion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "90. Love, in Lyon"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship
  • Similar words include: liaison, affair, intimacy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "92. Bit of flooring for a patio, say"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "94. Blood vessel?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close connection marked by community of interests or similarity in nature or character
  • Similar words include: family relationship, affinity, relationship
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINSHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "96. Page (through)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  • Similar words include: riffle, foliage, flip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "99. Org. for pugilists"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blood cells that engulf and digest bacteria and fungi; an important part of the body's defense system
  • Similar words include: leucocyte, leukocyte, white corpuscle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WBC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "100. Go downhill, in a way"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sleigh, sledge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "101. Pizzeria in "Do the Right Thing""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "102. Fire starter?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "105. Showy kind of push-up"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "108. Salty cheese made from sheep's milk"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "109. Creature-friendly org."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "114. Padlock?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large thick pad filled with resilient material and often incorporating coiled springs, used as a bed or part of a bed
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATTRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "116. Confidence men?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agent who engages in trust busting
  • Similar words include: trustbuster
  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUSTBUSTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "118. Rock-bottom review"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "119. 1957 #1 hit for Debbie Reynolds"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plain-woven (often glazed) fabric of wool or wool and cotton used especially formerly for linings and garments and curtains
  • Similar words include: tam-o'-shanter, tam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAMMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "120. Demonstrate complete disrespect for, in a way"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "121. What a clear plastic bag is not"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artifact designed to be played with
  • Similar words include: play, fiddle, miniature
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "122. "Right now!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "123. "Your point being?""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "124. Roxane's beloved, in classic literature"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Roams (about) 4
2D 2. Entice 4
3D 3. Country with many Farsi speakers 4
4D 4. They often have AAA backing 4
5D 5. Colonial news source 5
6D 6. Iconic role for Harrison Ford 3
7D 7. "You've Really Got ___ on Me" (1960s hit) 5
8D 8. Deck application 6
9D 9. Proverbial slowpoke 6
10D 10. Iconic role for Harrison Ford 7
11D 11. Display amazement, in a way 4
12D 12. Star pitcher 3
13D 13. Mechanism for local funding 7
14D 14. Feature of the tone-deaf 6
15D 15. ___ Linda (San Bernardino suburb) 4
16D 16. Verdon of "Damn Yankees" 4
17D 17. In addition 4
18D 19. Steakhouse orders 6
19D 21. Alternative to a bouncy house 7
20D 23. Direct a smile toward 6
21D 27. Fizzling out 5
22D 30. Erelong 4
23D 31. Skating exhibitions 8
24D 32. "Holy moly!" 5
25D 33. Before, in Bordeaux 5
26D 34. Skin: Prefix 5
27D 35. Misjudgment 7
28D 39. Japanese beer brand 5
29D 40. Crazylegs Hirsch, from 1949 to 1957, informally 5
30D 41. Greta Garbo, by birth 5
31D 43. T-Swift, by another nickname 3
32D 44. Bouncing character in "The House at Pooh Corner" 6
33D 46. Yep's opposite 3
34D 50. Trim 5
35D 51. Seasoning from the ocean 7
36D 53. What some houses are built on 4
37D 55. Cask wood 3
38D 57. Prefix with -form or -verse 3
39D 60. Inept sorts 8
40D 61. One source of news 5
41D 62. Burger toppers 6
42D 64. Savings banks 7
43D 66. Lofty 4
44D 67. "Life ___ beach" 3
45D 68. Home for an 80-Across 3
46D 69. Printing technique that uses wax 5
47D 70. Garlicky spread 5
48D 71. Bear 5
49D 74. Packed like sardines, say 5
50D 75. It's a wrap 5
51D 76. Passed, as bad checks 5
52D 79. Brian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 3
53D 81. Experienced a bit of turnover? 3
54D 83. Mary ___, "The Boating Party" artist 7
55D 85. Sweet, in Seville 5
56D 87. Schmooze 6
57D 88. Back in the day 4
58D 90. Malady 7
59D 91. Do something because of 7
60D 93. A score 6
61D 95. Pollster Lou or singer Emmylou 6
62D 97. Polar wear 6
63D 98. Discussion sites 6
64D 103. ___ Beach, Calif. 5
65D 104. Hoarse 5
66D 105. Fail to mention 4
67D 106. Intl. group formed in 1949 4
68D 107. Online marketplace with personalized gifts 4
69D 108. "Hey there!" 4
70D 110. Awaken 4
71D 111. Creature-friendly org. 4
72D 112. Prefix in many Ocean Spray drink names 4
73D 113. Regarding 4
74D 115. Reggae relative 3
75D 117. Gamecocks' sch. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Roams (about)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic free-floating anxiety and such symptoms as tension or sweating or trembling or lightheadedness or irritability etc that has lasted for more than six months
  • Similar words include: jazz around, gallivant, spur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Entice"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
  • Similar words include: decoy, enticement, hook
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Country with many Farsi speakers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. They often have AAA backing"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
  • Similar words include: tow, towage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Colonial news source"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who weeps
  • Similar words include: weeper, town crier
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Iconic role for Harrison Ford"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
  • Similar words include: Han dynasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "You've Really Got ___ on Me" (1960s hit)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Deck application"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of paint or varnish used to size a surface)
  • Similar words include: sealant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Proverbial slowpoke"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweater or jersey with a high close-fitting collar
  • Similar words include: capsize, turn turtle, polo-neck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Iconic role for Harrison Ford"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in midwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Hoosier State, Robert Indiana, IN
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INDIANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Display amazement, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expression of openmouthed astonishment
  • Similar words include: gawp, yaw, goggle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Star pitcher"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: tiptop, whiz, unity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Mechanism for local funding"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Feature of the tone-deaf"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. ___ Linda (San Bernardino suburb)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Verdon of "Damn Yankees""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. In addition"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: as well, besides, likewise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

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18D: "19. Steakhouse orders"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "21. Alternative to a bouncy house"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "23. Direct a smile toward"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "27. Fizzling out"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time when something ends
  • Similar words include: expire, give way, anxious
  • Opposite of: be born, nascent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYING

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22D: "30. Erelong"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "31. Skating exhibitions"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "32. "Holy moly!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "33. Before, in Bordeaux"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "34. Skin: Prefix"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "35. Misjudgment"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christianity) holding views that disagree with accepted doctrine; especially disagreement with papal infallibility
  • Opposite of: inerrancy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRANCY

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28D: "39. Japanese beer brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "40. Crazylegs Hirsch, from 1949 to 1957, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "41. Greta Garbo, by birth"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of sweden
  • Similar words include: swedish turnip, rutabaga plant, turnip cabbage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEDE

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31D: "43. T-Swift, by another nickname"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAY

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32D: "44. Bouncing character in "The House at Pooh Corner""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "46. Yep's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "50. Trim"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
  • Similar words include: trim, rationalize, snip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRUNE

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35D: "51. Seasoning from the ocean"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "53. What some houses are built on"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
  • Similar words include: specification
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEC

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37D: "55. Cask wood"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Similar words include: oak tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAK

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38D: "57. Prefix with -form or -verse"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "60. Inept sorts"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "61. One source of news"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that medium for communication
  • Similar words include: radiocommunication, tuner, radio receiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIO

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41D: "62. Burger toppers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: onion plant, Allium cepa, onion
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONIONS

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42D: "64. Savings banks"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: parsimony, thrift, penny-pinching
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THRIFTS

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43D: "66. Lofty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lofty level or position or degree
  • Similar words include: eminent, high-pitched, highschool
  • Opposite of: low spirits, low
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIGH

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44D: "67. "Life ___ beach""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "68. Home for an 80-Across"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: hideaway, hideout, lair
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEN

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46D: "69. Printing technique that uses wax"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dyed fabric; a removable wax is used where the dye is not wanted
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATIK

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47D: "70. Garlicky spread"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that garlic mayonnaise
  • Similar words include: aioli sauce, garlic sauce
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIOLI

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48D: "71. Bear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conventional name for a bear used in tales following usage in the old epic `reynard the fox'
  • Similar words include: brown bear, Ursus arctos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUIN

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49D: "74. Packed like sardines, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "75. It's a wrap"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wide scarf worn about their shoulders by women
  • Similar words include: steal, slip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOLE

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51D: "76. Passed, as bad checks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that increase the amount (of a check) fraudulently
  • Similar words include: kite, kit, kit out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KITED

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52D: "79. Brian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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53D: "81. Experienced a bit of turnover?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "83. Mary ___, "The Boating Party" artist"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "85. Sweet, in Seville"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "87. Schmooze"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rub elbows with
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOBNOB

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57D: "88. Back in the day"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: in one case, formerly, erstwhile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

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58D: "90. Malady"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Similar words include: complaint, ill
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AILMENT

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59D: "91. Do something because of"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "93. A score"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
  • Similar words include: 20, xx, XX
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWENTY

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61D: "95. Pollster Lou or singer Emmylou"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states author who wrote the stories about uncle remus (1848-1908)
  • Similar words include: Townsend Harris, Zellig Sabbatai Harris, Bomber Harris
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARRIS

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62D: "97. Polar wear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of heavy jacket (`windcheater' is a british term)
  • Similar words include: parka, windcheater, windbreaker
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANORAK

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63D: "98. Discussion sites"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
  • Similar words include: meeting place, forum, assembly
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORUMS

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64D: "103. ___ Beach, Calif."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "104. Hoarse"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
  • Similar words include: scratchy, gravelly, grating
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASPY

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66D: "105. Fail to mention"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Similar words include: overlook, overleap, leave out
  • Opposite of: attend to, include
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMIT

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67D: "106. Intl. group formed in 1949"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
  • Similar words include: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATO

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68D: "107. Online marketplace with personalized gifts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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69D: "108. "Hey there!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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70D: "110. Awaken"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • Similar words include: stimulate, hustle, shift
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIR

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71D: "111. Creature-friendly org."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "112. Prefix in many Ocean Spray drink names"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacity unit used for measuring fresh herring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAN

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73D: "113. Regarding"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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74D: "115. Reggae relative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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75D: "117. Gamecocks' sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

65 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 17, 2026 at 06:35 AM