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Saturday, August 8, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Fling 4
2A 5. Garment with a loose, flowing end known as a "pallu" 4
3A 9. Longtime airer of "The Young and the Restless" 3
4A 12. Nocturnal sounds in the woods 5
5A 14. Waffle 9
6A 16. Woodard with multiple Emmys 5
7A 17. Author and illustrator of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" 9
8A 18. Slippery slope 10
9A 20. Crowd (in) 4
10A 21. Summertime top 11
11A 23. Group of reps 3
12A 24. Kind of coating applied to metal 8
13A 25. Go for again 5
14A 27. Load from the dock 6
15A 28. University of California campus site 5
16A 29. Locals call it Mongibello ("the mountain of mountains") 4
17A 30. O. Henry's "The Gift of the ___" 4
18A 31. Braided rope made of rawhide 5
19A 33. Limited 6
20A 35. "Comprende?" 5
21A 36. They're taken off for boudoir photos 8
22A 38. Relieved response 3
23A 39. Greek dish made with an abundance of spinach 11
24A 42. La ___ Tar Pits 4
25A 44. Instrument measuring liquid density 10
26A 45. French beauty 9
27A 47. Section of a golf bag 5
28A 48. Pawn-capturing move 9
29A 49. Hard French cheese 5
30A 50. Map lines: Abbr. 3
31A 51. Giant bird of Chinese mythology that is transformed from a fish called Kun 4
32A 52. Capone's foe 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Fling"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of flipping a coin
  • Similar words include: chuck out, convulse, thrash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Garment with a loose, flowing end known as a "pallu""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Longtime airer of "The Young and the Restless""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Nocturnal sounds in the woods"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud raucous cry (as of an owl)
  • Similar words include: shit, hiss, tinker's damn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Waffle"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Woodard with multiple Emmys"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Author and illustrator of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Slippery slope"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Crowd (in)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of objects laid on top of each other
  • Similar words include: batch, lot, mint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Summertime top"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Group of reps"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Kind of coating applied to metal"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Go for again"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hear or try a court case anew
  • Similar words include: rehear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Load from the dock"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. University of California campus site"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english navigator who explored the arctic while searching for the northwest passage (1550-1605)
  • Similar words include: John Davys, Davys, Miles Dewey Davis Jr.
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAVIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Locals call it Mongibello ("the mountain of mountains")"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. O. Henry's "The Gift of the ___""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (new testament) the sages who visited jesus and mary and joseph shortly after jesus was born; the gospel according to matthew says they were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh; because there were three gifts it is usually assumed that there were three of them
  • Similar words include: magus, Wise Men
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "31. Braided rope made of rawhide"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long noosed rope used to catch animals
  • Similar words include: lasso, lariat, reata
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Limited"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
  • Opposite of: infinite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. "Comprende?""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. They're taken off for boudoir photos"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Relieved response"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Greek dish made with an abundance of spinach"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. La ___ Tar Pits"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Instrument measuring liquid density"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measuring instrument for determining the specific gravity of a liquid or solid
  • Similar words include: gravimeter
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYDROMETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. French beauty"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Section of a golf bag"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal shackles; for hands or legs
  • Similar words include: Fe, iron out, press
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Pawn-capturing move"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Hard French cheese"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french philosopher remembered as the founder of positivism; he also established sociology as a systematic field of study
  • Similar words include: Isidore Auguste Marie Francois Comte, Auguste Comte
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "50. Map lines: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "51. Giant bird of Chinese mythology that is transformed from a fish called Kun"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Capone's foe"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Warms up 5
2D 2. "Fancy!" 6
3D 3. Warms up, say 7
4D 4. Word-of-mouth promoters 10
5D 5. Investment bond in W.W. II 7
6D 6. During 6
7D 7. Tries to outrun 5
8D 8. Forbes competitor 3
9D 9. Corpus ___ 7
10D 10. Ostentatious spenders, in slang 7
11D 11. Term of endearment, in one spelling 6
12D 13. Napkins, to Brits 10
13D 14. Damn fine 7
14D 15. Repeated greeting in the Key & Peele sketch "Obama Meet & Greet" 3
15D 19. Court name 6
16D 22. Displaying a wide range of emotions, say 10
17D 26. Founder of Argentina's first female-led political party, familiarly 10
18D 28. Big name in comfortable footwear 6
19D 30. Tower with daily calls to prayer 7
20D 31. Hit from behind 7
21D 32. Words following a suggestion to try something 7
22D 33. Warding (off) 7
23D 34. Perfect example 7
24D 35. Person you practically have to drag out of a party, say 6
25D 36. One requesting simpler terms? 6
26D 37. Channel inserts 6
27D 40. Short-lived interest 5
28D 41. Parliamentary seats? 5
29D 43. Per 3
30D 46. For a medium, it's easy! 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Warms up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: warming, thaw, unthaw
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Fancy!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Warms up, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make (images or sounds) soft or softer
  • Similar words include: soften, yield, buffer
  • Opposite of: stand, harden
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFTENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Word-of-mouth promoters"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Investment bond in W.W. II"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. During"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Tries to outrun"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: race, bucket along, run
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Forbes competitor"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to saddam hussein's government of iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of sunni and shiite arabs and kurds who hope to build a new government
  • Similar words include: Iraqi National Congress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Corpus ___"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Ostentatious spenders, in slang"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Term of endearment, in one spelling"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Napkins, to Brits"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing
  • Similar words include: table napkin, serviette, napkin
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERVIETTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Damn fine"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Repeated greeting in the Key & Peele sketch "Obama Meet & Greet""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Court name"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Displaying a wide range of emotions, say"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or characteristic of tragicomedy
  • Similar words include: tragicomical
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAGICOMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Founder of Argentina's first female-led political party, familiarly"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Big name in comfortable footwear"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Tower with daily calls to prayer"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slender tower with balconies
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINARET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Hit from behind"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Words following a suggestion to try something"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Warding (off)"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that try to manage without help
  • Similar words include: stand, resist, fend
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FENDING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Perfect example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a standard or typical example
  • Similar words include: prototype, paradigm, image
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPITOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Person you practically have to drag out of a party, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. One requesting simpler terms?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
  • Similar words include: layperson, secular
  • Opposite of: clergyman
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAYMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Channel inserts"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
  • Similar words include: stent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Short-lived interest"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: stage, form, phase angle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Parliamentary seats?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Per"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. For a medium, it's easy!"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses
  • Similar words include: E.S.P., clairvoyance, second sight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESP

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

32 Across Clues
30 Down Clues
62 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 08, 2026 at 04:32 AM

Friday, December 26, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 26, 2025 | 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. Dawdler 8
2A 9. Cuts short 6
3A 15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon 8
4A 16. Kitsch 6
5A 17. Doing some theater work 8
6A 18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh 6
7A 19. One whose beauty is on the inside 5
8A 20. Whole kit and caboodle 5
9A 22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages) 3
10A 23. Plant that's toxic to cats 4
11A 24. Some babysitters 5
12A 25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated) 4
13A 26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub 3
14A 27. Tuesday, in French 5
15A 28. Song commonly performed outdoors 5
16A 29. Food that can be prepared de canasta 5
17A 30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season) 6
18A 31. One toeing the line? 15
19A 35. Individually 6
20A 36. Editorialize 5
21A 37. Overly self-assertive 5
22A 38. Like a good sponge cake 5
23A 39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct" 3
24A 42. Singular, with or without its first letter 4
25A 43. Origin story family in DC Comics 5
26A 44. Facility 4
27A 45. Certain care provider, for short 3
28A 46. Re-fresh? 5
29A 47. It might be marked with an X 5
30A 48. Linked (with) 6
31A 50. Drive 8
32A 52. Harden and become resistant to change 6
33A 53. Life partner, perhaps? 8
34A 54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco 6
35A 55. Treated with respect 8

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Dawdler"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who moves slowly
  • Similar words include: plodder, slowcoach, stick-in-the-mud
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOWPOKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "9. Cuts short"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Similar words include: abort
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drawstring bag for holding money
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONEYBAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Kitsch"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Doing some theater work"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums
  • Similar words include: show, usher
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USHERING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that parched crushed wheat
  • Similar words include: bulgur wheat, bulghur
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULGUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. One whose beauty is on the inside"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (mineralogy) a hollow rock or nodule with the cavity usually lined with crystals
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Whole kit and caboodle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a complete extent or range:
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAMUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Plant that's toxic to cats"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any liliaceous plant of the genus lilium having showy pendulous flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LILY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Some babysitters"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a telephone connection
  • Similar words include: yell, phone call, forebode
  • Opposite of: put option
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Tuesday, in French"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Song commonly performed outdoors"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joyful religious song celebrating the birth of christ
  • Similar words include: Christmas carol
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAROL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Food that can be prepared de canasta"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Similar words include: greaser, wetback, taco
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grant remission of a sin to
  • Similar words include: shrive, absolve
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHROVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "31. One toeing the line?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Individually"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to or from every one of two or more (considered individually)
  • Similar words include: to each one, from each one, for each one
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Editorialize"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • Similar words include: animadvert, guess, imagine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Overly self-assertive"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively bold
  • Similar words include: cheeky, nervy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Like a good sponge cake"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly wet
  • Similar words include: damp, dampish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extinct flightless bird of new zealand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Singular, with or without its first letter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking companions or companionship
  • Similar words include: lonesome, alone, sole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Origin story family in DC Comics"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the english channel; formerly an anglo-saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the romans
  • Similar words include: Kent, Rockwell Kent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Facility"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something acquired without compensation
  • Similar words include: invest, endow, endowment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Certain care provider, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Re-fresh?"

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!

29A: "47. It might be marked with an X"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
  • Similar words include: porn, pornography, smut
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORNO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "48. Linked (with)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "50. Drive"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cherished desire
  • Similar words include: aspiration, ambitiousness, dream
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMBITION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Harden and become resistant to change"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become bony
  • Similar words include: petrify, rigidify
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSSIFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Life partner, perhaps?"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly the basic unit of money in spain; equal to 100 centimos
  • Similar words include: Spanish peseta
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Treated with respect"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that regard highly; think much of
  • Similar words include: repute, esteem, look upon
  • Opposite of: disrespect, disesteem
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTEEMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. How a supervillain might brag 6
2D 2. Flip 6
3D 3. Waiting for support, maybe 6
4D 4. Like untended plots 5
5D 5. Funeral ___ 4
6D 6. Broad band? 3
7D 7. Royal Australian Air Force insignia 8
8D 8. Competition that combines speed with balance 15
9D 9. Professor Dumbledore 5
10D 10. Contest 4
11D 11. Bevy : quail :: parliament : ___ 3
12D 12. The world's end, in Norse mythology 8
13D 13. Mr. or Ms. Right 8
14D 14. Baby sitter? 8
15D 21. Half of a classic rum cocktail's name 3
16D 24. Component of a nautilus shell 5
17D 25. Eric who wrote and illustrated "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me" 5
18D 27. Stick by a fireplace 5
19D 28. Mantra 5
20D 29. Nearby things 5
21D 30. Like the pope's guards 5
22D 31. Area on which to eat or play cards 8
23D 32. "You can absolutely count on me" 8
24D 33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g. 8
25D 34. Great illustrations 8
26D 38. Connected 3
27D 39. Sister of Moses 6
28D 40. Worth considering 6
29D 41. Made up 6
30D 43. Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind" 5
31D 44. "Understood?" 5
32D 46. Big break 4
33D 47. Stack (up) 4
34D 49. Casting need 3
35D 51. Short diner order 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. How a supervillain might brag"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a smug manner
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMUGLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Flip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Waiting for support, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Like untended plots"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that abounding with or resembling weeds
  • Similar words include: underweight, scraggy, boney
  • Opposite of: weedless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. 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!

6D: "6. Broad band?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Royal Australian Air Force insignia"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of australia and new guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KANGAROO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Competition that combines speed with balance"

15 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Professor Dumbledore"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Contest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive
  • Similar words include: bust, turn, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Bevy : quail :: parliament : ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: hooter, bird of night, bird of Minerva
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. The world's end, in Norse mythology"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that myth about the ultimate destruction of the gods in a battle with evil
  • Similar words include: Gotterdammerung, Twilight of the Gods
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAGNAROK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Mr. or Ms. Right"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person loved by another person
  • Similar words include: steady, sweetheart, sweetie
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUELOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Baby sitter?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who walks at a leisurely pace
  • Similar words include: baby carriage, perambulator, carriage
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROLLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Half of a classic rum cocktail's name"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Component of a nautilus shell"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
  • Similar words include: mother-of-pearl
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Eric who wrote and illustrated "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Stick by a fireplace"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
  • Similar words include: mates, catch, equal
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Mantra"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
  • Similar words include: tone, intonate, intone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Nearby things"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Like the pope's guards"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natives or inhabitants of switzerland
  • Similar words include: Swiss people
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Area on which to eat or play cards"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the top horizontal work surface of a table
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABLETOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. "You can absolutely count on me""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g."

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female giant
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIANTESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Great illustrations"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a standard or typical example
  • Similar words include: paradigm, image, prototype
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPITOMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Connected"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come together
  • Similar words include: converge, conform to, see
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sister of Moses"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Worth considering"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. Made up"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make amends for
  • Similar words include: repent, atone, expiate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATONED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in eastern africa; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1963; major archeological discoveries have been made in the great rift valley in kenya
  • Similar words include: Republic of Kenya
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. "Understood?""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Big break"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gap between cloud masses
  • Similar words include: rupture, break, severance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Stack (up)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of objects laid on top of each other
  • Similar words include: quite a little, flock, spile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Casting need"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: snuff it, fail, cash in one's chips
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Short diner order"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLT

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: December 26, 2025 at 04:10 AM