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Thursday, October 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 22, 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. Her breast milk created the Milky Way, in Greek myth 4
2A 5. Something passed at a charity event 3
3A 8. Bratty 6
4A 14. Some supermarkets, in brief 4
5A 15. What makes her hear? 3
6A 16. Island capital that's an anagram for a word meaning "steamy baths" 6
7A 17. *It may precede or follow "a million" 8
8A 19. *Line used in plotting points 6
9A 20. Dawn hrs. 3
10A 21. Succeeds without really trying 6
11A 23. Small grouse 3
12A 24. Nursery cry 3
13A 25. ZipRecruiter client 5
14A 26. Like some flaws 5
15A 28. By ___ (barely) 5
16A 30. *Trendy 9
17A 32. Pre-euro money 4
18A 33. Confection whose name is a contraction 5
19A 34. *Weapon in "Ivanhoe" 7
20A 38. *Second letter addendum, for short 7
21A 42. "Oz the Great and Powerful" director, 2013 5
22A 44. Display, with "out" 4
23A 45. *Subs 9
24A 49. The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" 5
25A 50. Tablets that can't be swallowed 5
26A 51. Volkswagen compact 5
27A 53. "Who knew?!" 3
28A 54. Richard Branson, for one 3
29A 55. Tops of palaces? 6
30A 56. Unhealthy 3
31A 57. *Inventory clearance option 6
32A 60. "Forget it!" ... or a phonetic hint to aligning seven answers in this puzzle with their starred clues 8
33A 62. Like Alban Berg's opera "Lulu" 6
34A 63. When said five times, an Abba song 3
35A 64. Region that produces Riesling wine 4
36A 65. Core beliefs 6
37A 66. French possessive 3
38A 67. 35mm options 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Her breast milk created the Milky Way, in Greek myth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of the olympian gods in ancient greek mythology; sister and wife of zeus remembered for her jealously of the many mortal women zeus fell in love with; identified with roman juno
  • Similar words include: Here
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Something passed at a charity event"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
  • Similar words include: chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Bratty"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that naughtily or annoyingly playful
  • Similar words include: prankish, pixilated, wicked
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Some supermarkets, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
  • Similar words include: IgA, immunoglobulin A
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. What makes her hear?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Island capital that's an anagram for a word meaning "steamy baths""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital of the bahamas
  • Similar words include: capital of the Bahamas
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASSAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *It may precede or follow "a million""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. *Line used in plotting points"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
  • Similar words include: axiom, maxim
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXIOMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Dawn hrs."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
  • Similar words include: AM, amplitude modulation, Artium Magister
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Succeeds without really trying"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shore of a sea or ocean
  • Similar words include: glide, seashore, sea-coast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Small grouse"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Nursery cry"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. ZipRecruiter client"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person responsible for hiring workers
  • Similar words include: boss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIRER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Like some flaws"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bringing death
  • Similar words include: disastrous, fateful, black
  • Opposite of: nonfatal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FATAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. By ___ (barely)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. *Trendy"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Pre-euro money"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Confection whose name is a contraction"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. *Weapon in "Ivanhoe""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. *Second letter addendum, for short"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. "Oz the Great and Powerful" director, 2013"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Display, with "out""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slow pace of running
  • Similar words include: jog, Trotskyite, clip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. *Subs"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a classroom in which all students in a particular grade (or in a division of a grade) meet at certain times under the supervision of a teacher who takes attendance and does other administrative business
  • Similar words include: home room, homeroom
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMEROOMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," to "Wouldn't It Be Nice""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Tablets that can't be swallowed"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Volkswagen compact"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "Who knew?!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g, g-force
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Richard Branson, for one"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

29A: "55. Tops of palaces?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
  • Similar words include: tiara
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIARAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Unhealthy"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Similar words include: poorly, inauspicious, badly
  • Opposite of: well
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. *Inventory clearance option"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that woman whose dancing beguiled herod into giving her the head of john the baptist
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. "Forget it!" ... or a phonetic hint to aligning seven answers in this puzzle with their starred clues"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Like Alban Berg's opera "Lulu""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by avoidance of traditional western tonality
  • Similar words include: unkeyed
  • Opposite of: tonal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATONAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. When said five times, an Abba song"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Region that produces Riesling wine"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Core beliefs"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
  • Similar words include: tenet, dogma
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. French possessive"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brittle silver-white metalloid element that is related to selenium and sulfur; it is used in alloys and as a semiconductor; occurs mainly as tellurides in ores of copper and nickel and silver and gold
  • Similar words include: atomic number 52, ti, te
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. 35mm options"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Was unable to go further 8
2D 2. Extreme boastfulness 8
3D 3. Instrument heard at Rosh Hashana services 8
4D 4. Wood used in making guitar bodies 3
5D 5. World capital known as the "City for Peace" 5
6D 6. World capital that's home to the Kocatepe Mosque 6
7D 7. Attachments to mortarboards 7
8D 8. Lead-in to much 4
9D 9. Late psychedelic artist Peter 3
10D 10. Fraternity letter 3
11D 11. Understands, despite efforts at concealment 6
12D 12. Dr. Seuss character in a red hat 6
13D 13. Step on it 6
14D 18. Post-marathon problem 4
15D 22. Disney street-smart mutt 5
16D 26. Bit of red tape 4
17D 27. Old pros 6
18D 29. Hallowed 6
19D 31. ___ shu pork 3
20D 35. Dinghy gear 4
21D 36. "O ___ babbino caro" (Puccini aria) 3
22D 37. Thumbs Up or Thinking Face 5
23D 39. First out 8
24D 40. Item in a miniature collector's collection 8
25D 41. Team with the most Super Bowl wins in the 1970s 8
26D 43. "Seriously!" 7
27D 45. Alternative to boo 6
28D 46. Analgesic agent 6
29D 47. Brando with two Oscars 6
30D 48. Took big steps 6
31D 49. Big blowout 4
32D 52. ___ de asador (Mexican meal) 5
33D 55. Some info on bus. cards 4
34D 58. Apt letters missing from j_i_ _d 3
35D 59. Tumbler's surface 3
36D 61. Ding-dong 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Was unable to go further"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Extreme boastfulness"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intense and irresistible love for yourself and concern for your own needs
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOMANIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Instrument heard at Rosh Hashana services"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Wood used in making guitar bodies"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. World capital known as the "City for Peace""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital city of vietnam; located in north vietnam
  • Similar words include: capital of Vietnam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANOI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. World capital that's home to the Kocatepe Mosque"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital of turkey; located in west-central turkey; it was formerly known as angora and is the home of angora goats
  • Similar words include: capital of Turkey, Angora, Turkish capital
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANKARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Attachments to mortarboards"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
  • Similar words include: tassel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASSELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Lead-in to much"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Late psychedelic artist Peter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate
  • Similar words include: goop, soap, easy lay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Fraternity letter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Understands, despite efforts at concealment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Dr. Seuss character in a red hat"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Step on it"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
  • Similar words include: ado, flimflam, gyp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUSTLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Post-marathon problem"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Disney street-smart mutt"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disreputable vagrant
  • Similar words include: hiking, hobo, hiker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Bit of red tape"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
  • Similar words include: manakin, course, organize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Old pros"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Hallowed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that concerned with religion or religious purposes
  • Similar words include: sanctified, hallowed, consecrated
  • Opposite of: profane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. ___ shu pork"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
  • Similar words include: low
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "35. Dinghy gear"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Similar words include: oar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "36. "O ___ babbino caro" (Puccini aria)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. Thumbs Up or Thinking Face"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "39. First out"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made
  • Similar words include: archetype, master copy, pilot
  • Opposite of: unoriginal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIGINAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. Item in a miniature collector's collection"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "41. Team with the most Super Bowl wins in the 1970s"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. "Seriously!""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Alternative to boo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Analgesic agent"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPIATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Brando with two Oscars"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Took big steps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk with long steps
  • Similar words include: stride
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Big blowout"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vigorous blow
  • Similar words include: smash, brawl, knock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. ___ de asador (Mexican meal)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Similar words include: wetback, greaser, taco
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Some info on bus. cards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Apt letters missing from j_i_ _d"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: unity, single, I
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Tumbler's surface"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
  • Similar words include: matte, matting, tangle
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "61. Ding-dong"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: tail, rear, bottom
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

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

38 Across Clues
36 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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Last updated: October 22, 2026 at 08:46 AM

Sunday, October 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 18, 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. Beneficiary of early capital 7
2A 8. Bless, in a way 6
3A 14. Close female friend ... in relative terms 6
4A 20. Less than satisfactory, slangily 7
5A 21. Like some cyborg parts 6
6A 22. Extended play? 6
7A 23. Heyhowareyou 14
8A 25. Journalist Michele with two Peabody Awards 6
9A 26. Walkers, informally 4
10A 27. Send 5
11A 28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection 5
12A 30. "Behold," in Latin 4
13A 31. Bob ___, alter ego of Mr. Incredible 4
14A 32. "What" 12
15A 35. Mythical figure whose name means "murmuring rock" 7
16A 38. Justice ___ Coney Barrett 3
17A 39. Summer setting in S.F. 3
18A 40. Party takeaway 5
19A 41. N.F.L. accolade 6
20A 44. View spoiler 7
21A 49. All--can-eat buffet 10
22A 51. Fiber-rich substance 4
23A 53. Exam for future docs 4
24A 54. Fenway squad 6
25A 55. "Since brass, ___ stone, ___ earth, ___ boundless sea ...": Shak. 3
26A 56. ___-mo 3
27A 57. Steamy 6
28A 59. Zip 3
29A 61. It follows a coin toss 7
30A 64. Zip 4
31A 65. "This" 19
32A 70. Large volume 4
33A 71. They can make a pronounced difference 7
34A 72. Bond 3
35A 73. Historic figure targeted in Stephen King's time-travel novel "11/22/63" 6
36A 75. Small + or – 3
37A 76. Apt name for a thief 3
38A 78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants 6
39A 83. Nibble 4
40A 84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop 4
41A 86. See 88-Across 10
42A 88. Here 7
43A 90. Admits 6
44A 92. Follow-up to "Sit!" 5
45A 93. Off work, for short 3
46A 94. Figure, informally 3
47A 95. Making a strong effort 7
48A 97. Non, ni, 'a'ole 12
49A 103. Nickname for Ellen or Helen 4
50A 104. [Beep!] 4
51A 105. One of the Three Musketeers 5
52A 106. "S.N.L." alum Gardner 5
53A 108. Artist who kept a pet ocelot 4
54A 112. In 6
55A 114. Taib? Tbia? 14
56A 117. It's cold in Italy 6
57A 118. Shifts gears, say 6
58A 119. Nation bordering the Black Sea 7
59A 120. Analogue of a delete key 6
60A 121. In 6
61A 122. "That ship has sailed" 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Beneficiary of early capital"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of setting in operation
  • Similar words include: inauguration
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARTUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Bless, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose by or as if by divine intervention
  • Similar words include: inunct, anele, oil
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANOINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Close female friend ... in relative terms"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: baby, sis, babe
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SISTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "20. Less than satisfactory, slangily"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "21. Like some cyborg parts"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to bionics
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "22. Extended play?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENCORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "23. Heyhowareyou"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "25. Journalist Michele with two Peabody Awards"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer (1870-1902)
  • Similar words include: Benjamin Franklin Norris Jr., Frank Norris
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NORRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "26. Walkers, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Send"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Softens with sudden sympathy or affection"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: thawing, thaw, unthaw
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. "Behold," in Latin"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Bob ___, alter ego of Mr. Incredible"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of england as the 6th wife of henry viii (1512-1548)
  • Similar words include: Catherine Parr
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. "What""

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Mythical figure whose name means "murmuring rock""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a siren of german legend who lured boatmen in the rhine to destruction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LORELEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. Justice ___ Coney Barrett"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Summer setting in S.F."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Party takeaway"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an act of gracious kindness
  • Similar words include: prefer, party favour, party favor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAVOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. N.F.L. accolade"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. View spoiler"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something very ugly and offensive
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYESORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "49. All--can-eat buffet"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "51. Fiber-rich substance"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broken husks of the seeds of cereal grains that are separated from the flour by sifting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "53. Exam for future docs"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "54. Fenway squad"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. "Since brass, ___ stone, ___ earth, ___ boundless sea ...": Shak."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. ___-mo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Steamy"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erotic person
  • Similar words include: titillating
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Zip"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zip, goose egg, aught
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. It follows a coin toss"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (football) a kick from the center of the field to start a football game or to resume it after a score
  • Similar words include: send-off, start-off, get-go
  • Opposite of: middle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KICKOFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Zip"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. "This""

19 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDONTSAYTHISLIGHTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "70. Large volume"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. They can make a pronounced difference"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diacritical mark (two dots) placed over a vowel in german to indicate a change in sound
  • Similar words include: umlaut, dieresis, diaeresis
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMLAUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "72. Bond"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: crosstie, bond, standoff
  • Opposite of: disconnect, untie
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "73. Historic figure targeted in Stephen King's time-travel novel "11/22/63""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states assassin of president john f. kennedy (1939-1963)
  • Similar words include: Lee Harvey Oswald
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSWALD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. Small + or –"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "76. Apt name for a thief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. Tree that can be a source of water for thirsty elephants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that african tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread
  • Similar words include: monkey-bread tree, Adansonia digitata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAOBAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "83. Nibble"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a snack or light meal
  • Similar words include: snack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "84. Brand represented by Happy the Oil Drop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "86. See 88-Across"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "88. Here"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "90. Admits"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "92. Follow-up to "Sit!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that building material used as siding or roofing
  • Similar words include: stimulate, escape from, trill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "93. Off work, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Figure, informally"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that alternative names for the body of a human being
  • Similar words include: human body, material body, anatomy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "95. Making a strong effort"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. Non, ni, 'a'ole"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "103. Nickname for Ellen or Helen"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "104. [Beep!]"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: incite, affect, displace
  • Opposite of: stand still, refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "105. One of the Three Musketeers"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an autonomous area in northeastern greece that is the site of several greek orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century
  • Similar words include: Mount Athos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATHOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "106. "S.N.L." alum Gardner"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "108. Artist who kept a pet ocelot"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Similar words include: Salvador Dali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. In"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "114. Taib? Tbia?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "117. It's cold in Italy"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "118. Shifts gears, say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Similar words include: segue
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "119. Nation bordering the Black Sea"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southeastern europe; formerly a european soviet; the center of the original russian state which came into existence in the ninth century
  • Similar words include: Ukrayina
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UKRAINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "120. Analogue of a delete key"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to erase something
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "121. In"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in accord with the latest fad
  • Similar words include: voguish
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRENDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "122. "That ship has sailed""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Short cut 4
2D 2. Beep, e.g. 4
3D 3. Undercover? 4
4D 4. Has regrets about 4
5D 5. ___ Allen, host of "Chopped" 3
6D 6. Make public, as secret documents 6
7D 7. Novel form of summer escapism? 8
8D 8. Connive with, maybe 4
9D 9. Second-generation Japanese American 5
10D 10. Alley ___ 3
11D 11. How a boss might communicate new policy 7
12D 12. With courtesy 6
13D 13. Immune system agent 5
14D 14. Toothpaste brand since 1961 9
15D 15. Italian diminutive suffix 3
16D 16. It turns when driven 5
17D 17. Logo of the W.N.B.A.'s New York Liberty 5
18D 18. Name found in "Americana" 5
19D 19. Go back to square one 5
20D 24. Sex symbol of the 1950s-'60s, familiarly 7
21D 29. Hypercompetitive and driven, say 5
22D 31. Staff 9
23D 33. Street application 3
24D 34. Indigenous people of the Salt Lake Valley 3
25D 35. Weak, as an excuse 4
26D 36. "Ibis" poet 4
27D 37. Bob who painted "Cabin at Sunset," which sold for over $1 million to benefit public media 4
28D 40. Fragrant holiday purchase 3
29D 42. Gawker 8
30D 43. Goody-goody sort 7
31D 45. Young salmon 5
32D 46. Eight-related 5
33D 47. Like Amazon forests, typically 5
34D 48. Series finale? 3
35D 50. Maze's goal 4
36D 51. Comes into one's own 8
37D 52. [So-o-o funny!] 4
38D 56. Reason to head for the hills 7
39D 58. Drill 9
40D 60. "Geaux Tigers!" sch. 3
41D 62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked" 3
42D 63. Showing signs of working out, say 3
43D 65. "Let's do this!" 5
44D 66. Use a divining rod 5
45D 67. Midwest birthplace of Marlon Brando 5
46D 68. Buddies, in Bayonne 4
47D 69. Wisecrack 4
48D 73. Musical Yoko 3
49D 74. Big bang source 9
50D 77. Like London's Kew Gardens 7
51D 79. Surprised greeting 4
52D 80. Word with black or coffee 4
53D 81. Covenant keepers 4
54D 82. Something in which you might stand for a spell 3
55D 85. "Lay it on me" 5
56D 87. Ousted, democratically 8
57D 89. Sushi topper 3
58D 90. Boutonniere counterpart 7
59D 91. Eccentric 3
60D 94. Many a modern-day septuagenarian 6
61D 96. Pricing game on "The Price Is Right" 6
62D 97. Avatar, e.g. 5
63D 98. Smash hit 5
64D 99. Teresa of ___ 5
65D 100. Sacred Sanskrit texts 5
66D 101. Card game played in Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers" 5
67D 102. Drew back 5
68D 107. Website with a "Star Seller" program 4
69D 108. Binary 4
70D 109. Setting for most of the TV series "Pachinko" 4
71D 110. Time for a social media break, maybe 4
72D 111. ___ fixe 4
73D 113. Office address abbr. 3
74D 115. Cupcake, in Ireland 3
75D 116. Not to 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Short cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece of anything (especially a piece that has been snipped off)
  • Similar words include: crop, prune, snippet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Beep, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a person's voice
  • Similar words include: inflect, strengthen, quality
  • Opposite of: atonicity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Undercover?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Has regrets about"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
  • Similar words include: repent, sorrow, Ruta graveolens
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. ___ Allen, host of "Chopped""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Make public, as secret documents"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that break the seal of
  • Opposite of: seal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Novel form of summer escapism?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Connive with, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Second-generation Japanese American"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person born in the united states of parents who emigrated from japan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NISEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Alley ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. How a boss might communicate new policy"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. With courtesy"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a nice way
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Immune system agent"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Toothpaste brand since 1961"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Italian diminutive suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. It turns when driven"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who guards prisoners
  • Similar words include: have sex, make out, prison guard
  • Opposite of: unscrew
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Logo of the W.N.B.A.'s New York Liberty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light usually carried in the hand; consists of some flammable substance
  • Similar words include: woolly mullein, flashlight, Verbascum thapsus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORCH

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18D: "18. Name found in "Americana""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any plant of the genus erica
  • Similar words include: true heath
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERICA

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19D: "19. Go back to square one"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for resetting instruments or controls
  • Similar words include: readjust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESET

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20D: "24. Sex symbol of the 1950s-'60s, familiarly"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "29. Hypercompetitive and driven, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22D: "31. Staff"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group of people willing to obey orders
  • Similar words include: force, personnel department, personnel office
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERSONNEL

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23D: "33. Street application"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Indigenous people of the Salt Lake Valley"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTE

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25D: "35. Weak, as an excuse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who doesn't understand what is going on
  • Similar words include: crippled, halting, game
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAME

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26D: "36. "Ibis" poet"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roman poet remembered for his elegiac verses on love (43 bc - ad 17)
  • Similar words include: Publius Ovidius Naso
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Bob who painted "Cabin at Sunset," which sold for over $1 million to benefit public media"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: Sir Ronald Ross, Betsy Griscom Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

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28D: "40. Fragrant holiday purchase"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: true fir, fir tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

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29D: "42. Gawker"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "43. Goody-goody sort"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a group of english protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the protestant reformation under elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship
  • Similar words include: prude
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURITAN

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31D: "45. Young salmon"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "46. Eight-related"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTAL

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33D: "47. Like Amazon forests, typically"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of weather) wet by periods of rain
  • Similar words include: showery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAINY

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34D: "48. Series finale?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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35D: "50. Maze's goal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that permits escape or release
  • Similar words include: decease, cash in one's chips, go out
  • Opposite of: enter, be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. Comes into one's own"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
  • Similar words include: blossom forth, unfold, blossom out
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOSSOMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. [So-o-o funny!]"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "56. Reason to head for the hills"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "58. Drill"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert)
  • Similar words include: dry run
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REHEARSAL

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40D: "60. "Geaux Tigers!" sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "62. John M. ___, director of 2024's "Wicked""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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42D: "63. Showing signs of working out, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a display of bad temper
  • Similar words include: tantrum, paroxysm, fit out
  • Opposite of: disagree, unfit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "65. "Let's do this!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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44D: "66. Use a divining rod"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that searching for underground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod
  • Similar words include: dowsing, soak, souse
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOWSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "67. Midwest birthplace of Marlon Brando"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "68. Buddies, in Bayonne"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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47D: "69. Wisecrack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Similar words include: fit, barb, match
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "73. Musical Yoko"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "74. Big bang source"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mechanical or electrical explosive device or a small amount of explosive; can be used to initiate the reaction of a disrupting explosive
  • Similar words include: cap, detonating device
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETONATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "77. Like London's Kew Gardens"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to plants or botany
  • Similar words include: botanical
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTANIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "79. Surprised greeting"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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52D: "80. Word with black or coffee"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
  • Similar words include: edible bean, dome, bonce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "81. Covenant keepers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Similar words include: ark, Ark, Ark of the Covenant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "82. Something in which you might stand for a spell"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEE

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55D: "85. "Lay it on me""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new branch
  • Similar words include: frivol away, dart, burgeon forth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "87. Ousted, democratically"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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57D: "89. Sushi topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "90. Boutonniere counterpart"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
  • Similar words include: nosegay, posy, bouquet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "91. Eccentric"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not divisible by two
  • Similar words include: queer, rum, funny
  • Opposite of: even
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "94. Many a modern-day septuagenarian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the baby boom generation in the 1950s
  • Similar words include: baby boomer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "96. Pricing game on "The Price Is Right""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "97. Avatar, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: visualize, effigy, picture
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

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63D: "98. Smash hit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a base hit on which the batter scores a run
  • Similar words include: Winslow Homer, home run, homing pigeon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "99. Teresa of ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "100. Sacred Sanskrit texts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (from the sanskrit word for `knowledge') any of the most ancient sacred writings of hinduism written in early sanskrit; traditionally believed to comprise the samhitas, the brahmanas, the aranyakas, and the upanishads
  • Similar words include: Veda, Vedic literature
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEDAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "101. Card game played in Dickens's "The Pickwick Papers""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
  • Similar words include: short whist, long whist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "102. Drew back"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start suddenly, as from fright
  • Similar words include: shy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "107. Website with a "Star Seller" program"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "108. Binary"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs
  • Similar words include: twofold, treble, three-fold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "109. Setting for most of the TV series "Pachinko""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "110. Time for a social media break, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: bestow, Lententide, lend
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "111. ___ fixe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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73D: "113. Office address abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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74D: "115. Cupcake, in Ireland"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small rounded bread either plain or sweet
  • Similar words include: roll
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "116. Not to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

61 Across Clues
75 Down Clues
136 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 18, 2026 at 08:11 AM