Search Clues

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

Monday, April 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 13, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Undergoes a chemical change 6
2A 7. Yosemite or Yellowstone 4
3A 11. Hairstyling stuff 3
4A 14. Send out of the country, as goods 6
5A 15. One of many in an autumn pile 4
6A 16. Alter ___ (secondary identity) 3
7A 17. Rap songs and such 11
8A 19. Certain endurance race, in brief 3
9A 20. Bowling venue 5
10A 21. Singer Tori 4
11A 22. "You got that right!" 4
12A 23. Brewski 4
13A 24. Places to stick wallets 10
14A 26. "___ of the d'Urbervilles" 4
15A 28. "There's ___ in 'team,' but there is one in 'win'" 3
16A 29. Longtime TV brand 3
17A 31. Paula of "American Idol" 5
18A 35. Something named on a license plate 5
19A 39. Risky time for beach property owners 15
20A 42. Chose 5
21A 43. Highway stopover 5
22A 44. Married 3
23A 45. Keg attachment 3
24A 47. French fashion magazine 4
25A 49. Singer with the 1961 #1 hit "Hit the Road Jack" 10
26A 55. "The Thin Man" terrier 4
27A 58. Salt Lake City's home 4
28A 59. "___, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7) 4
29A 60. Tehre are two in tihs clue 5
30A 61. ___ B, a.k.a. Scary Spice 3
31A 62. "Woo-hoo!" ... as suggested by the starts of 17-, 24-, 39- and 49-Across 11
32A 64. Slight amount 3
33A 65. The slightest amount 4
34A 66. Make fizzy, as a drink 6
35A 67. Actress de Armas 3
36A 68. Freight car weights 4
37A 69. Picnic food holder 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Undergoes a chemical change"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that show a response or a reaction to something
  • Similar words include: respond, react, oppose
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Yosemite or Yellowstone"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
  • Similar words include: green, Mungo Park, ballpark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Hairstyling stuff"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Similar words include: colloidal gel, gelatin, mousse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Send out of the country, as goods"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commodities (goods or services) sold to a foreign country
  • Similar words include: exportation
  • Opposite of: import
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. One of many in an autumn pile"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
  • Similar words include: foliage, riffle, riff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Alter ___ (secondary identity)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self, egotism, self-importance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Rap songs and such"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Certain endurance race, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Bowling venue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
  • Similar words include: back street, skittle alley, bowling alley
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Singer Tori"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "You got that right!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Similar words include: Amun, Amon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Brewski"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Places to stick wallets"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. "___ of the d'Urbervilles""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. "There's ___ in 'team,' but there is one in 'win'""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Longtime TV brand"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Paula of "American Idol""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Something named on a license plate"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
  • Similar words include: nation, res publica, State Department
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Risky time for beach property owners"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Chose"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, opt, prefer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Highway stopover"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor hotel
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Married"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: marry, tie, get hitched with
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Keg attachment"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: dab, water tap, pat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. French fashion magazine"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Singer with the 1961 #1 hit "Hit the Road Jack""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. "The Thin Man" terrier"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Salt Lake City's home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
  • Similar words include: Mormon State, Beehive State, UT
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. "___, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
  • Similar words include: look for, attempt, search
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Tehre are two in tihs clue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
  • Similar words include: literal, typo, erratum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. ___ B, a.k.a. Scary Spice"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. "Woo-hoo!" ... as suggested by the starts of 17-, 24-, 39- and 49-Across"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Slight amount"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: chip, act, routine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. The slightest amount"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Make fizzy, as a drink"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expose to fresh air
  • Similar words include: air, oxygenize, oxygenate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Actress de Armas"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Freight car weights"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number or amount
  • Similar words include: gobs, scores, stacks
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Picnic food holder"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container that is usually woven and has handles
  • Similar words include: field goal, hoop, handbasket
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASKET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Physical therapy and such, informally 5
2D 2. Send out of the country, as a disgraced leader 5
3D 3. Fruit pastry that pairs well with vanilla ice cream 9
4D 4. Stick together 6
5D 5. Land of Priam and Hector 4
6D 6. Motor oil brand 3
7D 7. Pleasingly round 5
8D 8. Author of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" 5
9D 9. ___ d'etre (justification for being) 6
10D 10. Colonel Sanders's chain 3
11D 11. "See what I mean?" 5
12D 12. Wading bird 5
13D 13. Gird one's ___ 5
14D 18. ___ tai (cocktail) 3
15D 22. Japanese dog 5
16D 24. Big banking inits. in the U.K. 4
17D 25. Sportscaster Howard who cried "Down goes Frazier!" 6
18D 27. Responded to a doctor's request 6
19D 29. Greek P 3
20D 30. Baking quantity 3
21D 32. Fish ladder locale 3
22D 33. Chicago-style pizza chain 3
23D 34. "Live and ___ live" 3
24D 36. Right now 9
25D 37. Nursery rhyme's "little piggy" 3
26D 38. Finish line 3
27D 40. [Gag!] 5
28D 41. Observes 4
29D 46. Afghan language 6
30D 48. Features of lasagna or an onion 6
31D 49. Dance from Cuba 5
32D 50. Stayed home for dinner 5
33D 51. Site where Allies met in 1945 5
34D 52. Showed again, as on TV 5
35D 53. City NE of Manchester 5
36D 54. Barely manage, with "out" 3
37D 56. Rich cake whose name comes from German 5
38D 57. Strong suit 5
39D 60. Ellington's "Take ___ Train" 4
40D 62. Tit for ___ 3
41D 63. Taxi 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Physical therapy and such, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Send out of the country, as a disgraced leader"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
  • Similar words include: deportation, expatriate, expatriation
  • Opposite of: repatriate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Fruit pastry that pairs well with vanilla ice cream"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Stick together"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
  • Similar words include: stick, adhere, cling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Land of Priam and Hector"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
  • Similar words include: Ilium, Ilion, troy weight
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Motor oil brand"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Pleasingly round"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of a sudden heavy fall
  • Similar words include: plummet, plop, fatten out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Author of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AESOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ___ d'etre (justification for being)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Colonel Sanders's chain"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "See what I mean?""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Wading bird"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various usually white herons having long plumes during breeding season
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Gird one's ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lower part of the abdomen just above the external genital organs
  • Similar words include: lumbus, pubic region, loin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. ___ tai (cocktail)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Japanese dog"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Big banking inits. in the U.K."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Sportscaster Howard who cried "Down goes Frazier!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Responded to a doctor's request"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Greek P"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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!

20D: "30. Baking quantity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
  • Similar words include: loving cup, cupful, transfuse
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Fish ladder locale"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
  • Similar words include: dekameter, decametre, dam up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Chicago-style pizza chain"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. "Live and ___ live""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, allow
  • Opposite of: forbid, prevent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Right now"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Nursery rhyme's "little piggy""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Similar words include: toenail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Finish line"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. [Gag!]"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting
  • Similar words include: sick, disgorge, cast
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Observes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: pick up, attend, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Afghan language"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iranian language spoken in afghanistan and pakistan; the official language of afghanistan
  • Similar words include: Paxto, Afghan, Pashtu
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASHTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Features of lasagna or an onion"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
  • Similar words include: level, bed, layer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAYERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Dance from Cuba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba
  • Similar words include: rhumba
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUMBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Stayed home for dinner"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Site where Allies met in 1945"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a resort city in crimea in the southern ukraine on the black sea; site of the allied conference between roosevelt, stalin, and churchill in february 1945
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YALTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Showed again, as on TV"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broadcast again, as of a film
  • Similar words include: rerun, rebroadcast
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RERAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. City NE of Manchester"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city on the river aire in west yorkshire in northern england; a center of the clothing industry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Barely manage, with "out""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Rich cake whose name comes from German"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rich cake usually covered with cream and fruit or nuts; originated in austria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Strong suit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Ellington's "Take ___ Train""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the titaness who was mother of helios and selene and eos in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Theia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Tit for ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Taxi"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Similar words include: taxi, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAB

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
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: April 13, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 17, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Forerunner of reggae 3
2A 4. Because 5
3A 9. Fluster with embarrassment 5
4A 14. Buddy 3
5A 15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo" 5
6A 16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo" 5
7A 17. White rodent often used in lab research 9
8A 19. Hunter in the night sky 5
9A 20. "Cool!" 5
10A 21. Hit maker? 4
11A 23. Big name in pet food 4
12A 24. Complete fiasco 5
13A 26. "I suppose that's right" 7
14A 28. Some fancy finger painting 7
15A 30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey 4
16A 31. Classic skin-care brand 4
17A 32. Film performers' union, for short 3
18A 34. Spanish appetizers 5
19A 38. Prospector's receptacle 3
20A 39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them? 7
21A 42. German cry of dismay 3
22A 43. Old Ford Motor offering 5
23A 45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party 3
24A 46. No more than 4
25A 47. Sources of quick $$$ 4
26A 50. Break up, as a group 7
27A 52. Someone's public identity 7
28A 55. Workout inspired by martial arts 5
29A 56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan) 4
30A 57. Daddy-o 4
31A 59. "___ Jacques" (children's song) 5
32A 61. "The Addams Family" butler 5
33A 63. Spoken evaluations 9
34A 65. Island greeting 5
35A 66. Starts daydreaming, with "out" 5
36A 67. Sound heard at the door 3
37A 68. Amped up 5
38A 69. Call off the relationship 5
39A 70. Furtive 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Forerunner of reggae"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Fluster with embarrassment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious
  • Similar words include: embarrass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Buddy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: pal up, brother, crony
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. White rodent often used in lab research"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Hunter in the night sky"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a giant boeotian hunter who pursued the pleiades and was eventually slain by artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation
  • Similar words include: Hunter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Cool!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Hit maker?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
  • Similar words include: clenched fist
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Big name in pet food"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Complete fiasco"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acronym often used by soldiers in world war ii: situation normal all fucked up
  • Similar words include: fucked-up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAFU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. "I suppose that's right""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Some fancy finger painting"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Classic skin-care brand"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Film performers' union, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shape that sags
  • Similar words include: flag, sag down, swag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Spanish appetizers"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Prospector's receptacle"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
  • Similar words include: cooking pan, goat god, pan out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them?"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the historic period from about 1600 until 1750 when the baroque style of art, architecture, and music flourished in europe
  • Similar words include: churrigueresco, churrigueresque, Baroque era
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAROQUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. German cry of dismay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Old Ford Motor offering"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: hideout, hideaway, lair
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. No more than"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Sources of quick $$$"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Similar words include: ATM, automated teller, cash machine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Break up, as a group"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to break up or cease to function
  • Similar words include: dissolve
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISBAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Someone's public identity"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's portrayal of someone in a play
  • Similar words include: part, image, character
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERSONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Workout inspired by martial arts"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Daddy-o"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "___ Jacques" (children's song)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. "The Addams Family" butler"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unsteady uneven gait
  • Similar words include: careen, pitching, shift
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Spoken evaluations"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Island greeting"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Starts daydreaming, with "out""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
  • Similar words include: district, zone, geographical zone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Sound heard at the door"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: tap, strike, rap music
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Amped up"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with electrical circuits
  • Similar words include: pumped up, cable, electrify
  • Opposite of: wireless, unwire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Call off the relationship"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Furtive"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: knavish, foxy, cunning
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Distance from end to end 4
2D 2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K 9
3D 3. Residents of Tirana 9
4D 4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ..." 6
5D 5. Wall Street debut, for short 3
6D 6. Toy brand with foam ammo 4
7D 7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies 5
8D 8. Devours 6
9D 9. Fuss and flurry 3
10D 10. Many a Starbucks employee 7
11D 11. Highlights of a 15-Across 5
12D 12. Smartphone video effect 5
13D 13. Film composer Zimmer 4
14D 18. Boot out of Europe? 5
15D 22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart 3
16D 25. ___ Major 4
17D 27. Fill fully 4
18D 28. "Uh-uh" 4
19D 29. Material for a roof repair 3
20D 33. Mars, but not Earth 3
21D 35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally 9
22D 36. "Don't be so weird!" 9
23D 37. Equipped with footwear 4
24D 39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread 4
25D 40. Proof-ending inits. 3
26D 41. Troop group 4
27D 44. Aural ailment 7
28D 46. Standard option on a rideshare app 5
29D 48. Shaggy head of hair 3
30D 49. Get some Z's 6
31D 51. Least risky 6
32D 52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle" 5
33D 53. Blunder 5
34D 54. Front part of a stage 5
35D 56. Barbecue side dish 4
36D 58. Material in a classical timepiece 4
37D 60. Sneak a peek at 4
38D 62. Suckered 3
39D 64. Ring of flowers 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Distance from end to end"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the complete duration of something
  • Similar words include: distich, duet, yoke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Residents of Tirana"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of albania
  • Similar words include: Albanian
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALBANIANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ...""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Wall Street debut, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Similar words include: initial public offering, initial offering
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Toy brand with foam ammo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Devours"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Fuss and flurry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Many a Starbucks employee"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Highlights of a 15-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Similar words include: aria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Smartphone video effect"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Film composer Zimmer"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
  • Similar words include: Han dynasty, Han
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Boot out of Europe?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
  • Similar words include: Italia, Italian Republic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, golf tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. ___ Major"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Fill fully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill to satisfaction
  • Similar words include: replete, satiate, fill
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. "Uh-uh""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Material for a roof repair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: mariner, Jack-tar, pitch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Mars, but not Earth"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. "Don't be so weird!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Equipped with footwear"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that furnish with shoes
  • Similar words include: shodden, calced, shoe
  • Opposite of: discalced, unshod
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Proof-ending inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relativistic quantum theory of the electromagnetic interactions of photons and electrons and muons
  • Similar words include: quantum electrodynamics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Troop group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Aural ailment"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
  • Similar words include: otalgia
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Standard option on a rideshare app"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Shaggy head of hair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: swab, swob, mow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Get some Z's"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
  • Similar words include: forty winks, doze, short sleep
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Least risky"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that free from danger or the risk of harm
  • Similar words include: good, dependable, safe
  • Opposite of: dangerous, out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states physicist (born in austria) who proposed the exclusion principle (thus providing a theoretical basis for the periodic table) (1900-1958)
  • Similar words include: Wolfgang Pauli
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAULI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Blunder"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, wrongdoing, erroneous belief
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Front part of a stage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
  • Similar words include: proscenium, forestage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Barbecue side dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that basically shredded cabbage
  • Similar words include: coleslaw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Material in a classical timepiece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
  • Similar words include: moxie, sandpaper, grit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Sneak a peek at"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that catch sight of
  • Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Suckered"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Ring of flowers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: chaplet, coronal, leu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: February 17, 2026 at 05:08 AM