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Monday, April 27, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 27, 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. Paths for lobbed tennis balls 4
2A 5. Tribe of Arizona 4
3A 9. Flinch, say 5
4A 14. Short blast from a horn 4
5A 15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting" 4
6A 16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you" 5
7A 17. Singer's recovery period 9
8A 19. "Catch my drift?" 5
9A 20. Shop 5
10A 21. Spot for a soak 3
11A 23. Dear ___ (letter start) 3
12A 24. Pumice or basalt 12
13A 29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process 7
14A 32. Film director Coen 5
15A 33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's) 3
16A 34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly 3
17A 36. Betraying surprise, in a way 5
18A 39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" 15
19A 44. Big name in microprocessors 5
20A 45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb 3
21A 46. Tie-breaking periods, for short 3
22A 47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime 5
23A 50. ___ of hand (magician's skill) 7
24A 53. Congressional history 12
25A 56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!" 3
26A 57. Work well together 3
27A 58. Florida's ___-Dade County 5
28A 62. Jousting weapon 5
29A 65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across 9
30A 68. Basic piano chord 5
31A 69. Notes of indebtedness 4
32A 70. Gets eyes on 4
33A 71. Sends frisky messages 5
34A 72. Strong soapmaking solutions 4
35A 73. Like bourbon 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Paths for lobbed tennis balls"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Tribe of Arizona"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of northeastern arizona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Flinch, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Short blast from a horn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blast of a horn
  • Similar words include: carousal, beep, booze-up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Actor McGregor of "Trainspotting""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Han Solo's response to Leia's "I love you""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Singer's recovery period"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Catch my drift?""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Shop"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
  • Similar words include: computer storage, memory board, put in
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Spot for a soak"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
  • Similar words include: tubful, bath, bathing tub
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Dear ___ (letter start)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Pumice or basalt"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Chemical that speeds up a fruit's aging process"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Film director Coen"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Our Lips ___ Sealed" (hit by the Go-Go's)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: equal, ar, be
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Betraying surprise, in a way"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Spinoff of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills""

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "44. Big name in microprocessors"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. "Who's Who in the Cast" blurb"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Tie-breaking periods, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. How a picture book may be read at bedtime"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that using the voice; not silently
  • Similar words include: loud, loudly, out loud
  • Opposite of: softly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "50. ___ of hand (magician's skill)"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adroitness in using the hands
  • Similar words include: manual dexterity, dexterity
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "53. Congressional history"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Palindrome akin to "Aha!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. Work well together"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Florida's ___-Dade County"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the extinct algonquian people formerly living in northern indiana and southern michigan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIAMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Jousting weapon"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "65. Device worn by a video gamer ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 39- and 53-Across"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "68. Basic piano chord"

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: trine, trey, triple
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "69. Notes of indebtedness"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Similar words include: IOU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "70. Gets eyes on"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. Sends frisky messages"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • Similar words include: sext
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Strong soapmaking solutions"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Similar words include: lye
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Like bourbon"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Four-wheelers, in brief 4
2D 2. Word before beer or after square 4
3D 3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me" 4
4D 4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice) 6
5D 5. That girl 3
6D 6. Have debts 3
7D 7. Many an Olive Garden entree 5
8D 8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument 6
9D 9. 18-wheeler 3
10D 10. Barely get (by) 3
11D 11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins 10
12D 12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles" 5
13D 13. Do some booty-shaking 5
14D 18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali 4
15D 22. One-eighth of a byte 3
16D 25. Titular Shakespearean king 4
17D 26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo 4
18D 27. Burn until black 4
19D 28. Prego alternative 4
20D 29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar 4
21D 30. Tehran's land 4
22D 31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums 10
23D 35. Chicago slugger 3
24D 37. "Late Night" host Meyers 4
25D 38. "Hey! Over here!" 4
26D 40. Place to purchase pastrami 4
27D 41. North Carolina university 4
28D 42. Catchall category: Abbr. 4
29D 43. Sport on a horse 4
30D 48. Sheepskin boot brand 3
31D 49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies 6
32D 51. Columnist Bombeck 4
33D 52. Doubling-down assertion 6
34D 53. Battery measure 5
35D 54. Chicago airport 5
36D 55. "The Jetsons" boy 5
37D 59. On the waves 4
38D 60. Gentle and submissive 4
39D 61. ___-bitsy 4
40D 63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g. 3
41D 64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief 3
42D 66. Gradation of color 3
43D 67. Letter before tee 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Four-wheelers, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Word before beer or after square"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
  • Similar words include: rootage, theme, ancestor
  • Opposite of: descendant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Pixar film with the Oscar-winning song "Remember Me""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics
  • Similar words include: coco palm, cocoa palm, coconut tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Feed a cold, ___ a fever" (dubious medical advice)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be hungry; go without food
  • Similar words include: hunger, famish, lust
  • Opposite of: feed, be full
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. That girl"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Have debts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Many an Olive Garden entree"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Similar words include: alimentary paste
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Sounding good, as a musical instrument"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. 18-wheeler"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Similar words include: fishing rig, semi, set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Barely get (by)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Snack with celery, peanut butter and raisins"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Peanuts" or "Pickles""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
  • Similar words include: risible, funny, amusing
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Do some booty-shaking"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Spinks who defeated Muhammad Ali"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a historical area and former kingdom in northwestern spain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. One-eighth of a byte"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: seize with teeth, scrap, morsel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Titular Shakespearean king"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)
  • Similar words include: Edward Lear, King Lear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Remove outer parts from, as a photo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the yield from plants in a single growing season
  • Similar words include: dress, craw, cut back
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Burn until black"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a charred substance
  • Similar words include: cleaning lady, woman, sear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Prego alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Sitar virtuoso Shankar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Tehran's land"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Grammy-winning a cappella group famous for their Christmas albums"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Chicago slugger"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Similar words include: greenhorn, sonny, lad
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "Late Night" host Meyers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) third son of adam and eve; given by god in place of the murdered abel
  • Similar words include: Set
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Hey! Over here!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Place to purchase pastrami"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: delicatessen, food shop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. North Carolina university"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Catchall category: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Sport on a horse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Sheepskin boot brand"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Role for Mike Myers in the Austin Powers movies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Columnist Bombeck"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Doubling-down assertion"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Battery measure"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt; equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of 1 ohm when 1 ampere of current flows through it
  • Similar words include: volt, V
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Chicago airport"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "The Jetsons" boy"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. On the waves"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Gentle and submissive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
  • Similar words include: modest, spiritless, mild
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. ___-bitsy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Garfield in the funny pages, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: computerized tomography, computed axial tomography, barf
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Magazine bigwigs, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, ED
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Gradation of color"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
  • Similar words include: imbue, chromaticity
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "67. Letter before tee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Similar words include: einsteinium, Es, atomic number 99
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
43 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 27, 2026 at 06:14 AM

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 21, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Practiced pitches 6
2A 7. What arms might do on a final gym rep 7
3A 14. Lee has a hot bowl of ___ to start off his day 6
4A 15. Lee has a hot bowl of ___ to start off his day 7
5A 16. Enemy of the Avengers 6
6A 17. Ones with the munchies, maybe 8
7A 18. In need of a massage, say 4
8A 19. Like those local to Universal Studios Japan 6
9A 21. Hide one's roots, perhaps 3
10A 22. Like the study of the kabbalah 8
11A 24. Drill insert 3
12A 26. Polarizing punctuation choice 11
13A 31. Bracket-busting wins in March Madness 6
14A 35. Friend or ___ 3
15A 36. Complete disrepair 4
16A 37. Says ___ to his neighbor, then heads on his way 5
17A 38. Recycling container 3
18A 39. Says ___ to his neighbor, then heads on his way 5
19A 40. They might be foiled 5
20A 41. Treatment for a sprained ankle 3
21A 42. Like the villain at the end of a "Scooby-Doo" episode 5
22A 43. All ___ 4
23A 44. Slime 3
24A 45. Jay-Z's and Alicia Keys's "___ State of Mind" 6
25A 46. Classic P.O.W. movie starring Steve McQueen, with "The" 11
26A 49. Heavy weight 3
27A 50. Transaction on an online marketplace 8
28A 55. Govt. org. in "Alias" 3
29A 58. Entertainer who says "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?" 6
30A 60. Inflation measures, for short 4
31A 61. Opportunity to dress up 8
32A 63. Eagles' nests 6
33A 65. With gossip and beer over Friday's ___ game 7
34A 66. With gossip and beer over Friday's ___ game 6
35A 67. Satisfies 7
36A 68. Luxurious cotton fabric 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Practiced pitches"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • Similar words include: patter, line of gab, play
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. What arms might do on a final gym rep"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reflex motion caused by cold or fear or excitement
  • Similar words include: shiver, shake
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Lee has a hot bowl of ___ to start off his day"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chinese rice gruel eaten for breakfast
  • Similar words include: conge, jook
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Lee has a hot bowl of ___ to start off his day"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that porridge made of rolled oats
  • Similar words include: burgoo, rolled oats
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATMEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Enemy of the Avengers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Ones with the munchies, maybe"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who smokes marijuana habitually
  • Similar words include: pothead
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTHEADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. In need of a massage, say"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open skin infection
  • Similar words include: tender, sensitive, painful
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Like those local to Universal Studios Japan"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Hide one's roots, perhaps"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Similar words include: dyestuff
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Like the study of the kabbalah"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
  • Opposite of: exoteric
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESOTERIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Drill insert"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Polarizing punctuation choice"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Bracket-busting wins in March Madness"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unhappy and worried mental state
  • Similar words include: swage, trouble, perturbation
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPSETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "35. Friend or ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
  • Similar words include: foeman, enemy, opposition
  • Opposite of: friend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "36. Complete disrepair"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
  • Similar words include: laying waste, bankrupt, downfall
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. Says ___ to his neighbor, then heads on his way"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Recycling container"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: bank identification number, ABA transit number, binful
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Says ___ to his neighbor, then heads on his way"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expression of greeting
  • Similar words include: hi, howdy, how-do-you-do
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. They might be foiled"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
  • Similar words include: diagram, plot of ground, game
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Treatment for a sprained ankle"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: deoxyephedrine, frappe, ice-skating rink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Like the villain at the end of a "Scooby-Doo" episode"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to state openly and publicly one's homosexuality
  • Similar words include: out, come out, come out of the closet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. All ___"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, pinna, auricle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Slime"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: guck, gook, gunk
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Jay-Z's and Alicia Keys's "___ State of Mind""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
  • Similar words include: imperium, conglomerate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Classic P.O.W. movie starring Steve McQueen, with "The""

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Heavy weight"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
  • Similar words include: gross ton, short ton, net ton
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Transaction on an online marketplace"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Govt. org. in "Alias""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
  • Similar words include: Central Intelligence Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Entertainer who says "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Inflation measures, for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch, psi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Opportunity to dress up"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an event that occurs at a critical time
  • Similar words include: social occasion, function, social function
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCCASION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Eagles' nests"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
  • Similar words include: eyrie, aery, eyry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. With gossip and beer over Friday's ___ game"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chinese game played by 4 people with 144 tiles
  • Similar words include: Mah-Jongg
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAHJONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. With gossip and beer over Friday's ___ game"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.
  • Similar words include: bridgework, bridge circuit, span
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Satisfies"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give pleasure to or be pleasing to
  • Similar words include: delight, please
  • Opposite of: displease
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Luxurious cotton fabric"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cotton fabric with a satiny finish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Italian apology 5
2D 2. Some pullover shirts 5
3D 3. Any course whose name ends in "101" 5
4D 4. Bird with a plume that, ounce for ounce, was once worth more than gold 5
5D 5. Constellation near the Big Dipper 3
6D 6. Gentlemen, in Granada 7
7D 7. Captured 4
8D 8. Like government bonds and Uber drivers 7
9D 9. ___ minority 6
10D 10. Mrs., en français 3
11D 11. Bit of sweat 4
12D 12. British title 4
13D 13. Ultimatum ender 4
14D 17. Life across the ___ is much the same 12
15D 20. British title 3
16D 23. These: Sp. 5
17D 25. Shredded, as a contract 6
18D 27. Top-of-the-line 4
19D 28. Prefix with vitamin or tool 5
20D 29. Athlete aiming for a four-minute finish, perhaps 5
21D 30. One end of an electrolytic cell 5
22D 31. Let float, as a currency 5
23D 32. Pertaining to hair 5
24D 33. Welcome sight for a sailor 5
25D 34. Patronizes, as a restaurant 6
26D 38. Life stories 4
27D 39. Warm and cozy 5
28D 44. Bona fide 7
29D 45. Govt. sites for testing pollutants 7
30D 47. Ones with chiseled abs? 6
31D 48. ___ Dhabi 3
32D 51. Spar on a sailing boat 5
33D 52. Comment that breaks the fourth wall 5
34D 53. Feudal lord 5
35D 54. German steel city 5
36D 55. Provide for free, as a drink 4
37D 56. Suffix with method or metaphor 4
38D 57. Pine 4
39D 59. Collectible caps in the '90s 4
40D 62. Steely Dan album whose name is pronounced "Asia" 3
41D 64. The Three Kingdoms in Chinese history, e.g. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Italian apology"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Some pullover shirts"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Any course whose name ends in "101""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
  • Similar words include: introduction, presentation
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Bird with a plume that, ounce for ounce, was once worth more than gold"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

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!

5D: "5. Constellation near the Big Dipper"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
  • Similar words include: Leo the Lion, Lion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Gentlemen, in Granada"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Captured"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that require (time or space)
  • Similar words include: submit, call for, drive
  • Opposite of: give, disclaim
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Like government bonds and Uber drivers"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liable to payment of locally assessed property taxes
  • Similar words include: rateable
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ___ minority"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is a member of an ethnic group
  • Similar words include: pagan, heathen, ethnical
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETHNIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mrs., en français"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Bit of sweat"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small ball with a hole through the middle
  • Similar words include: beadwork, drop, astragal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. British title"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Ultimatum ender"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Life across the ___ is much the same"

12 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. British title"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. These: Sp."

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Shredded, as a contract"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Top-of-the-line"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Prefix with vitamin or tool"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Athlete aiming for a four-minute finish, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used only in combinations) the length of something in miles
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. One end of an electrolytic cell"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • Opposite of: cathode
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Let float, as a currency"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Pertaining to hair"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to a hair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Welcome sight for a sailor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land along the edge of a body of water
  • Similar words include: prop up, shore up, land
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Patronizes, as a restaurant"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Life stories"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Warm and cozy"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a feeling of home; cozy and comfortable
  • Similar words include: homely, homy, homelike
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Bona fide"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not fake or counterfeit
  • Similar words include: real, actual, literal
  • Opposite of: counterfeit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENUINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Govt. sites for testing pollutants"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Ones with chiseled abs?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • Similar words include: torso, trunk, body
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORSOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. ___ Dhabi"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Spar on a sailing boat"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light spar that crosses a fore-and-aft sail diagonally
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPRIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Comment that breaks the fourth wall"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
  • Similar words include: by, divagation, away
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Feudal lord"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
  • Similar words include: vassal, feudatory, liegeman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. German steel city"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western germany; industrial center of the ruhr
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Provide for free, as a drink"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge
  • Similar words include: comprehensive, comprehensive examination
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Suffix with method or metaphor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Pine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: languish, aching, yen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Collectible caps in the '90s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Steely Dan album whose name is pronounced "Asia""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "64. The Three Kingdoms in Chinese history, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
77 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 21, 2026 at 04:29 AM