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Monday, October 19, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 19, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Center of the solar system, with "the" 3
2A 4. "A Fish Called ___" 5
3A 9. Tiny terror 3
4A 12. "Where the Wild Things ___" 3
5A 13. Cafe overhang 6
6A 15. Hotel booking 4
7A 17. Supermarket franchise inits. 3
8A 18. Giving excessive praise and flattery 11
9A 20. Second-in-command 6
10A 22. Will of "Arrested Development" 6
11A 23. Gives the nod 3
12A 24. Dutch beer brand 6
13A 27. Bundle of hay 4
14A 29. Branch plant? 4
15A 30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes 5
16A 34. Used goods disclaimer 4
17A 35. Urban casual fashion 10
18A 37. Sombrero or fedora 3
19A 38. Lout 3
20A 39. U.K. thank-yous 3
21A 40. Alias letters 3
22A 41. "You are correct" 10
23A 44. Perfect tennis serves 4
24A 45. Muscle-bone connector 5
25A 46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's 4
26A 47. Philosopher Descartes 4
27A 48. Made some waves? 6
28A 50. See 61-Across 3
29A 51. "Is it OK for me to leave?" 6
30A 54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling 6
31A 57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle 11
32A 61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick 3
33A 62. Giveaway, in poker 4
34A 63. Like a meditation retreat 6
35A 64. Letter between phi and psi 3
36A 65. Month with Mother's Day 3
37A 66. Law school class 5
38A 67. "You ___ to be there!" 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Center of the solar system, with "the""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Lord's Day, Dominicus, sunlight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. "A Fish Called ___""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tiny terror"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, elf, hob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. "Where the Wild Things ___""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: represent, cost, embody
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Cafe overhang"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
  • Similar words include: sunshade, sunblind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWNING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Hotel booking"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
  • Similar words include: board, way, elbow room
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Supermarket franchise inits."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
  • Similar words include: immunoglobulin A
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Giving excessive praise and flattery"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Second-in-command"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
  • Similar words include: lieutenant, deputy sheriff, surrogate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPUTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Will of "Arrested Development""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Gives the nod"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Dutch beer brand"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Bundle of hay"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bundle bound for storage or transport
  • Similar words include: Basle, Basel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Branch plant?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Similar words include: Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, shoetree, tree diagram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Used goods disclaimer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Urban casual fashion"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Sombrero or fedora"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
  • Similar words include: chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Lout"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lout, lummox, stumblebum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. U.K. thank-yous"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
  • Similar words include: tantalum, atomic number 73, Ta
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Alias letters"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "You are correct""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Perfect tennis serves"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: pass with flying colors, angiotensin-converting enzyme, sensation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Muscle-bone connector"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: heftiness, brawniness, brawn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
  • Similar words include: Robert Edward Lee, Bruce Lee, Richard Henry Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Philosopher Descartes"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Made some waves?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a permanent wave to
  • Similar words include: perm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. See 61-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "Is it OK for me to leave?""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nation in northern north america; the french were the first europeans to settle in mainland canada
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go through boxing motions without an opponent
  • Similar words include: shadowbox
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADOWBOXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
  • Similar words include: read-only storage, fixed storage, read-only memory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Giveaway, in poker"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: order, recite, separate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Like a meditation retreat"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not agitated; without losing self-possession
  • Similar words include: calm, tranquil, unagitated
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Letter between phi and psi"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Month with Mother's Day"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following april and preceding june
  • Similar words include: whitethorn, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Law school class"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
  • Similar words include: tort, civil wrong
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. "You ___ to be there!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Uttered 4
2D 2. Strong desire 4
3D 3. Tricolored ice cream flavor 10
4D 4. Floats in the breeze 5
5D 5. Not home 4
6D 6. 180° from SSE 3
7D 7. Cacophony 3
8D 8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname 3
9D 9. Rule with no exceptions 7
10D 10. Change places 4
11D 11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium" 4
12D 14. Little annoyance you might swat at 4
13D 16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk 3
14D 19. Waves to, e.g. 6
15D 21. Luau strings, informally 4
16D 24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema 7
17D 25. Debussy's "La ___" 3
18D 26. Was fuming mad 7
19D 27. Thai currency units 5
20D 28. Sapporo rival 5
21D 29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat 4
22D 31. Antiwar protest 10
23D 32. Like some wine casks 5
24D 33. Clear, as a chalkboard 5
25D 36. Uber ___ 4
26D 38. New York city, county or river 6
27D 42. Without enthusiasm 7
28D 43. "Golly!" 3
29D 44. Elvis Presley's middle name 4
30D 49. Uses oars 4
31D 50. Assignments for lawyers and judges 5
32D 51. Winter hrs. in Wichita 3
33D 52. Attention-getting sound 4
34D 53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King" 4
35D 54. Penny 4
36D 55. Capital of Qatar 4
37D 56. In amongst 4
38D 58. Wager 3
39D 59. Gold, in Granada 3
40D 60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Uttered"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: order, enunciate, allege
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Strong desire"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: urge on, press, impulse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tricolored ice cream flavor"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of naples
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAPOLITAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Floats in the breeze"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long flag; often tapering
  • Similar words include: pennon, pennant, streamer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Not home"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not present; having left
  • Similar words include: forth, by, outside
  • Opposite of: home
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. 180° from SSE"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cacophony"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: rumpus, cacophony, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Rule with no exceptions"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Change places"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: prompt, displace, impress
  • Opposite of: stay, rest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "14. Little annoyance you might swat at"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Waves to, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express greetings upon meeting someone
  • Similar words include: recognise, recognize, greet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Luau strings, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small guitar having four strings
  • Similar words include: uke, ukulele
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Debussy's "La ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
  • Similar words include: m, one thousand, thousand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Was fuming mad"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be noisy with activity
  • Similar words include: hum, roll, boil
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEETHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Thai currency units"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Sapporo rival"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Antiwar protest"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Like some wine casks"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Clear, as a chalkboard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: rub out, score out, delete
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Uber ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a meal
  • Similar words include: grub, consume, eat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. New York city, county or river"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Without enthusiasm"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in an unenthusiastically lukewarm manner
  • Similar words include: lukewarmly
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEPIDLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. "Golly!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g-force, g
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Elvis Presley's middle name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Uses oars"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: wrangle, row, quarrel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Assignments for lawyers and judges"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Winter hrs. in Wichita"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 6th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian; used in the central united states
  • Similar words include: Central Standard Time, Central Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Attention-getting sound"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Penny"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of several countries
  • Similar words include: penny, centime
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Capital of Qatar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and chief port of qatar
  • Similar words include: Bida, El Beda, capital of Qatar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. In amongst"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Wager"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Gold, in Granada"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being one more than nine
  • Similar words include: x, 10, ten
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XER

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

38 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: October 19, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Sunday, October 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 18, 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. Beneficiary of early capital 7
2A 8. Bless, in a way 6
3A 14. Close female friend ... in relative terms 6
4A 20. Less than satisfactory, slangily 7
5A 21. Like some cyborg parts 6
6A 22. Extended play? 6
7A 23. Heyhowareyou 14
8A 25. Journalist Michele with two Peabody Awards 6
9A 26. Walkers, informally 4
10A 27. Send 5
11A 28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection 5
12A 30. "Behold," in Latin 4
13A 31. Bob ___, alter ego of Mr. Incredible 4
14A 32. "What" 12
15A 35. Mythical figure whose name means "murmuring rock" 7
16A 38. Justice ___ Coney Barrett 3
17A 39. Summer setting in S.F. 3
18A 40. Party takeaway 5
19A 41. N.F.L. accolade 6
20A 44. View spoiler 7
21A 49. All--can-eat buffet 10
22A 51. Fiber-rich substance 4
23A 53. Exam for future docs 4
24A 54. Fenway squad 6
25A 55. "Since brass, ___ stone, ___ earth, ___ boundless sea ...": Shak. 3
26A 56. ___-mo 3
27A 57. Steamy 6
28A 59. Zip 3
29A 61. It follows a coin toss 7
30A 64. Zip 4
31A 65. "This" 19
32A 70. Large volume 4
33A 71. They can make a pronounced difference 7
34A 72. Bond 3
35A 73. Historic figure targeted in Stephen King's time-travel novel "11/22/63" 6
36A 75. Small + or – 3
37A 76. Apt name for a thief 3
38A 78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants 6
39A 83. Nibble 4
40A 84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop 4
41A 86. See 88-Across 10
42A 88. Here 7
43A 90. Admits 6
44A 92. Follow-up to "Sit!" 5
45A 93. Off work, for short 3
46A 94. Figure, informally 3
47A 95. Making a strong effort 7
48A 97. Non, ni, 'a'ole 12
49A 103. Nickname for Ellen or Helen 4
50A 104. [Beep!] 4
51A 105. One of the Three Musketeers 5
52A 106. "S.N.L." alum Gardner 5
53A 108. Artist who kept a pet ocelot 4
54A 112. In 6
55A 114. Taib? Tbia? 14
56A 117. It's cold in Italy 6
57A 118. Shifts gears, say 6
58A 119. Nation bordering the Black Sea 7
59A 120. Analogue of a delete key 6
60A 121. In 6
61A 122. "That ship has sailed" 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Beneficiary of early capital"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of setting in operation
  • Similar words include: inauguration
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARTUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Bless, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose by or as if by divine intervention
  • Similar words include: inunct, anele, oil
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANOINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Close female friend ... in relative terms"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: baby, sis, babe
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SISTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "20. Less than satisfactory, slangily"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "21. Like some cyborg parts"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to bionics
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "22. Extended play?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENCORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "23. Heyhowareyou"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "25. Journalist Michele with two Peabody Awards"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer (1870-1902)
  • Similar words include: Benjamin Franklin Norris Jr., Frank Norris
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NORRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "26. Walkers, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Send"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: thawing, thaw, unthaw
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. "Behold," in Latin"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Bob ___, alter ego of Mr. Incredible"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of england as the 6th wife of henry viii (1512-1548)
  • Similar words include: Catherine Parr
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. "What""

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Mythical figure whose name means "murmuring rock""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a siren of german legend who lured boatmen in the rhine to destruction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LORELEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. Justice ___ Coney Barrett"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Summer setting in S.F."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Party takeaway"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an act of gracious kindness
  • Similar words include: prefer, party favour, party favor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAVOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. N.F.L. accolade"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. View spoiler"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something very ugly and offensive
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYESORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "49. All--can-eat buffet"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "51. Fiber-rich substance"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broken husks of the seeds of cereal grains that are separated from the flour by sifting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "53. Exam for future docs"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "54. Fenway squad"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. "Since brass, ___ stone, ___ earth, ___ boundless sea ...": Shak."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. ___-mo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Steamy"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erotic person
  • Similar words include: titillating
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Zip"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zip, goose egg, aught
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. It follows a coin toss"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score
  • Similar words include: send-off, start-off, get-go
  • Opposite of: middle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KICKOFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Zip"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: ardor, zeal, panache
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. "This""

19 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "70. Large volume"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

33A: "71. They can make a pronounced difference"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diacritical mark (two dots) placed over a vowel in german to indicate a change in sound
  • Similar words include: umlaut, dieresis, diaeresis
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMLAUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Bond"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: crosstie, bond, standoff
  • Opposite of: disconnect, untie
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Historic figure targeted in Stephen King's time-travel novel "11/22/63""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states assassin of president john f. kennedy (1939-1963)
  • Similar words include: Lee Harvey Oswald
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSWALD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. Small + or –"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "76. Apt name for a thief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Similar words include: surcharge, soak, fleece
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that african tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread
  • Similar words include: monkey-bread tree, Adansonia digitata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAOBAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. Nibble"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a snack or light meal
  • Similar words include: snack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "86. See 88-Across"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "88. Here"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "90. Admits"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "92. Follow-up to "Sit!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that building material used as siding or roofing
  • Similar words include: stimulate, escape from, trill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "93. Off work, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Figure, informally"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that alternative names for the body of a human being
  • Similar words include: human body, material body, anatomy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "95. Making a strong effort"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. Non, ni, 'a'ole"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "103. Nickname for Ellen or Helen"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "104. [Beep!]"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: incite, affect, displace
  • Opposite of: stand still, refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "105. One of the Three Musketeers"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an autonomous area in northeastern greece that is the site of several greek orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century
  • Similar words include: Mount Athos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "106. "S.N.L." alum Gardner"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "108. Artist who kept a pet ocelot"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Similar words include: Salvador Dali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. In"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "114. Taib? Tbia?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "117. It's cold in Italy"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "118. Shifts gears, say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Similar words include: segue
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "119. Nation bordering the Black Sea"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southeastern europe; formerly a european soviet; the center of the original russian state which came into existence in the ninth century
  • Similar words include: Ukrayina
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UKRAINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "120. Analogue of a delete key"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to erase something
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "121. In"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in accord with the latest fad
  • Similar words include: voguish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRENDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "122. "That ship has sailed""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Short cut 4
2D 2. Beep, e.g. 4
3D 3. Undercover? 4
4D 4. Has regrets about 4
5D 5. ___ Allen, host of "Chopped" 3
6D 6. Make public, as secret documents 6
7D 7. Novel form of summer escapism? 8
8D 8. Connive with, maybe 4
9D 9. Second-generation Japanese American 5
10D 10. Alley ___ 3
11D 11. How a boss might communicate new policy 7
12D 12. With courtesy 6
13D 13. Immune system agent 5
14D 14. Toothpaste brand since 1961 9
15D 15. Italian diminutive suffix 3
16D 16. It turns when driven 5
17D 17. Logo of the W.N.B.A.'s New York Liberty 5
18D 18. Name found in "Americana" 5
19D 19. Go back to square one 5
20D 24. Sex symbol of the 1950s-'60s, familiarly 7
21D 29. Hypercompetitive and driven, say 5
22D 31. Staff 9
23D 33. Street application 3
24D 34. Indigenous people of the Salt Lake Valley 3
25D 35. Weak, as an excuse 4
26D 36. "Ibis" poet 4
27D 37. Bob who painted "Cabin at Sunset," which sold for over $1 million to benefit public media 4
28D 40. Fragrant holiday purchase 3
29D 42. Gawker 8
30D 43. Goody-goody sort 7
31D 45. Young salmon 5
32D 46. Eight-related 5
33D 47. Like Amazon forests, typically 5
34D 48. Series finale? 3
35D 50. Maze's goal 4
36D 51. Comes into one's own 8
37D 52. [So-o-o funny!] 4
38D 56. Reason to head for the hills 7
39D 58. Drill 9
40D 60. "Geaux Tigers!" sch. 3
41D 62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked" 3
42D 63. Showing signs of working out, say 3
43D 65. "Let's do this!" 5
44D 66. Use a divining rod 5
45D 67. Midwest birthplace of Marlon Brando 5
46D 68. Buddies, in Bayonne 4
47D 69. Wisecrack 4
48D 73. Musical Yoko 3
49D 74. Big bang source 9
50D 77. Like London's Kew Gardens 7
51D 79. Surprised greeting 4
52D 80. Word with black or coffee 4
53D 81. Covenant keepers 4
54D 82. Something in which you might stand for a spell 3
55D 85. "Lay it on me" 5
56D 87. Ousted, democratically 8
57D 89. Sushi topper 3
58D 90. Boutonniere counterpart 7
59D 91. Eccentric 3
60D 94. Many a modern-day septuagenarian 6
61D 96. Pricing game on "The Price Is Right" 6
62D 97. Avatar, e.g. 5
63D 98. Smash hit 5
64D 99. Teresa of ___ 5
65D 100. Sacred Sanskrit texts 5
66D 101. Card game played in Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers" 5
67D 102. Drew back 5
68D 107. Website with a "Star Seller" program 4
69D 108. Binary 4
70D 109. Setting for most of the TV series "Pachinko" 4
71D 110. Time for a social media break, maybe 4
72D 111. ___ fixe 4
73D 113. Office address abbr. 3
74D 115. Cupcake, in Ireland 3
75D 116. Not to 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Short cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
  • Similar words include: crop, prune, snippet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Beep, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a person's voice
  • Similar words include: inflect, strengthen, quality
  • Opposite of: atonicity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Undercover?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Has regrets about"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
  • Similar words include: repent, sorrow, Ruta graveolens
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. ___ Allen, host of "Chopped""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing edwardian style clothes
  • Similar words include: Teddy boy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Make public, as secret documents"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that break the seal of
  • Opposite of: seal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Novel form of summer escapism?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Connive with, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Second-generation Japanese American"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person born in the united states of parents who emigrated from japan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NISEI

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10D: "10. Alley ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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11D: "11. How a boss might communicate new policy"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. With courtesy"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a nice way
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICELY

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13D: "13. Immune system agent"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Toothpaste brand since 1961"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. Italian diminutive suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. It turns when driven"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who guards prisoners
  • Similar words include: have sex, make out, prison guard
  • Opposite of: unscrew
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCREW

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17D: "17. Logo of the W.N.B.A.'s New York Liberty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
  • Similar words include: woolly mullein, flashlight, Verbascum thapsus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORCH

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18D: "18. Name found in "Americana""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant of the genus erica
  • Similar words include: true heath
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERICA

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19D: "19. Go back to square one"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "24. Sex symbol of the 1950s-'60s, familiarly"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "29. Hypercompetitive and driven, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "31. Staff"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group of people willing to obey orders
  • Similar words include: force, personnel department, personnel office
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERSONNEL

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23D: "33. Street application"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: old salt, pitch, Jack-tar
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

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24D: "34. Indigenous people of the Salt Lake Valley"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTE

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25D: "35. Weak, as an excuse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "36. "Ibis" poet"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 bc - ad 17)
  • Similar words include: Publius Ovidius Naso
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVID

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27D: "37. Bob who painted "Cabin at Sunset," which sold for over $1 million to benefit public media"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: Sir Ronald Ross, Betsy Griscom Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

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28D: "40. Fragrant holiday purchase"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: true fir, fir tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

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29D: "42. Gawker"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "43. Goody-goody sort"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a group of english protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the protestant reformation under elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship
  • Similar words include: prude
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURITAN

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31D: "45. Young salmon"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "46. Eight-related"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTAL

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33D: "47. Like Amazon forests, typically"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of weather) wet by periods of rain
  • Similar words include: showery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAINY

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34D: "48. Series finale?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "50. Maze's goal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that permits escape or release
  • Similar words include: decease, cash in one's chips, go out
  • Opposite of: enter, be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXIT

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36D: "51. Comes into one's own"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
  • Similar words include: blossom forth, unfold, blossom out
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOSSOMS

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37D: "52. [So-o-o funny!]"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "56. Reason to head for the hills"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "58. Drill"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
  • Similar words include: dry run
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REHEARSAL

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40D: "60. "Geaux Tigers!" sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "63. Showing signs of working out, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a display of bad temper
  • Similar words include: tantrum, paroxysm, fit out
  • Opposite of: disagree, unfit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIT

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43D: "65. "Let's do this!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "66. Use a divining rod"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that searching for underground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod
  • Similar words include: dowsing, soak, souse
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOWSE

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45D: "67. Midwest birthplace of Marlon Brando"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

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46D: "68. Buddies, in Bayonne"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "69. Wisecrack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Similar words include: fit, barb, match
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBE

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48D: "73. Musical Yoko"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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49D: "74. Big bang source"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive
  • Similar words include: cap, detonating device
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETONATOR

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50D: "77. Like London's Kew Gardens"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to plants or botany
  • Similar words include: botanical
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTANIC

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51D: "79. Surprised greeting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "80. Word with black or coffee"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
  • Similar words include: edible bean, dome, bonce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "81. Covenant keepers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Similar words include: ark, Ark, Ark of the Covenant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARKS

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54D: "82. Something in which you might stand for a spell"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEE

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55D: "85. "Lay it on me""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new branch
  • Similar words include: frivol away, dart, burgeon forth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOOT

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56D: "87. Ousted, democratically"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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57D: "89. Sushi topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "90. Boutonniere counterpart"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
  • Similar words include: nosegay, posy, bouquet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "91. Eccentric"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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60D: "94. Many a modern-day septuagenarian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the baby boom generation in the 1950s
  • Similar words include: baby boomer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "96. Pricing game on "The Price Is Right""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "97. Avatar, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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63D: "98. Smash hit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a base hit on which the batter scores a run
  • Similar words include: Winslow Homer, home run, homing pigeon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMER

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64D: "99. Teresa of ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "100. Sacred Sanskrit texts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (from the sanskrit word for `knowledge') any of the most ancient sacred writings of hinduism written in early sanskrit; traditionally believed to comprise the samhitas, the brahmanas, the aranyakas, and the upanishads
  • Similar words include: Veda, Vedic literature
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEDAS

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66D: "101. Card game played in Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
  • Similar words include: short whist, long whist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "102. Drew back"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start suddenly, as from fright
  • Similar words include: shy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIED

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68D: "107. Website with a "Star Seller" program"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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69D: "108. Binary"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs
  • Similar words include: twofold, treble, three-fold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "109. Setting for most of the TV series "Pachinko""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "110. Time for a social media break, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: bestow, Lententide, lend
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

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72D: "111. ___ fixe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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73D: "113. Office address abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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74D: "115. Cupcake, in Ireland"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small rounded bread either plain or sweet
  • Similar words include: roll
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "116. Not to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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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

61 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
136 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 18, 2026 at 08:11 AM