Search Clues

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

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 16, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Bluffer's giveaway 4
2A 5. Dessert that wiggles 5
3A 10. Obsessive captain of fiction 4
4A 14. "___, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio" 4
5A 15. Like a loud crowd 5
6A 16. Trio minus one 4
7A 17. Pontiff's emblem with three horizontal bars 10
8A 19. Martial art with shoulder throws 4
9A 20. On the line 7
10A 21. Bottom of a long column, say 5
11A 23. "Capisce?" 3
12A 24. Spearheaded 3
13A 25. Think pieces, for short 5
14A 28. Incensed 3
15A 29. Amigo 8
16A 32. Ancient Brit for whom a language was named 4
17A 34. Opening of a news article, in journalism lingo 4
18A 35. It scratches the itch 4
19A 36. Hemingway tale about an elderly fisherman, with "The" ... or a phonetic hint to four sets of circled letters in this puzzle? 15
20A 39. Party with glowsticks 4
21A 40. Smidgens 4
22A 41. The Beatles' "Back in the ___" 4
23A 42. Crustaceans sometimes called "mudbugs" 8
24A 44. Test for a future Ph.D. 3
25A 45. Monsieur, in Madrid 5
26A 46. Fishing tool 3
27A 47. Maple tree harvest 3
28A 50. Where the rubber meets the road 5
29A 53. "That's my next move" 7
30A 55. "... ???" 4
31A 57. Open some bubbly with a bang 10
32A 59. "Logan" actor Jackman 4
33A 60. "The Price Is Right" unveiling 5
34A 61. Cleveland's lake 4
35A 62. Be a good dog, say 4
36A 63. Half-goat follower of Dionysus 5
37A 64. Honeybunch 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Bluffer's giveaway"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: say, order, distinguish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Dessert that wiggles"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark jell-o) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder
  • Similar words include: Jell-O
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JELLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Obsessive captain of fiction"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "___, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: unfortunately, ala, regrettably
  • Opposite of: luckily, fortunately
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Like a loud crowd"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Trio minus one"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of two similar things considered as a unit
  • Similar words include: twain, yoke, partner off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Pontiff's emblem with three horizontal bars"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Martial art with shoulder throws"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sport adapted from jujitsu (using principles of not resisting) and similar to wrestling; developed in japan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. On the line"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Bottom of a long column, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the whole amount
  • Similar words include: tote up, come, summate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Capisce?""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: escort, image, find out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Spearheaded"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Think pieces, for short"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Incensed"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
  • Similar words include: crazy, unhinged, harebrained
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Amigo"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Ancient Brit for whom a language was named"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gaelic-speaking celt in ireland or scotland or the isle of man
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Opening of a news article, in journalism lingo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the introductory section of a story
  • Similar words include: lead, lead-in
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. It scratches the itch"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
  • Similar words include: sail through, collar, arrest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Hemingway tale about an elderly fisherman, with "The" ... or a phonetic hint to four sets of circled letters in this puzzle?"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Party with glowsticks"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dance party that lasts all night and electronically synthesized music is played
  • Similar words include: gush, jabber, spout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Smidgens"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: flake, fleck, second
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. The Beatles' "Back in the ___""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia, Soviet Union
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Crustaceans sometimes called "mudbugs""

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tiny lobster-like crustaceans usually boiled briefly
  • Similar words include: crayfish, crawfish, ecrevisse
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAWDADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Test for a future Ph.D."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. Monsieur, in Madrid"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the english `mr' or `sir'
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Fishing tool"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin implement made of metal or wood
  • Similar words include: perch, rod cell, gat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Maple tree harvest"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
  • Similar words include: run down, blackjack, tomfool
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Where the rubber meets the road"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a step in walking or running
  • Similar words include: trample, stride, step
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. "That's my next move""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. "... ???""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Open some bubbly with a bang"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. "Logan" actor Jackman"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. "The Price Is Right" unveiling"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
  • Similar words include: appreciate, respect, trophy
  • Opposite of: disrespect, disesteem
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRIZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Cleveland's lake"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Be a good dog, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obedient to
  • Opposite of: disobey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Half-goat follower of Dionysus"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that man with strong sexual desires
  • Similar words include: lech, letch, forest god
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATYR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Honeybunch"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
  • Similar words include: costly, honey, dearly
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Patatas bravas and croquetas, e.g. 5
2D 2. Fill with joy 5
3D 3. Momentary slip 5
4D 4. Exam for a future J.D. 4
5D 5. Very muscular, in slang 6
6D 6. Dropped the ball 5
7D 7. "Facilities," in Britain 3
8D 8. Place for the highest-scoring golfer 4
9D 9. Ish 4
10D 10. College-credit class that says sayonara to H.S.? 10
11D 11. Really booked it 9
12D 12. Charitable contributions, collectively 3
13D 13. "Dude!" 3
14D 18. Fingers-in-ears syllables 6
15D 22. Word with tank or tip 3
16D 26. Less sweet, as a wine 5
17D 27. "House" actress Ward 4
18D 28. Like an image just begging to be captioned and shared 10
19D 29. Word appearing on the nickel but not the dime or quarter, surprisingly 5
20D 30. Casino calculations 4
21D 31. Rendezvoused with 3
22D 32. Blinding light 5
23D 33. Upper hand 9
24D 34. Put down gently 4
25D 36. Green-skinned World of Warcraft characters 4
26D 37. Org. with Bulls and Bucks 3
27D 38. Obstacle to overcome 6
28D 43. "The Chronic" rapper, informally 3
29D 44. Animal symbol of the University of Minnesota 6
30D 46. Fancy-schmancy 5
31D 47. [Zzzz] 5
32D 48. Light-filled lobbies 5
33D 49. Game with a World Series held in Las Vegas 5
34D 51. Plates to share, informally 4
35D 52. Cartoon explorer who teaches Spanish 4
36D 54. Crushed, as a test 4
37D 55. Word sung over 100 times in "___ Are You" by the ___ 3
38D 56. Center of activity 3
39D 58. Part of a speedway or the stomach 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Patatas bravas and croquetas, e.g."

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
  • Similar words include: tappa bark, tappa, tapa bark
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fill with joy"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
  • Similar words include: lift up, pick up, intoxicate
  • Opposite of: depress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Momentary slip"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake resulting from inattention
  • Similar words include: recidivate, pass, sink
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAPSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Exam for a future J.D."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Very muscular, in slang"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lift with a special device
  • Similar words include: jacklight, jack up, jack
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JACKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Dropped the ball"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: err, drift, slip
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Facilities," in Britain"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toilet in britain
  • Similar words include: closet, W.C., water closet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Place for the highest-scoring golfer"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the temporal end; the concluding time
  • Similar words include: utmost, concluding, in conclusion
  • Opposite of: first
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ish"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. College-credit class that says sayonara to H.S.?"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Really booked it"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Charitable contributions, collectively"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
  • Similar words include: assist, attention, tending
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Dude!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Fingers-in-ears syllables"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Word with tank or tip"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper part of anything
  • Similar words include: tiptop, elevation, exceed
  • Opposite of: bottom
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Less sweet, as a wine"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance that promotes drying (e.g., calcium oxide absorbs water and is used to remove moisture)
  • Similar words include: ironic, dry, wry
  • Opposite of: phlegmy, sweet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "House" actress Ward"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Like an image just begging to be captioned and shared"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Word appearing on the nickel but not the dime or quarter, surprisingly"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of several countries
  • Similar words include: penny, cent, centime
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Casino calculations"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
  • Similar words include: betting odds
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Rendezvoused with"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Blinding light"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light within the field of vision that is brighter than the brightness to which the eyes are adapted
  • Similar words include: brilliance, limelight, glower
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Upper hand"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
  • Similar words include: reward, vantage
  • Opposite of: penalty, disadvantage
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADVANTAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Put down gently"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into a certain place or abstract location
  • Similar words include: place, repose, pose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Green-skinned World of Warcraft characters"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Org. with Bulls and Bucks"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Obstacle to overcome"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light movable barrier that competitors must leap over in certain races
  • Similar words include: vault
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. "The Chronic" rapper, informally"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Animal symbol of the University of Minnesota"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a zealously energetic person (especially a salesman)
  • Similar words include: Gopherus polypemus, ground squirrel, pouched rat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOPHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Fancy-schmancy"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that luxuriously elegant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITZY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. [Zzzz]"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Light-filled lobbies"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
  • Similar words include: atrium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATRIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Game with a World Series held in Las Vegas"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fire iron consisting of a metal rod with a handle; used to stir a fire
  • Similar words include: stove poker, fire hook, salamander
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Plates to share, informally"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Cartoon explorer who teaches Spanish"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Crushed, as a test"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succeed at easily
  • Similar words include: nail, sail through, pass with flying colors
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Word sung over 100 times in "___ Are You" by the ___"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
  • Similar words include: World Health Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Center of activity"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central part of a car wheel (or fan or propeller etc) through which the shaft or axle passes
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Part of a speedway or the stomach"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: Hell, pitfall, orchestra pit
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
39 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.

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: June 16, 2026 at 09:09 AM

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 20, 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: Challenging

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. Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps 7
2A 8. Adorn with raised lettering 6
3A 14. "Drink" for vocal critics 8
4A 15. European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune 6
5A 16. Nontraditional time for voting someone into office 15
6A 18. Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" 4
7A 19. God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies 4
8A 20. Church cross 4
9A 21. Florence-based fashion house 5
10A 24. Takes back a public statement 7
11A 26. What a waiter might offer to start you off 12
12A 29. Make a boo-boo 3
13A 30. ___ contendere (court plea) 4
14A 31. Spud 5
15A 35. Biting 5
16A 37. ___ Kippur 3
17A 39. Actress Bow of the silent film era 5
18A 40. Light show tool 5
19A 41. TV personality Kotb 4
20A 43. Clan 3
21A 44. Bit of movie magic 12
22A 48. "Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment 7
23A 51. Take ___ of faith 5
24A 52. Place for a seafood dinner 4
25A 53. Classic Pontiacs 4
26A 55. Arcing tennis shots 4
27A 58. Condescending rhetorical question ... or what you might say about 16-, 26- and 44-Across? 15
28A 62. John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance" 6
29A 63. "Seems right," folksily 8
30A 64. Words a teenager might say with an eye roll 6
31A 65. Says OK 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Adorn with raised lettering"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that raise in a relief
  • Similar words include: boss, stamp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMBOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. "Drink" for vocal critics"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of austria; located on the danube in northeastern austria; was the home of beethoven and brahms and haydn and mozart and schubert and strauss
  • Similar words include: Austrian capital, capital of Austria
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIENNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Nontraditional time for voting someone into office"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
  • Similar words include: genus Otis, Elisha Graves Otis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Church cross"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that representation of the cross on which jesus died
  • Similar words include: rood-tree, crucifix
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Florence-based fashion house"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Takes back a public statement"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
  • Similar words include: abjure, resile, retract
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. What a waiter might offer to start you off"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Make a boo-boo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: mistake, drift, slip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. ___ contendere (court plea)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Spud"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: white potato, Irish potato, potato
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Biting"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sour or bitter in taste
  • Similar words include: sulfurous, acerbic, vitriolic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. ___ Kippur"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Actress Bow of the silent film era"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Light show tool"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
  • Similar words include: optical maser
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. TV personality Kotb"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Clan"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Bit of movie magic"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. "Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "51. Take ___ of faith"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Place for a seafood dinner"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
  • Similar words include: wharfage, dock, wharf
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Classic Pontiacs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Arcing tennis shots"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
  • Similar words include: lob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Condescending rhetorical question ... or what you might say about 16-, 26- and 44-Across?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. "Seems right," folksily"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Words a teenager might say with an eye roll"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Says OK"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agreement with a statement or proposal to do something
  • Similar words include: acquiesce, accede, acquiescence
  • Opposite of: dissent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909 4
2D 2. "Don't know why I thought any different!" 9
3D 3. Gets hyped 6
4D 4. Fury 3
5D 5. Farmyard bleat 3
6D 6. With deftness 8
7D 7. Clarinet, for one 4
8D 8. Made level 6
9D 9. Careful, this might be hot! 3
10D 10. Act of Judas 8
11D 11. Word with ring or roll 5
12D 12. Hoity-toity one 5
13D 13. Smooths, in a way 5
14D 14. "___ boy!" 3
15D 17. Old Italian money 4
16D 22. Musical notation that means "with vigor" 7
17D 23. Boardroom bigwig, in brief 3
18D 25. Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx 7
19D 26. Ocean prey for a 27-Down 4
20D 27. Ocean predator of a 26-Down 4
21D 28. Big to-do 5
22D 32. Be in charge, informally 9
23D 33. Protagonist of "That '70s Show" 4
24D 34. Speech full of invective 4
25D 36. Went back (to), as a prior state 8
26D 38. Epitome of slowness 8
27D 42. Director Guillermo ___ Toro 3
28D 45. Expressed frustration, maybe 6
29D 46. Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name 4
30D 47. Atlanta athlete 6
31D 48. RisquΓ© 5
32D 49. Walkway for newlyweds 5
33D 50. They're part of what makes you you 5
34D 54. "___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song) 4
35D 56. Low voice 4
36D 57. ___-mo 3
37D 59. Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms 3
38D 60. Lenovo products, informally 3
39D 61. Just get (by) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states sculptor (1860-1936)
  • Similar words include: Lorado Taft, William Howard Taft, President Taft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Don't know why I thought any different!""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gets hyped"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Fury"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: wrath, anger, ira
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Farmyard bleat"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. With deftness"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with adroitness; in an adroit manner
  • Opposite of: maladroitly
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADROITLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Clarinet, for one"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: beating-reed instrument, John Reed, Walter Reed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Made level"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make level or straight
  • Similar words include: flush, level, even
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Careful, this might be hot!"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Act of Judas"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an act of deliberate betrayal
  • Similar words include: treason, treachery, perfidy
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETRAYAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Word with ring or roll"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: Allium cepa, onion plant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Hoity-toity one"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: prig, honker, schnoz
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Smooths, in a way"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
  • Similar words include: George Sand, moxie, Baroness Dudevant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. "___ boy!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Old Italian money"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Musical notation that means "with vigor""

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Boardroom bigwig, in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Ocean prey for a 27-Down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealing wax, Navy SEAL, seal off
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Ocean predator of a 26-Down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Similar words include: killer whale, grampus, killer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Big to-do"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Be in charge, informally"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Protagonist of "That '70s Show""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Speech full of invective"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
  • Similar words include: rave, blah, jabber
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Went back (to), as a prior state"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go back to a previous state
  • Similar words include: return, revert, turn back
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REVERTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Epitome of slowness"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thick dark syrup produced by boiling down juice from sugar cane; especially during sugar refining
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOLASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Director Guillermo ___ Toro"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Expressed frustration, maybe"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
  • Similar words include: suspire, sigh
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Atlanta athlete"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FALCON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. RisquΓ©"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having an agreeably pungent taste
  • Similar words include: gamey, piquant, racy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPICY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Walkway for newlyweds"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
  • Similar words include: gangway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. They're part of what makes you you"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Low voice"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. ___-mo"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Lenovo products, informally"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
  • Similar words include: microcomputer, PC, personal computer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Just get (by)"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

31 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
70 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: May 20, 2026 at 07:00 AM