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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 14, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Hot stuff 5
2A 6. Target 4
3A 10. Worshiper's locale, at times 4
4A 14. Poe's middle name 5
5A 15. Lingerie material 4
6A 16. Glimpse 4
7A 17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!" 10
8A 19. Glazier's product 4
9A 20. Consumed 3
10A 21. Debunked "facts" 5
11A 22. Amish, Shakers and others 5
12A 23. Long (for) 4
13A 24. Former Mideast bigwig 4
14A 25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going" 13
15A 30. Wrap, as rope 4
16A 32. Word before or after butt 4
17A 33. Flesh and blood 3
18A 34. Tree with edible nuts 5
19A 36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov 3
20A 37. Give in 5
21A 39. Triumphant cry 3
22A 40. Prefix with -meter 4
23A 42. Chilean money 4
24A 43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?" 13
25A 48. Small valley 4
26A 49. They may be subject to inflation 4
27A 50. Flora and fauna, collectively 5
28A 52. Sharp part of a kite 5
29A 54. Chicago sights, for short 3
30A 57. Apartment option 4
31A 58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle 10
32A 60. Off base? 4
33A 61. ___ test 4
34A 62. Isolated 5
35A 63. Befuddled state 4
36A 64. Deep-six 4
37A 65. Source of strength and resilience 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Hot stuff"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that molten rock in the earth's crust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Target"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
  • Similar words include: end, destination, finish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Worshiper's locale, at times"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Similar words include: apsis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Poe's middle name"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Lingerie material"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Similar words include: braid, lace up, enlace
  • Opposite of: untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Glimpse"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret look
  • Similar words include: glint, glance, peep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Response to "Good morning, everybody!""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Glazier's product"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Similar words include: window glass, paneling, panelling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Consumed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Debunked "facts""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
  • Similar words include: myth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYTHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Amish, Shakers and others"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Similar words include: religious sect, religious order, sect
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Long (for)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: yen, yearn, ache
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Former Mideast bigwig"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
  • Similar words include: Shah of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Response to "Let's get this meeting going""

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Wrap, as rope"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  • Similar words include: gyre, gyrate, scroll
  • Opposite of: uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Word before or after butt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
  • Similar words include: channelize, forefront, heading
  • Opposite of: foot, rear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Flesh and blood"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person having kinship with another or others
  • Similar words include: tribe, cognate, clan
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tree with edible nuts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that australian tree grown especially for ornament and its fine-grained wood and bearing edible nuts
  • Similar words include: Pomaderris apetala, hazelnut tree, hazel tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. "A conversation carried out by other means," per Peter Ustinov"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
  • Similar words include: arouse, gender, excite
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Give in"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that production of a certain amount
  • Similar words include: pay, bear, takings
  • Opposite of: survive, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YIELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Triumphant cry"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Prefix with -meter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Chilean money"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Response to "Why is everyone ignoring me?""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Small valley"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small wooded hollow
  • Similar words include: dingle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. They may be subject to inflation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self-importance, ego, egotism
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Flora and fauna, collectively"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that all the plant and animal life of a particular region
  • Similar words include: biology
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Sharp part of a kite"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Chicago sights, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: el, ALT, elevated
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Apartment option"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that floor consisting of a large unpartitioned space over a factory or warehouse or other commercial space
  • Similar words include: attic, garret, pigeon loft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Reaction to the unsuccessful "conversation" in this puzzle"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Off base?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. ___ test"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

34A: "62. Isolated"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that isolated from others
  • Similar words include: unparalleled, unequaled, unique
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Befuddled state"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
  • Similar words include: fog, daze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Deep-six"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cover from sight
  • Similar words include: lay to rest, immerse, forget
  • Opposite of: remember
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Source of strength and resilience"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization 4
2D 2. Oodles 4
3D 3. Affix, in a way 4
4D 4. Besmirch 3
5D 5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps 6
6D 6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat 6
7D 7. Requirement for a juror 4
8D 8. Wild cards, at times 4
9D 9. Took the helm 3
10D 10. Look 6
11D 11. Dandy 10
12D 12. Label on an email folder 4
13D 13. Scratches (out) 4
14D 18. Talkative bird 4
15D 22. Like a good tree or a bad deal 5
16D 23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos 4
17D 24. Word before green or after Red 3
18D 25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen 10
19D 26. Pronoun with two homophones 5
20D 27. Curse 3
21D 28. Mechanic's canfuls 4
22D 29. Edit menu command 4
23D 30. Shoot the breeze 4
24D 31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial 4
25D 35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit 5
26D 36. "Rugrats" dad 3
27D 38. Announcements in The Economist, for short 4
28D 41. "What a riot!," in brief 3
29D 44. Irk 6
30D 45. Something to hum 6
31D 46. Sikorsky of aviation fame 4
32D 47. Cuban drums 6
33D 50. Unexciting 4
34D 51. "American Gothic" setting 4
35D 52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn" 4
36D 53. Way off 4
37D 54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie 4
38D 55. Cue from a cuer 4
39D 56. Hearty dish 4
40D 58. Ball 3
41D 59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bygone Mesoamerican civilization"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an american indian people of yucatan and belize and guatemala who had a culture (which reached its peak between ad 300 and 900) characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy
  • Similar words include: Mayan language, Mayan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oodles"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Affix, in a way"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
  • Similar words include: paste, mucilage, gum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Besmirch"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Low on red blood cells, perhaps"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking vigor or energy
  • Similar words include: anaemic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. It's in wheat, but not buckwheat"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein substance that remains when starch is removed from cereal grains; gives cohesiveness to dough
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Requirement for a juror"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
  • Similar words include: curse, swearing, swearword
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Wild cards, at times"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: single, wiz, whizz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Took the helm"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: conduce, go, take
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Look"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
  • Similar words include: come out, seem, look
  • Opposite of: disappear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dandy"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Label on an email folder"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
  • Similar words include: ship, post, transmit
  • Opposite of: unsent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Scratches (out)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Talkative bird"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tropical asian starlings
  • Similar words include: mina, minah, mynah bird
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MYNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Like a good tree or a bad deal"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous
  • Similar words include: umbrageous, fishy, suspicious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Three-season star of the New York Cosmos"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Word before green or after Red"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: ocean
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Literary title character who's mostly unseen"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Pronoun with two homophones"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Curse"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: enchant, curse, glamour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Mechanic's canfuls"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Edit menu command"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
  • Similar words include: loosen, unmake, untie
  • Opposite of: wrap, make
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Shoot the breeze"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal conversation
  • Similar words include: claver, Old World chat, chew the fat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Locale of the Battleship Missouri Memorial"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Similar words include: Oahu Island
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAHU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Who "turned my whole world upside down," in a 1970s rock hit"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. "Rugrats" dad"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Announcements in The Economist, for short"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Similar words include: IPO, initial offering, initial public offering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. "What a riot!," in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Irk"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus urtica or family urticaceae)
  • Similar words include: urticate, rile, rag
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NETTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Something to hum"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: line, tonal pattern, melodic line
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELODY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Sikorsky of aviation fame"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Cuban drums"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that music composed for dancing the conga
  • Similar words include: conga
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Unexciting"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: fustian, bombast, rant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "American Gothic" setting"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: IA, Hawkeye State, Ioway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. First word of "Ode on a Grecian Urn""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: chiliad, G, thousand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Way off"

4 letters πŸ’­ 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!

37D: "54. Alma mater for George Orwell and Hugh Laurie"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. Cue from a cuer"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formation of people or things one beside another
  • Similar words include: dividing line, wrinkle, agate line
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Hearty dish"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Ball"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Hollywood's Roth or Wallach"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: October 14, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 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: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Daytona 500 org. 6
2A 7. Cloth shopping bags 5
3A 12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say 3
4A 15. "Their exact words were ..." 6
5A 16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops 5
6A 17. "Sex and the City" network 3
7A 18. Narrow, focused perspective 12
8A 20. "___ for one and one for ___!" 3
9A 21. E, on a compass 4
10A 22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin" 4
11A 23. Assigned a job 6
12A 25. Pizzeria fixtures 5
13A 27. Blackjack player's request 5
14A 28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953 7
15A 31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?" 7
16A 33. Ballet dancer's handrail 5
17A 34. Unaccompanied 4
18A 35. "You can say ___ again!" 4
19A 37. Place for a seaweed body wrap 3
20A 38. Sign near a freshly applied coat 8
21A 42. Number represented by candles on a cake 3
22A 43. Toe treatment, in brief 4
23A 45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac) 4
24A 46. ''You win! I give up!'' 5
25A 48. One might be sworn to it 7
26A 50. Golf count 7
27A 52. Dog harness attachment 5
28A 53. Beyond well-done 5
29A 54. Maker of skintight swimwear 6
30A 56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang 4
31A 57. "Very funny!" 4
32A 61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short 3
33A 62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle 12
34A 65. Any number raised to the 0th power 3
35A 66. "Say cheese!" 5
36A 67. People with custody of things, typically 6
37A 68. Toothpaste type 3
38A 69. Evil spells 5
39A 70. Feel remorse about 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Daytona 500 org."

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Cloth shopping bags"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: add, add together, tally
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Advanced to the next round of musical chairs, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: seat, sit around, Saturday
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "Their exact words were ...""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Toy company behind Frisbees and Hula Hoops"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. "Sex and the City" network"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Narrow, focused perspective"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "___ for one and one for ___!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: altogether, whole, totally
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. E, on a compass"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: due east, eastward, E
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Villain in Shakespeare's "Othello" and Disney's "Aladdin""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IAGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Assigned a job"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a task to
  • Similar words include: task, tax
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Pizzeria fixtures"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Similar words include: oven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Blackjack player's request"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Magazine for the small screen since 1953"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Parent's curt response to a kid's "But why?""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Ballet dancer's handrail"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Unaccompanied"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: unaccompanied, alone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "You can say ___ again!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Place for a seaweed body wrap"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, watering place, health spa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Sign near a freshly applied coat"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Number represented by candles on a cake"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Toe treatment, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. ___ of the Horse (2026 in the Chinese zodiac)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
  • Similar words include: class, yr, twelvemonth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. ''You win! I give up!''"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
  • Opposite of: aunt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNCLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. One might be sworn to it"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trait of keeping things secret
  • Similar words include: privateness, concealment, silence
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECRECY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Golf count"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
  • Similar words include: slash, fortuity, virgule
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Dog harness attachment"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
  • Similar words include: troika, tether, trine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Beyond well-done"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that destroy by fire
  • Similar words include: burned-out, burnt-out, fire
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BURNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Maker of skintight swimwear"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Exceptionally good, in Gen Z slang"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
  • Similar words include: evoke, give the axe, burn
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. "Very funny!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Dallas N.B.A. player, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. What children should use at the library ... and a literal description of the circled letters in this puzzle"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Any number raised to the 0th power"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: matchless, I, unitary
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. "Say cheese!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
  • Similar words include: smiling, grinning, grin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. People with custody of things, typically"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
  • Similar words include: possessor, owner, proprietor
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Toothpaste type"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: gelatin, mousse, colloidal gel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Evil spells"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spell
  • Similar words include: jinx, witch, hex
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Feel remorse about"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment
  • Similar words include: ruefulness, rue, repent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Evening, in ads 4
2D 2. Blue-green hue 4
3D 3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine 4
4D 4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features 7
5D 5. Had a meal 3
6D 6. Depended (on) 6
7D 7. Tiny tree branches 5
8D 8. Very 4
9D 9. Word before chi or after mai 3
10D 10. 8-) or ;-P 8
11D 11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___" 6
12D 12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks 10
13D 13. Ready, willing and ___ 4
14D 14. Spilled the beans 4
15D 19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow 4
16D 24. Salacious material 4
17D 26. Oceanfront room feature 4
18D 27. Prefix with pad or port 4
19D 28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr. 4
20D 29. Uses an e-cigarette 5
21D 30. Stage of education 10
22D 31. Tusked swine 4
23D 32. Bird on Mexico's flag 5
24D 34. Fix, at the vet's 4
25D 36. Some concert souvenirs 4
26D 39. "Look this way, class" 8
27D 40. The "T" in STEM, informally 4
28D 41. Go sour, as milk 4
29D 44. Slurpee alternative 4
30D 47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?" 7
31D 49. Red bit in a salad 6
32D 50. "You betcha!" 4
33D 51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth) 6
34D 53. ___ one's time (waits patiently) 5
35D 54. Skyline haze 4
36D 55. Window section 4
37D 56. Submit one's taxes 4
38D 58. Taiwanese PC maker 4
39D 59. "Present!" 4
40D 60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr. 4
41D 63. Highest roll of a standard die 3
42D 64. Have debts 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Evening, in ads"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Blue-green hue"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shade of blue tinged with green
  • Similar words include: peacock blue, cobalt blue, aquamarine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AQUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pair orbited by the fictional planet Tatooine"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Sunday, Dominicus, sunbathe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Use makeup to sculpt and define, as facial features"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
  • Similar words include: contour line, form, shape
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONTOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Had a meal"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Depended (on)"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have confidence or faith in
  • Similar words include: swear, bank, rely
  • Opposite of: mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tiny tree branches"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small branch or division of a branch (especially a terminal division); usually applied to branches of the current or preceding year
  • Similar words include: cotton on, sprig, branchlet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Very"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Word before chi or after mai"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Similar words include: Thai, Siamese
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. 8-) or ;-P"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a representation of a facial expression (as a smile or frown) created by typing a sequence of characters in sending email
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTICON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Beethoven's "Moonlight ___""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Burger chain with custard-based drinks"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Ready, willing and ___"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Spilled the beans"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: state, secern, enjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Rooftop accessory often shaped like a rooster atop an arrow"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mechanical device attached to an elevated structure; rotates freely to show the direction of the wind
  • Similar words include: blade, weather vane, weathervane
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Salacious material"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
  • Similar words include: vulgarism, carbon black, smut fungus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Oceanfront room feature"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
  • Similar words include: sentiment, purview, aspect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Prefix with pad or port"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. One of eight in a stick of butter: Abbr."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Uses an e-cigarette"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Stage of education"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Tusked swine"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
  • Similar words include: Sus scrofa, wild boar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Bird on Mexico's flag"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
  • Similar words include: bird of Jove, double birdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Fix, at the vet's"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, alter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Some concert souvenirs"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: tee, teeing ground, golf tee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. "Look this way, class""

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. The "T" in STEM, informally"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Go sour, as milk"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a circular segment of a curve
  • Similar words include: release, round, change by reversal
  • Opposite of: unbend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Slurpee alternative"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Potentially suspicious response to "What are you doing?""

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: nix, nada, goose egg
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Red bit in a salad"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pungent fleshy edible root
  • Similar words include: daikon, Raphanus sativus longipinnatus, Japanese radish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. "You betcha!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: trusted, certainly, indisputable
  • Opposite of: unsure, uncertain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

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33D: "51. The ___ Project (mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth)"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "53. ___ one's time (waits patiently)"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that propose a payment
  • Similar words include: call, press, abide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDES

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35D: "54. Skyline haze"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

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36D: "55. Window section"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Similar words include: acid, Lucy in the sky with diamonds, paneling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANE

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37D: "56. Submit one's taxes"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
  • Similar words include: register, charge, data file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FILE

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38D: "58. Taiwanese PC maker"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

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39D: "59. "Present!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the present location; this place
  • Similar words include: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERE

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40D: "60. The "A" in T.A.: Abbr."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "63. Highest roll of a standard die"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sextet, sixer, half dozen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

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42D: "64. Have debts"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 03, 2026 at 05:01 AM