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

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 08, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "I'm afraid not," quaintly 6
2A 7. Food brand for Fido 4
3A 11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr. 4
4A 15. Cash in 6
5A 16. Avocado dip, informally 4
6A 17. Take a risk 4
7A 18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale? 11
8A 20. Keenly interested 4
9A 21. Shakespearean "soon" 4
10A 22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"? 11
11A 24. Commotion 3
12A 25. Measure of college readiness, for short 4
13A 26. Knuckled rub to the scalp 6
14A 27. Publishing house workers: Abbr. 3
15A 28. Goal 3
16A 29. Wood-shaping hand tool 4
17A 31. Tagging symbols 3
18A 32. ___-Magnon 3
19A 33. Vegas opener? 3
20A 34. Perry of pop 4
21A 36. Opportunity for a choral understudy? 12
22A 39. Belgrade native 4
23A 40. "Beats me," in a text 3
24A 41. Caviar, essentially 3
25A 42. Miss Piggy, for one 3
26A 43. Assns. 4
27A 45. Extended comedic riff 3
28A 46. Hindi for "rule" 3
29A 49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot" 6
30A 51. Girl in Glasgow 4
31A 52. Alias initialism 3
32A 53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis? 11
33A 56. "Groovy, man" 4
34A 57. Popular flavor of bubble tea 4
35A 58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.? 11
36A 60. Volunteer's offer 4
37A 61. Hits hard 4
38A 62. Respond, as a pupil might 6
39A 63. Ending with kitchen 4
40A 64. Painter Paul 4
41A 65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "I'm afraid not," quaintly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Food brand for Fido"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Cash in"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save from sins
  • Similar words include: ransom, pay off, save
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Avocado dip, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Take a risk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODASILENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Keenly interested"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: zealous, greedy, devouring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Shakespearean "soon""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONATATHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Commotion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: blaring, clamor, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Measure of college readiness, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Knuckled rub to the scalp"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Publishing house workers: Abbr."

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: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Goal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Similar words include: point, intent, direct
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Wood-shaping hand tool"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uttering in an irritated tone
  • Similar words include: rasping, wood file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, atomic number 85, astatine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. ___-Magnon"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
  • Similar words include: cathode-ray oscilloscope, oscilloscope, scope
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Vegas opener?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
  • Similar words include: Louisiana, lanthanum, La
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Perry of pop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Opportunity for a choral understudy?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Belgrade native"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
  • Similar words include: Serbian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. "Beats me," in a text"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Caviar, essentially"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. Miss Piggy, for one"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, seed, sow in
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "43. Assns."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Extended comedic riff"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Hindi for "rule""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british dominion over india (1757-1947)
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAJ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Girl in Glasgow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: young girl, lassie, jeune fille
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Alias initialism"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis?"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORZAMOMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. "Groovy, man""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Popular flavor of bubble tea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: dasheen, Colocasia esculenta, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIAKIDDING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Volunteer's offer"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "61. Hits hard"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
  • Similar words include: Aries the Ram, ram, read/write memory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "62. Respond, as a pupil might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become wider
  • Similar words include: exposit, elaborate, distend
  • Opposite of: contract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "63. Ending with kitchen"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "64. Painter Paul"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swiss painter influenced by kandinsky (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Paul Klee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Covered passageway 6
2D 2. Meteor in a November shower 6
3D 3. Enhancing accessories 6
4D 4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films 4
5D 5. Original Super Mario Bros. console 3
6D 6. Oversight 8
7D 7. Author's representative 5
8D 8. Moon over Managua 4
9D 9. Treaty 4
10D 10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have 6
11D 11. The Gem State 5
12D 12. Find one's way 8
13D 13. Dublin college founded in 1592 7
14D 14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps 6
15D 19. Good gardening soil 4
16D 23. Traditional samurai hairstyles 8
17D 25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example 8
18D 29. Frame for a game of pool 4
19D 30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent 3
20D 32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address 3
21D 33. Dudes, in British English 4
22D 35. Big name in hardware stores 3
23D 36. Underground scurrier 8
24D 37. Half of a darting motion 3
25D 38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader 8
26D 39. One-man band, for example 7
27D 42. Sentimental sort 6
28D 44. Comment 6
29D 45. Make ___ (earn vast sums) 4
30D 46. Unit of angular measurement 6
31D 47. Like 6
32D 48. Rolling Stones frontman 6
33D 50. Absorber of UV light 5
34D 51. Charter 5
35D 54. Word with cavity or contraceptive 4
36D 55. One acting rather quiet? 4
37D 56. Savory South Asian rice cake 4
38D 59. Lower, as lights 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Covered passageway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
  • Similar words include: colonnade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Meteor in a November shower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Enhancing accessories"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Original Super Mario Bros. console"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Oversight"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake resulting from neglect
  • Similar words include: deletion, skip
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMISSION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Author's representative"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: agentive role, broker, federal agent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Moon over Managua"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Treaty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
  • Similar words include: accord, treaty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
  • Similar words include: ocean, sea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The Gem State"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Find one's way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
  • Similar words include: pilot, sail, voyage
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVIGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Dublin college founded in 1592"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: deuce-ace, tercet, III
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRINITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf, ledge
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Good gardening soil"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Traditional samurai hairstyles"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair
  • Similar words include: topknot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPKNOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an element of the curve
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARABOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Frame for a game of pool"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that framework for holding objects
  • Similar words include: extort, scud, squeeze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

20D: "32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Dudes, in British English"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy or man
  • Similar words include: fellow, fella, cub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Big name in hardware stores"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: genius, single, sensation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Underground scurrier"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Half of a darting motion"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
  • Similar words include: zigzag, zag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. One-man band, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Sentimental sort"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
  • Similar words include: softy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Comment"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
  • Similar words include: observe, notice, input
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Make ___ (earn vast sums)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
  • Similar words include: banking company, coin bank, rely
  • Opposite of: withdraw, mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Unit of angular measurement"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Like"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Rolling Stones frontman"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english rock star (born in 1943)
  • Similar words include: Mick Jagger, Michael Philip Jagger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAGGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Absorber of UV light"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless gas (o3) soluble in alkalis and cold water; a strong oxidizing agent; can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OZONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Charter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that property that is leased or rented out or let
  • Similar words include: take, rental, letting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Word with cavity or contraceptive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: unwritten, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. One acting rather quiet?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: dumb show, pantomime, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Savory South Asian rice cake"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Lower, as lights"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
  • Similar words include: shadowy, wispy, blind
  • Opposite of: undimmed, focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIM

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

41 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: April 08, 2026 at 05:26 AM

Sunday, February 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 22, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Ease up 5
2A 6. Setting for a landscape 6
3A 12. Like pickles, but not cucumbers 6
4A 18. Turn up 6
5A 20. If all goes perfectly 6
6A 21. Certain head jurors 7
7A 23. Like some 401(k) contributions 6
8A 24. The Ten Plagues 14
9A 26. Freeze 4
10A 27. Bolo, e.g. 3
11A 29. Farmyard call 3
12A 30. Print-ready 6
13A 31. Sodom and Gomorrah 16
14A 37. Literary fairy queen 3
15A 38. Outpouring of Pandora's box 4
16A 39. Erelong 4
17A 40. Part of T.G.I.F.: Abbr. 3
18A 41. Singsong syllable 3
19A 43. Season ticket holders, presumably 4
20A 45. Shoofly desserts 4
21A 46. Hopeless from the start, for short 3
22A 48. Janis ___, "At Seventeen" singer 3
23A 49. Samson and Delilah 17
24A 55. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Mel 3
25A 56. Fix 3
26A 57. Calendar notation: Abbr. 4
27A 58. Diamond stats 4
28A 59. Certain trig functions 5
29A 61. So-called "Hollywood of the South" 7
30A 64. Big name in bubbly 4
31A 65. Painter's medium 3
32A 66. Noah's Ark 21
33A 74. Nonclerical 3
34A 75. Get the better of 4
35A 76. Like Constantinople, in 1930 7
36A 77. Interior style 5
37A 80. Ballet bend 4
38A 81. Europa, Ganymede or Callisto vis-à-vis Jupiter 4
39A 83. The third 3
40A 84. Ruckus 3
41A 85. Garden of Eden 17
42A 91. "Scrumdiddlyumptious!" 3
43A 92. Crew need 3
44A 93. Get the ___ (finally become aware) 4
45A 94. Ingredient in some gels 4
46A 95. Designated H.M.O. doctor, in brief 3
47A 96. Vintage film channel 3
48A 98. Letters on a crucifix 4
49A 99. Word with rabbit or all 4
50A 101. Sully 3
51A 103. Moses Parting the Red Sea 16
52A 109. Rush uncontrolledly 6
53A 111. Most common last name in Somalia 3
54A 112. Pressure meas. 3
55A 113. It's verboten 4
56A 114. Jonah and the Whale 14
57A 119. Title woman in a 1965 Beach Boys hit 6
58A 121. Took turns 7
59A 122. Brimless topper 6
60A 123. One bringing home the bacon 6
61A 124. Surprisingly enough 6
62A 125. Bars, legally 6
63A 126. Follows 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Ease up"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make less active or intense
  • Similar words include: slake, slack off, die away
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Setting for a landscape"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
  • Similar words include: analyze, sail, canvas tent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANVAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Like pickles, but not cucumbers"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or containing an acid; of a solution having an excess of hydrogen atoms (having a ph of less than 7)
  • Similar words include: acid, acidulent, acidulous
  • Opposite of: alkaline
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACIDIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Turn up"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining
  • Similar words include: turn up, site, situate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. If all goes perfectly"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Certain head jurors"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who exercises control over workers
  • Similar words include: honcho, foreman, boss
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOREMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "23. Like some 401(k) contributions"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "24. The Ten Plagues"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "26. Freeze"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Similar words include: staunch, stop, stoppage
  • Opposite of: start
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Bolo, e.g."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: connect, marry, attach
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "29. Farmyard call"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cry made by sheep
  • Similar words include: blate, blat, bleat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. Print-ready"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, edit out, edit
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDITED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Sodom and Gomorrah"

16 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATALEOFTWOCITIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "37. Literary fairy queen"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "38. Outpouring of Pandora's box"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Similar words include: ailment, complaint, ill
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "39. Erelong"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "40. Part of T.G.I.F.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
  • Similar words include: Friday
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "41. Singsong syllable"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. Season ticket holders, presumably"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: rooter, buff, fan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Shoofly desserts"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Similar words include: Proto-Indo European, pie, PIE
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Hopeless from the start, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Janis ___, "At Seventeen" singer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Samson and Delilah"

17 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANGEROUSLIAISONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "55. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Mel"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Fix"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. Calendar notation: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Diamond stats"

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!

28A: "59. Certain trig functions"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
  • Similar words include: goof, sin, sine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. So-called "Hollywood of the South""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state capital and largest city of georgia; chief commercial center of the southeastern united states; was plundered and burned by sherman's army during the american civil war
  • Similar words include: capital of Georgia, battle of Atlanta
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATLANTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Big name in bubbly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Painter's medium"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Similar words include: crude oil, embrocate, rock oil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Noah's Ark"

21 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHERETHEWILDTHINGSARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "74. Nonclerical"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
  • Similar words include: ballad, position, set
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "75. Get the better of"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a salt deposit that animals regularly lick
  • Similar words include: biff, bat, figure out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "76. Like Constantinople, in 1930"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a new name to
  • Similar words include: rename
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENAMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "77. Interior style"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decoration consisting of the layout and furnishings of a livable interior
  • Similar words include: interior decoration
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "80. Ballet bend"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "81. Europa, Ganymede or Callisto vis-à-vis Jupiter"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natural satellite of the earth
  • Similar words include: daydream, moonlight, synodic month
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. The third"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: triad, tierce, trine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: III

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "84. Ruckus"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, flurry, stir
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "85. Garden of Eden"

17 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEAGEOFINNOCENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "91. "Scrumdiddlyumptious!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "92. Crew need"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "93. Get the ___ (finally become aware)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "94. Ingredient in some gels"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "95. Designated H.M.O. doctor, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: phencyclidine, caregiver, health care provider
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "96. Vintage film channel"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "98. Letters on a crucifix"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "99. Word with rabbit or all"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: capitulum, pinna, ear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "101. Sully"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following february and preceding april
  • Similar words include: impair, March, mutilate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "103. Moses Parting the Red Sea"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEPRINCEOFTIDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "109. Rush uncontrolledly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the particular occupation for which you are trained
  • Similar words include: calling, vocation, life history
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAREER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "111. Most common last name in Somalia"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. Pressure meas."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "113. It's verboten"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "114. Jonah and the Whale"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "119. Title woman in a 1965 Beach Boys hit"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "121. Took turns"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn on or around an axis or a center
  • Similar words include: turn out, revolve, rotate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "122. Brimless topper"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small skullcap; formerly worn by schoolboys and college freshmen
  • Similar words include: beany
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEANIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "123. One bringing home the bacon"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who earn wages in return for their labor
  • Similar words include: wage earner
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "124. Surprisingly enough"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "125. Bars, legally"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "126. Follows"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
  • Similar words include: attentiveness, listen, heed
  • Opposite of: inattentiveness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Leader of the pack 5
2D 2. 2006 mockumentary about a Kazakh journalist 5
3D 3. High-speed travel option 5
4D 4. Squealer's activity 8
5D 5. H, to Hera 3
6D 6. West Pointer 5
7D 7. Thoroughly enjoyed, with "up" 3
8D 8. Org. with the Nuggets and Nets 3
9D 9. Screen 3
10D 10. Rubbish receptacle 6
11D 11. Weasel with a black-tipped tail 5
12D 12. Where the coxswain sits 3
13D 13. Unity 8
14D 14. In a fury 4
15D 15. Blue material 5
16D 16. Counterfeit 9
17D 17. Whoop it up 9
18D 19. Glorify 5
19D 22. ___ Stark, "Game of Thrones" patriarch 3
20D 25. Gullible sort 4
21D 28. Hypotheticals 3
22D 32. Besides 4
23D 33. Part of a trunk 5
24D 34. First-year law student, informally 4
25D 35. "___ Fan Tutte" 4
26D 36. Mathematician Paul 5
27D 42. ___ on a log (celery-stick snack studded with raisins) 4
28D 43. Confidence 5
29D 44. What may be right but not left? 5
30D 45. New Yorkie, say 3
31D 47. Delegate 6
32D 49. Pull to open 4
33D 50. Dilapidated 5
34D 51. Moonfish 4
35D 52. Yankees nickname until 2016 4
36D 53. "My eye!" 4
37D 54. Wielder of a red lightsaber 4
38D 60. "Casablanca" role 4
39D 62. Folk singer Guthrie 4
40D 63. Approaching 6
41D 64. 1964's Nobel Peace laureate, for short 3
42D 65. Common bridge bid, informally 5
43D 67. Spanish "she" 4
44D 68. Kristen of "Bridesmaids" 4
45D 69. Slushy brand 4
46D 70. Press 4
47D 71. Protein-building acid, informally 5
48D 72. Treat again, as a sprain 5
49D 73. Actress Falco 4
50D 77. Clammy 4
51D 78. "Heeere's Johnny!" announcer 9
52D 79. Measure against 9
53D 80. Tree branch or power line, for a bird 5
54D 81. One making an impression? 5
55D 82. Woman honored in John Lennon's "Woman" 3
56D 86. Where boaters hang with bowlers 8
57D 87. Hyatt alternative 4
58D 88. Spore-producing plant 4
59D 89. Transport (around) 4
60D 90. Castle in "Hamlet" 8
61D 97. Heart of the matter 4
62D 98. Subject for van Gogh 6
63D 99. Aurora's counterpart in Greek mythology 3
64D 100. Lit 5
65D 102. Big name in movie theaters 5
66D 104. First-year West Pointer 5
67D 105. Olympic blades 5
68D 106. "No man is an island" writer 5
69D 107. Was over 5
70D 108. Glides high 5
71D 109. Middle: Abbr. 3
72D 110. Noted Art Deco designer 4
73D 115. Sponsored spots 3
74D 116. Persian or Abyssinian 3
75D 117. Enero a diciembre 3
76D 118. Domino dot 3
77D 120. "Yeah, right!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Leader of the pack"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 1st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALPHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. 2006 mockumentary about a Kazakh journalist"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. High-speed travel option"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Squealer's activity"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
  • Similar words include: babble, talk, blab out
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATTLING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. H, to Hera"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. West Pointer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  • Similar words include: plebe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CADET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Thoroughly enjoyed, with "up""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: run through, exhaust, eat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

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8D: "8. Org. with the Nuggets and Nets"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. Screen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
  • Similar words include: veterinarian, veterinary, veteran
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VET

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10D: "10. Rubbish receptacle"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bin that holds rubbish until it is collected
  • Similar words include: ashcan, garbage can, trash bin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHBIN

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11D: "11. Weasel with a black-tipped tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOAT

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12D: "12. Where the coxswain sits"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (nautical, aeronautical) situated at or toward the stern or tail
  • Similar words include: astern, abaft
  • Opposite of: fore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFT

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13D: "13. Unity"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of cohering or sticking together
  • Similar words include: coherence, coherency, cohesiveness
  • Opposite of: incoherence
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COHESION

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14D: "14. In a fury"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "15. Blue material"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
  • Similar words include: blue jean, dungaree, jean
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENIM

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16D: "16. Counterfeit"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations
  • Similar words include: false, impersonation, simulated
  • Opposite of: formalism
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMITATION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Whoop it up"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that behave as expected during of holidays or rites
  • Similar words include: lionize, observe, lionise
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CELEBRATE

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18D: "19. Glorify"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: proclaim, glorify, laud
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTOL

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19D: "22. ___ Stark, "Game of Thrones" patriarch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "25. Gullible sort"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a naive or inexperienced person
  • Similar words include: naive
  • Opposite of: sophisticated
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAIF

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21D: "28. Hypotheticals"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "32. Besides"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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23D: "33. Part of a trunk"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
  • Similar words include: waistline, shank
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. First-year law student, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "35. "___ Fan Tutte""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "36. Mathematician Paul"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "42. ___ on a log (celery-stick snack studded with raisins)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

28D: "43. Confidence"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
  • Similar words include: religion, religious belief, organized religion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAITH

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29D: "44. What may be right but not left?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
  • Similar words include: fish, weight, tip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. New Yorkie, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
  • Similar words include: puppy, whelp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUP

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31D: "47. Delegate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give an assignment to (a person) to a post, or assign a task to (a person)
  • Similar words include: attribute, specify, depute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSIGN

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32D: "49. Pull to open"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gully that is shallower than a ravine
  • Similar words include: hook, describe, get
  • Opposite of: deposit, push
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Dilapidated"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or characteristic of rats
  • Similar words include: shabby, tatty, moth-eaten
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATTY

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34D: "51. Moonfish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of atlantic and pacific and mediterranean
  • Similar words include: Lampris regius, moonfish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Yankees nickname until 2016"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "53. "My eye!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "54. Wielder of a red lightsaber"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "60. "Casablanca" role"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "62. Folk singer Guthrie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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40D: "63. Approaching"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "64. 1964's Nobel Peace laureate, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "65. Common bridge bid, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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43D: "67. Spanish "she""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "68. Kristen of "Bridesmaids""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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45D: "69. Slushy brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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46D: "70. Press"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Similar words include: press, Fe, atomic number 26
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "71. Protein-building acid, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the radical -nh2
  • Similar words include: aminic, amino group
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "72. Treat again, as a sprain"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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49D: "73. Actress Falco"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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50D: "77. Clammy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight wetness
  • Similar words include: soften, break, muffle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMP

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51D: "78. "Heeere's Johnny!" announcer"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "79. Measure against"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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53D: "80. Tree branch or power line, for a bird"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that support consisting of a branch or rod that serves as a resting place (especially for a bird)
  • Similar words include: alight, rest, rod
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "81. One making an impression?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who mimics (especially an actor or actress)
  • Similar words include: mime, mimicker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "82. Woman honored in John Lennon's "Woman""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "86. Where boaters hang with bowlers"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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57D: "87. Hyatt alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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58D: "88. Spore-producing plant"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "89. Transport (around)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
  • Similar words include: hale, handcart, drag
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "90. Castle in "Hamlet""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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61D: "97. Heart of the matter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Similar words include: kernel, center, inwardness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "98. Subject for van Gogh"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis, sword lily
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "99. Aurora's counterpart in Greek mythology"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "100. Lit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lighted up by or as by fire or flame
  • Similar words include: aflare, alight, aflame
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "102. Big name in movie theaters"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
  • Similar words include: royal, imperial, majestic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REGAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "104. First-year West Pointer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  • Similar words include: cadet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEBE

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67D: "105. Olympic blades"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Similar words include: epee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "106. "No man is an island" writer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english clergyman and metaphysical poet celebrated as a preacher (1572-1631)
  • Similar words include: John Donne
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "107. Was over"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have an end, in a temporal, spatial, or quantitative sense; either spatial or metaphorical
  • Similar words include: cease, terminate, over
  • Opposite of: begin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "108. Glides high"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of rising upward into the air
  • Similar words include: zoom, sailplane, soar upwards
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "109. Middle: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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72D: "110. Noted Art Deco designer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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73D: "115. Sponsored spots"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertizing, advert, advertisement
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "116. Persian or Abyssinian"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "117. Enero a diciembre"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the plo in 1974; has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
  • Similar words include: Black September, Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

76D: "118. Domino dot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: hit, mop up, shoot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

77D: "120. "Yeah, right!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

63 Across Clues
77 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 22, 2026 at 05:03 AM