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Monday, July 13, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Similar (to) 4
2A 5. Taters 5
3A 10. Whole bunch 4
4A 14. Titillating 4
5A 15. Over-the-top enthusiasm 5
6A 16. Ice cream holder 4
7A 17. Meccano offering for budding builders 10
8A 19. Taj Mahal city 4
9A 20. Catch red-handed 3
10A 21. Fairy tale fiend 4
11A 22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes 5
12A 23. Ring-shaped coral reef 5
13A 25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud 9
14A 28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover 7
15A 30. Crimebuster 3
16A 31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto" 3
17A 32. Suffix with lemon or orange 3
18A 33. "Of course!" 3
19A 34. Relieves (of) 4
20A 35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier 11
21A 38. "Deadly" transgressions 4
22A 40. Structure for hydroelectric power 3
23A 41. Hypotheticals 3
24A 42. PC exit key 3
25A 43. No-good dog 3
26A 44. Watches on Hulu, say 7
27A 48. Small aircraft for short flights 9
28A 51. Beauty maven Lauder 5
29A 52. Three-note chord 5
30A 53. Christmas Eve service 4
31A 55. Laudatory verse 3
32A 56. Not as much 4
33A 57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across? 10
34A 60. Polish for publishing 4
35A 61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh 5
36A 62. "Begone!" 4
37A 63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe 4
38A 64. Water or rust, chemically 5
39A 65. One who saves the day 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Similar (to)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that similar in quality or character
  • Similar words include: blood-related, consanguineal, cognate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Taters"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: white potato, potato, Irish potato
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Whole bunch"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: plenty, hatful, veer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Titillating"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full of zest or vigor
  • Similar words include: rich, full-bodied, gamey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Over-the-top enthusiasm"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
  • Similar words include: manic disorder, passion, cacoethes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ice cream holder"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Meccano offering for budding builders"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Taj Mahal city"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Catch red-handed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: nail, apprehend, collar
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Fairy tale fiend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: monster, fiend, demon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inka, Incan, Inca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Ring-shaped coral reef"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
  • Similar words include: aphrodisiac, sexy, aphrodisiacal
  • Opposite of: anaphrodisiac, unsexy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Crimebuster"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
  • Similar words include: copper, fuzz, thieve
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a logarithmic unit of sound intensity equal to 10 decibels
  • Similar words include: B
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Suffix with lemon or orange"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. "Of course!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Relieves (of)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relieve from
  • Similar words include: free, disembarrass, rid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. "Deadly" transgressions"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Structure for hydroelectric power"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Hypotheticals"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. PC exit key"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. No-good dog"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
  • Similar words include: mongrel, mutt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Watches on Hulu, say"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: well out, current, pelt
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Small aircraft for short flights"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an airplane with an external propeller that is driven by a turbojet engine
  • Similar words include: propjet, turbo-propeller plane
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURBOPROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Beauty maven Lauder"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Three-note chord"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: tierce, leash, three
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. Christmas Eve service"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
  • Similar words include: plenty, hatful, slew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Laudatory verse"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Not as much"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
  • Similar words include: to a lesser extent
  • Opposite of: more
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artifact designed to be played with
  • Similar words include: toy, plaything
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAYTHINGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Polish for publishing"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
  • Similar words include: love, dear, dearest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. "Begone!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Similar words include: take to the woods, break away, scarper
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
  • Similar words include: dot, sexually transmitted disease, dosage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "64. Water or rust, chemically"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any compound of oxygen with another element or a radical
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OXIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "65. One who saves the day"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
  • Similar words include: zep, Cuban sandwich, hero sandwich
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large venues 6
2D 2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks 6
3D 3. Refrigerator, quaintly 6
4D 4. Home of the Empire State Bldg. 3
5D 5. Unhealthy haze 4
6D 6. Mimic 6
7D 7. Indy racer Al or Bobby 5
8D 8. Yahtzee cube 3
9D 9. Was successful in musical chairs 3
10D 10. Minimal 5
11D 11. Woodsy abode 8
12D 12. Furious 7
13D 13. Sneaky types 7
14D 18. Ohio port on Lake Erie 6
15D 22. Co. with a lot of connections? 3
16D 24. Tall tale tellers 5
17D 26. Taiwanese computer giant 4
18D 27. Went ballistic 6
19D 29. Humorous parody 6
20D 33. "Dee-lish!" 3
21D 34. Expands, as dough with yeast 5
22D 35. Experiencing great difficulty 8
23D 36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys 4
24D 37. With a clean slate 6
25D 38. Avoided a trial, say 7
26D 39. Emphatic affirmative 7
27D 43. Common fish-and-chips fish 3
28D 44. Fixed at the vet 6
29D 45. Immediately 6
30D 46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College 6
31D 47. Looks after 6
32D 49. Sew loosely 5
33D 50. Saudi neighbor 5
34D 54. Eyelid affliction 4
35D 57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles 3
36D 58. Salmon on a bagel 3
37D 59. Suffix with bull or bear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large venues"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: arena, stadium, sphere
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Refrigerator, quaintly"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that white goods in which food can be stored at low temperatures
  • Similar words include: refrigerator
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICEBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Home of the Empire State Bldg."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Unhealthy haze"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Mimic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Indy racer Al or Bobby"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Yahtzee cube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: decease, break, break down
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Was successful in musical chairs"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: model, sit down, Sabbatum
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Minimal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
  • Similar words include: light, skimp, stint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Woodsy abode"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Furious"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into a rage; make violently angry
  • Similar words include: enrage, infuriated, angered
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRAGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sneaky types"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky
  • Similar words include: weasel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEASELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Ohio port on Lake Erie"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an industrial city in northwestern ohio on lake erie
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLEDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Co. with a lot of connections?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Tall tale tellers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • Similar words include: prevaricator, liar
  • Opposite of: square shooter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Taiwanese computer giant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Went ballistic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Humorous parody"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
  • Similar words include: parody, mockery, put-on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENDUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. "Dee-lish!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Expands, as dough with yeast"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a growth in strength or number or importance
  • Similar words include: raise, wage increase, rising
  • Opposite of: turn in, descent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Experiencing great difficulty"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. With a clean slate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that again but in a new or different way
  • Similar words include: anew
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRESH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Avoided a trial, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
  • Similar words include: locate, reconcile, settle
  • Opposite of: float, unsettled
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETTLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Emphatic affirmative"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Common fish-and-chips fish"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: put on, codfish, tantalise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Fixed at the vet"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, spay, castrate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Immediately"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Looks after"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Sew loosely"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  • Similar words include: batter, basting stitch, tack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Saudi neighbor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of oman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Eyelid affliction"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: hordeolum, sty, eye infection
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Salmon on a bagel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
  • Similar words include: liquid oxygen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Suffix with bull or bear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 13, 2026 at 06:35 AM

Friday, January 23, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Barely enough 5
2A 6. What some may be dyeing to conceal? 4
3A 10. Environmental concern 4
4A 14. "Don't be absurd!" 10
5A 16. ___ Mountain (ski area in Killington, Vt.) 4
6A 17. She's out there! 10
7A 18. Many a choirgirl 4
8A 19. "Black-ish" patriarch 3
9A 20. Dulcet 5
10A 21. Fiddle with feathers, say 5
11A 22. Backstreet ___ 4
12A 23. Like kyawthuite, among gems 6
13A 25. Designer Geoffrey 5
14A 27. A-list 6
15A 28. Like quartzite vis-à-vis quartz 6
16A 29. They really click as a pair 8
17A 32. Masters of manipulation 5
18A 33. Commercial preceder of Geo 3
19A 34. Capital near the Red Sea 5
20A 35. Micromobility option 8
21A 37. On the level 6
22A 38. Mouth organ 6
23A 39. Internal turmoil 5
24A 40. Say "I do," say 6
25A 41. One may be carried in a concert hall 4
26A 42. Recent recruit 5
27A 43. First name on the Supreme Court 5
28A 45. Zilch 3
29A 48. Cushy 4
30A 49. It is "making the complicated simple, awesomely simple," per Charles Mingus 10
31A 51. Out of joint? 4
32A 52. Text insert for a flash-forward film scene 10
33A 53. Ink 4
34A 54. Apt rhyme for "pads" 4
35A 55. Guck 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Barely enough"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
  • Similar words include: stint, skimp, light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. What some may be dyeing to conceal?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black
  • Similar words include: greyness, gray-headed, Louis Harold Gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Environmental concern"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Don't be absurd!""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. ___ Mountain (ski area in Killington, Vt.)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. She's out there!"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Many a choirgirl"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • Similar words include: contralto, countertenor
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Black-ish" patriarch"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Dulcet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english phonetician; one of the founders of modern phonetics (1845-1912)
  • Similar words include: odoriferous, sweet-flavored, odorous
  • Opposite of: sour, salty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Fiddle with feathers, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clean with one's bill
  • Similar words include: congratulate, plume, dress
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Backstreet ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a youthful male person
  • Similar words include: boy, son, male child
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Like kyawthuite, among gems"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rare, rarified, uncommon
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Designer Geoffrey"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. A-list"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
  • Similar words include: pick out, take, choice
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Like quartzite vis-à-vis quartz"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
  • Similar words include: heavy, severe, surd
  • Opposite of: easy, voiced
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HARDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. They really click as a pair"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Masters of manipulation"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Similar words include: exploiter, substance abuser, drug user
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. Commercial preceder of Geo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Capital near the Red Sea"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of yemen; on the central plateau
  • Similar words include: Sana'a, Sana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Micromobility option"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. On the level"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
  • Similar words include: good, reliable, dependable
  • Opposite of: dishonest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Mouth organ"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
  • Similar words include: spit, lingua, natural language
  • Opposite of: artificial language
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Internal turmoil"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "40. Say "I do," say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
  • Similar words include: devote, give, institutionalize
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COMMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "41. One may be carried in a concert hall"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
  • Similar words include: melodic line, tune up, line
  • Opposite of: untune
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "42. Recent recruit"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "43. First name on the Supreme Court"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "45. Zilch"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: zilch, travel rapidly, zipper
  • Opposite of: unzip
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. Cushy"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
  • Similar words include: tardily, slow, well-to-do
  • Opposite of: uneasy, quickly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "49. It is "making the complicated simple, awesomely simple," per Charles Mingus"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ability to create
  • Similar words include: creative thinking, creativeness
  • Opposite of: uncreativeness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREATIVITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "51. Out of joint?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are free
  • Similar words include: destitute, justify, disengage
  • Opposite of: lodge, unfree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Text insert for a flash-forward film scene"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Ink"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Apt rhyme for "pads""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: hyperkinetic syndrome, minimal brain dysfunction, add up
  • Opposite of: subtract, take away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Guck"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: goo, ooze, muck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Completely convinced 4
2D 2. French letter opener 4
3D 3. Niche for a shrine 4
4D 4. Essence of the matter 3
5D 5. "I'll take the blame" 12
6D 6. Some body builders? 5
7D 7. Broccoli ___ 4
8D 8. How to look at your hot fudge sundae 8
9D 9. A little possessive, perhaps? 3
10D 10. Pocket money 11
11D 11. Momentous moments 10
12D 12. Bits in a byte, e.g. 5
13D 13. "I'm listening" 4
14D 15. One who's on the defense, perhaps 6
15D 21. Digital applications? 12
16D 22. Longing look 11
17D 24. Rigi of Switzerland, e.g. 3
18D 25. One setting on speakers 4
19D 26. Classic toy for budding engineers 10
20D 27. Long look 5
21D 28. Peach or plum 3
22D 30. Interest of Marco Polo, with "the" 4
23D 31. Settled on the bottom? 3
24D 33. Gelded 8
25D 36. ___ Fridays 3
26D 37. Hangouts 6
27D 40. Grammy-winning R&B singer named for a Revlon fragrance 5
28D 41. They make streaks on cheeks 5
29D 42. Mass 4
30D 44. Tip 4
31D 45. Trattoria tubes 4
32D 46. Couple 4
33D 47. Funeral ___ 4
34D 49. Texter's "ciao" 3
35D 50. Late actor Kilmer 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Completely convinced"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: trade, sell, betray
  • Opposite of: unsold, buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. French letter opener"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Niche for a shrine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Similar words include: apsis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Essence of the matter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small lump or protuberance
  • Similar words include: nitty-gritty, nubble, gist
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "I'll take the blame""

12 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Some body builders?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
  • Similar words include: cistron, factor, gene
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Broccoli ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. How to look at your hot fudge sundae"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. A little possessive, perhaps?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Pocket money"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Momentous moments"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stone post at side of a road to show distances
  • Similar words include: milestone, milepost
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILESTONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Bits in a byte, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: VIII, 8, eight
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "I'm listening""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: hoodlum, oaf, stumblebum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. One who's on the defense, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
  • Similar words include: attorney
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAWYER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Digital applications?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Longing look"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Rigi of Switzerland, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. One setting on speakers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest part of the musical range
  • Similar words include: bass voice, freshwater bass, sea bass
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Classic toy for budding engineers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Long look"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
  • Similar words include: gaze
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Peach or plum"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

22D: "30. Interest of Marco Polo, with "the""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: E, eastern United States, due east
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Settled on the bottom?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: seat, ride, model
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Gelded"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: castrate, altered, neuter
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEUTERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. ___ Fridays"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Hangouts"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a frequently visited place
  • Similar words include: stamping ground, repair, hangout
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAUNTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Grammy-winning R&B singer named for a Revlon fragrance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. They make streaks on cheeks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)
  • Similar words include: rupture, rent, weeping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Mass"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of being large in mass
  • Similar words include: heft up, heave up, massiveness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Tip"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantage held by a competitor in a race
  • Similar words include: top, atomic number 82, conduct
  • Opposite of: deficit, follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Trattoria tubes"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that medium-sized tubular pasta in short pieces
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZITI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Couple"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: detail, point, token
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Funeral ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
  • Similar words include: funeral pyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Texter's "ciao""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Late actor Kilmer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 23, 2026 at 04:27 AM