Search Clues

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

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

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: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Thursday, October 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 15, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Creator of Beats Electronics, familiarly 3
2A 4. Key of Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag" 5
3A 9. ___ ball 5
4A 14. Classic cartoon dog with the catchphrase "You eediot!" 3
5A 15. Prefix with Roman 5
6A 16. Ancient calculation tools 5
7A 17. Bygone org. for the Houston Oilers 3
8A 18. Lacks 5
9A 19. Her Majesty, for one 5
10A 20. Sure ___ 10
11A 23. Rogue 3
12A 24. Frighteningly monstrous sorts 5
13A 25. More than a chart-topper 7
14A 28. What "!" is used for, in coding 8
15A 32. Political rival of Mark Antony 6
16A 33. Genesis 4
17A 34. Southern California city with a Spanish name 4
18A 36. Some undergrad conferrals, in brief 3
19A 37. Put under ___ 9
20A 40. One who's left, for short? 3
21A 41. Overzealous fan, in modern slang 4
22A 42. Paradise 4
23A 46. Big fuss 6
24A 49. Make the most of 8
25A 51. Useful tips for writers? 7
26A 53. What's close to the bone? 5
27A 54. Possible translation of "y" 3
28A 55. One way to start a race ... or a hint to understanding seven clues in this puzzle 10
29A 59. Clear molding material 5
30A 62. Aquarium fish with "neon" and "emperor" varieties 5
31A 63. Ramadan's end 3
32A 64. Cease ___ 5
33A 65. Have leftovers, say 5
34A 66. Actor Stephen of "V for Vendetta" 3
35A 67. Promotes 5
36A 68. Tempo 5
37A 69. Foxy 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Creator of Beats Electronics, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Key of Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___ ball"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Classic cartoon dog with the catchphrase "You eediot!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Prefix with Roman"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spanish painter (born in greece) remembered for his religious works characterized by elongated human forms and dramatic use of color (1541-1614)
  • Similar words include: Domenikos Theotocopoulos, El Greco
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ancient calculation tools"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave
  • Similar words include: abacus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABACI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Bygone org. for the Houston Oilers"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federation of north american labor unions that merged with the congress of industrial organizations in 1955
  • Similar words include: American Federation of Labor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Lacks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Her Majesty, for one"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
  • Similar words include: championship, statute title, form of address
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Sure ___"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give surety or assume responsibility
  • Similar words include: assure, vouch, insure
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUARANTEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Rogue"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is morally reprehensible
  • Similar words include: bounder, computer-aided design, heel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Frighteningly monstrous sorts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. More than a chart-topper"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unusually successful hit with widespread popularity and huge sales (especially a movie or play or recording or novel)
  • Similar words include: blockbuster, smash hit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEGAHIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What "!" is used for, in coding"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a negative statement; a statement that is a refusal or denial of some other statement
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEGATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Political rival of Mark Antony"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a linear unit of the size of type slightly larger than an em
  • Similar words include: Tully, Marcus Tullius Cicero
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CICERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Genesis"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hard fruit
  • Similar words include: semen, come, cum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Southern California city with a Spanish name"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Some undergrad conferrals, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Artium Baccalaurens, barium, Bachelor of Arts
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Put under ___"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat with a cane
  • Similar words include: scold, bawl out, lecture
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMBASTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. One who's left, for short?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Overzealous fan, in modern slang"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Paradise"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Big fuss"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blatant or sensational promotion
  • Similar words include: plug, ballyhoo, hype
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOPLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Make the most of"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make optimal; get the most out of; use best
  • Similar words include: optimise
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTIMIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Useful tips for writers?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to erase something
  • Similar words include: eraser
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. What's close to the bone?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Possible translation of "y""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. One way to start a race ... or a hint to understanding seven clues in this puzzle"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Clear molding material"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a class of solid or semisolid viscous substances obtained either as exudations from certain plants or prepared by polymerization of simple molecules
  • Similar words include: rosin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Aquarium fish with "neon" and "emperor" varieties"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TETRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Ramadan's end"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Cease ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
  • Similar words include: cease-fire, armistice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Have leftovers, say"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Actor Stephen of "V for Vendetta""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Promotes"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that blatant or sensational promotion
  • Similar words include: plug, hoopla, ballyhoo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYPES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Tempo"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distance travelled per unit time
  • Similar words include: cannonball along, fastness, belt along
  • Opposite of: decelerate, linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Foxy"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ breathers 7
2D 2. Asylum seeker 7
3D 3. Swell 7
4D 4. Shocked 6
5D 5. "Metropolitan Life" author Lebowitz 4
6D 6. In case 4
7D 7. Possible puberty problem 4
8D 8. Emblem with an Ojibwe name 5
9D 9. Hipster of times past 3
10D 10. Belt with a kimono 3
11D 11. ___ starters 7
12D 12. Pastry whose name is French for "lightning" 6
13D 13. Associated with 6
14D 21. Eavesdrop from afar, maybe 8
15D 22. When N.Y.C. tourism is typically high 3
16D 26. Taunt 4
17D 27. Professor's world 8
18D 29. Tech co. that was integral to early computer science 3
19D 30. Bubbles, e.g. 4
20D 31. "Groovy!" 5
21D 35. "Hurry!" 4
22D 38. Proficient 4
23D 39. Boom sticks? 3
24D 40. Fills, as a buffet plate 7
25D 43. Things that might be provided with grace? 7
26D 44. Book after Lamentations 7
27D 45. Tabloid that's one of the 10 highest-circulation papers in the U.S. 7
28D 46. ___ place 6
29D 47. Cantankerous 6
30D 48. Rover's sound 3
31D 50. Card that's the source for "blue mana" in Magic: The Gathering 6
32D 52. Plots 5
33D 56. Gather from the field 4
34D 57. Suffix with kitchen 4
35D 58. Wheel that comes apart easily? 4
36D 60. Treatment for a bruise 3
37D 61. Platform for Duck Hunt, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ breathers"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a creature of teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
  • Similar words include: Draco, Dragon, firedrake
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAGONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Asylum seeker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exile who flees for safety
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFUGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Swell"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make larger
  • Similar words include: expatiate, flesh out, expand
  • Opposite of: reduce, contract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENLARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Shocked"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that struck with fear, dread, or consternation
  • Similar words include: shocked, dismayed, appalled
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGHAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Metropolitan Life" author Lebowitz"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. In case"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being ten more than forty
  • Similar words include: l, 50, fifty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Possible puberty problem"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Emblem with an Ojibwe name"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Hipster of times past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Belt with a kimono"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. ___ starters"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
  • Similar words include: catch, twin, equalise
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATCHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Pastry whose name is French for "lightning""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oblong cream puff
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECLAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Associated with"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Eavesdrop from afar, maybe"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. When N.Y.C. tourism is typically high"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the last (12th) month of the year
  • Similar words include: declination, celestial latitude, December
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Taunt"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Professor's world"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the academic world
  • Similar words include: academe
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACADEMIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Tech co. that was integral to early computer science"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Bubbles, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
  • Similar words include: revolve, ball, globe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. "Groovy!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. "Hurry!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "38. Proficient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: able-bodied, capable
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "39. Boom sticks?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. Fills, as a buffet plate"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "43. Things that might be provided with grace?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
  • Similar words include: dinner party, dinner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Book after Lamentations"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew prophet of the 6th century bc who was exiled to babylon in 587 bc
  • Similar words include: Book of Ezekiel, Ezechiel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EZEKIEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Tabloid that's one of the 10 highest-circulation papers in the U.S."

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. ___ place"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
  • Similar words include: open fireplace, fireside, fireplace
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEARTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Cantankerous"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a difficult and contrary disposition; - dorothy sayers
  • Similar words include: cantankerous, crotchety
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORNERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Rover's sound"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Card that's the source for "blue mana" in Magic: The Gathering"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Plots"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the piece of land on which something is located (or is to be located)
  • Similar words include: pose, seat, website
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Gather from the field"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: harvest, draw, glean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Suffix with kitchen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Wheel that comes apart easily?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. Treatment for a bruise"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: internal-combustion engine, frosting, sparkler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Platform for Duck Hunt, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: Cornhusker State, neon, nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NES

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
37 Down Clues
74 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: October 15, 2026 at 08:27 AM