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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "OK," in modern slang 3
2A 4. Develop 5
3A 9. Postlarval insects 5
4A 14. Prefix with skeleton 3
5A 15. Ewok's home 5
6A 16. Blow, as 13-Down does repeatedly 5
7A 17. Top starter 3
8A 18. Unsecured artillery that can slide across the deck 11
9A 20. "Semper Fidelis," for one 5
10A 22. Advantage 5
11A 23. Me-time destination 3
12A 24. Creature of Egyptian myth 6
13A 26. Bus schedule component 4
14A 28. Some landscaping equipment 6
15A 31. Worker who's behind the Times? 6
16A 35. Plow puller of old 4
17A 37. "Verb," ironically 4
18A 39. Part of a black suit 5
19A 40. Its three largest cities all have names starting with C 4
20A 41. Completely lost ... or where the now-idiomatic answer to each italicized clue has a literal meaning 5
21A 43. Barely made (out) 4
22A 44. Chat, informally 5
23A 46. Old-timey "Listen!" 4
24A 47. Out of juice 4
25A 48. Paint options 6
26A 50. Permanent-press 6
27A 52. Part of many a shallow-water ecosystem 4
28A 54. Music genre for some yoga classes 6
29A 57. Suffix with devil 3
30A 60. Expresses approval, in a way 5
31A 63. Remove from its original packaging, say 5
32A 64. Equatorial ocean area notorious for lack of winds 11
33A 67. Consumed 3
34A 68. Character in "Monsters, Inc." 5
35A 69. Like many a campfire story 5
36A 70. Hiker to a QB: Abbr. 3
37A 71. Elevate, as a flag 5
38A 72. Shell out cash 5
39A 73. Word with sewing or starter 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "OK," in modern slang"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: depend, calculate, stake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Develop"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that constitution of the human body
  • Similar words include: physique, physical body, form
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUILD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Postlarval insects"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an insect in the inactive stage of development (when it is not feeding) intermediate between larva and adult
  • Similar words include: pupa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUPAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Prefix with skeleton"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Ewok's home"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Blow, as 13-Down does repeatedly"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start abruptly
  • Similar words include: burst, flare up, take fire
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Top starter"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Unsecured artillery that can slide across the deck"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Semper Fidelis," for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a favorite saying of a sect or political group
  • Similar words include: slogan, shibboleth, catchword
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Advantage"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Me-time destination"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: resort hotel, health club, watering hole
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Creature of Egyptian myth"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inscrutable person who keeps his thoughts and intentions secret
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPHINX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Bus schedule component"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something ending
  • Similar words include: full point, full stop, plosive speech sound
  • Opposite of: start, continuant consonant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Some landscaping equipment"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who puts finishing edges on a garment
  • Similar words include: edger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Worker who's behind the Times?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
  • Similar words include: editor program, editor in chief
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDITOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Plow puller of old"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile
  • Similar words include: scuff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MULE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. "Verb," ironically"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Part of a black suit"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it
  • Similar words include: jigaboo, coon, nigra
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Its three largest cities all have names starting with C"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: Buckeye State, Ohio River, OH
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Completely lost ... or where the now-idiomatic answer to each italicized clue has a literal meaning"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Barely made (out)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Chat, informally"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Old-timey "Listen!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that listen; used mostly in the imperative
  • Similar words include: harken, hearken
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Out of juice"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are no longer living
  • Similar words include: abruptly, deadened, stagnant
  • Opposite of: alive, living
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Paint options"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
  • Similar words include: shininess, luster, lustre
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHEENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Permanent-press"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Part of many a shallow-water ecosystem"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
  • Similar words include: Witwatersrand, Rand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Music genre for some yoga classes"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Suffix with devil"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Expresses approval, in a way"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden very loud noise
  • Similar words include: acclaim, eruption, bam
  • Opposite of: boo
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Remove from its original packaging, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from a box
  • Opposite of: box
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Equatorial ocean area notorious for lack of winds"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Consumed"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Character in "Monsters, Inc.""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate the separation of elements within the grammatical structure of a sentence
  • Similar words include: comma butterfly, Polygonia comma
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Like many a campfire story"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
  • Similar words include: eery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. Hiker to a QB: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Elevate, as a flag"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "72. Shell out cash"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass time in a specific way
  • Similar words include: expend, drop, pass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "73. Word with sewing or starter"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a case for containing a set of articles
  • Similar words include: outfit, kit up, kit out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Has a happy face 5
2D 2. Former member of the force 5
3D 3. Stand barefoot in formation along seams of deck planks 10
4D 4. Fit in 6
5D 5. Game in which players draw and skip 3
6D 6. Big celebrity 4
7D 7. When repeated, leading only to bad outcomes 4
8D 8. Leftovers 5
9D 9. Stir-fry add-ins 7
10D 10. Decorative vessel 3
11D 11. "Sofa, so good" and such 4
12D 12. Each 4
13D 13. Sicilian smoker 4
14D 19. ___ as a bug's ear 4
15D 21. Drift with the natural flow of currents 8
16D 25. TV's "Warrior Princess" 4
17D 27. Bosun's whistled call signaling a shift change 8
18D 29. I.R.A. classification 4
19D 30. Lazy ___ 5
20D 32. Flattened against the masts in a changing wind 10
21D 33. Roman theaters 4
22D 34. Comedian Foxx 4
23D 35. Soft leather shoes, for short 4
24D 36. "That's not good" 4
25D 38. Fiddler-emperor, legend has it 4
26D 42. Similar 4
27D 45. Minimal paint job 7
28D 49. Promote 4
29D 51. Not just thrown away, say 6
30D 53. Gradually tapered cuts 5
31D 55. Jailed New York crime boss 5
32D 56. Wield, as authority 5
33D 57. Bite reminder, maybe 4
34D 58. "Get away!" 4
35D 59. Prefix with sphere 4
36D 61. Dice peppers, e.g. 4
37D 62. Positive 4
38D 65. Personally contacts online, for short 3
39D 66. Max's opposite 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Has a happy face"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
  • Similar words include: ray, irradiation, shaft of light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Former member of the force"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Stand barefoot in formation along seams of deck planks"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Fit in"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be owned by; be in the possession of
  • Similar words include: go, belong to
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Game in which players draw and skip"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Big celebrity"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a material effigy that is worshipped
  • Similar words include: god, graven image, beau ideal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. When repeated, leading only to bad outcomes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: misplace, mislay, fall back
  • Opposite of: find, win
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Leftovers"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid
  • Similar words include: settlings, dreg
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Stir-fry add-ins"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Decorative vessel"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Sofa, so good" and such"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous play on words
  • Similar words include: punning, wordplay, pun
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Each"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sicilian smoker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. ___ as a bug's ear"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness
  • Similar words include: precious, cunning
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Drift with the natural flow of currents"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. TV's "Warrior Princess""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Bosun's whistled call signaling a shift change"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. I.R.A. classification"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer whose novels portray middle-class jewish life (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Philip Milton Roth, Philip Roth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Lazy ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Flattened against the masts in a changing wind"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Roman theaters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Comedian Foxx"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Soft leather shoes, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "That's not good""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Fiddler-emperor, legend has it"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of rome in 64) but the roman empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
  • Similar words include: Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Similar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that similar in quality or character
  • Similar words include: cognate, consanguineal, kin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Minimal paint job"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "49. Promote"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of persuading someone to buy
  • Similar words include: betray, trade, deal
  • Opposite of: buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "51. Not just thrown away, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use again after processing
  • Similar words include: reprocess, recycle, reuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REUSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "53. Gradually tapered cuts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer
  • Similar words include: slice, wither, blow over
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "55. Jailed New York crime boss"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "56. Wield, as authority"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have and exercise
  • Similar words include: maintain, wield, exercise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Bite reminder, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: spoil, itchiness, itching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. "Get away!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that drive away by crying `shoo!'
  • Similar words include: shoo off, shoo away
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Prefix with sphere"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "61. Dice peppers, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
  • Similar words include: preparation, homework
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Positive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: certain, surely, trusted
  • Opposite of: uncertain, unsure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "65. Personally contacts online, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
  • Similar words include: decimeter, DM, decimetre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "66. Max's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  • Similar words include: Hokkianese, Fukien, minute
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 09, 2026 at 08:16 AM

Sunday, August 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 16, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Work parodied by Umberto Eco's "Granita" 6
2A 7. Subject of Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter" 3
3A 10. One's opponents 4
4A 14. Uncool 4
5A 18. Untold 6
6A 19. Down Under runners 4
7A 21. Caramel-filled candy 4
8A 22. Word following bear or honey 4
9A 23. _ATSO_ and _EKYL_ 21
10A 27. Astonished, informally 5
11A 28. With 45-Across, many a correspondent 3
12A 29. Do business 7
13A 30. Uncle, in Uruguay 3
14A 31. Water nymph of Greek myth 5
15A 33. Poet's Muse 5
16A 34. Memorial ___ Kettering (New York City medical facility) 5
17A 36. _RAVES 19
18A 41. It may be petrified 6
19A 42. Acknowledge 5
20A 43. El ___, Tex. 4
21A 44. Sass 3
22A 45. See 28-Across 3
23A 47. Eggy quaff 3
24A 48. Trudge 4
25A 50. Approaching 4
26A 54. Some funerary selections 4
27A 56. SAG_ 16
28A 60. Stands for speakers 5
29A 62. Preserver of freshness 4
30A 63. Sent 6
31A 64. Place for a sailor's anchor, informally 5
32A 67. Hunk 4
33A 70. Disapproving syllables 4
34A 72. It may be mental 5
35A 73. Out, in a way 6
36A 75. "That's cool, man" 4
37A 77. Words that may open doors 5
38A 79. _NIGHT 16
39A 83. Learning method 4
40A 87. Guard, as a goal 4
41A 88. Get rid of 4
42A 89. "Yadda, yadda" 3
43A 90. Squeaker ... or squealer 3
44A 92. Home improvement initials 3
45A 93. Italian wine city 4
46A 95. Fiber also known as viscose 5
47A 97. Toddler's jumping spot on a rainy day 6
48A 99. FRAN_ 19
49A 104. More reasonable 5
50A 105. Interprets 5
51A 106. Suspended musical instruments 5
52A 107. Vein contents 3
53A 108. Calm 7
54A 111. Title that becomes loftier when an E is added 3
55A 112. Escort to a penthouse, say 5
56A 116. _IALO_ 21
57A 120. Even 4
58A 121. Carry on 4
59A 122. Tender cut 4
60A 123. Pie portions, shapewise 6
61A 124. Crones 4
62A 125. Gas brand that sounds like two letters of the alphabet 4
63A 126. Invention originally developed as a yellow dye 3
64A 127. Refuse to budge 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Work parodied by Umberto Eco's "Granita""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sexually precocious young girl
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOLITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Subject of Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: wickedness, sine, sinfulness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. One's opponents"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Uncool"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who doesn't understand what is going on
  • Similar words include: halt, cripple, halting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Untold"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Down Under runners"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. Caramel-filled candy"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. Word following bear or honey"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
  • Similar words include: sand trap, maw, ambuscade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. _ATSO_ and _EKYL_"

21 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOCTORSWITHOUTBORDERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Astonished, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
  • Similar words include: excite, shake off, agitate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. With 45-Across, many a correspondent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
  • Similar words include: write, penitentiary, compose
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Do business"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
  • Similar words include: operate on, run, manoeuvre
  • Opposite of: malfunction, disengage
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Uncle, in Uruguay"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Water nymph of Greek myth"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers; of fresh or brackish water
  • Similar words include: water nymph
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Poet's Muse"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the muse of lyric and love poetry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Memorial ___ Kettering (New York City medical facility)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. _RAVES"

19 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEEDSNOINTRODUCTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "41. It may be petrified"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose style is out of fashion
  • Similar words include: fogy, dodo, fogey
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOSSIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. Acknowledge"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. El ___, Tex."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Sass"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
  • Similar words include: backtalk, back talk, rim
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. See 28-Across"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, brother, crony
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Eggy quaff"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
  • Similar words include: peg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Trudge"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of walking with a slow heavy gait
  • Similar words include: footslog, trudge, tramp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Approaching"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
  • Similar words include: nearly, virtually, near
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Some funerary selections"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
  • Similar words include: urn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. SAG_"

16 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Stands for speakers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  • Similar words include: stump, soapbox, podium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Preserver of freshness"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: Navy SEAL, sealing wax, stamp
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Sent"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: intoxicate, uplift, pick up
  • Opposite of: dejected, depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Place for a sailor's anchor, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Hunk"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Disapproving syllables"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Similar words include: tsk, tut, tut-tut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. It may be mental"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: picture, figure of speech, figure
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Out, in a way"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a state of sleep
  • Similar words include: gone, at rest, numb
  • Opposite of: awake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASLEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. "That's cool, man""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "77. Words that may open doors"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "79. _NIGHT"

16 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. Learning method"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that memorization by repetition
  • Similar words include: rote learning
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "87. Guard, as a goal"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Similar words include: run, incline, lean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "88. Get rid of"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: molt, cast, throw
  • Opposite of: persistent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "89. "Yadda, yadda""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "90. Squeaker ... or squealer"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: dirty dog, shop, scum bag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "92. Home improvement initials"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "93. Italian wine city"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "95. Fiber also known as viscose"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a synthetic silklike fabric
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAYON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "97. Toddler's jumping spot on a rainy day"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of wet clay and sand that can be used to line a pond and that is impervious to water when dry
  • Similar words include: addle, make, pool
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUDDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "99. FRAN_"

19 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTCOMPLETELYHONEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "104. More reasonable"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
  • Similar words include: reasonable, sane
  • Opposite of: insane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "105. Interprets"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is read
  • Similar words include: register, understand, take
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: READS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "106. Suspended musical instruments"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a percussion instrument consisting of a metal plate that is struck with a softheaded drumstick
  • Similar words include: tam-tam, bell, gong
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GONGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "107. Vein contents"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "108. Calm"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "111. Title that becomes loftier when an E is added"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "112. Escort to a penthouse, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "116. _IALO_"

21 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNLIMITEDTALKANDTEXTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "120. Even"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
  • Similar words include: fastened, splice, trussed
  • Opposite of: untied, untie
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "121. Carry on"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
  • Similar words include: mouth off, blah, fustian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "122. Tender cut"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cut of meat taken from the side and back of an animal between the ribs and the rump
  • Similar words include: lumbus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "123. Pie portions, shapewise"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any shape that is triangular in cross section
  • Similar words include: hoagie, sub, wedge heel
  • Opposite of: dislodge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEDGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "124. Crones"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ugly evil-looking old woman
  • Similar words include: hagfish, beldame, crone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "125. Gas brand that sounds like two letters of the alphabet"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "126. Invention originally developed as a yellow dye"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "127. Refuse to budge"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
  • Similar words include: importune, assert, take a firm stand
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Striplings 4
2D 2. Texter's "Then again ..." 4
3D 3. Bananas 4
4D 4. Chants 7
5D 5. Briefly swam 8
6D 6. Home to more than 1,500 languages: Abbr. 3
7D 7. Affixed, as a patch 7
8D 8. "Let's do this!" 4
9D 9. Macadamia, for one 3
10D 10. Closely following 6
11D 11. Racing vehicle 6
12D 12. Napoleon exile site 4
13D 13. No longer relevant 4
14D 14. Inc., abroad 3
15D 15. Childish comeback 6
16D 16. Maid of Sherwood Forest 6
17D 17. Many a printer 5
18D 20. Consequences of supply chain problems 9
19D 24. Cross 4
20D 25. Dizzying gallery works 5
21D 26. Pauses while playing 5
22D 32. Treasure or desert follower 6
23D 33. Ewoks' home moon 5
24D 35. Job that may involve jumping through hoops 9
25D 36. Form of detective fiction 4
26D 37. Channel for gaming enthusiasts? 4
27D 38. Actress Skye 4
28D 39. Words after check, follow or catch 4
29D 40. Bum 5
30D 41. Reason to take a shot 3
31D 46. Some odoriferous gifts 4
32D 48. Smartphone predecessors, for short 4
33D 49. Female rapper with a longtime feud with Foxy Brown 6
34D 51. "Diminutive" Greek letter 4
35D 52. Nickname that omits "-ory" 4
36D 53. London park 4
37D 55. Chemistry test? 9
38D 57. Travel bag 6
39D 58. Bag 3
40D 59. Not very favorable, as some 84-Down 4
41D 61. Car with a stylized lightning bolt logo 4
42D 64. Thai money 4
43D 65. "Gotcha" 4
44D 66. Group with a tartan 4
45D 68. It may drive one to distraction, in brief 4
46D 69. Thumbnail, maybe 3
47D 71. A-lister 4
48D 74. Sauce traditionally made in a mortar 5
49D 76. Steal 9
50D 78. Attach with a click 6
51D 80. Carpenter's spacer 4
52D 81. Ophthalmology concerns 5
53D 82. Green sci. 4
54D 84. 2 to 5, say 4
55D 85. Infraction at an arcade 4
56D 86. ___ of Horus (Egyptian symbol of healing) 3
57D 91. Element used in bulb filaments 8
58D 94. "Shoo!" 5
59D 95. Display some emotion, perhaps 5
60D 96. Member of the N.F.L.'s "Big Blue," in brief 7
61D 98. Prepares to puree, perhaps, as papayas 7
62D 99. Fantasy realm ruled by King Caspian 6
63D 100. Feature of Anthony Robles, a 2011 N.C.A.A. national champion wrestler 6
64D 101. Shows pride in one's appearance, in a way 6
65D 102. Result in 6
66D 103. Producer of a call to arms 4
67D 104. Go ___ (fail) 5
68D 109. Poop 4
69D 110. School grps. 4
70D 111. Hide 4
71D 113. Vet 4
72D 114. Western Indians 4
73D 115. Subtle summons 4
74D 117. Fingers 3
75D 118. Park place? 3
76D 119. Road recklessness of a sort, for short 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Striplings"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy or man
  • Similar words include: sonny boy, cub, lad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Texter's "Then again ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Bananas"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Similar words include: buggy, fruity, around the bend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Chants"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
  • Similar words include: tone, chant, intone
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Briefly swam"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Home to more than 1,500 languages: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Affixed, as a patch"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Let's do this!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Macadamia, for one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually large hard-shelled seed
  • Similar words include: fruitcake, nut case, crackpot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUT

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10D: "10. Closely following"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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11D: "11. Racing vehicle"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Napoleon exile site"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. No longer relevant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • Similar words include: consider, arguable, debate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOT

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14D: "14. Inc., abroad"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. Childish comeback"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. Maid of Sherwood Forest"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or venerating the virgin mary
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARIAN

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17D: "17. Many a printer"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "20. Consequences of supply chain problems"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of being an amount by which something is less than expected or required
  • Similar words include: deficit, dearth, shortfall
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORTAGES

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19D: "24. Cross"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the complete duration of something
  • Similar words include: twosome, pair, duad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAN

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20D: "25. Dizzying gallery works"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "26. Pauses while playing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something left after other parts have been taken away
  • Similar words include: residue, lie, catch one's breath
  • Opposite of: be active, change
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESTS

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22D: "32. Treasure or desert follower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLAND

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23D: "33. Ewoks' home moon"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "35. Job that may involve jumping through hoops"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "36. Form of detective fiction"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "37. Channel for gaming enthusiasts?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "38. Actress Skye"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "39. Words after check, follow or catch"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "40. Bum"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ask for and get free; be a parasite
  • Similar words include: bum, scrounge, schnorr
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CADGE

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30D: "41. Reason to take a shot"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
  • Similar words include: grippe, influenza
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLU

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31D: "46. Some odoriferous gifts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: wreath, coronal, lei
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEIS

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32D: "48. Smartphone predecessors, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "49. Female rapper with a longtime feud with Foxy Brown"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "51. "Diminutive" Greek letter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: whit, smidgin, shred
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

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35D: "52. Nickname that omits "-ory""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "53. London park"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "55. Chemistry test?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "57. Travel bag"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small overnight bag for short trips
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VALISE

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39D: "58. Bag"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: earnings, web, profit
  • Opposite of: gross
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Not very favorable, as some 84-Down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take off weight
  • Similar words include: reduce, slenderize, svelte
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIM

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41D: "61. Car with a stylized lightning bolt logo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german industrialist who was the first in germany to use an assembly line in manufacturing automobiles (1871-1948)
  • Similar words include: Wilhelm von Opel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. Thai money"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in thailand
  • Similar words include: tical
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "65. "Gotcha""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "66. Group with a tartan"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "68. It may drive one to distraction, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADD, minimal brain damage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "69. Thumbnail, maybe"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "71. A-lister"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
  • Similar words include: headliner, whizz, wizard
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "74. Sauce traditionally made in a mortar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sauce typically served with pasta; contains crushed basil leaves and garlic and pine nuts and parmesan cheese in olive oil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESTO

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49D: "76. Steal"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "78. Attach with a click"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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51D: "80. Carpenter's spacer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin wedge of material (wood or metal or stone) for driving into crevices
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "81. Ophthalmology concerns"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "82. Green sci."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "84. 2 to 5, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
  • Similar words include: betting odds
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDS

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55D: "85. Infraction at an arcade"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
  • Similar words include: disputation, arguing, list
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "86. ___ of Horus (Egyptian symbol of healing)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of sight
  • Similar words include: middle, oculus, center
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "91. Element used in bulb filaments"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
  • Similar words include: atomic number 74, W, wolfram
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNGSTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "94. "Shoo!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leave immediately; used usually in the imperative form
  • Similar words include: buzz off, get, fuck off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "95. Display some emotion, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that show a response or a reaction to something
  • Similar words include: respond, oppose
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "96. Member of the N.F.L.'s "Big Blue," in brief"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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61D: "98. Prepares to puree, perhaps, as papayas"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "99. Fantasy realm ruled by King Caspian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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63D: "100. Feature of Anthony Robles, a 2011 N.C.A.A. national champion wrestler"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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64D: "101. Shows pride in one's appearance, in a way"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clean with one's bill
  • Similar words include: dress, primp, congratulate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREENS

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65D: "102. Result in"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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66D: "103. Producer of a call to arms"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
  • Similar words include: trumpet, saddle horn, tusk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "104. Go ___ (fail)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the region of the united states lying to the south of the mason-dixon line
  • Similar words include: Dixie, Confederate States, Confederate States of America
  • Opposite of: north
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOUTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "109. Poop"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hoop that covers a wheel
  • Similar words include: tire out, wear upon, wear
  • Opposite of: interest, refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIRE

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69D: "110. School grps."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "111. Hide"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
  • Similar words include: shin, scrape, peel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "113. Vet"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "114. Western Indians"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
  • Similar words include: Ute
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTES

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73D: "115. Subtle summons"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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74D: "117. Fingers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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75D: "118. Park place?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: set, mickle, mint
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOT

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76D: "119. Road recklessness of a sort, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

64 Across Clues
76 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: August 16, 2026 at 04:04 AM