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Thursday, September 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 03, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Things that have icons 4
2A 5. She's possessive 3
3A 8. Sales spiel 5
4A 13. She can speak more than 20 languages 4
5A 14. Lead-in to haw 3
6A 15. Followed 6
7A 17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks" 8
8A 19. Authorize 6
9A 20. Noodle 6
10A 21. On, in French 3
11A 23. Successes for sluggers, for short 4
12A 24. Like some pants or haircuts 7
13A 27. Big laugh 3
14A 28. What dogs do the most in the spring and fall 4
15A 32. School unit 9
16A 34. Reached a payment date 7
17A 36. "Please give this high priority!" 4
18A 37. Character with a famous opening line? 7
19A 38. Like an overtired toddler 5
20A 42. Twice-told tale? 5
21A 43. Sweetums or Baby Doll 7
22A 45. March Madness org. 4
23A 48. Open, as a bottle 7
24A 49. One might feature rivers and bluffs 9
25A 52. Hastens 4
26A 53. Apple purchase 3
27A 54. Comedian Jon 7
28A 56. Its motto is "Industry" 4
29A 58. Sorta 3
30A 59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way 6
31A 64. Emergency alerts 6
32A 66. Complete fiasco, slangily 8
33A 68. Steak option 6
34A 69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey 3
35A 70. Up the ___ 4
36A 71. Words that might be seen on a docent's badge 5
37A 72. Letters found near some bars 3
38A 73. It might be paved with good intentions 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Things that have icons"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. She's possessive"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Sales spiel"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: sales pitch, gear, incline
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. She can speak more than 20 languages"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Lead-in to haw"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Followed"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
  • Similar words include: ensue, result
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENSUED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Show with the classic episodes "The Puffy Shirt" and "The Little Kicks""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Authorize"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that render capable or able for some task
  • Opposite of: disable
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Noodle"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a human head
  • Similar words include: bean, dome, attic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOGGIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. On, in French"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port in southern lebanon on the mediterranean sea; formerly a major phoenician seaport famous for silks
  • Similar words include: Tyre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Successes for sluggers, for short"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a run that is the result of the batter's performance
  • Similar words include: run batted in, rbi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Like some pants or haircuts"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diminish gradually
  • Similar words include: sharpen, tapering, narrowing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Big laugh"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. What dogs do the most in the spring and fall"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Similar words include: slough, cast, cast off
  • Opposite of: persistent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. School unit"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room in a school where lessons take place
  • Similar words include: schoolroom
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLASSROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Reached a payment date"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. "Please give this high priority!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Character with a famous opening line?"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Like an overtired toddler"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annoyed and irritable
  • Similar words include: busy, finicky, grouchy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUSSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Twice-told tale?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a program that is broadcast again
  • Similar words include: rebroadcast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Sweetums or Baby Doll"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. March Madness org."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Open, as a bottle"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that loosen something by unscrewing it
  • Opposite of: screw
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSCREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. One might feature rivers and bluffs"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Hastens"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: rush along, bucket along, pelt along
  • Opposite of: linger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Apple purchase"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mackintosh, macintosh, mack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Comedian Jon"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states film actor who portrayed incorruptible but modest heros (1908-1997)
  • Similar words include: James Maitland Stewart, Dugald Stewart, Jimmy Stewart
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEWART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Its motto is "Industry""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Beehive State, UT, Mormon State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Sorta"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Luxuriates outdoors, in a way"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Emergency alerts"

6 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: temptress, enchantress, femme fatale
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIRENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Complete fiasco, slangily"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Steak option"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Emmy-winning role for Tina Fey"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Up the ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Words that might be seen on a docent's badge"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "72. Letters found near some bars"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "73. It might be paved with good intentions"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
  • Similar words include: route
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. The "A" in L.P.G.A.: Abbr. 4
2D 2. Slangy "mouth" found in a 20-Across 7
3D 3. Self-righteous type 4
4D 4. Confess, say 4
5D 5. Spotted youngster that might be spotted on the savanna 8
6D 6. Fish with fused fins 3
7D 7. One end of the Suez Canal 6
8D 8. Many a "Bridgerton" lady 7
9D 9. Alternative to a bed-and-breakfast 3
10D 10. Slavic title 4
11D 11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across 9
12D 12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe 6
13D 16. Place to study 4
14D 18. Factor in a clothing purchase 3
15D 22. ___ Minor 4
16D 25. Something a suspect enters 4
17D 26. Sketches 6
18D 28. Leave a mark 4
19D 29. Hearty 4
20D 30. Islamic "commander" 4
21D 31. Show to be bogus 6
22D 33. Tool found in a 32-Across 9
23D 35. What choreologists study 6
24D 39. Garment that is typically around six yards long 4
25D 40. Captain Hook's right-hand man 4
26D 41. Evergreen trees with red arils 4
27D 43. Cat that can purr but can't roar 4
28D 44. Invigorate 8
29D 46. Skilled performer 7
30D 47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g. 4
31D 49. Surface of a well-used wok 6
32D 50. Pocket rockets, e.g., found in a 49-Across 9
33D 51. "Well, shucks!" 6
34D 53. Polyhymnia or Clio 4
35D 55. Group with the 1994 12x platinum album "CrazySexyCool" 3
36D 57. "Tarnation!" 4
37D 60. Distantly 4
38D 61. Underground entrance found in a 73-Across 7
39D 62. Bread that may have a pocket 4
40D 63. Skeleton, say 4
41D 65. ___ Lock (PC key) 3
42D 67. Orchestra setting 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. The "A" in L.P.G.A.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Slangy "mouth" found in a 20-Across"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Self-righteous type"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: snot, snoot, snob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Confess, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deliver by singing
  • Similar words include: talk, blab out, spill the beans
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spotted youngster that might be spotted on the savanna"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Fish with fused fins"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. One end of the Suez Canal"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Many a "Bridgerton" lady"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman of the peerage in britain
  • Similar words include: Lady, noblewoman
  • Opposite of: nobleman, Lord
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEERESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Alternative to a bed-and-breakfast"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: auberge, hostel, hostelry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Slavic title"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Place for storing belongings in a 32-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small compartment
  • Similar words include: snug, cubby, pigeonhole
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUBBYHOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Cause of a squeaky voice, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; the most difficult gas to liquefy; occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in texas and kansas)
  • Similar words include: atomic number 2, He
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELIUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. Place to study"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Factor in a clothing purchase"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a display of bad temper
  • Similar words include: gibe, primed, equip
  • Opposite of: disagree, unfit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. ___ Minor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Something a suspect enters"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humble request for help from someone in authority
  • Similar words include: supplication
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sketches"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
  • Similar words include: outline, tipple, enlist
  • Opposite of: discharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Leave a mark"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
  • Similar words include: scratch, pock, cicatrice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Hearty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soldier of the american revolution who was hanged as a spy by the british; his last words were supposed to have been `i only regret that i have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
  • Similar words include: force, George Ellery Hale, haul
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Islamic "commander""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Show to be bogus"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expose while ridiculing; especially of pretentious or false claims and ideas
  • Similar words include: expose
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBUNK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Tool found in a 32-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. What choreologists study"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artistic form of nonverbal communication
  • Similar words include: terpsichore, trip the light fantastic toe, saltation
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANCES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Garment that is typically around six yards long"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Captain Hook's right-hand man"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Evergreen trees with red arils"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of a yew; especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the english yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
  • Similar words include: yew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Cat that can purr but can't roar"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: panther, mountain lion, painter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Invigorate"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be alert and energetic
  • Similar words include: stimulate, arouse, brace
  • Opposite of: sedate, de-energize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENERGIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Skilled performer"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public performer (a dancer or singer)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. 2, 4, 6 and 8, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: age, senesce, old age
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Surface of a well-used wok"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fine coating of oxide on the surface of a metal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Pocket rockets, e.g., found in a 49-Across"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. "Well, shucks!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Polyhymnia or Clio"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in ancient greek mythology any of 9 daughters of zeus and mnemosyne; protector of an art or science
  • Similar words include: contemplate, think over, ponder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Group with the 1994 12x platinum album "CrazySexyCool""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that considerate and solicitous care
  • Similar words include: tender loving care
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TLC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. "Tarnation!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Distantly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Underground entrance found in a 73-Across"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hole (usually with a flush cover) through which a person can gain access to an underground structure
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANHOLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Bread that may have a pocket"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

40D: "63. Skeleton, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sledge, sleigh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. ___ Lock (PC key)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "67. Orchestra setting"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: endocarp, colliery, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIT

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

38 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
80 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 03, 2026 at 08:10 AM

Sunday, May 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 03, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. First person, in Austria 3
2A 4. Pressing activity, for short? 3
3A 7. Cleared to proceed 4
4A 11. Perched on 7
5A 18. Place for pigs to wallow 7
6A 20. Shawarma wrap 4
7A 21. "I'm here to learn" 7
8A 22. In sync 7
9A 23. Moisture barrier supplies 13
10A 26. 23-Across, oddly? 10
11A 28. Vert. counterpart 3
12A 29. Geological layers 6
13A 30. They got the votes 3
14A 31. Saint Barthélemy, par exemple 3
15A 32. Sugar suffix 3
16A 34. Father of Deimos 4
17A 35. A hard job 10
18A 40. 35-Across, oddly? 10
19A 43. Catch in a sting 6
20A 44. Cleveland-to-Akron dir. 3
21A 45. Ryder of "Stranger Things" 6
22A 46. Office memo starter 4
23A 48. Leprechaun's land 4
24A 50. Conflict-averse 7
25A 55. Fictional diary writer 12
26A 60. 55-Across, oddly? 8
27A 61. A as in Austria 3
28A 62. Lock lips, in London 4
29A 63. Drive-___ menu 4
30A 65. Like the best bets 6
31A 66. Abandoned 4
32A 68. Off-center 4
33A 70. Time gone by 4
34A 72. Ending with the name Ann or Nan 4
35A 73. "Reason" given in a parental "explanation" 6
36A 76. Spots for grazing 4
37A 78. Pond scum, e.g. 4
38A 80. Craven behind the camera 3
39A 81. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" author 8
40A 83. 81-Across, oddly? 12
41A 87. Political understanding 7
42A 88. ___ Ed 4
43A 89. Book before Nehemiah 4
44A 90. Boot camp shout 6
45A 92. Stanford and Cal joined it in 2024 3
46A 95. From the heart, in a way 6
47A 99. Conan and others 10
48A 103. 99-Across, oddly? 10
49A 105. "Essays of ___" (19th-century collection) 4
50A 106. Summer hours in N.Y.C. 3
51A 107. You smelt it! 3
52A 108. Inits. fittingly filling the blanks of Obam_ _ _re 3
53A 109. Luxor Temple deity 6
54A 112. Take an ax to 3
55A 114. Client's sales agent, in brief 10
56A 118. 114-Across, oddly? 13
57A 121. Unspoken set of rules between dudes 7
58A 122. N next to the gearshift 7
59A 123. Ozzy Osbourne's "___, I'm Coming Home" 4
60A 124. More dimwitted 7
61A 125. Make more appealing, as something otherwise plain 7
62A 126. "Glad that's over!" 4
63A 127. Spot for charity, say, in brief 3
64A 128. Newsroom staffers, for short 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. First person, in Austria"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Pressing activity, for short?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac massage and artificial respiration; the first treatment for a person who has collapsed and has no pulse and has stopped breathing; attempts to restore circulation of the blood and prevent death or brain damage due to lack of oxygen
  • Similar words include: cardiac resuscitation, kiss of life, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "7. Cleared to proceed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "11. Perched on"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "18. Place for pigs to wallow"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Shawarma wrap"

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!

7A: "21. "I'm here to learn""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. In sync"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with
  • Similar words include: attune
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTUNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Moisture barrier supplies"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "26. 23-Across, oddly?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Vert. counterpart"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Geological layers"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
  • Similar words include: socio-economic class, level, social class
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. They got the votes"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
  • Similar words include: In, atomic number 49, inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Saint Barthélemy, par exemple"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Sugar suffix"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Father of Deimos"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Similar words include: ar, are
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. A hard job"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. 35-Across, oddly?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. Catch in a sting"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take or catch as if in a snare or trap
  • Similar words include: frame, ensnare, snare
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Cleveland-to-Akron dir."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • Similar words include: sou'-sou'-east, south southeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Ryder of "Stranger Things""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Office memo starter"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Leprechaun's land"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Conflict-averse"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. Fictional diary writer"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "60. 55-Across, oddly?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "61. A as in Austria"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Lock lips, in London"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
  • Similar words include: buss, osculate, kiss
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Drive-___ menu"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Like the best bets"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that free from danger or the risk of harm
  • Similar words include: dependable, secure, safe
  • Opposite of: out, dangerous
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. Abandoned"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
  • Similar words include: provide, remaining, left over
  • Opposite of: disinherit, enter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "68. Off-center"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turned or twisted toward one side; - g.k.chesterton
  • Similar words include: cockeyed, skew-whiff, haywire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Time gone by"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time long past
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Ending with the name Ann or Nan"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. "Reason" given in a parental "explanation""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "76. Spots for grazing"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
  • Similar words include: pasture, ley, pastureland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "78. Pond scum, e.g."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
  • Similar words include: shoot, celluloid, pic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FILM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "80. Craven behind the camera"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "81. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" author"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "83. 81-Across, oddly?"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "87. Political understanding"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal alliance between countries
  • Similar words include: entente cordiale
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTENTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "88. ___ Ed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "89. Book before Nehemiah"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a jewish priest and scribe sent by the persian king to restore jewish law and worship in jerusalem
  • Similar words include: Book of Ezra
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EZRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "90. Boot camp shout"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "92. Stanford and Cal joined it in 2024"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a command that is the primary provider of air combat weapon systems to the united states air force; operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management, and rescue aircraft
  • Similar words include: Air Combat Command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "95. From the heart, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to the aorta
  • Similar words include: aortic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AORTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "99. Conan and others"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an uncivilized people
  • Similar words include: churl, Goth, boor
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARBARIANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "103. 99-Across, oddly?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "105. "Essays of ___" (19th-century collection)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english essayist (1775-1834)
  • Similar words include: Charles Lamb, Lamb
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "106. Summer hours in N.Y.C."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "107. You smelt it!"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "108. Inits. fittingly filling the blanks of Obam_ _ _re"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "109. Luxor Temple deity"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. Take an ax to"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make or shape as with an axe
  • Similar words include: hew out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "114. Client's sales agent, in brief"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "118. 114-Across, oddly?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "121. Unspoken set of rules between dudes"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "122. N next to the gearshift"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute
  • Similar words include: inert, indifferent, electroneutral
  • Opposite of: positive, chromatic
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEUTRAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "123. Ozzy Osbourne's "___, I'm Coming Home""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: mummy, ma, mom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "124. More dimwitted"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
  • Similar words include: obtuse, purblind, slow
  • Opposite of: acute
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBTUSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "125. Make more appealing, as something otherwise plain"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "126. "Glad that's over!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "127. Spot for charity, say, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; psa is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of psa in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
  • Similar words include: prostate specific antigen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "128. Newsroom staffers, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Just picture this!" 7
2D 2. Rudely interrupt, as a dance partner 7
3D 3. Man cave fixture 7
4D 4. Snow jobs 4
5D 5. Heartfelt ask 4
6D 6. Website with an alien logo 6
7D 7. Treat badly, in a way 7
8D 8. Potter's furnace 4
9D 9. Uber ride info, informally 3
10D 10. Small amount in the kitchen 4
11D 11. Adds with a spoon, say 7
12D 12. Org. for J. Robert Oppenheimer 3
13D 13. U.S.S.R. news source 4
14D 14. Zwei quadrupled 4
15D 15. What one might take or beat 6
16D 16. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Mark 6
17D 17. Caressed 6
18D 19. Sector of a color wheel 3
19D 24. "Yer darn ___!" 6
20D 25. Pert blurt 4
21D 27. Cry often accompanied by a sigh 4
22D 33. Cut-rate, in brand names 5
23D 36. Parched 4
24D 37. Named names 4
25D 38. Belgian battle site in W.W. I 5
26D 39. "Neato!" 4
27D 40. Sounding like taffeta, say 6
28D 41. More than suspects 5
29D 42. When tripled, "You get the picture" 5
30D 47. Sicilian spewer 4
31D 49. Part of A.A.R.P.: Abbr. 3
32D 51. Loaded (with) 4
33D 52. When teething might end 6
34D 53. Produce aisle device 6
35D 54. Swear 6
36D 55. Mimic 6
37D 56. Chewy chocolate candy brand 6
38D 57. One sporting a onesie 6
39D 58. Loose-cheeked, as a mastiff 5
40D 59. Fantastic beast 4
41D 60. Jarringly sensational 5
42D 64. "u slay me" 4
43D 67. Day care charge 4
44D 69. Blue blood vessels? 6
45D 71. "What ___ can I say?" 4
46D 74. German actress Berger with a career spanning eight decades 5
47D 75. Big name in blenders 5
48D 77. Reluctant to mingle, say 3
49D 79. Classic elevator tunes 5
50D 82. Start of a choosing rhyme 5
51D 84. "The time ___ hand" 4
52D 85. Stage item 4
53D 86. ___-mutuel betting 4
54D 88. Kick starter? 6
55D 91. Didn't go it alone, say 7
56D 93. One of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes 7
57D 94. Magazine fig. 4
58D 96. Fragrant garden hybrid 7
59D 97. Gave consent 7
60D 98. The lords in "The 12 Days of Christmas," e.g. 7
61D 99. Noggin 4
62D 100. Vegan milk source 6
63D 101. Mob scene extra 6
64D 102. French financial institution 6
65D 104. Jazz subgenre for Wynton Marsalis 6
66D 110. Daily grinds 4
67D 111. Puts on 4
68D 113. Chicken (out) 4
69D 114. "I'm in such a fix" 4
70D 115. Metro regions, informally 4
71D 116. ___ bene 4
72D 117. The Horned Frogs of Ft. Worth 3
73D 119. 19th of 24 3
74D 120. "Why, why, why?!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "Just picture this!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
  • Similar words include: opine, ideate, suppose
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Rudely interrupt, as a dance partner"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Man cave fixture"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Snow jobs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an argument opposed to a proposal
  • Similar words include: hustle, sting, confidence trick
  • Opposite of: pro
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Heartfelt ask"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humble request for help from someone in authority
  • Similar words include: supplication
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Website with an alien logo"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. Treat badly, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority
  • Similar words include: crush, persecute, suppress
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPPRESS

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8D: "8. Potter's furnace"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a furnace for firing or burning or drying such things as porcelain or bricks
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILN

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9D: "9. Uber ride info, informally"

3 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: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETA

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10D: "10. Small amount in the kitchen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive and stylish elegance
  • Similar words include: scud, style, elan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DASH

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11D: "11. Adds with a spoon, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Org. for J. Robert Oppenheimer"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former executive agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the united states
  • Similar words include: Atomic Energy Commission
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. U.S.S.R. news source"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Zwei quadrupled"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. What one might take or beat"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "16. World Golf Hall-of-Famer Mark"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "17. Caressed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stroke or caress gently
  • Similar words include: pet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETTED

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18D: "19. Sector of a color wheel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "24. "Yer darn ___!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "25. Pert blurt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: sassing, SAS, mouth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

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21D: "27. Cry often accompanied by a sigh"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: ala, regrettably, unfortunately
  • Opposite of: fortunately, luckily
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

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22D: "33. Cut-rate, in brand names"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "36. Parched"

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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24D: "37. Named names"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that north american woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the chinese ginseng
  • Similar words include: tattle, American ginseng, spill the beans
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Belgian battle site in W.W. I"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that battle in world war i (1917); an allied offensive which eventually failed because tanks bogged down in the waterlogged soil of flanders; germans introduced mustard gas which interfered with the allied artillery
  • Similar words include: first battle of Ypres, second battle of Ypres, battle of Ypres
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YPRES

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26D: "39. "Neato!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a funeral lament sung with loud wailing
  • Similar words include: nifty, lancinate, sharp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEEN

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27D: "40. Sounding like taffeta, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that resembling a sustained `sh' or soft whistle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWISHY

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28D: "41. More than suspects"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
  • Similar words include: have sex, eff, get laid
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNOWS

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29D: "42. When tripled, "You get the picture""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "47. Sicilian spewer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Part of A.A.R.P.: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that place (flax, hemp, or jute) in liquid so as to promote loosening of the fibers from the woody tissue
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RET

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32D: "51. Loaded (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that most frequent or common
  • Similar words include: plethoric, predominant, prevailing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFE

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33D: "52. When teething might end"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "53. Produce aisle device"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a man
  • Similar words include: Mr, Mr.
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTER

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35D: "54. Swear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
  • Similar words include: take the stand, manifest, bear witness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Mimic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with considerable certainty; without much doubt
  • Similar words include: in all likelihood, in all probability, probably
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELIKE

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37D: "56. Chewy chocolate candy brand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "57. One sporting a onesie"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk
  • Similar words include: baby, babe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INFANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Loose-cheeked, as a mastiff"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having sagging folds of flesh beneath the chin or lower jaw
  • Similar words include: loose-jowled, double-chinned
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOWLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Fantastic beast"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "60. Jarringly sensational"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that horrible in fierceness or savagery
  • Similar words include: shocking
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURID

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42D: "64. "u slay me""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "67. Day care charge"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native of yorkshire
  • Similar words include: shaver, tiddler, kid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "69. Blue blood vessels?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
  • Similar words include: racing yacht, yacht
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YACHTS

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45D: "71. "What ___ can I say?""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "74. German actress Berger with a career spanning eight decades"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "75. Big name in blenders"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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48D: "77. Reluctant to mingle, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quick throw
  • Similar words include: timid, diffident, unsure
  • Opposite of: confident
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "79. Classic elevator tunes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "82. Start of a choosing rhyme"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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51D: "84. "The time ___ hand""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "85. Stage item"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a support placed beneath or against something to keep it from shaking or falling
  • Similar words include: shore, airplane propeller, shore up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "86. ___-mutuel betting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "88. Kick starter?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who propels a boat with a pole
  • Similar words include: wagerer, bettor, better
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUNTER

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55D: "91. Didn't go it alone, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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56D: "93. One of the so-called Five Civilized Tribes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the muskhogean people formerly living in alabama
  • Similar words include: Chahta
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOCTAW

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57D: "94. Magazine fig."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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58D: "96. Fragrant garden hybrid"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "97. Gave consent"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that yield to another's wish or opinion
  • Similar words include: submit, give in, acquiesce
  • Opposite of: dissent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCEDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "98. The lords in "The 12 Days of Christmas," e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who bounds or leaps (as in competition)
  • Similar words include: leaper, bounder
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAPERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "99. Noggin"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
  • Similar words include: edible bean, attic, bean plant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "100. Vegan milk source"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small bushy deciduous tree native to asia and north africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern australia and california
  • Similar words include: Amygdalus communis, Prunus amygdalus, sweet almond
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALMOND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "101. Mob scene extra"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that troublemaker who participates in a violent disturbance of the peace; someone who rises up against the constituted authority
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIOTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "102. French financial institution"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "104. Jazz subgenre for Wynton Marsalis"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "110. Daily grinds"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels)
  • Similar words include: groove, oestrus, rut
  • Opposite of: anestrus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "111. Puts on"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
  • Similar words include: gentle wind, melody, aura
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "113. Chicken (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy
  • Similar words include: chicken, weakly interacting massive particle, crybaby
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "114. "I'm in such a fix""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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70D: "115. Metro regions, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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71D: "116. ___ bene"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "117. The Horned Frogs of Ft. Worth"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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73D: "119. 19th of 24"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "120. "Why, why, why?!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

64 Across Clues
74 Down Clues
138 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 03, 2026 at 06:15 AM