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Tuesday, October 20, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Las ___, Canary Islands 6
2A 7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short 4
3A 11. Plant, as seeds 3
4A 14. Laid back 6
5A 15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline) 4
6A 16. "That's terrible!" 3
7A 17. Campfire cookout, informally 11
8A 19. Crafty 3
9A 20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro 7
10A 21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know] 4
11A 22. Criticize very harshly 4
12A 25. Old-time winter excursion 10
13A 27. Loosey-goosey 3
14A 28. Not yet posted, in brief 3
15A 29. Bit in a nutrition bar 3
16A 30. Flattering lines? 3
17A 31. Indian yogurt dish 5
18A 34. Susceptible to bribery 5
19A 38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across 15
20A 41. Unit of magnetic flux density 5
21A 42. One who says "Hell if I know!"? 5
22A 43. Subtle greeting 3
23A 44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint 3
24A 46. Part of every day, in Italy 3
25A 47. Improvised instrument in folk music 3
26A 48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps 10
27A 53. Serious aversion 4
28A 54. Make 4
29A 55. Farm storage building 7
30A 57. Short-term job 3
31A 58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen 11
32A 62. Exploit 3
33A 63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the" 4
34A 64. Further out there 6
35A 65. Flanders of "The Simpsons" 3
36A 66. Dust-ups 4
37A 67. Loud speaker, maybe 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Las ___, Canary Islands"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Device with an addictive aerosol, for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Plant, as seeds"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, sow in, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Laid back"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Hello ___" (smartphone tagline)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "That's terrible!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Campfire cookout, informally"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Crafty"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Jake ___, 1980 Oscar-winning role for Robert De Niro"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. [Hey, I can hear you, you know]"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Criticize very harshly"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strip the skin off
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Old-time winter excursion"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Loosey-goosey"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Similar words include: slack, loose
  • Opposite of: tense
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Not yet posted, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Bit in a nutrition bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Flattering lines?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

17A: "31. Indian yogurt dish"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAITA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Susceptible to bribery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capable of being corrupted
  • Similar words include: purchasable, corruptible, dishonest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Seriously, though ..." or a hint to 17-, 25-, 48- and 58-Across"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Unit of magnetic flux density"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. One who says "Hell if I know!"?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judeo-christian and islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of god; tempter of mankind; master of hell
  • Similar words include: the Tempter, Lucifer, Devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Subtle greeting"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Letter-shaped part of a blueprint"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Part of every day, in Italy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: os, bone, OS
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Improvised instrument in folk music"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bottle with a narrow mouth
  • Similar words include: put behind bars, incarcerate, gaol
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Pugilist's pain point, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Serious aversion"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
  • Similar words include: detest, hatred
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Make"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: gain, make, realize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Farm storage building"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed
  • Similar words include: garner
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRANARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Short-term job"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
  • Similar words include: spear, fizgig, lance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Seattle landmark from which Mount Rainier can be seen"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Exploit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: function, economic consumption, usage
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a dawdler may need to pick up, with "the""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: step, yard, gait
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Further out there"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
  • Similar words include: buffoonish, clownish, goofy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZANIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Flanders of "The Simpsons""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Dust-ups"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: fuss, ado, bustle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Loud speaker, maybe"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
  • Similar words include: speechifier, speechmaker, rhetorician
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!" 3
2D 2. Filled up on 3
3D 3. Gymnast Suni 3
4D 4. Virile 5
5D 5. It's west of the Bering Strait 4
6D 6. Appears to be going down the drain 8
7D 7. Overact 5
8D 8. Mammal with a long ringed tail 5
9D 9. "We're on!" 6
10D 10. Tricked 3
11D 11. Dish with vinegared rice 5
12D 12. Eyed lustfully 5
13D 13. Question exclaimed after misfortune 5
14D 18. One way to spell relief, per ads 7
15D 21. Crafts, in Córdoba 5
16D 22. Part of a homecoming parade 5
17D 23. Big scoop 5
18D 24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan 5
19D 26. Fine cigar 6
20D 28. Hardships 6
21D 32. Madre's hermana 3
22D 33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry 7
23D 35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun 5
24D 36. It may follow deuce 5
25D 37. Overlook 5
26D 39. Designer Calvin 5
27D 40. Hummus bean 8
28D 45. Piece of goalie gear 6
29D 48. Started 5
30D 49. Not leave a bet as is 5
31D 50. Gave a push 5
32D 51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky 5
33D 52. Relays and rallies 5
34D 53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g. 5
35D 56. Bottom 4
36D 58. Luxury resort amenity 3
37D 59. Relatively short Morse code bit 3
38D 60. Sign of summer 3
39D 61. Blunder 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What's shaken in the order to "Shake!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Similar words include: hand, mitt, manus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Filled up on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat, eat up, rust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gymnast Suni"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: leeward, Shelton Jackson Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Virile"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that possessing qualities befitting a man
  • Similar words include: male, manlike, virile
  • Opposite of: unmanfully, unmanly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. It's west of the Bering Strait"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

6D: "6. Appears to be going down the drain"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Overact"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Mammal with a long ringed tail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that omnivorous mammal of central america and south america
  • Similar words include: Nasua narica, coati-mundi, coati-mondi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "We're on!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tricked"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: generate, mother, start out
  • Opposite of: take away, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Dish with vinegared rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rice (with raw fish) wrapped in seaweed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eyed lustfully"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Similar words include: ogle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Question exclaimed after misfortune"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One way to spell relief, per ads"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Crafts, in Córdoba"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Part of a homecoming parade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
  • Similar words include: blow, swim, ice-cream float
  • Opposite of: sink
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Big scoop"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
  • Similar words include: lade, laden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Leaps for Michelle Kwan"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Fine cigar"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of cuba; located in western cuba; one of the oldest cities in the americas
  • Similar words include: Cuban capital, capital of Cuba
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAVANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Hardships"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of testing something
  • Similar words include: trial, trial run, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Madre's hermana"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. French author ___ de Saint-Exupéry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Stealthy spy with a blowgun"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINJA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. It may follow deuce"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Overlook"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Designer Calvin"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that german mathematician who created the klein bottle (1849-1925)
  • Similar words include: Calvin Klein, Melanie Klein, Felix Klein
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Hummus bean"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the chickpea plant
  • Similar words include: chickpea
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARBANZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Piece of goalie gear"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Started"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
  • Similar words include: lead off, start out, get down
  • Opposite of: end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Not leave a bet as is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the amount a salary is increased
  • Similar words include: enhance, ascent, salary increase
  • Opposite of: level, demote
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Gave a push"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force or impel in an indicated direction
  • Similar words include: inspire, cheer, urge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Fire-breather" in the night sky"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
  • Similar words include: genus Draco, Dragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Relays and rallies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: raceway, run, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Shenzi in "The Lion King," e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Bottom"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back of a military formation or procession
  • Similar words include: tooshie, posterior, butt
  • Opposite of: level, head
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Luxury resort amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: health spa, watering hole, watering place
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Relatively short Morse code bit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Sign of summer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Blunder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: stray, mistake, drift
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 20, 2026 at 08:43 AM

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 07, 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. "No seats" sign 3
2A 4. Dolly Parton vis-à-vis Dollywood 5
3A 9. ___-famous (reel popular?) 5
4A 14. LOL lite 3
5A 15. Come again 5
6A 16. Curry complements 5
7A 17. Call to cruisers, for short 3
8A 18. Well-manored men? 5
9A 19. Some concert refuse 5
10A 20. Staunchly loyal 8
11A 22. Solo for a soprano 4
12A 23. Wrecks beyond repair 6
13A 24. Popular date night 8
14A 28. Event-planning platform 5
15A 29. Big blare 3
16A 30. "I do" 3
17A 31. Team with a stadium on the Ohio River 4
18A 32. "Been there, done that" 7
19A 36. React with exaggerated surprise ... or how to form the shorter shaded answers from the longer ones 13
20A 40. Cut back a bit 7
21A 41. Protein source 4
22A 43. "That's infuriating!" 3
23A 46. B.C. neighbor 3
24A 47. Kid's comeback 5
25A 48. Macs and wellies, e.g. 8
26A 51. Snow bunnies are inclined to hit them 6
27A 52. Spots that may need clearing up 4
28A 53. Aquaman's domain 8
29A 55. Brought into being 5
30A 57. Like the descendants of some dinosaurs 5
31A 58. In Rio, janeiro starts it 3
32A 59. Mislead 5
33A 60. Expression de gratitude 5
34A 61. Abbr. on a box for an air conditioner 3
35A 62. Bygone company whose website has been revived as satire 5
36A 63. Serious schleps 5
37A 64. Lush 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "No seats" sign"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Dolly Parton vis-à-vis Dollywood"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
  • Similar words include: musical theme, base, composition
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. ___-famous (reel popular?)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. LOL lite"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Come again"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that happen or occur again
  • Similar words include: go back, repeat, fall back
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Curry complements"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Call to cruisers, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Well-manored men?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a british peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
  • Similar words include: earl
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Some concert refuse"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short piece remaining on a trunk or stem where a branch is lost
  • Similar words include: ticket stub, counterfoil, butt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Staunchly loyal"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Solo for a soprano"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Wrecks beyond repair"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the whole amount
  • Similar words include: total, sum up, tally
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Popular date night"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

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: Sat, Sabbatum
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATURDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Event-planning platform"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Big blare"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: ruction, clamor, blare
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. "I do""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

17A: "31. Team with a stadium on the Ohio River"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
  • Similar words include: Marxist, Red River, bolshie
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. "Been there, done that""

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. React with exaggerated surprise ... or how to form the shorter shaded answers from the longer ones"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOADOUBLETAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Cut back a bit"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size
  • Similar words include: lop, trim back, cut down
  • Opposite of: untrimmed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIMMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Protein source"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Similar words include: gist, pith, heart and soul
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. "That's infuriating!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. B.C. neighbor"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves; worn by priests
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Kid's comeback"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Macs and wellies, e.g."

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Snow bunnies are inclined to hit them"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elevated geological formation
  • Similar words include: swill, incline, side
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOPES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Spots that may need clearing up"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Aquaman's domain"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that according to legend, an island in the atlantic ocean that plato said was swallowed by an earthquake
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATLANTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Brought into being"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make children
  • Similar words include: generate, sire, beget
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Like the descendants of some dinosaurs"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pertaining to or characteristic of birds
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. In Rio, janeiro starts it"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the plo in 1974; has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
  • Similar words include: Abu Nidal Organization, Fatah-RC, Fatah Revolutionary Council
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Mislead"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. Expression de gratitude"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Abbr. on a box for an air conditioner"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure; equivalent to 251.997 calories
  • Similar words include: B.Th.U., British thermal unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Bygone company whose website has been revived as satire"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Serious schleps"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
  • Similar words include: trek
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Lush"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Break to pieces 7
2D 2. Gently scolded 8
3D 3. Sly reply to "You can't possibly know that!" 8
4D 4. Knob on an amplifier 6
5D 5. Becomes good as new 5
6D 6. Silk shade 4
7D 7. Stereotypically uncooperative creatures 5
8D 8. IV sites 3
9D 9. Collecting org. 3
10D 10. E-cigarette claim 5
11D 11. Durable 6
12D 12. Shin guards protect them 6
13D 13. Some chemistry lab procedures 6
14D 21. Vexes 6
15D 25. Musical artist with the fastest video to reach one billion views on YouTube 5
16D 26. Helped through a rough patch, with "over" 5
17D 27. Peck or parsec 4
18D 32. Patterned fabric 5
19D 33. Afro-Cuban dance 5
20D 34. Big name in cloud services 3
21D 35. Hall with a self-titled daytime talk show 6
22D 37. Regalia for some queens 4
23D 38. Monitor closely, with "on" 8
24D 39. Slowly get familiar with 8
25D 42. Chuck 7
26D 43. Pinup icon Betty 6
27D 44. Arrive out of breath, perhaps 6
28D 45. Close lookalike 6
29D 47. Singer Morissette with the 1995 #1 album "Jagged Little Pill" 6
30D 49. Real swell 5
31D 50. All-night party attendee 5
32D 51. In need of tightening, maybe 5
33D 54. Start to fade 4
34D 56. Trucker's measure 3
35D 57. Paycheck fig. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Break to pieces"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that break into many pieces
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHATTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Gently scolded"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take to task
  • Similar words include: admonish, reprove
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPROVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Sly reply to "You can't possibly know that!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Knob on an amplifier"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the pitch range of the highest female voice
  • Similar words include: double, ternary, two-fold
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Becomes good as new"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heal or recover
  • Similar words include: mend, heal, bring around
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Silk shade"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light brown
  • Similar words include: beige
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Stereotypically uncooperative creatures"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile
  • Similar words include: mule, scuff
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MULES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. IV sites"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: Er, emergency room, erbium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Collecting org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. E-cigarette claim"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Durable"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
  • Similar words include: stalwart, uncompromising, inflexible
  • Opposite of: compromising
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STURDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Shin guards protect them"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the inner and thicker of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle
  • Similar words include: shinbone, tibia, shin bone
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIBIAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Some chemistry lab procedures"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an appraisal of the state of affairs
  • Similar words include: try, attempt, check
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Vexes"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "25. Musical artist with the fastest video to reach one billion views on YouTube"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Helped through a rough patch, with "over""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rise or move forward
  • Similar words include: tide, surge
  • Opposite of: ebb
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Peck or parsec"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "32. Patterned fabric"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "33. Afro-Cuban dance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "34. Big name in cloud services"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Hall with a self-titled daytime talk show"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "37. Regalia for some queens"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
  • Similar words include: drag out, embroil, tangle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "38. Monitor closely, with "on""

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Slowly get familiar with"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "42. Chuck"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Pinup icon Betty"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Arrive out of breath, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Close lookalike"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who rings church bells (as for summoning the congregation)
  • Similar words include: bell ringer, clone, toller
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Singer Morissette with the 1995 #1 album "Jagged Little Pill""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Real swell"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. All-night party attendee"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a participant in a rave dancing party
  • Similar words include: ranter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. In need of tightening, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dust consisting of a mixture of small coal fragments and coal dust and dirt that sifts out when coal is passed over a sieve
  • Similar words include: abate, quagmire, morass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. Start to fade"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hoop that covers a wheel
  • Similar words include: wear upon, wear out, outwear
  • Opposite of: interest, refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Trucker's measure"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Paycheck fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 07, 2026 at 10:25 AM