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

Monday, August 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 17, 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. One of two fruit flavors in Sprite 4
2A 5. Has no choice 4
3A 9. "The ___ thickens" 4
4A 13. Islamic prayer leader 4
5A 14. Poker player's buy-in 4
6A 15. Italian "Paul" 5
7A 16. Well-dressed guy 9
8A 18. Arctic Indigenous group 5
9A 19. Venomous arachnid 8
10A 20. Not dormant, as a volcano 6
11A 21. A, in German 3
12A 22. Autobahn speedometer meas. 3
13A 24. Take, as advice 4
14A 25. It captures ballpark smooches 7
15A 29. Stand for a poster 5
16A 31. Egyptian fertility goddess 4
17A 32. Hilarious person 4
18A 34. Doll with neon hair 5
19A 37. Ping-Pong table divider 3
20A 38. Containers for fruit preserves 7
21A 40. Burj Khalifa's country, for short 3
22A 41. Birds in V-formations 5
23A 43. Capital with fjord tours 4
24A 44. Facility that produces coins 4
25A 45. Casts a ballot 5
26A 47. Lengthy rants 7
27A 49. Sulky state 4
28A 51. ___ Geo Wild (cable channel) 3
29A 53. Popular chain for RVers 3
30A 54. Snacked 6
31A 56. Hot pepper named for Cuba's capital 8
32A 61. Off Broadway awards 5
33A 62. "Totally agree!" ... or what the circled letters are, in different languages 9
34A 63. Like throwbacks 5
35A 64. Abbr. before a recipient's name on an envelope 4
36A 65. The Roaring Twenties and the Swinging Sixties 4
37A 66. Otherwise 4
38A 67. Hotel worker 4
39A 68. Overhaul 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. One of two fruit flavors in Sprite"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a caustic substance produced by heating limestone
  • Similar words include: birdlime, calcined lime, lime hydrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Has no choice"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a necessary or essential thing
  • Similar words include: moldiness, mustiness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "The ___ thickens""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
  • Similar words include: patch, plat, secret plan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Islamic prayer leader"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for shiites an imam is a recognized authority on islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
  • Similar words include: imaum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Poker player's buy-in"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Italian "Paul""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Well-dressed guy"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Arctic Indigenous group"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people inhabiting the arctic (northern canada or greenland or alaska or eastern siberia); the algonquians called them eskimo (`eaters of raw flesh') but they call themselves the inuit (`the people')
  • Similar words include: Esquimau, Eskimo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Venomous arachnid"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in scorpio
  • Similar words include: Scorpio the Scorpion, Scorpio
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCORPION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Not dormant, as a volcano"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chemical agent capable of activity
  • Similar words include: participating, combat-ready, dynamic
  • Opposite of: passive voice, stative
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. A, in German"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Autobahn speedometer meas."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ratio of the distance traveled (in kilometers) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
  • Similar words include: km/h, kilometres per hour, kilometers per hour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KPH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Take, as advice"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. It captures ballpark smooches"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Stand for a poster"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Egyptian fertility goddess"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian goddess of fertility; daughter of geb; sister and wife of osiris
  • Similar words include: Inter-Services Intelligence, Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence, ISI
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Hilarious person"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public act of violence by an unruly mob
  • Similar words include: debauch, wow, roister
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Doll with neon hair"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (scandanavian folklore) a supernatural creature (either a dwarf or a giant) that is supposed to live in caves or in the mountains
  • Similar words include: trolling, round
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Ping-Pong table divider"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: meshing, cyberspace, profit
  • Opposite of: gross
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Containers for fruit preserves"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a jar for holding jellies or preserves
  • Similar words include: jampot, jamjar
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAMJARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Burj Khalifa's country, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Birds in V-formations"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that web-footed long-necked typically gregarious migratory aquatic birds usually larger and less aquatic than ducks
  • Similar words include: jackass, twat, zany
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Capital with fjord tours"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
  • Similar words include: Christiania, capital of Norway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Facility that produces coins"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: good deal, flock, strike
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Casts a ballot"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
  • Similar words include: voting, voter turnout, suffrage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Lengthy rants"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long monotonous harangue
  • Similar words include: screed
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCREEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Sulky state"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of agitated irritation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. ___ Geo Wild (cable channel)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Popular chain for RVers"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Snacked"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that eat a snack; eat lightly
  • Similar words include: snack, nosh
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Hot pepper named for Cuba's capital"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Off Broadway awards"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. "Totally agree!" ... or what the circled letters are, in different languages"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Like throwbacks"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fashion reminiscent of the past
  • Similar words include: retroactive, ex post facto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Abbr. before a recipient's name on an envelope"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. The Roaring Twenties and the Swinging Sixties"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: epoch, geological era, earned run average
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Otherwise"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Hotel worker"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female domestic
  • Similar words include: maidservant, housemaid, maiden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Overhaul"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: refashion, reconstruct, remake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Covers for pots 4
2D 2. Apple with a big screen 4
3D 3. ___ tofu (Sichuan dish) 4
4D 4. Catherine the Great, e.g. 7
5D 5. Sauce for mozzarella sticks 8
6D 6. Erase 4
7D 7. Reeked 5
8D 8. Half a score 3
9D 9. "Pink" animal of film 7
10D 10. 1963 Kingsmen hit with a repetitive title 10
11D 11. Martini garnish 5
12D 12. Schlepped 5
13D 15. Insta posting 3
14D 17. Sweeping in scope 4
15D 20. "Now I understand!" 3
16D 23. Fragrant bits tossed at newlyweds 6
17D 25. Key chess piece 4
18D 26. "That makes sense" 4
19D 27. On-location inspections 10
20D 28. Boozy brunch drink 6
21D 30. Lines on a GPS 3
22D 33. Breakfast beverages, for short 3
23D 35. Come down to earth 4
24D 36. "Sounds like a plan!" 4
25D 38. Hot tub nozzle 3
26D 39. Green Day or Pink Floyd 8
27D 42. "And that's that!" 7
28D 44. Wander aimlessly 7
29D 46. Wrap up 3
30D 48. Singer Chappell 4
31D 49. Sound asleep? 5
32D 50. 2016 prize for Bob Dylan 5
33D 52. Greek letter that symbolizes an angle 5
34D 55. That, in Spain 3
35D 57. ___ Spumante 4
36D 58. BrontΓ«'s "Jane ___" 4
37D 59. Enjoy a fantasy, say 4
38D 60. ___ buco 4
39D 62. Sweet potato 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Covers for pots"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
  • Similar words include: palpebra, chapeau, eyelid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Apple with a big screen"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. ___ tofu (Sichuan dish)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Catherine the Great, e.g."

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Sauce for mozzarella sticks"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sauce for pasta; contains tomatoes and garlic and herbs
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Erase"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Reeked"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be extremely bad in quality or in one's performance
  • Similar words include: stink, reek
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Half a score"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: tenner, X, decade
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Pink" animal of film"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large spotted feline of tropical america similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus felis
  • Similar words include: Panthera onca, cougar, painter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANTHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. 1963 Kingsmen hit with a repetitive title"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Martini garnish"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: European olive tree, Olea europaea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Schlepped"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that carry with difficulty
  • Similar words include: summate, tote up, add up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Insta posting"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
  • Similar words include: picture, photograph, film
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Sweeping in scope"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
  • Similar words include: heroic poem, heroic, epic poem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "Now I understand!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Fragrant bits tossed at newlyweds"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored
  • Similar words include: petal, flower petal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Key chess piece"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
  • Similar words include: top executive, mogul, baron
  • Opposite of: female monarch, queen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. "That makes sense""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. On-location inspections"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Boozy brunch drink"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that evergreen australasian tree having white or silvery bark and young leaves and yellow flowers
  • Similar words include: silver wattle, buck's fizz, Acacia dealbata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIMOSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Lines on a GPS"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Breakfast beverages, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Come down to earth"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land on which real estate is located
  • Similar words include: farming, dry land, set down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "Sounds like a plan!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Army of the Pure, have, get
  • Opposite of: forbid, disallow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hot tub nozzle"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an airplane powered by one or more jet engines
  • Similar words include: jet plane, jet-propelled plane, jet-black
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Green Day or Pink Floyd"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. "And that's that!""

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Wander aimlessly"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bend or curve, as in a stream or river
  • Similar words include: weave, ramble, wind
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEANDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Wrap up"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: last, final stage, ending
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Singer Chappell"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco; used in bookbinding
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Sound asleep?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rattling noise produced when snoring
  • Similar words include: stertor, snoring, saw wood
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. 2016 prize for Bob Dylan"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swedish chemist remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the bequest that created the nobel prizes (1833-1896)
  • Similar words include: Alfred Nobel, Alfred Bernhard Nobel
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOBEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Greek letter that symbolizes an angle"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 8th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. That, in Spain"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. ___ Spumante"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. BrontΓ«'s "Jane ___""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
  • Similar words include: Lake Eyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Enjoy a fantasy, say"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is read
  • Similar words include: show, scan, take
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: READ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. ___ buco"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Sweet potato"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAM

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

39 Across Clues
39 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: August 17, 2026 at 04:08 AM

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Object of an extensive search 5
2A 6. Regional life forms 5
3A 11. Lead-in to destination and determination 3
4A 14. Cry after an accident 5
5A 15. Take over 5
6A 16. Deli supply 3
7A 17. With 60-Across, invitation to play 38-Down 11
8A 19. Seller's bottom lines, for short? 3
9A 20. Mister 3
10A 21. Victorian or Edwardian 3
11A 22. "Hmm, I'm thinking ..." 7
12A 24. Privy to 4
13A 26. Qualified, say 4
14A 28. Some STEM degrees 4
15A 29. Ace, e.g. 5
16A 31. Wild ___ 4
17A 33. "You are correct about that" 4
18A 34. Hawk's hook 5
19A 36. It doesn't include the Apocrypha 5
20A 38. Tall-eared cats from Devon or Cornwall 5
21A 39. It's a celebration 5
22A 40. Toxin in castor beans 5
23A 41. Surname that derives from the Sanskrit word for "lion" 5
24A 42. Actor Eric of "Troy" 4
25A 43. Get in bad with? 4
26A 45. Raises the temperature of 5
27A 49. Many a tech alum: Abbr. 4
28A 50. Wood sculptor's tool 4
29A 52. Pop top? 9
30A 53. Organic chemistry experiment? 7
31A 56. ___ Maria, dark coffee liqueur 3
32A 58. Exec overseeing A.I. integration 3
33A 59. Annual video game competition, for short 3
34A 60. See 17-Across 11
35A 63. "___ MisΓ©rables" 3
36A 64. Keep busy 5
37A 65. Israeli politician Dayan 5
38A 66. Some people doing residencies: Abbr. 3
39A 67. They're typical 5
40A 68. Handful in a beer garden? 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Object of an extensive search"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the object of any prolonged endeavor
  • Similar words include: Sangraal, Holy Grail
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Regional life forms"

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!

3A: "11. Lead-in to destination and determination"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Cry after an accident"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Take over"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  • Similar words include: assume, arrogate, seize
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USURP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Deli supply"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
  • Similar words include: liquid oxygen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. With 60-Across, invitation to play 38-Down"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Seller's bottom lines, for short?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Mister"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Victorian or Edwardian"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: geological era, earned run average, epoch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Hmm, I'm thinking ...""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Privy to"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Qualified, say"

4 letters 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!

14A: "28. Some STEM degrees"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study
  • Similar words include: PhD, Ph.D.
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Ace, e.g."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
  • Similar words include: navigate, aviate, cowcatcher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Wild ___"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Similar words include: oat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. "You are correct about that""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Hawk's hook"

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!

19A: "36. It doesn't include the Apocrypha"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rule or especially body of rules or principles generally established as valid and fundamental in a field or art or philosophy
  • Similar words include: canyon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Tall-eared cats from Devon or Cornwall"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
  • Similar words include: Rex, male monarch, king
  • Opposite of: female monarch, queen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. It's a celebration"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Toxin in castor beans"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toxic protein extracted from castor beans; used as a chemical reagent; can be used as a bioweapon
  • Similar words include: ricin toxin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Surname that derives from the Sanskrit word for "lion""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Actor Eric of "Troy""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Get in bad with?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Raises the temperature of"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
  • Similar words include: heat up, stir up, wake
  • Opposite of: coldness, cool
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Many a tech alum: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Wood sculptor's tool"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Pop top?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cap that seals a bottle
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTTLECAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. Organic chemistry experiment?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. ___ Maria, dark coffee liqueur"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Exec overseeing A.I. integration"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federation of north american industrial unions that merged with the american federation of labor in 1955
  • Similar words include: Congress of Industrial Organizations
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Annual video game competition, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. See 17-Across"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. "___ MisΓ©rables""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: LE, lupus erythematosus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Keep busy"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Israeli politician Dayan"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "66. Some people doing residencies: Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "67. They're typical"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
  • Similar words include: norm, average
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NORMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "68. Handful in a beer garden?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mug intended for serving beer
  • Similar words include: beer mug, Gertrude Stein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Spread dirt 6
2D 2. Corkscrew-shaped pasta 6
3D 3. Orange-colored liqueur served in a namesake spritz 6
4D 4. Means of making some connections, for short 3
5D 5. Relative of a harp 4
6D 6. Pet peeves 8
7D 7. Estimation suffix 3
8D 8. Power source 6
9D 9. "You are correct about that" 4
10D 10. Calendar notation: Abbr. 4
11D 11. Prize dangling from a 38-Down booth 8
12D 12. Voluntold, say 7
13D 13. More than necessary 6
14D 18. Something you might put stock in, for short 3
15D 23. RisquΓ© game that teenagers might give a whirl? 13
16D 25. Memory jogger 8
17D 27. PC hookup 3
18D 30. Cab 4
19D 32. Digitize, maybe 4
20D 35. Dunham who wrote the memoir "Famesick" 4
21D 37. "I'm so frustrated!" 4
22D 38. Carnival game depicted in this puzzle 8
23D 39. Brief bathroom breaks, slangily 8
24D 40. Trampled 7
25D 41. Habitat with a wet floor 3
26D 42. Eyeballed 6
27D 44. Ice cream eponym 6
28D 46. Play the blame game with 6
29D 47. Chinese martial art 6
30D 48. Not sung, say 6
31D 51. More, musically 3
32D 54. Abbr. atop a memo 4
33D 55. Charlie's Angels or the Chipmunks 4
34D 57. Body parts linked in a square dance, maybe 4
35D 61. "Tasty!" 3
36D 62. Auction offering 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Spread dirt"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that light informal conversation for social occasions
  • Similar words include: chit chat, dish the dirt, natter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOSSIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Corkscrew-shaped pasta"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Orange-colored liqueur served in a namesake spritz"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Means of making some connections, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Relative of a harp"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a harp used by ancient greeks for accompaniment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Pet peeves"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imaginary monster used to frighten children
  • Similar words include: bugaboo, booger, boogeyman
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUGABOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Estimation suffix"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Power source"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a place of business for retailing goods
  • Similar words include: way out, electric receptacle, exit
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "You are correct about that""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
  • Similar words include: truthful, reliable, confessedly
  • Opposite of: untruthful, false
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Calendar notation: Abbr."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Prize dangling from a 38-Down booth"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Voluntold, say"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. More than necessary"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity much larger than is needed
  • Similar words include: spare, extra, excessiveness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXCESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Something you might put stock in, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: Provisional Irish Republican Army, ire, Irish Republican Army
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. RisquΓ© game that teenagers might give a whirl?"

13 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Memory jogger"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. PC hookup"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a local computer network for communication between computers; especially a network connecting computers and word processors and other electronic office equipment to create a communication system between offices
  • Similar words include: local area network
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. Cab"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
  • Similar words include: cab, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAXI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "32. Digitize, maybe"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: skim, read, run down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "35. Dunham who wrote the memoir "Famesick""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a russian river in siberia; flows northward into the laptev sea
  • Similar words include: Lena River
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "37. "I'm so frustrated!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "38. Carnival game depicted in this puzzle"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "39. Brief bathroom breaks, slangily"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. Trampled"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "41. Habitat with a wet floor"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

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!

26D: "42. Eyeballed"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that see with attention
  • Similar words include: behold, lay eyes on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEHELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Ice cream eponym"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Play the blame game with"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bring an accusation against; level a charge against
  • Similar words include: incriminate, charge, impeach
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Chinese martial art"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health
  • Similar words include: t'ai chi, tai chi, t'ai chi chuan
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAICHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Not sung, say"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in speech
  • Similar words include: talk, speak, verbalise
  • Opposite of: written
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. More, musically"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Abbr. atop a memo"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Charlie's Angels or the Chipmunks"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: III, trinity, triplet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Body parts linked in a square dance, maybe"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that weapons considered collectively
  • Similar words include: blazon, build up, implements of war
  • Opposite of: disarm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "61. "Tasty!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "62. Auction offering"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: raft, parcel out, dole out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOT

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

40 Across Clues
36 Down Clues
76 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.

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Last updated: July 22, 2026 at 06:07 AM