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Thursday, October 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 01, 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. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip" 4
2A 5. "Thank You for the Music" group 4
3A 9. Some instructors, for short 5
4A 14. Gator's relative 4
5A 15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly 4
6A 16. Features of gathering clouds? 5
7A 17. Patriotic recitation since 1892 18
8A 20. Concoct, with "up" 4
9A 21. It may include toms and a snare 7
10A 22. Abbr. on a scale 3
11A 25. First lady 3
12A 26. Tagging symbols 3
13A 27. Expresses support without meaning it 14
14A 31. Bit of ink 3
15A 34. Quite the stir 6
16A 35. Bygone "before" 3
17A 36. Means of self-defense 4
18A 37. Joan of Arc, for one 5
19A 38. It's just a state of mind, to some 3
20A 39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa" 5
21A 40. Some midflight announcements, in brief 4
22A 41. Molecule in protein synthesis 3
23A 42. Disposes of securely, in a way 6
24A 43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities 3
25A 44. Obsolescent credit card feature 14
26A 46. Term of affection in the U.K. 3
27A 47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ..." 3
28A 48. Is long ago? 3
29A 49. Chickpeas, e.g. 7
30A 53. "Uh-huh, sure it is" 4
31A 55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle 15
32A 60. Lost 5
33A 61. Identify 4
34A 62. Goddess of the earth 4
35A 63. All together, in music 5
36A 64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing 4
37A 65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: catamount, painter, mountain lion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. "Thank You for the Music" group"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some instructors, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
  • Similar words include: professor, prof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Gator's relative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Features of gathering clouds?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Patriotic recitation since 1892"

18 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Concoct, with "up""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who cooks food
  • Similar words include: manipulate, Captain Cook, prepare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. It may include toms and a snare"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Abbr. on a scale"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. First lady"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, astatine, at
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Expresses support without meaning it"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAYSLIPSERVICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bit of ink"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Quite the stir"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • Similar words include: garboil, katzenjammer, tumultuousness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Bygone "before""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Means of self-defense"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: macer, macebearer, Chemical Mace
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Joan of Arc, for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
  • Similar words include: nonesuch, apotheosis, paragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. It's just a state of mind, to some"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: old age, geezerhood, mature
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Some midflight announcements, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Molecule in protein synthesis"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Disposes of securely, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: tear up, whit, iota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Obsolescent credit card feature"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGNETICSTRIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Term of affection in the U.K."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: atomic number 11, sodium, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Is long ago?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chickpeas, e.g."

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family leguminosae
  • Similar words include: legume, leguminous plant
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGUMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. "Uh-huh, sure it is""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Lost"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Identify"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: describe, identify, make
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Goddess of the earth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Ge, Gaea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. All together, in music"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of atlantic coast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
  • Similar words include: United States Army, regular army, US Army
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Doc seen for an annual checkup 3
2D 2. Address letters 3
3D 3. A Stooge 3
4D 4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt 4
5D 5. Came by for dinner 7
6D 6. Word with power or pawn 6
7D 7. Happen to 6
8D 8. Cut 4
9D 9. Great Basin tribe 6
10D 10. Chews (out) 5
11D 11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald 4
12D 12. Central points 4
13D 13. Woodpecker food 4
14D 18. Attacks 6
15D 19. Words that might come before a meal 5
16D 22. Major works of art 6
17D 23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano 6
18D 24. Resident of Aleppo 6
19D 28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g. 7
20D 29. Free of animal products 5
21D 30. Wrath 3
22D 31. Writer Gay 6
23D 32. Hallucinatory experiences 9
24D 33. It comes with cups and saucers 6
25D 36. Chicago exchange, in brief 4
26D 38. Director Lee 3
27D 39. Sculptor's tool 6
28D 41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920 5
29D 42. Skewered 7
30D 44. Gateway of India locale 6
31D 45. Tough nut to crack 6
32D 46. "Network" director Sidney 5
33D 49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty. 4
34D 50. Words of reproach following a betrayal 4
35D 51. Big blow 4
36D 52. Things confessed 4
37D 54. Ancient wrap 4
38D 56. "I don't wanna" 3
39D 57. It might be on a lot 3
40D 58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series) 3
41D 59. Perchance 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Doc seen for an annual checkup"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: phencyclidine hydrochloride, primary care provider, angel dust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Address letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. A Stooge"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Came by for dinner"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Word with power or pawn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
  • Similar words include: stone-broke, skint, bust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BROKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Happen to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become of; happen to
  • Similar words include: happen, bechance, betide
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chop or split with an ax
  • Similar words include: axe, ax
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Great Basin tribe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of either of two shoshonean peoples (northern paiute and southern paiute) related to the aztecs and living in the southwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Piute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chews (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large quantity of written matter
  • Similar words include: ream
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
  • Similar words include: squeal, grunt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Central points"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of attention or energy on something
  • Similar words include: direction, stress, centering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Woodpecker food"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words that might come before a meal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christian theology) a state of sanctification by god; the state of one who is under such divine influence
  • Similar words include: saving grace, adorn, embellish
  • Opposite of: unseemliness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Major works of art"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical work that has been created
  • Similar words include: piece, opus, piece of music
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919)
  • Similar words include: Emiliano Zapata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZAPATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Resident of Aleppo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of syria
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYRIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Free of animal products"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Wrath"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Writer Gay"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Hallucinatory experiences"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. It comes with cups and saucers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Chicago exchange, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Director Lee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a civilian reserve component of the united states air force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies
  • Similar words include: Air National Guard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sculptor's tool"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  • Similar words include: cheat, rip off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHISEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french composer and exponent of impressionism (1875-1937)
  • Similar words include: ladder, ravel out, Maurice Ravel
  • Opposite of: unknot, unravel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Skewered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use a knife on
  • Similar words include: stab, poke, jab
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STABBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Gateway of India locale"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western india just off the coast of the arabian sea; india's 2nd largest city (after calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western india
  • Similar words include: Bombay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUMBAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Tough nut to crack"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  • Similar words include: riddle, closed book, conundrum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. "Network" director Sidney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Words of reproach following a betrayal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Big blow"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong current of air
  • Similar words include: blow, blast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Things confessed"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: Sin, sinning, blunder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Ancient wrap"

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!

38D: "56. "I don't wanna""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. It might be on a lot"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: elevator car, auto, gondola
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Perchance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: allege, order, enjoin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAY

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

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Last updated: October 01, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Sunday, September 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 20, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Special-ordered 6
2A 7. Sections of a circle's circumference 4
3A 11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue 7
4A 18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl" 7
5A 20. Coaster feature, maybe 4
6A 21. Assembles in proper order 8
7A 22. Mar, as a reputation 7
8A 23. See 25-Across 4
9A 24. Maligns 8
10A 25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round 8
11A 27. Mouths (off) 6
12A 29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A. 5
13A 30. Burnable bog stuff 4
14A 31. Burnt chimney stuff 4
15A 33. High-speed Olympic sport 4
16A 34. See 37-Across 3
17A 35. One who might have perfect pitch? 5
18A 37. With 34-Across, full extent of something 15
19A 43. "Holy moly!" 3
20A 45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo 3
21A 46. Red-coated cheese 4
22A 47. "___ funny!" 3
23A 48. Bigwig 7
24A 52. Own (up) 4
25A 55. It's off the wall! 8
26A 57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties 3
27A 58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball 5
28A 60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr. 3
29A 62. See 64-Across 5
30A 63. Chew the fat 3
31A 64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me" 10
32A 67. Noted exile isle 4
33A 69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short 3
34A 71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance 5
35A 72. Native Nebraskans 5
36A 75. See 78-Across 3
37A 76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z" 4
38A 78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!" 10
39A 81. Hold up 3
40A 83. Narnia or Neverland 5
41A 86. Give it a whirl 3
42A 87. Violinmaker of Cremona 5
43A 88. Letters from your folks? 3
44A 89. "So cool!" 8
45A 92. Follower of John in the New Testament 4
46A 94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking 7
47A 96. Greatest guy? 3
48A 97. See 101-Across 4
49A 98. Vent 3
50A 100. Part of SCOTUS 3
51A 101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine 15
52A 107. No-cash deal 5
53A 111. Lay off 3
54A 112. Culprit, in police lingo 4
55A 113. Modern pentathlon equipment 4
56A 115. Metaphor for a too-hot room 4
57A 116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes 5
58A 118. Ill will 6
59A 120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle? 8
60A 122. Weigh down, and then some 8
61A 124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically 4
62A 126. Armand of "American Gangster" 7
63A 127. Many mailbox stuffers 8
64A 128. Zest 4
65A 129. Iced tea request 7
66A 130. Clumsy 7
67A 131. Move fast, as a cloud 4
68A 132. Road trip stopovers 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Special-ordered"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accepted or habitual practice
  • Similar words include: tradition, usage, customs duty
  • Opposite of: ready-made
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUSTOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Sections of a circle's circumference"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Similar words include: spark, arch, discharge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Coaster feature, maybe"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: curl, grummet, intertwine
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Assembles in proper order"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compare critically; of texts
  • Similar words include: collate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLLATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "22. Mar, as a reputation"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
  • Similar words include: stain, defile, maculate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARNISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "23. See 25-Across"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
  • Similar words include: Little Joe, quaternion, quadruplet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Maligns"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
  • Similar words include: defame, besmirch, slander
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPERSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Mouths (off)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain
  • Similar words include: mouth off, spurt, rabbit on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agreement for free trade between the united states and canada and mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
  • Similar words include: North American Free Trade Agreement
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAFTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Burnable bog stuff"

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!

14A: "31. Burnt chimney stuff"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
  • Similar words include: smut, carbon black, crock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. High-speed Olympic sport"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a racing sled for one or two people
  • Similar words include: toboggan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. See 37-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ii, II, deuce
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. One who might have perfect pitch?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose business is advertising
  • Similar words include: advertiser, advertizer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. With 34-Across, full extent of something"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. "Holy moly!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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: divinity, deity, immortal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
  • Similar words include: sight, sleuth, stag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Red-coated cheese"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "___ funny!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Similar words include: as well, excessively, to a fault
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Bigwig"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: genius, superstar, champion
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTSHOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Own (up)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield
  • Similar words include: fesse, Fes, Fez
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. It's off the wall!"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a glancing rebound
  • Similar words include: rebound, recoil, carom
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICOCHET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surgical resection of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway; intended to cure extreme cases of snoring (with or without sleep apnea)
  • Similar words include: palatopharyngoplasty, UPPP, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PPP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. See 64-Across"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: 3, triad, trinity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Chew the fat"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yakety-yak, Bos grunniens, cackle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Noted exile isle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in missouri in the valleys of the missouri and osage rivers; oil was found on osage lands early in the 20th century
  • Similar words include: Osage River
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Native Nebraskans"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Otoe, Oto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. See 78-Across"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: half a dozen, half-dozen, sextet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of children's books (1856-1919)
  • Similar words include: Lyman Frank Brown, Frank Baum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!""

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "81. Hold up"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Similar words include: surcharge, plume, pluck
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "83. Narnia or Neverland"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domain in which something is dominant
  • Similar words include: region, land, kingdom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "86. Give it a whirl"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  • Similar words include: sample, render, stress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "87. Violinmaker of Cremona"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian violin maker in cremona; taught the craft to guarneri and stradivari (1596-1684)
  • Similar words include: Nicola Amati, Nicolo Amati
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "88. Letters from your folks?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "89. "So cool!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "92. Follower of John in the New Testament"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: bit, do, pretend
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "96. Greatest guy?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Marcellus Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. See 101-Across"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cipher, zero point, goose egg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "98. Vent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: beam, publicise, broadcast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "100. Part of SCOTUS"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "107. No-cash deal"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
  • Similar words include: swap, trade wind, merchandise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "111. Lay off"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: displace, buns, fanny
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. Culprit, in police lingo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "113. Modern pentathlon equipment"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "115. Metaphor for a too-hot room"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "118. Ill will"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Similar words include: spitefulness, malevolence, spite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  • Similar words include: power, index, advocator
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPONENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "122. Weigh down, and then some"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical load that exceeds the available electrical power
  • Similar words include: surcharge, overcharge, clog
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERLOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that installation from which a military force initiates operations
  • Similar words include: base of operations, Qaeda, alkali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "126. Armand of "American Gangster""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "127. Many mailbox stuffers"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "128. Zest"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: dash, ardor, style
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "129. Iced tea request"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "130. Clumsy"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing inconvenience
  • Similar words include: inept, ill-chosen, embarrassing
  • Opposite of: graceful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWKWARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "131. Move fast, as a cloud"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
  • Similar words include: flash, shoot, scudding
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "132. Road trip stopovers"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor hotel
  • Similar words include: motel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Pampering place for a Persian 6
2D 2. Not impressed 6
3D 3. Watch via Hulu, say 6
4D 4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic") 8
5D 5. "I'll deal with this right now!" 4
6D 6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle 5
7D 7. Sitcom character from Melmac 3
8D 8. Aussie animals 4
9D 9. Item 6
10D 10. Alfalfa shoot 6
11D 11. Stockholder's setback 4
12D 12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn 3
13D 13. Not merely enough to go around 10
14D 14. Island containing Kiribati's capital 6
15D 15. "Don't pay any mind to this" 14
16D 16. Zoom, e.g. 4
17D 17. Feminine pronoun in Florence 4
18D 19. "Would you look at that!" 5
19D 21. Wedding reception hiree 7
20D 26. Partner of aahs 4
21D 28. "So-o-o gross!" 3
22D 32. A-one 9
23D 36. With nary a chance 5
24D 38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers 3
25D 39. Make a long story short, say 4
26D 40. Individually 4
27D 41. Female rabbit 3
28D 42. Elbow-bender 3
29D 44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells" 5
30D 48. "Sup!" 3
31D 49. Sonicare competitor 5
32D 50. Reschedule, so to speak 14
33D 51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind? 4
34D 53. Letters on a lip balm tube 3
35D 54. Scare stiff 5
36D 56. Some old Disney collectibles 4
37D 59. Arriving by 4
38D 61. Tables 9
39D 65. Stiller's comedic partner 5
40D 66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps 4
41D 68. Electrical impulse transmitters 5
42D 70. Face off 4
43D 73. Catchall abbr. 4
44D 74. Priced to be, as bail 5
45D 77. Fortified wine from Spain 10
46D 79. Home of NoHo and SoHo 3
47D 80. "Catch ya in the morn!" 5
48D 82. Main squeeze, in newer slang 3
49D 84. Lascivious look 4
50D 85. Old-timey teacher 4
51D 89. Sped or bled ... or led 3
52D 90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker) 3
53D 91. Pointe shoe accessories 7
54D 93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning" 3
55D 95. Balloon pilot, say 8
56D 99. Worth a pick? 4
57D 102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say 6
58D 103. State with only three counties: Abbr. 3
59D 104. Illegal offerings 6
60D 105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives 6
61D 106. Star football player? 5
62D 108. Get even for 6
63D 109. Kind of insurance for bridges 6
64D 110. Types in 6
65D 114. Surrey's Derby town 5
66D 116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana 4
67D 117. Say for sure 4
68D 118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints 4
69D 119. Father of five sons in the Bible 4
70D 121. ___ buco 4
71D 123. Adornment on a boathouse wall 3
72D 125. Heel, e.g. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Pampering place for a Persian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not impressed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Opposite of: awed
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNAWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Watch via Hulu, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: rain cats and dogs, well out, pelt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic")"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "I'll deal with this right now!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: mist over, obscure, becloud
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sitcom character from Melmac"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Aussie animals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Item"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair who associate with one another
  • Similar words include: pair, mate, mates
  • Opposite of: uncouple
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Alfalfa shoot"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any new growth of a plant such as a new branch or a bud
  • Similar words include: shoot, bourgeon, pullulate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPROUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Stockholder's setback"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is lost
  • Similar words include: passing, personnel casualty, red ink
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any high mountain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Not merely enough to go around"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Island containing Kiribati's capital"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that national capital of kiribati
  • Similar words include: Bairiki, Tarawa-Makin, Makin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARAWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. "Don't pay any mind to this""

14 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITSFORTHEBIRDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Zoom, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: see, contact, satisfy
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Feminine pronoun in Florence"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. "Would you look at that!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "21. Wedding reception hiree"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who provides food and service (as for a party)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATERER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Partner of aahs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. "So-o-o gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. A-one"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. With nary a chance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in no manner; in no way
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Make a long story short, say"

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, redact, blue-pencil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Individually"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • Similar words include: from each one, apiece, for each one
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Female rabbit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: Energy, Department of Energy, Energy Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Elbow-bender"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. "Sup!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Sonicare competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Reschedule, so to speak"

14 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKEARAINCHECK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Letters on a lip balm tube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: sun protection factor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Scare stiff"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
  • Similar words include: creep, shade, weirdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Some old Disney collectibles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Arriving by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Tables"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Stiller's comedic partner"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: swan, rove, cast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Electrical impulse transmitters"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
  • Similar words include: axone, axon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "70. Face off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
  • Similar words include: affaire d'honneur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "73. Catchall abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "74. Priced to be, as bail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "77. Fortified wine from Spain"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very dry pale sherry from spain
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANZANILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "79. Home of NoHo and SoHo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "80. "Catch ya in the morn!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
  • Similar words include: nighttime, dark, Nox
  • Opposite of: day
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "82. Main squeeze, in newer slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "84. Lascivious look"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  • Similar words include: sneer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "85. Old-timey teacher"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "89. Sped or bled ... or led"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Similar words include: lean, head for the hills, consort
  • Opposite of: idle, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "91. Pointe shoe accessories"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: bronze, burn, suntan
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "95. Balloon pilot, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who operates an aircraft
  • Similar words include: aviator, flier, flyer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERONAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "99. Worth a pick?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: mature, advanced, good
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "103. State with only three counties: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "104. Illegal offerings"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
  • Similar words include: bribe, payoff, grease one's palms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "106. Star football player?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of texas
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEXAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "108. Get even for"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take revenge for a perceived wrong
  • Similar words include: revenge, retaliate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVENGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "109. Kind of insurance for bridges"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
  • Similar words include: dental consonant, alveolar, alveolar consonant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "110. Types in"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to come or go into
  • Similar words include: accede, enroll, introduce
  • Opposite of: drop out, exit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "114. Surrey's Derby town"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "117. Say for sure"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Similar words include: swan, affirm, swear
  • Opposite of: disavow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "119. Father of five sons in the Bible"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "121. ___ buco"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "123. Adornment on a boathouse wall"

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!

72D: "125. Heel, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

68 Across Clues
72 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 20, 2026 at 08:42 AM