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Monday, July 27, 2026

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

Trivia Week 4 Manual for NYT Mini July 27, 2026

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

Popular Puzzles: October 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | November 19 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | July 30 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

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

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

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 58. All tied up
2 Across 40. "Star Wars" character ___ Ren
3 Across 24. Relieve, as pain
4 Across 33. Fairy tale opening word
5 Across 18. Prefix with hit or bit
6 Across 5. National sport of Japan
7 Across 64. Ruminate (over)
8 Across 20. Manipulate into doubting one's memory or experience
9 Across 53. Competitor at an esports tournament
10 Across 13. Post-it ___

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "58. All tied up"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EVEN


2 Across: "40. "Star Wars" character ___ Ren"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal KYLO


3 Across: "24. Relieve, as pain"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E

Answer:

Click to reveal SOOTHE


4 Across: "33. Fairy tale opening word"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ONCE


5 Across: "18. Prefix with hit or bit"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M__A

Answer:

Click to reveal MEGA


6 Across: "5. National sport of Japan"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SUMO


7 Across: "64. Ruminate (over)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: S__W

Answer:

Click to reveal STEW


8 Across: "20. Manipulate into doubting one's memory or experience"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G______T

Answer:

Click to reveal GASLIGHT


9 Across: "53. Competitor at an esports tournament"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GAMER


10 Across: "13. Post-it ___"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NOTE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 54. Low scorer on a pH test
2 Down 11. Pitch that's hard to hit?
3 Down 2. Heading on a list of tasks
4 Down 25. "Um, sure"
5 Down 60. "Certainly!"
6 Down 12. Give a formal speech
7 Down 6. Eel, at a Japanese restaurant
8 Down 17. Heinie
9 Down 51. Handed out, as playing cards
10 Down 37. Big name in applesauce

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "54. Low scorer on a pH test"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ACID


2 Down: "11. Pitch that's hard to hit?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: H___C

Answer:

Click to reveal HIGHC


3 Down: "2. Heading on a list of tasks"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: T__O

Answer:

Click to reveal TODO


4 Down: "25. "Um, sure""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OHOK


5 Down: "60. "Certainly!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal YES


6 Down: "12. Give a formal speech"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ORATE


7 Down: "6. Eel, at a Japanese restaurant"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: U___I

Answer:

Click to reveal UNAGI


8 Down: "17. Heinie"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: T__H

Answer:

Click to reveal TUSH


9 Down: "51. Handed out, as playing cards"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DEALT


10 Down: "37. Big name in applesauce"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MOTTS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

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

Letter Tips That Really Help

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

Time Goals to Aim For

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

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

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

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

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

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

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

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

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


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

Last Updated: July 27, 2026 at 06:47 AM

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

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Male deer 4
2A 5. National sport of Japan 4
3A 9. Posh N.Y.C. neighborhood 4
4A 13. Post-it ___ 4
5A 14. Privy to 4
6A 15. Mideast ruler 4
7A 16. "Either way is fine with me" 9
8A 18. Prefix with hit or bit 4
9A 19. Citrusy Japanese sauce 5
10A 20. Manipulate into doubting one's memory or experience 8
11A 22. Friendly emoticon 10
12A 24. Relieve, as pain 6
13A 28. Long-running forensics series 3
14A 29. Only state with a nonrectangular flag 4
15A 30. Title for a married woman 3
16A 33. Fairy tale opening word 4
17A 36. Country in Oceania named for a biblical king 14
18A 40. "Star Wars" character ___ Ren 4
19A 41. ___ Wednesday 3
20A 42. Interlocking toy brand 4
21A 43. Four-wheeler, for short 3
22A 45. Kicked out of office 6
23A 47. Pet for Franklin Roosevelt or George W. Bush, informally 10
24A 52. As a precaution 8
25A 53. Competitor at an esports tournament 5
26A 58. All tied up 4
27A 59. Smartphone setting that removes all color from the screen ... or a feature of this puzzle? 9
28A 61. Currency in Chihuahua 4
29A 62. Job for an actor 4
30A 63. Run in neutral 4
31A 64. Ruminate (over) 4
32A 65. "A Bug's Life" bugs 4
33A 66. Out of battery 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Male deer"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male deer, especially an adult male red deer
  • Similar words include: denounce, snitch, sleuth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. National sport of Japan"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a japanese form of wrestling; you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Posh N.Y.C. neighborhood"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a district in southwestern manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
  • Similar words include: South of Houston
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Post-it ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brief written record
  • Similar words include: musical note, mention, take note
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Privy to"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Mideast ruler"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
  • Similar words include: emeer, amir, ameer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. "Either way is fine with me""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Prefix with hit or bit"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Citrusy Japanese sauce"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Manipulate into doubting one's memory or experience"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that light yielded by the combustion of illuminating gas
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASLIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Friendly emoticon"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Relieve, as pain"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give moral or emotional strength to
  • Similar words include: solace, comfort, console
  • Opposite of: irritate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOTHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Long-running forensics series"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Only state with a nonrectangular flag"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: OH, Buckeye State, Ohio River
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Title for a married woman"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
  • Similar words include: Mister, Mrs., Mr
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Fairy tale opening word"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: formerly, erstwhile, erst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Country in Oceania named for a biblical king"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. "Star Wars" character ___ Ren"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. ___ Wednesday"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Interlocking toy brand"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
  • Similar words include: Lego set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Four-wheeler, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Kicked out of office"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from a position or office
  • Similar words include: drum out, kick out, oust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUSTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Pet for Franklin Roosevelt or George W. Bush, informally"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. As a precaution"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Competitor at an esports tournament"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that disabled in the feet or legs
  • Similar words include: gamy, spunky, mettlesome
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. All tied up"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
  • Similar words include: flush, level, eventide
  • Opposite of: uneven, odd
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "59. Smartphone setting that removes all color from the screen ... or a feature of this puzzle?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "61. Currency in Chihuahua"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in uruguay; equal to 100 centesimos
  • Similar words include: Chilean peso, Cuban peso, Mexican peso
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Job for an actor"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: office, use, part
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Run in neutral"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Similar words include: unfounded, out of work, dead
  • Opposite of: run, busy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Ruminate (over)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Similar words include: fret, lather, grudge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. "A Bug's Life" bugs"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Out of battery"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are no longer living
  • Similar words include: idle, short, numb
  • Opposite of: alive, live
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Scissors sound 4
2D 2. Heading on a list of tasks 4
3D 3. Lots and lots 4
4D 4. Age group that includes 2000s kids 4
5D 5. [Yes, I know that's a typo] 3
6D 6. Eel, at a Japanese restaurant 5
7D 7. Fable's takeaway 5
8D 8. "Just a moment!" 6
9D 9. Penultimate tournament round 10
10D 10. Last Greek letter 5
11D 11. Pitch that's hard to hit? 5
12D 12. Give a formal speech 5
13D 17. Heinie 4
14D 21. Sprayable disinfectant brand 5
15D 23. Officewide message 4
16D 24. Signal at sea 3
17D 25. "Um, sure" 4
18D 26. Covered in grease 4
19D 27. "You missed your chance" 10
20D 31. Single-stranded molecule 3
21D 32. Palindromic sib 3
22D 34. Tech review site 4
23D 35. Living on the ___ 4
24D 37. Big name in applesauce 5
25D 38. "Go away, fly!" 4
26D 39. Grass bought in rolls 3
27D 44. "The little blue pill" 6
28D 46. Branded fluffy slippers 4
29D 47. Things taken on a walk? 5
30D 48. Violate the Tenth Commandment 5
31D 49. Like many bodybuilders, according to B.M.I. alone 5
32D 50. Zac of "High School Musical" 5
33D 51. Handed out, as playing cards 5
34D 54. Low scorer on a pH test 4
35D 55. Constructed 4
36D 56. Name that can be parsed as "the the" in Spanish 4
37D 57. Portland college attended by Steve Jobs 4
38D 60. "Certainly!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Scissors sound"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Heading on a list of tasks"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Lots and lots"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sun (or solar disc) which was the deity of a monotheistic cult under the pharaoh akhenaten
  • Similar words include: Aten
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Age group that includes 2000s kids"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. [Yes, I know that's a typo]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that urge to attack someone
  • Similar words include: set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Eel, at a Japanese restaurant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Fable's takeaway"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the significance of a story or event
  • Similar words include: lesson
  • Opposite of: immoral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. "Just a moment!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Penultimate tournament round"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: semi, semifinal
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMIFINALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Last Greek letter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ending of a series or sequence; --revelation
  • Similar words include: Z
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Pitch that's hard to hit?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Give a formal speech"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "17. Heinie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: rump, fanny, nates
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Sprayable disinfectant brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear oily brown solution of cresols in soap; used as an antiseptic and disinfectant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYSOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Officewide message"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written proposal or reminder
  • Similar words include: memorandum, memoranda
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Signal at sea"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

17D: "25. "Um, sure""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Covered in grease"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
  • Similar words include: sebaceous, smarmy, oleaginous
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. "You missed your chance""

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Single-stranded molecule"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Palindromic sib"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: Si, atomic number 14, SI
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Tech review site"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Living on the ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the boundary of a surface
  • Similar words include: march, bound, butt on
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Big name in applesauce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states feminist and suffragist (1793-1880)
  • Similar words include: Mott, Lucretia Coffin Mott
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Go away, fly!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that drive away by crying `shoo!'
  • Similar words include: shoo off, shoo away
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Grass bought in rolls"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
  • Similar words include: sodomite, sodomist, sward
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. "The little blue pill""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that virility drug (trade name viagra) used to treat erectile dysfunction in men
  • Similar words include: sildenafil, sildenafil citrate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIAGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Branded fluffy slippers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Things taken on a walk?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
  • Similar words include: footfall, ill-use, ill-treat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Violate the Tenth Commandment"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COVET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Like many bodybuilders, according to B.M.I. alone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excessively fat
  • Similar words include: rotund, corpulent, weighty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Zac of "High School Musical""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Handed out, as playing cards"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
  • Similar words include: handle, deal out, portion out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Low scorer on a pH test"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
  • Similar words include: back breaker, caustic, Zen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Constructed"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give certain properties to something
  • Similar words include: construct, relieve oneself, wee-wee
  • Opposite of: break, unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Name that can be parsed as "the the" in Spanish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Portland college attended by Steve Jobs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: vibrating reed, beating-reed instrument, Walter Reed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. "Certainly!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

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
38 Down Clues
71 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: July 27, 2026 at 06:47 AM

Thursday, April 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 16, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Ventricle suppliers 5
2A 6. Accepted unquestioningly 5
3A 11. Rx for a root canal 7
4A 14. ___ Moshfegh, "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" novelist 7
5A 16. Performer known for her runs 7
6A 17. Sommeliers' assets 7
7A 18. Like some gins and cleaning products 5
8A 19. Wipe clean 5
9A 20. Fast fliers 7
10A 22. Insect nicknamed for its small size 7
11A 25. "Midsommar" director Aster 3
12A 26. "Nova" network 3
13A 28. Sport that takes place in an octagon, in brief 3
14A 29. Ilk 4
15A 31. Risks it 5
16A 33. Leaning 4
17A 34. Upper hand 4
18A 35. "I, Robot" author Asimov 5
19A 36. Big deals 4
20A 37. Facilities, informally 3
21A 39. Booking, for short 3
22A 41. Torah writers 7
23A 45. Unit for ultra-high-speed internet 7
24A 49. This isn't working! 7
25A 50. Fault line? 7
26A 51. Home security co. 3
27A 52. Wail 3
28A 54. Word seen between here and there 3
29A 55. Joel's smuggling partner on "The Last of Us" 4
30A 57. Bouquet 5
31A 59. Tzatziki scooper 4
32A 60. Big payroll service co. 4
33A 61. Number of Super Bowl rings for Tom Brady 5
34A 62. Abbr. seen before a person's name 4
35A 63. With 65-Across, with extreme precision ... or a hint to reading 15 of this puzzle's answers 4
36A 64. Serious 5
37A 65. See 63-Across 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Ventricle suppliers"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
  • Similar words include: atrium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATRIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Accepted unquestioningly"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Rx for a root canal"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. ___ Moshfegh, "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" novelist"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Performer known for her runs"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Sommeliers' assets"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
  • Similar words include: palate, roof of the mouth
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Like some gins and cleaning products"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Wipe clean"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Fast fliers"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
  • Similar words include: falcon
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FALCONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Insect nicknamed for its small size"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. "Midsommar" director Aster"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. "Nova" network"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a solution containing a phosphate buffer
  • Similar words include: Pbit, Pb, PiB
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Sport that takes place in an octagon, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Ilk"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
  • Similar words include: form, variety, tolerant
  • Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Risks it"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: daring, defy, presume
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Leaning"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
  • Similar words include: crumpled, dead set, turn away
  • Opposite of: straighten, unbend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Upper hand"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the boundary of a surface
  • Similar words include: butt on, sharpness, adjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "I, Robot" author Asimov"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the second patriarch; son of abraham and sarah who was offered by abraham as a sacrifice to god; father of jacob and esau
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISAAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Big deals"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Facilities, 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: bathroom, toilet, lavatory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Booking, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: re, Ra, reticuloendothelial system
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Torah writers"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french playwright (1791-1861)
  • Similar words include: scrivener, copyist, scratch awl
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRIBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Unit for ultra-high-speed internet"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of information equal to 1000 megabits or 10^9 (1,000,000,000) bits
  • Similar words include: Gb, Gbit
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIGABIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. This isn't working!"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time available for ease and relaxation
  • Similar words include: leisure time
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEISURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Fault line?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
  • Similar words include: apologia, excuse
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APOLOGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Home security co."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ester of adenosine that is converted to atp for energy storage
  • Similar words include: automatic data processing, adenosine diphosphate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Wail"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
  • Similar words include: holler, cry out, outcry
  • Opposite of: laugh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Word seen between here and there"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Joel's smuggling partner on "The Last of Us""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Bouquet"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Similar words include: scent, odour, olfactory property
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Tzatziki scooper"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Similar words include: pocket bread
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Big payroll service co."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: ETA, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Number of Super Bowl rings for Tom Brady"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
  • Similar words include: vii, septenary, VII
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Abbr. seen before a person's name"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. With 65-Across, with extreme precision ... or a hint to reading 15 of this puzzle's answers"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft fine feathers
  • Similar words include: gloomy, refine, John L. H. Down
  • Opposite of: upwardly, upwards
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Serious"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rear part of a ship
  • Similar words include: Isaac Stern, severe, hind end
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. See 63-Across"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. X, for one 3
2D 2. Fields medalist Terence 3
3D 3. Like a lake on a breezy day 8
4D 4. Charge 6
5D 5. Question from someone seeking reassurance 6
6D 6. "Finally!" 6
7D 7. Service with cups and saucers 6
8D 8. Dear 8
9D 9. Exercise 3
10D 10. Negation word in French 3
11D 12. Occasion 5
12D 13. Previous times 8
13D 14. Welcome sight in musical chairs 8
14D 15. Source of a deal with The Devil? 5
15D 20. Sham 4
16D 21. Like most of Nevada 4
17D 23. "Yeah, nice try" 4
18D 24. Gymnasts' rolls? 4
19D 27. Kid who might get grounded 4
20D 30. Take off the market 6
21D 31. Reroute 6
22D 32. Something a reality show lacks 6
23D 33. Igneous rock that composes most of Venus's surface 6
24D 38. Be against, in a way 4
25D 40. Achievement for Whoopi Goldberg and Rita Moreno, in brief 4
26D 41. Planned 6
27D 42. Officially give 6
28D 43. Tool with coarse teeth 6
29D 44. "It's a ___!" 6
30D 45. Portmanteau for a queer Fortnite player, say 6
31D 46. Fish whose name is Spanish for "pretty" 6
32D 47. "There's no stopping me!" 6
33D 48. Ruler with an iron fist 6
34D 53. Meander 4
35D 56. Fig. with two hyphens 3
36D 57. Modern intensifying suffix 3
37D 58. Journalist Curry 3
38D 59. Glib 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. X, for one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fields medalist Terence"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adherent of any branch of taoism
  • Similar words include: Taoist
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Like a lake on a breezy day"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small wave on the surface of a liquid
  • Similar words include: ripple, cockle, ruffle
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPPLING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Charge"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accuse formally of a crime
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INDICT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Question from someone seeking reassurance"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Finally!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Service with cups and saucers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Dear"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that regard highly; think much of
  • Similar words include: esteem, respect, value
  • Opposite of: disesteem, disrespect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTEEMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Exercise"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: use of goods and services, employ, habituate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Negation word in French"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
  • Similar words include: dada, pappa, P.A.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "12. Occasion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that happens at a given place and time
  • Similar words include: consequence, result, case
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Previous times"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Welcome sight in musical chairs"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Source of a deal with The Devil?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Sham"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
  • Similar words include: impostor, imposter, manipulate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Like most of Nevada"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  • Similar words include: desiccate, waterless, desiccated
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARID

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17D: "23. "Yeah, nice try""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "24. Gymnasts' rolls?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
  • Similar words include: matting, matte, tangle
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATS

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19D: "27. Kid who might get grounded"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very troublesome child
  • Similar words include: holy terror, little terror, bratwurst
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAT

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20D: "30. Take off the market"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove (a security) from listing at a stock exchange
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELIST

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21D: "31. Reroute"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn aside; turn away from
  • Similar words include: disport, hive off, deviate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIVERT

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22D: "32. Something a reality show lacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
  • Similar words include: book, hand, playscript
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCRIPT

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23D: "33. Igneous rock that composes most of Venus's surface"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commonest type of solidified lava; a dense dark grey fine-grained igneous rock that is composed chiefly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASALT

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24D: "38. Be against, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
  • Similar words include: butt on, edge, adjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABUT

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25D: "40. Achievement for Whoopi Goldberg and Rita Moreno, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "41. Planned"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that designate or schedule
  • Similar words include: slate, slat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLATED

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27D: "42. Officially give"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "43. Tool with coarse teeth"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a handsaw for cutting with the grain of the wood
  • Similar words include: splitsaw
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPSAW

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29D: "44. "It's a ___!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
  • Similar words include: private, surreptitious, hole-and-corner
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECRET

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30D: "45. Portmanteau for a queer Fortnite player, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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31D: "46. Fish whose name is Spanish for "pretty""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flesh of mostly pacific food fishes of the genus sarda of the family scombridae; related to but smaller than tuna
  • Similar words include: Katsuwonus pelamis, oceanic bonito
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BONITO

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32D: "47. "There's no stopping me!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "48. Ruler with an iron fist"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel and oppressive dictator
  • Similar words include: autocrat, despot
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYRANT

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34D: "53. Meander"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: roam, reeve, wander
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROVE

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35D: "56. Fig. with two hyphens"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "57. Modern intensifying suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: hind end, arse, nates
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

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37D: "58. Journalist Curry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "59. Glib"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: rap, slick, dab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAT

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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
38 Down Clues
75 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 16, 2026 at 05:41 AM