Thursday, May 14, 2026 – LA Times Crossword Answers & Hints

LA Times Crossword – May 14, 2026 (Thursday)

Today’s crossword puzzle is fun and a little tricky.

If you are stuck, don’t worry!

Here you can find the answers and help.

Crossword puzzles help us:

• Learn new words
• Improve spelling
• Think smart

Theme Answer: WOODCUT

Clue: Artistic printing method, and a feature of rows 2, 5, 11, and 14 in this puzzle

Answer: WOODCUT

Explanation:

A woodcut is a way of printing pictures. The artist carves a design into wood, puts ink on it, and prints it on paper. Today’s puzzle hides types of wood in four rows.

Across Clues

6A. Thurman of “Pretty Lethal”

Answer: UMA

Explanation: Uma Thurman is a famous actress.

13A. Moral principle

Answer: ETHIC

Explanation: An ethic is a rule about what is right or wrong.

14A. “MAS*H” setting, for short

Answer: KOR

Explanation: MASH takes place in Korea (KOR = short form).

15A. “Butterfly Dance” artist

Answer: YANNI

Explanation: Yanni is a music composer.

19A. College where Robert Frost taught English

Answer: AMHERST

Explanation: Robert Frost was a famous poet who taught at Amherst College.

22A. NYC home of Matisse’s “Landscape at Collioure”

Answer: MOMA

Explanation: MoMA is the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

25A. Taylor-Joy of “The Northman”

Answer: ANYA

Explanation: Anya Taylor-Joy is a movie actress.

34A. “Downton Abbey” cook

Answer: DAISY

Explanation: Daisy is a character in the TV show Downton Abbey.

38A. Here, in Honduras

Answer: ACA

Explanation: In Spanish, “aca” means “here.”

41A. Mod About You polish maker

Answer: OPI

Explanation: OPI is a brand that makes nail polish.

42A. Mexican sandwich

Answer: TORTA

Explanation: A torta is a Mexican sandwich.

50A. Electrically adaptable

Answer: AC/DC

Explanation: AC/DC means it can work with both types of electric current.

55A. Sazerac options

Answer: RYES

Explanation: Rye is a type of grain used in drinks.

58A. Abu Dhabi, e.g.

Answer: EMIRATE

Explanation: Abu Dhabi is one of the Emirates in the UAE.

61A. Expanse crossed by Odysseus

Answer: IONIAN SEA

Explanation: In Greek stories, Odysseus crossed the Ionian Sea.

65A. Like van Gogh and Vermeer

Answer: DUTCH

Explanation: Both artists were from the Netherlands (Dutch).

70A. Blades for some Olympians

Answer: EPEES

Explanation: An épée is a type of fencing sword used in the Olympics.

Down Clues

1D. Super Mario Bros. console

Answer: NES

Explanation: NES is a Nintendo gaming system.

2D. Jazzy James

Answer: ETTA

Explanation: Etta James was a famous singer.

3D. Guitar accessory that may create vibrato

Answer: WHAMMY BAR

Explanation: A whammy bar is used on guitars to change sound.

4D. Knights’ neighbors

Answer: BISHOPS

Explanation: In chess, bishops sit next to knights.

5D. Blueprint

Answer: SCHEMA

Explanation: A schema is a plan or design.

9D. Prehistoric supercontinent

Answer: PANGAEA

Explanation: Pangaea was one giant land before continents split.

11D. Moriarty, to Holmes

Answer: ENEMY

Explanation: Moriarty is the enemy of Sherlock Holmes.

18D. Latvian capital

Answer: RIGA

Explanation: Riga is the capital city of Latvia.

36D. Hormel product

Answer: SPAM

Explanation: Spam is a canned meat product.

43D. Elements of a strategy

Answer: TACTICS

Explanation: Tactics are small actions used in a plan.

51D. Easy part of a sky in a jigsaw puzzle

Answer: CLOUD

Explanation: Puzzle sky areas are often blue with clouds.

54D. Oscar winner Witherspoon

Answer: REESE

Explanation: Reese Witherspoon is an actress.

60D. Brontë orphan

Answer: EYRE

Explanation: Jane Eyre is a famous novel character.

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 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
• Across Clues Table (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (43 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. Solicit with a goodie	5
2A	6. School support grps.	4
3A	10. Egyptian cobra	3
4A	13. Well-informed	5
5A	14. Teaser, for short	5
6A	15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names	3
7A	16. Low red card in a deck	11
8A	18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother	3
9A	19. Window shades	6
10A	20. Follow orders	4
11A	21. Locomotives, to kids	14
12A	25. Comic figure at a circus	5
13A	26. "Impressive!"	3
14A	27. Stir up, as waters	4
15A	28. "The worst!"	9
16A	34. ___-backward	3
17A	35. Walk wearily	7
18A	37. ___-Magnon (early human)	3
19A	38. City and its surroundings	9
20A	40. German refusal	4
21A	41. Alternative to .com or .edu	3
22A	42. Ridiculous	5
23A	43. "Don't mention it — it was easy"	14
24A	50. "Just doin' my job"	4
25A	51. Insect with pincers	6
26A	52. X, for a sorority	3
27A	53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell?	11
28A	58. Skirt feature	3
29A	59. Decorations around the United Nations	5
30A	60. "Sauer" hot dog topping	5
31A	61. Triage sites, for short	3
32A	62. Mascara coats one	4
33A	63. Full of know-how	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Solicit with a goodie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that dispose or incline or entice to
• Similar words include: charm, influence, entice
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEMPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. School support grps."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PTAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Egyptian cobra"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
• Similar words include: Vipera aspis, Egyptian cobra, Naja haje
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Well-informed"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
• Similar words include: cognizant, mindful, cognisant
• Opposite of: unaware, unmindful

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Teaser, for short"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PROMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Word before Kim, Wayne or Nas X in hip-hop names"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Low red card in a deck"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TWOOFHEARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. George Gershwin's lyricist brother"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Similar words include: Provisional Irish Republican Army, Irish Republican Army, ire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Window shades"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group
• Similar words include: subterfuge, screen, blind
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLINDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Follow orders"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be obedient to
• Opposite of: disobey
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OBEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Locomotives, to kids"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHOOCHOOTRAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Comic figure at a circus"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rude or vulgar fool
• Similar words include: goofball, clown around, goof
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. "Impressive!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
• Similar words include: aah
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Stir up, as waters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be agitated
• Similar words include: moil, rile, boil
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. "The worst!""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THISSUCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. ___-backward"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Similar words include: derriere, backside, tail end
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Walk wearily"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that walk or tramp about
• Similar words include: shlep
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRAIPSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. ___-Magnon (early human)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
• Similar words include: scope, oscilloscope, cathode-ray oscilloscope
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. City and its surroundings"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: METROAREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. German refusal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Alternative to .com or .edu"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Ridiculous"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a word used for misbehaving children
• Similar words include: punch-drunk, light-headed, empty-headed
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SILLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. "Don't mention it — it was easy""

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOTROUBLEATALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. "Just doin' my job""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Insect with pincers"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of numerous insects of the order dermaptera having elongate bodies and slender many-jointed antennae and a pair of large pincers at the rear of the abdomen
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. X, for a sorority"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the circulating life energy that in chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
• Similar words include: khi, qi, ki
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "I need to use the bathroom" ... or what the shaded squares spell?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NATURECALLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Skirt feature"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
• Similar words include: ahem
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Decorations around the United Nations"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
• Similar words include: fleur-de-lis, ease off, pin
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FLAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. "Sauer" hot dog topping"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that offensive term for a person of german descent
• Similar words include: Jerry, Krauthead, Hun
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KRAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Triage sites, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
• Similar words include: Er, ER, atomic number 68
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Mascara coats one"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
• Similar words include: strap, slash, flog
• Opposite of: unlash

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Full of know-how"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cognitive condition of someone who understands
• Similar words include: understanding, comprehend, dig
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAVVY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally	3
2D	2. "Gross!"	3
3D	3. Chinese revolutionary	3
4D	4. Football all-star game	7
5D	5. Cookware coating	6
6D	6. National museum in Madrid	5
7D	7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt	5
8D	8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM?	3
9D	9. ...---... in Morse	3
10D	10. Cover story, in court	5
11D	11. Sound that warns of a tornado	5
12D	12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade	5
13D	14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital	4
14D	17. Kool-Aid rival	3
15D	20. Site of Pearl Harbor	4
16D	21. Not far away	5
17D	22. Lift	5
18D	23. Throw (out)	4
19D	24. Valentine's Day flower	4
20D	25. Stow tightly, with "in"	4
21D	28. Cigarette substance	3
22D	29. Move in a hurry, old-style	3
23D	30. Craft brew designation letters	3
24D	31. Medium-sized battery	5
25D	32. Filtered food for whales	5
26D	33. PlayStation maker	4
27D	35. Matador charger	4
28D	36. Pasta sauce brand	4
29D	39. Golfer McIlroy	4
30D	40. Big U.S./Canada falls	7
31D	42. (The) boondocks	6
32D	43. Specialty	5
33D	44. Catchall survey option	5
34D	45. Cuts at the margins	5
35D	46. Apps undergoing testing	5
36D	47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___"	5
37D	48. Flubs	4
38D	49. Slack-jawed feeling	3
39D	53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars	3
40D	54. In the style of	3
41D	55. Bathroom, informally	3
42D	56. Sweetie, to Brits	3
43D	57. Total dump	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Butterfly on the ankle, say, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
• Similar words include: sleaze, cheapness, tackiness
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EWW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Chinese revolutionary"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
• Similar words include: monoamine oxidase, Mao Zedong, Mao Tsetung
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Football all-star game"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PROBOWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cookware coating"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided
• Similar words include: polytetrafluoroethylene
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEFLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. National museum in Madrid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Trunk for a sculptor to sculpt"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
• Similar words include: trunk, body
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TORSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Fig. from an out-of-order ATM?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ...---... in Morse"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
• Similar words include: sol, so, soh
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Cover story, in court"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
• Similar words include: exculpation, excuse, self-justification
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALIBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sound that warns of a tornado"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sea nymph (part woman and part bird) supposed to lure sailors to destruction on the rocks where the nymphs lived
• Similar words include: Delilah, femme fatale, enchantress
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. What coins are exchanged for at an arcade"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• Similar words include: work, sport, drama
• Opposite of: tightness

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Phnom ___, Cambodia's capital"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PENH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Kool-Aid rival"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Site of Pearl Harbor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
• Similar words include: Oahu Island
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OAHU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Not far away"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
• Similar words include: close-fitting, conclusion, secretive
• Opposite of: open, distant

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Lift"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
• Similar words include: wind, lift, run up
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Throw (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of flipping a coin
• Similar words include: cast out, jactitate, discard
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Valentine's Day flower"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
• Similar words include: climb up, rose wine, roseate
• Opposite of: set, wane

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "25. Stow tightly, with "in""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that crowd or pack to capacity
• Similar words include: ram, mug up, drum
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Cigarette substance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Similar words include: mariner, seaman, sea dog
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Move in a hurry, old-style"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Similar words include: rush, race, rush along
• Opposite of: linger
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Craft brew designation letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Medium-sized battery"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CCELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "32. Filtered food for whales"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans; major source of food for e.g. baleen whales
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KRILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "33. PlayStation maker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "35. Matador charger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TORO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "36. Pasta sauce brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAGU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "39. Golfer McIlroy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RORY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "40. Big U.S./Canada falls"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that waterfall in canada is the horseshoe falls; in the united states it is the american falls
• Similar words include: Niagara Falls, Niagara River
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIAGARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. (The) boondocks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement consisting of a length of wood
• Similar words include: bond, marijuana cigarette, stay
• Opposite of: move, dislodge

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STICKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Specialty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
• Similar words include: recession, corner, ecological niche
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NICHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "44. Catchall survey option"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
• Similar words include: former, early
• Opposite of: same

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "45. Cuts at the margins"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state of arrangement or appearance
• Similar words include: trim down, crop, prune
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRIMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "46. Apps undergoing testing"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the 2nd letter of the greek alphabet
• Similar words include: beta, genus Beta, Beta
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "47. "Sometimes you just gotta ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sound of laughing
• Similar words include: joke, express joy, express mirth
• Opposite of: cry

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAUGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "48. Flubs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Similar words include: slip, stray, err
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "49. Slack-jawed feeling"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
• Similar words include: fear, veneration, reverence
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "53. Grp. for the Jets and Jaguars"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NFL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "54. In the style of"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "55. Bathroom, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
• Similar words include: can, lavatory, toilet
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "56. Sweetie, to Brits"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "57. Total dump"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Similar words include: pigpen, hordeolum, eye infection
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STY

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

33 Across Clues

43 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.

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Last updated: April 20, 2026 at 06:00 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 17, 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
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (33 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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. 12-12, say	4
2A	5. Make an all-out effort	5
3A	10. 50, on a table	3
4A	13. Sea creature known to mourn its dead	4
5A	14. Long-stemmed mushroom	5
6A	15. Wow	3
7A	16. Medicare subsection covering ambulance services	5
8A	18. Get to the point?	5
9A	19. Half a chocolate bar	3
10A	20. Settle a bill	8
11A	22. Georgia hometown of R.E.M. and the B-52s	6
12A	24. Small pieces from	6
13A	26. Multitude	4
14A	27. Looks over briefly	9
15A	30. Word after back or snack	4
16A	32. Sticker that usually comes in sets of three or four?	5
17A	33. Did some knifework on	5
18A	35. Solo pilot?	3
19A	36. Worst of all imaginable chronologies	15
20A	39. "What's the issue ...?"	3
21A	40. Start to season, as a skillet	5
22A	41. "Storage Wars" network	5
23A	42. Awaken	4
24A	44. Voting, e.g.	9
25A	46. "Altho ..."	4
26A	48. Set of notes in a seventh chord	6
27A	49. "Stop being such a baby!"	6
28A	51. Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer	8
29A	55. First Super Bowl won by the Kansas City Chiefs in 50 years	3
30A	56. Gal on the screen	5
31A	58. [You're boring me]	5
32A	59. First of all	3
33A	60. Result from	5
34A	61. Chewy Japanese noodle	4
35A	62. "___ supuesto!" ("Of course!," in Spanish)	3
36A	63. Look with a curled lip	5
37A	64. Mizzen, e.g.	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. 12-12, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
• Similar words include: even, tie, link
• Opposite of: untied, untie

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Make an all-out effort"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOBIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. 50, on a table"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
• Similar words include: can, cannister, Sn
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Sea creature known to mourn its dead"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
• Similar words include: Orcinus orca, killer whale, killer
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Long-stemmed mushroom"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENOKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Wow"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
• Similar words include: fear, reverence, veneration
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Medicare subsection covering ambulance services"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARTB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Get to the point?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a convex shape that narrows toward a point
• Similar words include: sharpen, candle, point
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Half a chocolate bar"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
• Similar words include: cat, African tea, quat
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Settle a bill"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SQUAREUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Georgia hometown of R.E.M. and the B-52s"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the capital and largest city of greece; named after athena (its patron goddess)
• Similar words include: capital of Greece, Athinai, Greek capital
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATHENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Small pieces from"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BITSOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Multitude"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
• Similar words include: horde, legion, boniface
• Opposite of: parasite

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Looks over briefly"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLANCESAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Word after back or snack"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large indefinite number
• Similar words include: ingroup, tamp, multitude
• Opposite of: unpack

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Sticker that usually comes in sets of three or four?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a pointed projection
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Did some knifework on"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cut into cubes
• Similar words include: cube, dice
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Solo pilot?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Similar words include: Han dynasty
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Worst of all imaginable chronologies"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARKESTTIMELINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. "What's the issue ...?""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Start to season, as a skillet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REOIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "Storage Wars" network"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AANDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Awaken"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
• Similar words include: fuss, shake, stimulate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Voting, e.g."

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIVICDUTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. "Altho ...""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Set of notes in a seventh chord"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
• Similar words include: quartet, quaternary, quaternion
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TETRAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. "Stop being such a baby!""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GROWUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone with an aggressively negative attitude
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAYSAYER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. First Super Bowl won by the Kansas City Chiefs in 50 years"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that being four more than fifty
• Similar words include: fifty-four, 54
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Gal on the screen"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GADOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. [You're boring me]"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the rattling noise produced when snoring
• Similar words include: saw wood, stertor, saw logs
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. First of all"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: unitary, unity, unmatchable
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. Result from"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Chewy Japanese noodle"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UDON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. "___ supuesto!" ("Of course!," in Spanish)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Look with a curled lip"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
• Similar words include: leer
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Mizzen, e.g."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a vertical spar for supporting sails
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Outperforms	4
2D	2. Modern home of ancient Mesopotamia	4
3D	3. Neutral shade	4
4D	4. Informational repository	8
5D	5. End of a gay pride slogan	11
6D	6. "Bad news aside ..."	15
7D	7. Catchy tune	3
8D	8. Maker of the iconic Billy bookcase	4
9D	9. What's going around?	5
10D	10. Gets the memo	10
11D	11. 2000 song for Aaron Carter about seeking someone "tough but sweet"	10
12D	12. Safety devices for trapeze artists	4
13D	17. "Mars, the ___ of War" (first movement of "The Planets")	7
14D	21. "You get the picture"	3
15D	23. Old-school dance	3
16D	25. Discussion guider	11
17D	27. 2008 Clint Eastwood film centered around an attempted car theft	10
18D	28. Act superior to	10
19D	29. Pro ___	3
20D	31. Bend it like Beckham!	4
21D	32. BlackBerrys, e.g., for short	4
22D	34. Seriously, in modern slang	7
23D	37. 1/86,400 of a day: Abbr.	3
24D	38. Opium product used by Anna Karenina and Victor Frankenstein	8
25D	43. Big fight	3
26D	45. Exclaim	3
27D	47. High honors in science fiction	5
28D	49. Sludge	4
29D	50. Sacrifice in some chess gambits	4
30D	52. Weird Al Yankovic parody of the Kinks's "Lola"	4
31D	53. Mythical lover	4
32D	54. Monthly expense	4
33D	57. Student center?	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Outperforms"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the upper part of anything
• Similar words include: top, upper side, topnotch
• Opposite of: bottom

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Modern home of ancient Mesopotamia"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in the middle east in western asia; the ancient civilization of mesopotamia was in the area now known as iraq
• Similar words include: Al-Iraq, Republic of Iraq, Irak
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRAQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Neutral shade"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a very light brown
• Similar words include: beige
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Informational repository"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DATABANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. End of a gay pride slogan"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GETUSEDTOIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Bad news aside ...""

15 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONAPOSITIVENOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Catchy tune"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the law enforcement agency of the justice department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes
• Similar words include: sock, bash, bebop
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Maker of the iconic Billy bookcase"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IKEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. What's going around?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the distance around a person's body
• Similar words include: cinch
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIRTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Gets the memo"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAKESAHINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. 2000 song for Aaron Carter about seeking someone "tough but sweet""

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IWANTCANDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Safety devices for trapeze artists"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Similar words include: net profit, sack, web
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "17. "Mars, the ___ of War" (first movement of "The Planets")"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. "You get the picture""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Old-school dance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Similar words include: hops, record hop, hop-skip
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Discussion guider"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who makes progress easier
• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FACILITATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. 2008 Clint Eastwood film centered around an attempted car theft"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRANTORINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Act superior to"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LORDITOVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Pro ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Bend it like Beckham!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
• Similar words include: articulatio genus, stifle, human knee
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. BlackBerrys, e.g., for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
• Similar words include: personal organiser, personal digital assistant, organiser
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PDAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Seriously, in modern slang"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEADASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. 1/86,400 of a day: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Similar words include: s, Securities and Exchange Commission, second
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Opium product used by Anna Karenina and Victor Frankenstein"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that narcotic consisting of an alcohol solution of opium or any preparation in which opium is the main ingredient
• Similar words include: tincture of opium
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAUDANUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "43. Big fight"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Similar words include: words, course, quarrel
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "45. Exclaim"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
• Similar words include: outcry, scream, weep
• Opposite of: laugh

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "47. High honors in science fiction"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that french poet and novelist and dramatist; leader of the romantic movement in france (1802-1885)
• Similar words include: Victor Hugo, Hugo, Victor-Marie Hugo
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "49. Sludge"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any gummy shapeless matter; usually unpleasant
• Similar words include: treacle, slop, mush
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLOP

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29D: "50. Sacrifice in some chess gambits"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an article deposited as security
• Similar words include: instrument, hock, soak
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAWN

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30D: "52. Weird Al Yankovic parody of the Kinks's "Lola""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YODA

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31D: "53. Mythical lover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Similar words include: sexual desire, physical attraction, concupiscence
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EROS

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32D: "54. Monthly expense"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
• Similar words include: lease, snag, split
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RENT

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33D: "57. Student center?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEE

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues

33 Down Clues

70 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 17, 2026 at 05:39 AM