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Tuesday, April 21, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 21, 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. Surrenders 6
2A 7. Wise thinker 4
3A 11. Form of poetry Pablo Neruda used to praise socks, onions and salt 3
4A 14. Realm of the Aztecs or Incas 6
5A 15. Do some farmwork 4
6A 16. ___ de plume 3
7A 17. Mentor from the beyond 11
8A 19. Whitney who invented the cotton gin 3
9A 20. Soak up 6
10A 21. "___ have to do" 4
11A 22. Grifters' schemes 4
12A 25. Major charity whose recipients include the Red Cross and Salvation Army 9
13A 28. Lexington or Madison in N.Y.C.: Abbr. 3
14A 29. Mo. with Aries and Taurus signs 3
15A 31. Soon-to-be graduates 7
16A 32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand 8
17A 35. Song and dance 3
18A 36. Wild West way of settling disputes 15
19A 41. Broadway's ___-Manuel Miranda 3
20A 42. In a gloomy way 8
21A 43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches 7
22A 47. B&B 3
23A 48. Bambi's mother, for one 3
24A 49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker 9
25A 51. Reptiles on papyrus 4
26A 52. Ballet bend 4
27A 53. Puts pen to paper 6
28A 56. "But Daddy I Love ___" (Taylor Swift song) 3
29A 57. Early advantage ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across 11
30A 62. "Blueprint" for life 3
31A 63. Falsehoods 4
32A 64. Chemical "twin" 6
33A 65. "On the Basis of ___" (Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic) 3
34A 66. Circular tent 4
35A 67. Words often accompanying a present 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Surrenders"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Wise thinker"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: salvia, sage-green
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Form of poetry Pablo Neruda used to praise socks, onions and salt"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Realm of the Aztecs or Incas"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
  • Similar words include: imperium, conglomerate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Do some farmwork"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
  • Similar words include: plough, treat, deal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. ___ de plume"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Mentor from the beyond"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Whitney who invented the cotton gin"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Soak up"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become imbued
  • Similar words include: take over, ingest, draw
  • Opposite of: emit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABSORB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. "___ have to do""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Grifters' schemes"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Major charity whose recipients include the Red Cross and Salvation Army"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Lexington or Madison in N.Y.C.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Mo. with Aries and Taurus signs"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Soon-to-be graduates"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
  • Similar words include: senior, elder
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENIORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Offering from an entrepreneurial child's stand"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweetened beverage of diluted lemon juice
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEMONADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Song and dance"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Wild West way of settling disputes"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRONTIERJUSTICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Broadway's ___-Manuel Miranda"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states sculptor and architect whose public works include the memorial to veterans of the vietnam war in washington (born in 1959)
  • Similar words include: Maya Lin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. In a gloomy way"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a morose manner
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOROSELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Starbucks alternatives from the Golden Arches"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. B&B"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Bambi's mother, for one"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: Energy, Energy Department, Department of Energy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. 1972 country hit for Tanya Tucker"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Reptiles on papyrus"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: Egyptian cobra, Vipera aspis, asp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Ballet bend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Puts pen to paper"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that produce a literary work
  • Similar words include: compose, pen, save
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. "But Daddy I Love ___" (Taylor Swift song)"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Early advantage ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. "Blueprint" for life"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Falsehoods"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: rest, lie, prevarication
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Chemical "twin""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compound that exists in forms having different arrangements of atoms but the same molecular weight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. "On the Basis of ___" (Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Circular tent"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a circular domed dwelling that is portable and self-supporting; originally used by nomadic mongol and turkic people of central asia but now used as inexpensive alternative or temporary housing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YURT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Words often accompanying a present"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Answer equivalent to "I do" 3
2D 2. Mischievous devil 3
3D 3. Prefix with center 3
4D 4. Coins spent in Turkey 5
5D 5. Tiny drop 4
6D 6. Tennis match units 4
7D 7. Snub 5
8D 8. They may crumble under cross-examination 6
9D 9. Zeus or Odin 3
10D 10. Female form of the animal that outnumbers humans in Iceland 3
11D 11. Boxing combo 6
12D 12. Big name in rental cars 6
13D 13. ___ List (PAC for Democratic female candidates) 6
14D 18. Haitian currency unit 6
15D 21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak 6
16D 22. Bovine baby 4
17D 23. ___ the moon 4
18D 24. Captain in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" 4
19D 26. Steeping container 6
20D 27. Finishes with 6
21D 29. Left-wing protest group 6
22D 30. Tormented 6
23D 33. Like "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live" 6
24D 34. Hesitation sound across the pond 3
25D 37. Enter the chat, so to speak 6
26D 38. Some military hazards, for short 4
27D 39. Hoofbeat 4
28D 40. Visually sizes up 4
29D 43. Dual degrees for physicians 6
30D 44. ___ Dion, the "Queen of Power Ballads" 6
31D 45. Apex 6
32D 46. Literary friend of Finn 6
33D 50. Body part that's flicked 5
34D 51. Businessman John Jacob ___ 5
35D 54. "Almost time for the weekend!" 4
36D 55. Canadian gas brand 4
37D 57. Cool, in '90s slang 3
38D 58. Common Chinese surname 3
39D 59. Funny Schumer or Poehler 3
40D 60. ___ Speedwagon 3
41D 61. "___ dat" (slangy agreement) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Answer equivalent to "I do""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mischievous devil"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: brownie, scamp, scallywag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Prefix with center"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Similar words include: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Coins spent in Turkey"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money on malta; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: Turkish lira, lira, Italian lira
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIRAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Tiny drop"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small indefinite quantity (especially of a liquid); ; ; ; --kipling
  • Similar words include: driblet, drop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Tennis match units"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: congeal, adjust, fix
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Snub"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reject with contempt
  • Similar words include: reject, pooh-pooh, freeze off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. They may crumble under cross-examination"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
  • Similar words include: self-justification, alibi, excuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Zeus or Odin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Similar words include: divinity, deity, immortal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Female form of the animal that outnumbers humans in Iceland"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Boxing combo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Big name in rental cars"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: dollar bill, dollar sign, buck
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ___ List (PAC for Democratic female candidates)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Haitian currency unit"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in haiti
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOURDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Not the brightest bulbs, so to speak"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person of subnormal intelligence
  • Similar words include: cretin, idiot, retard
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDIOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Bovine baby"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that young of domestic cattle
  • Similar words include: calfskin, sura
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. ___ the moon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: all over, terminated, o'er
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Captain in "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Steeping container"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Finishes with"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Left-wing protest group"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Tormented"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause bodily suffering to and make sick or indisposed
  • Similar words include: ail, pain, trouble
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAINED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Like "The Tonight Show" and "Saturday Night Live""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Hesitation sound across the pond"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Enter the chat, so to speak"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Some military hazards, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an explosive device that is improvised
  • Similar words include: I.E.D., IED, improvised explosive device
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Hoofbeat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of a horse's hoofs hitting on a hard surface
  • Similar words include: clump, clunk, clopping
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Visually sizes up"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: middle, eye, center
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Dual degrees for physicians"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. ___ Dion, the "Queen of Power Ballads""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Apex"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding
  • Similar words include: orgasm, flood tide, culmination
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLIMAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Literary friend of Finn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is employed to saw wood
  • Similar words include: sawyer beetle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAWYER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Body part that's flicked"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
  • Similar words include: radiocarpal joint, wrist joint, articulatio radiocarpea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Businessman John Jacob ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british politician (born in the united states) who was the first woman to sit in the british house of commons (1879-1964)
  • Similar words include: John Jacob Astor, Viscountess Astor, Nancy Witcher Astor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. "Almost time for the weekend!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Canadian gas brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Cool, in '90s slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two-winged insects characterized by active flight
  • Similar words include: fly front, take flight, tent flap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Common Chinese surname"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Funny Schumer or Poehler"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. ___ Speedwagon"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. "___ dat" (slangy agreement)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 21, 2026 at 05:39 AM

Friday, January 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 23, 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. Barely enough 5
2A 6. What some may be dyeing to conceal? 4
3A 10. Environmental concern 4
4A 14. "Don't be absurd!" 10
5A 16. ___ Mountain (ski area in Killington, Vt.) 4
6A 17. She's out there! 10
7A 18. Many a choirgirl 4
8A 19. "Black-ish" patriarch 3
9A 20. Dulcet 5
10A 21. Fiddle with feathers, say 5
11A 22. Backstreet ___ 4
12A 23. Like kyawthuite, among gems 6
13A 25. Designer Geoffrey 5
14A 27. A-list 6
15A 28. Like quartzite vis-à-vis quartz 6
16A 29. They really click as a pair 8
17A 32. Masters of manipulation 5
18A 33. Commercial preceder of Geo 3
19A 34. Capital near the Red Sea 5
20A 35. Micromobility option 8
21A 37. On the level 6
22A 38. Mouth organ 6
23A 39. Internal turmoil 5
24A 40. Say "I do," say 6
25A 41. One may be carried in a concert hall 4
26A 42. Recent recruit 5
27A 43. First name on the Supreme Court 5
28A 45. Zilch 3
29A 48. Cushy 4
30A 49. It is "making the complicated simple, awesomely simple," per Charles Mingus 10
31A 51. Out of joint? 4
32A 52. Text insert for a flash-forward film scene 10
33A 53. Ink 4
34A 54. Apt rhyme for "pads" 4
35A 55. Guck 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Barely enough"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
  • Similar words include: stint, skimp, light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. What some may be dyeing to conceal?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
  • Similar words include: greyness, gray-headed, Louis Harold Gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Environmental concern"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Don't be absurd!""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. ___ Mountain (ski area in Killington, Vt.)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. She's out there!"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Many a choirgirl"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • Similar words include: contralto, countertenor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Black-ish" patriarch"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Dulcet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english phonetician; one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912)
  • Similar words include: odoriferous, sweet-flavored, odorous
  • Opposite of: sour, salty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Fiddle with feathers, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clean with one's bill
  • Similar words include: congratulate, plume, dress
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREEN

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11A: "22. Backstreet ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a youthful male person
  • Similar words include: boy, son, male child
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Like kyawthuite, among gems"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rare, rarified, uncommon
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Designer Geoffrey"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. A-list"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
  • Similar words include: pick out, take, choice
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELECT

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15A: "28. Like quartzite vis-à-vis quartz"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
  • Similar words include: heavy, severe, surd
  • Opposite of: easy, voiced
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. They really click as a pair"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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17A: "32. Masters of manipulation"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Similar words include: exploiter, substance abuser, drug user
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Commercial preceder of Geo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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19A: "34. Capital near the Red Sea"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of yemen; on the central plateau
  • Similar words include: Sana'a, Sana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Micromobility option"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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21A: "37. On the level"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
  • Similar words include: good, reliable, dependable
  • Opposite of: dishonest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Mouth organ"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
  • Similar words include: spit, lingua, natural language
  • Opposite of: artificial language
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Internal turmoil"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "40. Say "I do," say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
  • Similar words include: devote, give, institutionalize
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "41. One may be carried in a concert hall"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: melodic line, tune up, line
  • Opposite of: untune
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "42. Recent recruit"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "43. First name on the Supreme Court"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "45. Zilch"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zilch, travel rapidly, zipper
  • Opposite of: unzip
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. Cushy"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
  • Similar words include: tardily, slow, well-to-do
  • Opposite of: uneasy, quickly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "49. It is "making the complicated simple, awesomely simple," per Charles Mingus"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ability to create
  • Similar words include: creative thinking, creativeness
  • Opposite of: uncreativeness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREATIVITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "51. Out of joint?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are free
  • Similar words include: destitute, justify, disengage
  • Opposite of: lodge, unfree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Text insert for a flash-forward film scene"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Ink"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Similar words include: cheapness, sleaze, Thematic Apperception Test
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Apt rhyme for "pads""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: hyperkinetic syndrome, minimal brain dysfunction, add up
  • Opposite of: subtract, take away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Guck"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: goo, ooze, muck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Completely convinced 4
2D 2. French letter opener 4
3D 3. Niche for a shrine 4
4D 4. Essence of the matter 3
5D 5. "I'll take the blame" 12
6D 6. Some body builders? 5
7D 7. Broccoli ___ 4
8D 8. How to look at your hot fudge sundae 8
9D 9. A little possessive, perhaps? 3
10D 10. Pocket money 11
11D 11. Momentous moments 10
12D 12. Bits in a byte, e.g. 5
13D 13. "I'm listening" 4
14D 15. One who's on the defense, perhaps 6
15D 21. Digital applications? 12
16D 22. Longing look 11
17D 24. Rigi of Switzerland, e.g. 3
18D 25. One setting on speakers 4
19D 26. Classic toy for budding engineers 10
20D 27. Long look 5
21D 28. Peach or plum 3
22D 30. Interest of Marco Polo, with "the" 4
23D 31. Settled on the bottom? 3
24D 33. Gelded 8
25D 36. ___ Fridays 3
26D 37. Hangouts 6
27D 40. Grammy-winning R&B singer named for a Revlon fragrance 5
28D 41. They make streaks on cheeks 5
29D 42. Mass 4
30D 44. Tip 4
31D 45. Trattoria tubes 4
32D 46. Couple 4
33D 47. Funeral ___ 4
34D 49. Texter's "ciao" 3
35D 50. Late actor Kilmer 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Completely convinced"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: trade, sell, betray
  • Opposite of: unsold, buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. French letter opener"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Niche for a shrine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

4D: "4. Essence of the matter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small lump or protuberance
  • Similar words include: nitty-gritty, nubble, gist
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "I'll take the blame""

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Some body builders?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
  • Similar words include: cistron, factor, gene
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Broccoli ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. How to look at your hot fudge sundae"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. A little possessive, perhaps?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Pocket money"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Momentous moments"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stone post at side of a road to show distances
  • Similar words include: milestone, milepost
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILESTONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Bits in a byte, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: VIII, 8, eight
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "I'm listening""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: hoodlum, oaf, stumblebum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. One who's on the defense, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
  • Similar words include: attorney
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAWYER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Digital applications?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Longing look"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Rigi of Switzerland, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any high mountain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. One setting on speakers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest part of the musical range
  • Similar words include: bass voice, freshwater bass, sea bass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Classic toy for budding engineers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Long look"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
  • Similar words include: gaze
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Peach or plum"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Interest of Marco Polo, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Settled on the bottom?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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, ride, model
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Gelded"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. ___ Fridays"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Hangouts"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a frequently visited place
  • Similar words include: stamping ground, repair, hangout
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAUNTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Grammy-winning R&B singer named for a Revlon fragrance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. They make streaks on cheeks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
  • Similar words include: rupture, rent, weeping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Mass"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of being large in mass
  • Similar words include: heft up, heave up, massiveness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Tip"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantage held by a competitor in a race
  • Similar words include: top, atomic number 82, conduct
  • Opposite of: deficit, follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Trattoria tubes"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that medium-sized tubular pasta in short pieces
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZITI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Couple"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: detail, point, token
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Funeral ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
  • Similar words include: funeral pyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Texter's "ciao""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Late actor Kilmer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 23, 2026 at 04:27 AM