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Showing posts sorted by date for query lance. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 27, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Paths for lobbed tennis balls 4
2A 5. Tribe of Arizona 4
3A 9. Flinch, say 5
4A 14. Short blast from a horn 4
5A 15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting" 4
6A 16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you" 5
7A 17. Singer's recovery period 9
8A 19. "Catch my drift?" 5
9A 20. Shop 5
10A 21. Spot for a soak 3
11A 23. Dear ___ (letter start) 3
12A 24. Pumice or basalt 12
13A 29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process 7
14A 32. Film director Coen 5
15A 33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's) 3
16A 34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly 3
17A 36. Betraying surprise, in a way 5
18A 39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" 15
19A 44. Big name in microprocessors 5
20A 45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb 3
21A 46. Tie-breaking periods, for short 3
22A 47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime 5
23A 50. ___ of hand (magician's skill) 7
24A 53. Congressional history 12
25A 56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!" 3
26A 57. Work well together 3
27A 58. Florida's ___-Dade County 5
28A 62. Jousting weapon 5
29A 65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across 9
30A 68. Basic piano chord 5
31A 69. Notes of indebtedness 4
32A 70. Gets eyes on 4
33A 71. Sends frisky messages 5
34A 72. Strong soapmaking solutions 4
35A 73. Like bourbon 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Paths for lobbed tennis balls"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Similar words include: arc, bow, spark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Tribe of Arizona"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of northeastern arizona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Flinch, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Short blast from a horn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blast of a horn
  • Similar words include: carousal, beep, booze-up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Singer's recovery period"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Catch my drift?""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Shop"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
  • Similar words include: computer storage, memory board, put in
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Spot for a soak"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
  • Similar words include: tubful, bath, bathing tub
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Dear ___ (letter start)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Pumice or basalt"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Film director Coen"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Betraying surprise, in a way"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills""

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "44. Big name in microprocessors"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Tie-breaking periods, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that using the voice; not silently
  • Similar words include: loud, loudly, out loud
  • Opposite of: softly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "50. ___ of hand (magician's skill)"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adroitness in using the hands
  • Similar words include: manual dexterity, dexterity
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "53. Congressional history"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. Work well together"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: gelatin, colloidal gel, mousse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Florida's ___-Dade County"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the extinct algonquian people formerly living in northern indiana and southern michigan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIAMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Jousting weapon"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
  • Similar words include: spear, shaft, fizgig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "68. Basic piano chord"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: trine, trey, triple
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "69. Notes of indebtedness"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Similar words include: IOU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "70. Gets eyes on"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: fancy, take in, understand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. Sends frisky messages"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • Similar words include: sext
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Strong soapmaking solutions"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Similar words include: lye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Like bourbon"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Four-wheelers, in brief 4
2D 2. Word before beer or after square 4
3D 3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me" 4
4D 4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice) 6
5D 5. That girl 3
6D 6. Have debts 3
7D 7. Many an Olive Garden entree 5
8D 8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument 6
9D 9. 18-wheeler 3
10D 10. Barely get (by) 3
11D 11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins 10
12D 12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles" 5
13D 13. Do some booty-shaking 5
14D 18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali 4
15D 22. One-eighth of a byte 3
16D 25. Titular Shakespearean king 4
17D 26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo 4
18D 27. Burn until black 4
19D 28. Prego alternative 4
20D 29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar 4
21D 30. Tehran's land 4
22D 31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums 10
23D 35. Chicago slugger 3
24D 37. "Late Night" host Meyers 4
25D 38. "Hey! Over here!" 4
26D 40. Place to purchase pastrami 4
27D 41. North Carolina university 4
28D 42. Catchall category: Abbr. 4
29D 43. Sport on a horse 4
30D 48. Sheepskin boot brand 3
31D 49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies 6
32D 51. Columnist Bombeck 4
33D 52. Doubling-down assertion 6
34D 53. Battery measure 5
35D 54. Chicago airport 5
36D 55. "The Jetsons" boy 5
37D 59. On the waves 4
38D 60. Gentle and submissive 4
39D 61. ___-bitsy 4
40D 63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g. 3
41D 64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief 3
42D 66. Gradation of color 3
43D 67. Letter before tee 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Four-wheelers, in brief"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Word before beer or after square"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
  • Similar words include: rootage, theme, ancestor
  • Opposite of: descendant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me""

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics
  • Similar words include: coco palm, cocoa palm, coconut tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice)"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be hungry; go without food
  • Similar words include: hunger, famish, lust
  • Opposite of: feed, be full
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. That girl"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Have debts"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Many an Olive Garden entree"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: alimentary paste
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. 18-wheeler"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Similar words include: fishing rig, semi, set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Barely get (by)"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins"

10 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles""

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
  • Similar words include: risible, funny, amusing
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Do some booty-shaking"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern spain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. One-eighth of a byte"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Titular Shakespearean king"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)
  • Similar words include: Edward Lear, King Lear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the yield from plants in a single growing season
  • Similar words include: dress, craw, cut back
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Burn until black"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a charred substance
  • Similar words include: cleaning lady, woman, sear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Prego alternative"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Tehran's land"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums"

10 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Chicago slugger"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Similar words include: greenhorn, sonny, lad
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "Late Night" host Meyers"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Hey! Over here!""

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Place to purchase pastrami"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: delicatessen, food shop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. North Carolina university"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Catchall category: Abbr."

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Sport on a horse"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Sheepskin boot brand"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Columnist Bombeck"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Doubling-down assertion"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Battery measure"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt; equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of 1 ohm when 1 ampere of current flows through it
  • Similar words include: volt, V
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Chicago airport"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "The Jetsons" boy"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. On the waves"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Gentle and submissive"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  • Similar words include: modest, spiritless, mild
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. ___-bitsy"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g."

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: computerized tomography, computed axial tomography, barf
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, ED
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Gradation of color"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
  • Similar words include: imbue, chromaticity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "67. Letter before tee"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Similar words include: einsteinium, Es, atomic number 99
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESS

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
43 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: April 27, 2026 at 06:14 AM

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 4 April 27, 2026 - Solved

Trivia Week 4 April 27, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: NYT Down Crossword December 16 2025 | Todays Down Crossword NYT December 02 | July 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for April 27, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, April 27, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date April 27, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 19. "Catch my drift?"
2 Across 5. Tribe of Arizona
3 Across 29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process
4 Across 20. Shop
5 Across 33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's)
6 Across 62. Jousting weapon
7 Across 9. Flinch, say
8 Across 15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting"
9 Across 71. Sends frisky messages
10 Across 36. Betraying surprise, in a way

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "19. "Catch my drift?""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G___E

Answer:

Click to reveal GETME


2 Across: "5. Tribe of Arizona"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: H__I

Answer:

Click to reveal HOPI


3 Across: "29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: R_____R

Answer:

Click to reveal RIPENER


4 Across: "20. Shop"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E

Answer:

Click to reveal STORE


5 Across: "33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: make up

Answer:

Click to reveal ARE


6 Across: "62. Jousting weapon"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L___E

Answer:

Click to reveal LANCE


7 Across: "9. Flinch, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R___T

Answer:

Click to reveal REACT


8 Across: "15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N

Answer:

Click to reveal EWAN


9 Across: "71. Sends frisky messages"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S

Answer:

Click to reveal SEXTS


10 Across: "36. Betraying surprise, in a way"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A___P

Answer:

Click to reveal AGASP

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 61. ___-bitsy
2 Down 43. Sport on a horse
3 Down 67. Letter before tee
4 Down 26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo
5 Down 63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g.
6 Down 10. Barely get (by)
7 Down 18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali
8 Down 64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief
9 Down 9. 18-wheeler
10 Down 40. Place to purchase pastrami

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "61. ___-bitsy"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: I__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal ITSY


2 Down: "43. Sport on a horse"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: P__O

Answer:

Click to reveal POLO


3 Down: "67. Letter before tee"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: Es

Answer:

Click to reveal ESS


4 Down: "26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: C__P

Answer:

Click to reveal CROP


5 Down: "63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: cast

Answer:

Click to reveal CAT


6 Down: "10. Barely get (by)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal EKE


7 Down: "18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: L__N

Answer:

Click to reveal LEON


8 Down: "64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: ED

Answer:

Click to reveal EDS


9 Down: "9. 18-wheeler"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'G'
  • Another word like this: getup

Answer:

Click to reveal RIG


10 Down: "40. Place to purchase pastrami"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: D__I

Answer:

Click to reveal DELI

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 45 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

The Trivia Week 4 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 4?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 4 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

No! The Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

Good Trivia Week 4 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

Trivia Week 4 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: April 27, 2026 at 06:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, April 27 2026 mini crossword

Thursday, February 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 12, 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. *Succeed 6
2A 6. Home of War in the Pacific National Historical Park 4
3A 10. Sign on some restroom doors 3
4A 13. Angular unit of measurement 6
5A 15. Sapa ___ ("the only emperor" in Quechua) 4
6A 16. Kitchen gadget brand 3
7A 17. Must pay 6
8A 18. *Public messages of appreciation 9
9A 20. Heavy metal band whose name is a big cat in Spanish 7
10A 22. Alternatively ... !!! 6
11A 23. Sign out? 4
12A 24. Firehouse supply 7
13A 26. Take out, in a way 3
14A 28. "An idea ..." 3
15A 30. Mount known to produce rare volcanic "smoke rings" 4
16A 31. Off-road ride, for short 3
17A 32. Horned mountain climber 4
18A 34. Pen 6
19A 36. Dennis's sister on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" 3
20A 37. *New England-style chowder, for one 8
21A 39. ___-weekly (mag type) 3
22A 40. Small surgical instrument 6
23A 42. Wraps up 4
24A 43. Wield 3
25A 44. Ingrid Bergman's "Casablanca" role 4
26A 45. Stuff with strands 3
27A 46. College subj. that can be evolutionary or behavioral 3
28A 47. Lightweight fabric for a handkerchief 7
29A 50. Tomato type 4
30A 53. Pet project? 6
31A 54. *Long-legged wader 8
32A 58. Provide comfort, in a way ... or a hint to the answers to the four starred Across clues 8
33A 60. Northeastern prep school or its town 6
34A 61. "What's the ___?!" 3
35A 62. Surrender 4
36A 63. Ceramics component 6
37A 64. Web portal with a butterfly logo 3
38A 65. Schooner's stabilizer 4
39A 66. Some spa treatments 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. *Succeed"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Home of War in the Pacific National Historical Park"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest and southernmost island in the marianas which is administered as a territory of the united states; it was ceded by spain to the united states in 1898
  • Similar words include: GU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Sign on some restroom doors"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: military man, Man, homo
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Angular unit of measurement"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the unit of plane angle adopted under the systeme international d'unites; equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius (approximately 57.295 degrees)
  • Similar words include: rad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Sapa ___ ("the only emperor" in Quechua)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inka, Incan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Kitchen gadget brand"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Must pay"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. *Public messages of appreciation"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Heavy metal band whose name is a big cat in Spanish"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alternatively ... !!!"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Sign out?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that permits escape or release
  • Similar words include: give-up the ghost, passing, buy the farm
  • Opposite of: be born, enter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Firehouse supply"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
  • Similar words include: ladder, run, ravel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADDERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Take out, in a way"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: regard, come across, interpret
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. "An idea ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: read, articulate, sound out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Mount known to produce rare volcanic "smoke rings""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Off-road ride, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Horned mountain climber"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild goat of mountain areas of eurasia and northern africa having large recurved horns
  • Similar words include: Capra ibex
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Pen"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pen for cattle
  • Similar words include: cattle pen, cow pen
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORRAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Dennis's sister on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. *New England-style chowder, for one"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. ___-weekly (mag type)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: EL, elevation, altitude
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Small surgical instrument"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acutely pointed gothic arch, like a lance
  • Similar words include: lancet arch, lance
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANCET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Wraps up"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: end, final stage, closing
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Wield"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
  • Similar words include: cater, run, provide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Ingrid Bergman's "Casablanca" role"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Stuff with strands"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "46. College subj. that can be evolutionary or behavioral"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "47. Lightweight fabric for a handkerchief"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin plain-weave cotton or linen fabric; used for shirts or dresses
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATISTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "50. Tomato type"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern india but now are living on all continents (but mostly in europe, north africa, and north america)
  • Similar words include: Italian capital, Rommany, ROM
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. Pet project?"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that outbuilding that serves as a shelter for a dog
  • Similar words include: doghouse, dog house
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENNEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "54. *Long-legged wader"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large pink to scarlet web-footed wading bird with down-bent bill; inhabits brackish lakes
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAMINGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Provide comfort, in a way ... or a hint to the answers to the four starred Across clues"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. Northeastern prep school or its town"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. "What's the ___?!""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: expend, apply, role
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Surrender"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
  • Similar words include: give up, yield, concede
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Ceramics component"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white or colorless vitreous insoluble solid (sio2); various forms occur widely in the earth's crust as quartz or cristobalite or tridymite or lechatelierite
  • Similar words include: silicon oxide, silicon dioxide
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Web portal with a butterfly logo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "65. Schooner's stabilizer"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projection or ridge that suggests a keel
  • Similar words include: careen, swag, stagger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "66. Some spa treatments"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
  • Similar words include: masquerade, disguise, masque
  • Opposite of: unmask
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What a phone call or new album might do 4
2D 2. 7-Eleven competitor on the East Coast 4
3D 3. Tree of knowledge locale 4
4D 4. Directory name 6
5D 5. *Behind in payment 4
6D 6. Ones "over there" in "Over There," in brief 3
7D 7. Sacrilegious 6
8D 8. Legend, e.g. 5
9D 9. Beat in chess 5
10D 10. Mechanisms that are often spring-loaded 10
11D 11. *Forevermore 9
12D 12. Us, in Spanish 3
13D 14. Sushi seaweed type 4
14D 19. From further back 5
15D 21. Befuddled 5
16D 25. Coarse, as language 5
17D 26. Quickly smooch ... or a hint to the answers to the four starred Down clues 10
18D 27. Square 10
19D 29. *Word appearing 51 times in the New Testament 4
20D 31. Speak extemporaneously 5
21D 32. Makeup of some shelves 3
22D 33. Lunch item usually eaten with two hands, in brief 3
23D 34. Cow's mouthful 3
24D 35. Photo ___ 3
25D 38. Wolf (down) 5
26D 41. Michael nominated for Oscars in five different decades 5
27D 45. Fool 6
28D 46. Hollywood's Anderson or Bach 6
29D 48. Nosh 5
30D 49. Little laugh 5
31D 51. Sounds from un estadio 4
32D 52. *Severely harm 4
33D 55. Words of affirmation 4
34D 56. Resting place for a boa 4
35D 57. Pรขtรฉ de foie ___ 4
36D 58. Unpleasant discovery under a desk 3
37D 59. Hair raiser? 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What a phone call or new album might do"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that is spherical and small
  • Similar words include: expend, send packing, shake off
  • Opposite of: sharpen, attend to
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. 7-Eleven competitor on the East Coast"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tree of knowledge locale"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: paradise, nirvana, heaven
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Directory name"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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5D: "5. *Behind in payment"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: tardily, recently, recent
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

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6D: "6. Ones "over there" in "Over There," in brief"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetomotive force equal to 0.7958 ampere-turns
  • Similar words include: Gb, gilbert, Gi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIS

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7D: "7. Sacrilegious"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not hallowed or consecrated
  • Similar words include: infernal, fiendish, hellish
  • Opposite of: holy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNHOLY

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8D: "8. Legend, e.g."

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. Beat in chess"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that engage in sexual intercourse
  • Similar words include: snarl, tangle, felt up
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unmated
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATED

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10D: "10. Mechanisms that are often spring-loaded"

10 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trap for catching mice
  • Similar words include: trap play, mousetrap
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUSETRAPS

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11D: "11. *Forevermore"

9 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that for a limitless time; ; - p.p.bliss
  • Similar words include: forever, evermore, everlastingly
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETERNALLY

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12D: "12. Us, in Spanish"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Similar words include: nobelium, atomic number 102, No
  • Opposite of: yes
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOS

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13D: "14. Sushi seaweed type"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "19. From further back"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that advanced in years; (`aged' is pronounced as two syllables)
  • Similar words include: one-time, quondam, Old
  • Opposite of: new, young
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDER

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15D: "21. Befuddled"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "25. Coarse, as language"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that engagingly stimulating or provocative
  • Similar words include: piquant
  • Opposite of: fresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALTY

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17D: "26. Quickly smooch ... or a hint to the answers to the four starred Down clues"

10 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "27. Square"

10 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "29. *Word appearing 51 times in the New Testament"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amon, Amun
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEN

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20D: "31. Speak extemporaneously"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "32. Makeup of some shelves"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: chicken feed, frost, shabu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

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22D: "33. Lunch item usually eaten with two hands, in brief"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLT

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23D: "34. Cow's mouthful"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  • Similar words include: rechewed food, chew, quid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUD

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24D: "35. Photo ___"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

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25D: "38. Wolf (down)"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make off with belongings of others
  • Similar words include: pinch, purloin, nobble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARF

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26D: "41. Michael nominated for Oscars in five different decades"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "45. Fool"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be false to; be dishonest with
  • Similar words include: deceive, cozen, lead on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELUDE

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28D: "46. Hollywood's Anderson or Bach"

6 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "48. Nosh"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light informal meal
  • Similar words include: collation, nosh, bite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNACK

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30D: "49. Little laugh"

5 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "51. Sounds from un estadio"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "52. *Severely harm"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIM

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33D: "55. Words of affirmation"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "56. Resting place for a boa"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
  • Similar words include: neck opening, cervix, make out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NECK

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35D: "57. Pรขtรฉ de foie ___"

4 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "58. Unpleasant discovery under a desk"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing
  • Similar words include: chewing gum, gum tree, mucilage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUM

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37D: "59. Hair raiser?"

3 letters ๐Ÿ’ญ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: gelatin, colloidal gel, mousse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 12, 2026 at 05:12 AM