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Tuesday, October 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 20, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Las ___, Canary Islands 6
2A 7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short 4
3A 11. Plant, as seeds 3
4A 14. Laid back 6
5A 15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline) 4
6A 16. "That's terrible!" 3
7A 17. Campfire cookout, informally 11
8A 19. Crafty 3
9A 20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro 7
10A 21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know] 4
11A 22. Criticize very harshly 4
12A 25. Old-time winter excursion 10
13A 27. Loosey-goosey 3
14A 28. Not yet posted, in brief 3
15A 29. Bit in a nutrition bar 3
16A 30. Flattering lines? 3
17A 31. Indian yogurt dish 5
18A 34. Susceptible to bribery 5
19A 38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across 15
20A 41. Unit of magnetic flux density 5
21A 42. One who says "Hell if I know!"? 5
22A 43. Subtle greeting 3
23A 44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint 3
24A 46. Part of every day, in Italy 3
25A 47. Improvised instrument in folk music 3
26A 48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps 10
27A 53. Serious aversion 4
28A 54. Make 4
29A 55. Farm storage building 7
30A 57. Short-term job 3
31A 58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen 11
32A 62. Exploit 3
33A 63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the" 4
34A 64. Further out there 6
35A 65. Flanders of "The Simpsons" 3
36A 66. Dust-ups 4
37A 67. Loud speaker, maybe 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Las ___, Canary Islands"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Plant, as seeds"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, sow in, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Laid back"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "That's terrible!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Campfire cookout, informally"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricky, crafty, foxy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know]"

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!

11A: "22. Criticize very harshly"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strip the skin off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Old-time winter excursion"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Loosey-goosey"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Similar words include: slack, loose
  • Opposite of: tense
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Not yet posted, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Bit in a nutrition bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Flattering lines?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Indian yogurt dish"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Susceptible to bribery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capable of being corrupted
  • Similar words include: purchasable, corruptible, dishonest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Unit of magnetic flux density"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. One who says "Hell if I know!"?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judeo-christian and islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of god; tempter of mankind; master of hell
  • Similar words include: the Tempter, Lucifer, Devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Subtle greeting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Part of every day, in Italy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Improvised instrument in folk music"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bottle with a narrow mouth
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, incarcerate, gaol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Serious aversion"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
  • Similar words include: detest, hatred
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Make"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: gain, make, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Farm storage building"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  • Similar words include: garner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRANARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Short-term job"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
  • Similar words include: spear, fizgig, lance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Exploit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: function, economic consumption, usage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: step, yard, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Further out there"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
  • Similar words include: buffoonish, clownish, goofy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZANIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Flanders of "The Simpsons""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Dust-ups"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, ado, bustle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Loud speaker, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
  • Similar words include: speechifier, speechmaker, rhetorician
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!" 3
2D 2. Filled up on 3
3D 3. Gymnast Suni 3
4D 4. Virile 5
5D 5. It's west of the Bering Strait 4
6D 6. Appears to be going down the drain 8
7D 7. Overact 5
8D 8. Mammal with a long ringed tail 5
9D 9. "We're on!" 6
10D 10. Tricked 3
11D 11. Dish with vinegared rice 5
12D 12. Eyed lustfully 5
13D 13. Question exclaimed after misfortune 5
14D 18. One way to spell relief, per ads 7
15D 21. Crafts, in Córdoba 5
16D 22. Part of a homecoming parade 5
17D 23. Big scoop 5
18D 24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan 5
19D 26. Fine cigar 6
20D 28. Hardships 6
21D 32. Madre's hermana 3
22D 33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry 7
23D 35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun 5
24D 36. It may follow deuce 5
25D 37. Overlook 5
26D 39. Designer Calvin 5
27D 40. Hummus bean 8
28D 45. Piece of goalie gear 6
29D 48. Started 5
30D 49. Not leave a bet as is 5
31D 50. Gave a push 5
32D 51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky 5
33D 52. Relays and rallies 5
34D 53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g. 5
35D 56. Bottom 4
36D 58. Luxury resort amenity 3
37D 59. Relatively short Morse code bit 3
38D 60. Sign of summer 3
39D 61. Blunder 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: hand, mitt, manus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Filled up on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gymnast Suni"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: leeward, Shelton Jackson Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Virile"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that possessing qualities befitting a man
  • Similar words include: male, manlike, virile
  • Opposite of: unmanfully, unmanly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's west of the Bering Strait"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

6D: "6. Appears to be going down the drain"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Overact"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Mammal with a long ringed tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: Nasua narica, coati-mundi, coati-mondi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "We're on!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tricked"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: generate, mother, start out
  • Opposite of: take away, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dish with vinegared rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eyed lustfully"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Similar words include: ogle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Question exclaimed after misfortune"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One way to spell relief, per ads"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Crafts, in Córdoba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Part of a homecoming parade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
  • Similar words include: blow, swim, ice-cream float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Big scoop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Fine cigar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of cuba; located in western cuba; one of the oldest cities in the americas
  • Similar words include: Cuban capital, capital of Cuba
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Hardships"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of testing something
  • Similar words include: trial, trial run, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Madre's hermana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINJA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. It may follow deuce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Overlook"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Designer Calvin"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german mathematician who created the klein bottle (1849-1925)
  • Similar words include: Calvin Klein, Melanie Klein, Felix Klein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Hummus bean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the chickpea plant
  • Similar words include: chickpea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBANZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Piece of goalie gear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Started"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
  • Similar words include: lead off, start out, get down
  • Opposite of: end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Not leave a bet as is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: enhance, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: level, demote
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Gave a push"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force or impel in an indicated direction
  • Similar words include: inspire, cheer, urge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
  • Similar words include: genus Draco, Dragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Relays and rallies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: raceway, run, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Bottom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: tooshie, posterior, butt
  • Opposite of: level, head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Luxury resort amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Relatively short Morse code bit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Sign of summer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
  • Similar words include: Leo the Lion, Lion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Friday, September 25, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 25, 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. Olympic slalom equipment 5
2A 6. Spanish sparkling wine 4
3A 10. First, second or third 4
4A 14. "For real!" 10
5A 16. Fictional company famous for its duds 4
6A 17. Outcome of a match, maybe 10
7A 18. Forum setting 4
8A 19. U2 producer Brian 3
9A 20. Stew on it! 5
10A 21. Like a whodunit in which the butler did it [duh!] 5
11A 22. Device seen on a front desk 4
12A 23. Ho Chi Minh City's former name 6
13A 25. Exploit a loophole, e.g. 13
14A 29. Disinclined 6
15A 30. Supermodel Alek 3
16A 31. ___ one's time 4
17A 34. Procedure after which you might wear flip-flops, informally 4
18A 35. Off 5
19A 37. ___ Minor 4
20A 38. Pen that isn't used for writing, in brief 4
21A 39. "Karma is a cat / Purring in my ___ 'cause it loves me" (Taylor Swift lyric) 3
22A 40. Port on the Loire 6
23A 42. "Speaking of which ..." 13
24A 45. Like an earworm 6
25A 46. Play group 4
26A 47. Not bother 5
27A 48. Rapper and actor Smith 5
28A 50. Go-to doc 3
29A 53. Actress Shawkat 4
30A 54. Ones providing brief assistance? 10
31A 56. Alliance 4
32A 57. Invasive plants? 10
33A 58. One might be meat-only or dairy-only in a kosher household 4
34A 59. Morsels often found in fried rice 4
35A 60. The Devil's domain 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Olympic slalom equipment"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Spanish sparkling wine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. First, second or third"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion
  • Similar words include: appurtenance, paraphernalia, gear wheel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "For real!""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Fictional company famous for its duds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: meridian, vertex, summit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Outcome of a match, maybe"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Forum setting"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital and largest city of italy; on the tiber; seat of the roman catholic church; formerly the capital of the roman republic and the roman empire
  • Similar words include: capital of Italy, Eternal City, Roma
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. U2 producer Brian"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Stew on it!"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Like a whodunit in which the butler did it [duh!]"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
  • Similar words include: commonplace, old-hat, timeworn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Device seen on a front desk"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
  • Similar words include: campana, Alexander Melville Bell, toll
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Ho Chi Minh City's former name"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in south vietnam; formerly (as saigon) it was the capital of french indochina
  • Similar words include: Ho Chi Minh City
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAIGON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Exploit a loophole, e.g."

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Disinclined"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
  • Similar words include: antipathetic, loath, loth
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVERSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Supermodel Alek"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. ___ one's time"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: stay, abide
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Procedure after which you might wear flip-flops, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not functioning properly
  • Similar words include: haywire, wrong, awry
  • Opposite of: perfectly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. ___ Minor"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

20A: "38. Pen that isn't used for writing, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. "Karma is a cat / Purring in my ___ 'cause it loves me" (Taylor Swift lyric)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: lave, lick, circuit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Port on the Loire"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city in western france on the loire estuary
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NANTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. "Speaking of which ...""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Like an earworm"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having concealed difficulty
  • Similar words include: attention-getting, tricky
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATCHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Play group"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: human activity, deed, human action
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Not bother"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Rapper and actor Smith"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Go-to doc"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Actress Shawkat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Ones providing brief assistance?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person with specialized training who assists lawyers
  • Similar words include: legal assistant, paralegal
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARALEGALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Alliance"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of countries in special alliance
  • Similar words include: axis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Invasive plants?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. One might be meat-only or dairy-only in a kosher household"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe
  • Similar words include: slide down, drop down, pass
  • Opposite of: float, source
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Morsels often found in fried rice"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
  • Similar words include: pea plant, pea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. The Devil's domain"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
  • Similar words include: tarot card
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Give credit to, in a way 4
2D 2. Analogous 4
3D 3. ___ Sarratore, "My Brilliant Friend" character 4
4D 4. "How ___" 3
5D 5. Certain loopholes 7
6D 6. Spoon, e.g. 6
7D 7. Second Freudian stage 4
8D 8. Gives one's approval, in a way 8
9D 9. Past-tense verb that becomes its present tense when you move its last letter to the front 3
10D 10. Sources of some rock 11
11D 11. Some experts of interest? 10
12D 12. World capital once known as Philadelphia 5
13D 13. Instagram : ___ :: YouTube : Short 4
14D 15. Focus for the foul-mouthed? 10
15D 21. Skosh 3
16D 22. "Hang on a sec" 11
17D 24. Says "please," say 10
18D 25. Look stunned 4
19D 26. "___ plaisir" ("You're welcome," in French) 4
20D 27. Breathtaking activity? 10
21D 28. Take without paying ... or a motion made while paying 5
22D 32. Per ___ 4
23D 33. Slip (into) 4
24D 36. Ganja 8
25D 41. Residence that can have thousands of chambers 7
26D 43. Unreturnable pickleball shot 3
27D 44. Polite titles 6
28D 45. Instruments in chamber groups 5
29D 47. Discovery sites 4
30D 49. What's distorted in a Mercator projection 4
31D 50. Part of a full house 4
32D 51. Ptolemaic royal, familiarly 4
33D 52. Poke alternative 4
34D 54. Vim 3
35D 55. Transcript fig. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Give credit to, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
  • Similar words include: mention, acknowledgment, quotation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Analogous"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that similar in quality or character
  • Similar words include: blood-related, consanguineous, kindred
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. ___ Sarratore, "My Brilliant Friend" character"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "How ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Certain loopholes"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hole (usually round and finished around the edges) in cloth or leather for the passage of a cord or hook or bar
  • Similar words include: grommet, cringle, eyelet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYELETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Spoon, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
  • Similar words include: nest, snuggle, nestle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUDDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Second Freudian stage"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to the anus
  • Similar words include: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Gives one's approval, in a way"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Past-tense verb that becomes its present tense when you move its last letter to the front"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Sources of some rock"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Some experts of interest?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expert in the science of economics
  • Similar words include: economic expert, economist
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECONOMISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. World capital once known as Philadelphia"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of jordan
  • Similar words include: capital of Jordan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Instagram : ___ :: YouTube : Short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: stagger, Virginia reel, spin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Focus for the foul-mouthed?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Skosh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: burn, piece, chip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. "Hang on a sec""

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Says "please," say"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Look stunned"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. "___ plaisir" ("You're welcome," in French)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Breathtaking activity?"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
  • Similar words include: speculation
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDITATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Take without paying ... or a motion made while paying"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweeping stroke or blow
  • Similar words include: abstract, filch, pinch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Per ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Slip (into)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • Similar words include: easiness, informality, facilitate
  • Opposite of: difficulty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Ganja"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "41. Residence that can have thousands of chambers"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Unreturnable pickleball shot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Polite titles"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman of refinement
  • Similar words include: dame, madam, gentlewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Instruments in chamber groups"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Discovery sites"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
  • Similar words include: lab, science lab, research laboratory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. What's distorted in a Mercator projection"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: surface area, sphere, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Part of a full house"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of two similar things considered as a unit
  • Similar words include: couplet, partner off, twain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Ptolemaic royal, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Poke alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Vim"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: peppiness, ginger
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Transcript fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
  • Similar words include: grade point average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GPA

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

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 25, 2026 at 08:58 AM