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Saturday, May 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 09, 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. Gold meddlers? 10
2A 11. One making calls on the fly? 4
3A 15. You or me, e.g. 10
4A 16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread) 4
5A 17. Exclamation of surprise from a host 10
6A 18. Place for a post 4
7A 19. Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career 5
8A 20. Perspective 4
9A 21. Husky hellos? 4
10A 22. Reached new heights 4
11A 24. Low-level clouds 6
12A 26. Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council 6
13A 30. Storage unit 4
14A 32. Portable retirement option 3
15A 33. Black-and-white debut of 1912 4
16A 34. Like something no money can buy 4
17A 36. Accomplished 5
18A 38. List of qualifications? 15
19A 41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation 5
20A 42. Pomegranate morsel 4
21A 43. Certain razorback 4
22A 44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names 3
23A 45. Still active after all these years 4
24A 47. Looks all over 6
25A 49. ___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread) 6
26A 51. Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it 4
27A 53. Things to let: Abbr. 4
28A 54. "I could be wrong, but ...," for short 4
29A 56. Tropical ring 5
30A 61. Hoot 4
31A 62. 2000 parody of a 62-Across 10
32A 64. "That's for sure" 4
33A 65. Postponed court date? 10
34A 66. No time like the present 4
35A 67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Gold meddlers?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who was versed in the practice of alchemy and who sought an elixir of life and a panacea and an alkahest and the philosopher's stone
  • Similar words include: alchemist
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALCHEMISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. One making calls on the fly?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
  • Similar words include: shuttle, chick, shuttlecock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIRD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. You or me, e.g."

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Exclamation of surprise from a host"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Place for a post"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies
  • Similar words include: web log
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Dr. J, for all of his N.B.A. career"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sestet, sextet, sextuplet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIXER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Perspective"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
  • Similar words include: require, take aim, subscribe to
  • Opposite of: disclaim, give
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Husky hellos?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Reached new heights"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
  • Similar words include: uprise, develop, grow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Low-level clouds"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large dark low cloud
  • Similar words include: stratus, stratus cloud
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Central Plains nation governed by the Nasharo Council"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the pawnee nation formerly living in nebraska and kansas but now largely in oklahoma
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAWNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Storage unit"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BYTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Portable retirement option"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: camp bed, crib, fingerstall
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Black-and-white debut of 1912"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Like something no money can buy"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are free
  • Similar words include: barren, unloosen, liberal
  • Opposite of: freeze, block
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Accomplished"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: wiz, skilful, wizard
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. List of qualifications?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Pomegranate morsel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Certain razorback"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Still active after all these years"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moving quickly and lightly
  • Similar words include: agile, nimble, quick
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Looks all over"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diarrhea in livestock
  • Similar words include: purge, scour, abrade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. ___ paratha (cheese-filled flatbread)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Great find in the candy aisle, by the sound of it"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Things to let: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. "I could be wrong, but ...," for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Tropical ring"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Hoot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. 2000 parody of a 62-Across"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. "That's for sure""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Postponed court date?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. No time like the present"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that time long past
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987 4
2D 2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped 4
3D 3. Central point 4
4D 4. "This is for you" 4
5D 5. Spring up 6
6D 6. One of the Three Stooges 3
7D 7. Extra hot 5
8D 8. Parlor treat typically served with the first five letters of its name 15
9D 9. Lecture 4
10D 10. Least straightforward, say 6
11D 11. Weighty subject of some children's books 5
12D 12. Statement that may be followed by a dash 10
13D 13. Where spirits are high? 10
14D 14. Vacationers' hires, perhaps 10
15D 23. Makes some calls 4
16D 25. Kings of Los Angeles, e.g. 4
17D 26. Event at which you hope to get good deals? 10
18D 27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening" 10
19D 28. Traveled to perform 10
20D 29. Central point 4
21D 31. Legendary Himalayan climber 4
22D 35. Sound made by many fans 4
23D 37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history) 4
24D 39. Bath seat? 4
25D 40. Setup for an extra point 4
26D 46. Color separators 6
27D 48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon 6
28D 50. Perfume with an accent on its fourth letter 5
29D 52. Won land 5
30D 55. What some bio majors do prep work for 4
31D 57. Garment that once indicated citizenship 4
32D 58. A zero is one 4
33D 59. Kilo follower 4
34D 60. Certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, in brief 4
35D 63. New ___ University of Knuckleheads (fictional institution where Leslie Nielsen lectured about the Three Stooges) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere in the milky way near centaurus
  • Similar words include: Crux Australis, crux of the matter, Southern Cross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRUX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "This is for you""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spring up"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come out into view, as from concealment
  • Similar words include: issue, egress, come forth
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMERGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. One of the Three Stooges"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Extra hot"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
  • Similar words include: ireful
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Parlor treat typically served with the first five letters of its name"

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exchange of ideas via conversation
  • Similar words include: spill, blab out, blab
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Least straightforward, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: tricksy, foxy, dodgy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLYEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Weighty subject of some children's books"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imaginary elephant that appears in a series of french books for children
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Statement that may be followed by a dash"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Where spirits are high?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Vacationers' hires, perhaps"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Makes some calls"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Similar words include: referee, ref
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Kings of Los Angeles, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
  • Similar words include: squad, team up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Event at which you hope to get good deals?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Traveled to perform"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a connecting point at which several lines come together
  • Similar words include: client, lymph gland, guest
  • Opposite of: antinode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Legendary Himalayan climber"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Similar words include: abominable snowman
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Sound made by many fans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged loud noise
  • Similar words include: roaring, holloa, boom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Bath seat?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: prat, posterior, arsehole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Setup for an extra point"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: as well, too, likewise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "46. Color separators"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a polyhedron with two congruent and parallel faces (the bases) and whose lateral faces are parallelograms
  • Similar words include: optical prism, prism
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRISMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a painful and involuntary muscular contraction
  • Similar words include: hamper, spasm, muscle spasm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "50. Perfume with an accent on its fourth letter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "52. Won land"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an asian peninsula (off manchuria) separating the yellow sea and the sea of japan; the korean name is dae-han-min-gook or han-gook
  • Similar words include: Dae-Han-Min-Gook, Korean Peninsula, Han-Gook
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "55. What some bio majors do prep work for"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "57. Garment that once indicated citizenship"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "58. A zero is one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Similar words include: prolate, egg-shaped, ovoid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "59. Kilo follower"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital and largest city and economic center of peru; located in western peru; was capital of the spanish empire in the new world until the 19th century
  • Similar words include: capital of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "60. Certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "63. New ___ University of Knuckleheads (fictional institution where Leslie Nielsen lectured about the Three Stooges)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

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 09, 2026 at 06:03 AM

Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword May 09, 2026 Answers

Trivia Week 2 May 09, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: March 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 21 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for May 09, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, May 09, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date May 09, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)
2 Across 24. Low-level clouds
3 Across 21. Husky hellos?
4 Across 42. Pomegranate morsel
5 Across 45. Still active after all these years
6 Across 22. Reached new heights
7 Across 18. Place for a post
8 Across 67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps
9 Across 44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names
10 Across 41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "16. ___ paratha (potato-filled flatbread)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O

Answer:

Click to reveal ALOO


2 Across: "24. Low-level clouds"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: S____I

Answer:

Click to reveal STRATI


3 Across: "21. Husky hellos?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S

Answer:

Click to reveal ARFS


4 Across: "42. Pomegranate morsel"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L

Answer:

Click to reveal ARIL


5 Across: "45. Still active after all these years"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal SPRY


6 Across: "22. Reached new heights"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: G__W

Answer:

Click to reveal GREW


7 Across: "18. Place for a post"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: B__G

Answer:

Click to reveal BLOG


8 Across: "67. Skirt with a bunch of leaves, perhaps"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S________D

Answer:

Click to reveal STEAKSALAD


9 Across: "44. Letter in Socrates' and Aristotle's names"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal RHO


10 Across: "41. Fragrant compound released during fermentation"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: E___R

Answer:

Click to reveal ESTER

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped
2 Down 11. Weighty subject of some children's books
3 Down 55. What some bio majors do prep work for
4 Down 4. "This is for you"
5 Down 59. Kilo follower
6 Down 1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987
7 Down 48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon
8 Down 27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening"
9 Down 40. Setup for an extra point
10 Down 37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history)

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "2. Name of a pope and a Roman emperor whose terms of leadership overlapped"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: L__I

Answer:

Click to reveal LEOI


2 Down: "11. Weighty subject of some children's books"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B___R

Answer:

Click to reveal BABAR


3 Down: "55. What some bio majors do prep work for"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T

Answer:

Click to reveal MCAT


4 Down: "4. "This is for you""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H__E

Answer:

Click to reveal HERE


5 Down: "59. Kilo follower"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: L__A

Answer:

Click to reveal LIMA


6 Down: "1. ___ Kitchen, brand of organic foods since 1987"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S

Answer:

Click to reveal AMYS


7 Down: "48. What may slow the pace of some legs in a marathon"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C____S

Answer:

Click to reveal CRAMPS


8 Down: "27. Radio journalist with the 2023 memoir "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories From a Life Spent Listening""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A________O

Answer:

Click to reveal ARISHAPIRO


9 Down: "40. Setup for an extra point"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O

Answer:

Click to reveal ALSO


10 Down: "37. Clemson's ___ Swinney (winningest head football coach in A.C.C. history)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D__O

Answer:

Click to reveal DABO

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

The Trivia Week 2 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 2?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 2 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

No! The Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

Good Trivia Week 2 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

Trivia Week 2 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: May 09, 2026 at 06:03 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, May 09 2026 mini crossword

Thursday, April 23, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 23, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. "Truth be told ..." 6
2A 7. "___ so!" (German "I see!") 3
3A 10. Hoax 4
4A 14. Big name in skin care 6
5A 15. Leader whose face is shown on renminbi notes 3
6A 16. Ashen 4
7A 17. Spot for a catnap? 10
8A 19. Innings : baseball :: ___ : curling 4
9A 20. Lead-in to Geo 3
10A 21. Symbol of mass density 3
11A 22. They're noisy little buggers 7
12A 24. Kinkajou cousin 5
13A 26. Expected outcome 4
14A 27. Circa 5
15A 29. Experience deep affirmation, in modern lingo 8
16A 33. On guard 5
17A 34. Center 5
18A 35. Opus ___ 3
19A 36. Follower of open or closed, sartorially 4
20A 37. Spaghetti-strapped tops, informally 5
21A 38. Pass (out) 4
22A 39. Reaction to a sock 3
23A 40. Tasty item that, paradoxically, can have "ugh" in the middle 5
24A 41. Queen's collaborator on the 1981 hit "Under Pressure" 5
25A 42. What the "Music City Miracle" and the "Immaculate Reception" took place in 8
26A 44. Alternative to bow ties 5
27A 45. It might follow "ye" 4
28A 46. "___ days are gone" 5
29A 48. Test release? 7
30A 51. Qt. or pt. 3
31A 52. G.I. entertainers 3
32A 55. Trawling, say 4
33A 56. When many rainbows appear 10
34A 59. Like some chances 4
35A 60. Steering aid 3
36A 61. Sign on a restroom door 6
37A 62. Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu, in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" 4
38A 63. Science guy Bill 3
39A 64. Ring combo 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "Truth be told ...""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. "___ so!" (German "I see!")"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Hoax"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
  • Similar words include: impostor, simulate, false
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Big name in skin care"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Leader whose face is shown on renminbi notes"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Similar words include: monoamine oxidase, Mao Tsetung, Mao Zedong
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ashen"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden strip forming part of a fence
  • Similar words include: picket, blench, blanch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Spot for a catnap?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sill of a window; the horizontal member at the bottom of the window frame
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WINDOWSILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Innings : baseball :: ___ : curling"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Lead-in to Geo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Symbol of mass density"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. They're noisy little buggers"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stout-bodied insect with large membranous wings; male has drum-like organs for producing a high-pitched drone
  • Similar words include: cicala, cicada
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CICADAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Kinkajou cousin"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: coati-mondi, coati-mundi, coon cat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Expected outcome"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Circa"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on the move
  • Similar words include: around, almost, nigh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Experience deep affirmation, in modern lingo"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. On guard"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
  • Similar words include: alarm, rattling, snappy
  • Opposite of: unalert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Center"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the location of something surrounded by other things
  • Similar words include: thick
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIDST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Opus ___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Follower of open or closed, sartorially"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction
  • Similar words include: toenail, toe
  • Opposite of: toeless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Spaghetti-strapped tops, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Pass (out)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal term for the nose
  • Similar words include: faint, go, give-up the ghost
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Reaction to a sock"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. Tasty item that, paradoxically, can have "ugh" in the middle"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small ring-shaped friedcake
  • Similar words include: doughnut, sinker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Queen's collaborator on the 1981 hit "Under Pressure""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states pioneer and hero of the texas revolt against mexico; he shared command of the garrison that resisted the mexican attack on the alamo where he died (1796-1836)
  • Similar words include: James Bowie, Jim Bowie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOWIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. What the "Music City Miracle" and the "Immaculate Reception" took place in"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Alternative to bow ties"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pasta in short tubes with diagonally cut ends
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. It might follow "ye""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. "___ days are gone""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. Test release?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Qt. or pt."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. G.I. entertainers"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "55. Trawling, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. When many rainbows appear"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Like some chances"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take off weight
  • Similar words include: reduce, lose weight, svelte
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. Steering aid"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Sign on a restroom door"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a polite name for any woman
  • Similar words include: Lady, gentlewoman, madam
  • Opposite of: nobleman, Lord
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu, in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that range of what one can know or understand
  • Similar words include: ken, sight, cognizance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "63. Science guy Bill"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "64. Ring combo"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Babe in the woods 4
2D 2. Adidas competitor 4
3D 3. *Material for a sidewalk 6
4D 4. Media exec Sarandos 3
5D 5. "You game?" 7
6D 6. *To a degree 8
7D 7. "Why ___ even here?" 3
8D 8. It might come after trig 4
9D 9. *Lack of pulchritude 10
10D 10. Pickle portions 6
11D 11. Something that's kept in the family ... or a hint to making sense of three pairs of answers in this puzzle 10
12D 12. Alan of "M*A*S*H" 4
13D 13. State of a playroom, often 4
14D 18. Lush 3
15D 23. Young stud 4
16D 24. Bungee jumping necessity 4
17D 25. "Assuming there's no other option for me ..." 7
18D 27. Withdrawn 5
19D 28. *Choice cut 8
20D 30. Go over for publication 4
21D 31. Start of a counting rhyme 5
22D 32. Company that famously used the Beatles' "Revolution" in a 1987 TV commercial 4
23D 33. Lots and lots 4
24D 34. Thick locks 4
25D 37. *Supermarket shopper's clipping 6
26D 38. Alternative to a cup 4
27D 40. Owie kissers, perhaps 4
28D 41. Member of a wedding party 7
29D 43. Twinkles 6
30D 44. *Sport that uses mallets 4
31D 47. "You ___ me worried!" 3
32D 48. Something to be done 4
33D 49. Louisiana's Grand ___ State Park 4
34D 50. Speak while looking up, perhaps 4
35D 52. Foot or stone 4
36D 53. Goulash, e.g. 4
37D 54. Really, really 4
38D 57. Wrath 3
39D 58. Weird Al's "___ to a Superhero" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Babe in the woods"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a color or pigment varying around a light grey-brown color
  • Similar words include: creep, cower, crawl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Adidas competitor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. *Material for a sidewalk"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement
  • Similar words include: cementum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CEMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Media exec Sarandos"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing edwardian style clothes
  • Similar words include: Teddy boy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "You game?""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. *To a degree"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a small degree or extent
  • Similar words include: fairly, jolly, pretty
  • Opposite of: unreasonably, immoderately
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOMEWHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Why ___ even here?""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. It might come after trig"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. *Lack of pulchritude"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a drab or dowdy quality; lacking stylishness or elegance
  • Similar words include: drabness, plainness, dowdiness
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMELINESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Pickle portions"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
  • Similar words include: fizgig, gig, spear
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Something that's kept in the family ... or a hint to making sense of three pairs of answers in this puzzle"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Alan of "M*A*S*H""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. State of a playroom, often"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of confusion and disorderliness
  • Similar words include: pile, deal, batch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Lush"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic drinker
  • Similar words include: inebriate, drunkard, wino
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Young stud"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young male horse under the age of four
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLT

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16D: "24. Bungee jumping necessity"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line made of twisted fibers or threads
  • Similar words include: electric cord, corduroy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORD

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17D: "25. "Assuming there's no other option for me ...""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "27. Withdrawn"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remote in manner
  • Similar words include: distant, upstage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOOF

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19D: "28. *Choice cut"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "30. Go over for publication"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, edit out, cut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

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21D: "31. Start of a counting rhyme"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "32. Company that famously used the Beatles' "Revolution" in a 1987 TV commercial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) winged goddess of victory; identified with roman victoria
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIKE

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23D: "33. Lots and lots"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sun (or solar disc) which was the deity of a monotheistic cult under the pharaoh akhenaten
  • Similar words include: Aten
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATON

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24D: "34. Thick locks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long coarse hair growing from the crest of the animal's neck
  • Similar words include: head of hair
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANE

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25D: "37. *Supermarket shopper's clipping"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed
  • Similar words include: voucher
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUPON

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26D: "38. Alternative to a cup"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any cone-shaped artifact
  • Similar words include: conoid, cone shape, strobile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONE

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27D: "40. Owie kissers, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: dada, pa, papa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DADS

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28D: "41. Member of a wedding party"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "43. Twinkles"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an appearance of reflected light
  • Similar words include: glitter, gleaming, shine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLEAMS

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30D: "44. *Sport that uses mallets"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Marco Polo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLO

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31D: "47. "You ___ me worried!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: take, make, give birth
  • Opposite of: abstain, lack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

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32D: "48. Something to be done"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
  • Similar words include: job, project, tax
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASK

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33D: "49. Louisiana's Grand ___ State Park"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

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34D: "50. Speak while looking up, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
  • Similar words include: implore, beg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAY

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35D: "52. Foot or stone"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
  • Similar words include: social unit, unit of measurement, whole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIT

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36D: "53. Goulash, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "54. Really, really"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "57. Wrath"

3 letters 💭 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: anger, ira, choler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

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39D: "58. Weird Al's "___ to a Superhero""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 23, 2026 at 05:42 AM