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Monday, September 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 14, 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. Cherokee or Wrangler 4
2A 5. Omelet ingredients 4
3A 9. Big noisy fight 5
4A 14. Cornfield measure 4
5A 15. Little flying pest 4
6A 16. Dale who sang "Happy Trails" with Roy Rogers 5
7A 17. Crew building 9
8A 19. Assigns stars to, as on Yelp 5
9A 20. "Spare" things at a barbecue 4
10A 21. Stately tree 3
11A 23. Before, in poetry 3
12A 24. Atlantic City attraction 6
13A 27. "Is it bigger than a ___?" 8
14A 29. 911 respondent, in brief 3
15A 30. Latina toon explorer 4
16A 32. Beatles song with the lyric "She promises the earth to me" 4
17A 33. Pinocchio's are easily exposed 4
18A 35. "Absolutely, amigo!" 4
19A 37. The White Stripes and the Black Keys, for two 4
20A 39. Close boxing match outcome 13
21A 42. Picket line crosser 4
22A 43. Silverstein who wrote and illustrated "The Giving Tree" 4
23A 44. Contacted on Instagram, informally 4
24A 46. Bills typically found in a tip jar 4
25A 48. Mallorca or Menorca, por ejemplo 4
26A 50. Place for a piercing or a plug 3
27A 51. All-out boxing match 8
28A 54. Sarcastic 6
29A 56. "Hamilton" composer ___-Manuel Miranda 3
30A 57. Singer/actress Rita ___ 3
31A 58. It's "smashed" in a particle accelerator 4
32A 59. Playful aquatic mammal 5
33A 61. Flip out ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 27-, 39- and 51-Across 9
34A 66. Word said while pointing 5
35A 67. "Never Have I ___" (sleepover game) 4
36A 68. Coldest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale 4
37A 69. Informal hoops game 5
38A 70. Winter road application 4
39A 71. Rams' mates 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Cherokee or Wrangler"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain
  • Similar words include: landrover
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Omelet ingredients"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
  • Similar words include: ball, orchis, ballock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Big noisy fight"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisy riotous fight
  • Similar words include: scrimmage, battle royal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Cornfield measure"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Akko, Akka, Accho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Little flying pest"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Dale who sang "Happy Trails" with Roy Rogers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin e (1882-1971)
  • Similar words include: Arthur Evans, Herbert McLean Evans, Sir Arthur John Evans
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Crew building"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shed at the edge of a river or lake; used to store boats
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOATHOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Assigns stars to, as on Yelp"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
  • Similar words include: denounce, snitch, grade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Spare" things at a barbecue"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that support resembling the rib of an animal
  • Similar words include: roast, jest at, ridicule
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Stately tree"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elmwood, elm tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Before, in poetry"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Atlantic City attraction"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public building for gambling and entertainment
  • Similar words include: gambling casino, cassino
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. "Is it bigger than a ___?""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container used to keep bread or cake in
  • Similar words include: bread-bin
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BREADBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. 911 respondent, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Latina toon explorer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Beatles song with the lyric "She promises the earth to me""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: fille, female child, miss
  • Opposite of: boy, male child
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Pinocchio's are easily exposed"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: Trygve Lie, lie down, lie
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "Absolutely, amigo!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. The White Stripes and the Black Keys, for two"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that two items of the same kind
  • Similar words include: duad, brace, couplet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Close boxing match outcome"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Picket line crosser"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • Similar words include: blackleg, rat, fink
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Silverstein who wrote and illustrated "The Giving Tree""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Contacted on Instagram, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Bills typically found in a tip jar"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Mallorca or Menorca, por ejemplo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Place for a piercing or a plug"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. All-out boxing match"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fight with bare fists
  • Similar words include: fisticuffs, fistfight
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLUGFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Sarcastic"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. "Hamilton" composer ___-Manuel Miranda"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states sculptor and architect whose public works include the memorial to veterans of the vietnam war in washington (born in 1959)
  • Similar words include: Maya Lin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Singer/actress Rita ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. It's "smashed" in a particle accelerator"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
  • Similar words include: corpuscle, speck, mote
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Playful aquatic mammal"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fur of an otter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Flip out ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 27-, 39- and 51-Across"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Word said while pointing"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location other than here; that place
  • Similar words include: at that place, on that point, thither
  • Opposite of: here
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. "Never Have I ___" (sleepover game)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at any time
  • Similar words include: always, ever so, of all time
  • Opposite of: never
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Coldest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Informal hoops game"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
  • Similar words include: sawhorse, knight, sawbuck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Winter road application"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
  • Similar words include: salinity, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, table salt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "71. Rams' mates"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Quick boxing punch 3
2D 2. Prefix with friendly or warrior 3
3D 3. Slice of history 3
4D 4. ___ dish (lab item) 5
5D 5. Self-esteem builder 8
6D 6. African antelopes 4
7D 7. Something an electric car doesn't use 3
8D 8. Have the reins 5
9D 9. Disney's Ariel and her sisters 8
10D 10. Youngest of the Gabor sisters 3
11D 11. One slow to develop 11
12D 12. Beginning of el aƱo 5
13D 13. English county NE of London 5
14D 18. Female red deer 4
15D 22. "Break a ___!" 3
16D 24. "The Simpsons" collectible 3
17D 25. Out of place 5
18D 26. Pedometer 11
19D 27. Single, double or triple 7
20D 28. Ancient Celtic priest 5
21D 31. Clears (of) 4
22D 34. Word hidden, aptly, in "teen's language" 5
23D 36. Completes, as a cake 4
24D 38. Move stealthily 5
25D 40. Lead-in to "except after C" 8
26D 41. "Let me go first" 8
27D 45. Like some humor and wine 3
28D 47. To be, in Barcelona 3
29D 49. Soon, in poems 4
30D 51. Animal that sleeps upside down 5
31D 52. Certain art print, informally 5
32D 53. Wise sorts 5
33D 55. Astound 5
34D 58. Brother of Cain 4
35D 60. TV medical drama settings, in brief 3
36D 62. Things traveling through fallopian tubes 3
37D 63. Previously unseen 3
38D 64. "Rules ___ rules" 3
39D 65. Abba title sung after the line "The love you gave me, nothing else can save me" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Quick boxing punch"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: poking, dig, poke
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Prefix with friendly or warrior"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Slice of history"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. ___ dish (lab item)"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Self-esteem builder"

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. African antelopes"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
  • Similar words include: gnu, wildebeest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Something an electric car doesn't use"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  • Similar words include: natural gas, shoot a line, bluster
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Have the reins"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indication of potential opportunity
  • Similar words include: bullock, direct, guide
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Disney's Ariel and her sisters"

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that half woman and half fish; lives in the sea
  • Similar words include: mermaid
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERMAIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Youngest of the Gabor sisters"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One slow to develop"

11 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Beginning of el aƱo"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. English county NE of London"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the north sea and the thames estuary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Female red deer"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several mostly spotted fishes that resemble groupers
  • Similar words include: hinder, back
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. "Break a ___!""

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
  • Similar words include: stage, pegleg, peg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. "The Simpsons" collectible"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Out of place"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not functioning properly
  • Similar words include: awry, imperfectly, wrong
  • Opposite of: perfectly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Pedometer"

11 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Single, double or triple"

7 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Ancient Celtic priest"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pre-christian priest among the celts of ancient gaul and britain and ireland
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRUID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Clears (of)"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

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!

22D: "34. Word hidden, aptly, in "teen's language""

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar
  • Similar words include: argot, slang expression, patois
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Completes, as a cake"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: deoxyephedrine, meth, crank
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Move stealthily"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
  • Similar words include: surreptitious, stalker, sneaky
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Lead-in to "except after C""

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. "Let me go first""

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. Like some humor and wine"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
  • Similar words include: prohibitionist, teetotal, ironic
  • Opposite of: phlegmy, wet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. To be, in Barcelona"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Soon, in poems"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Animal that sleeps upside down"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: tree sloth, acedia, slothfulness
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Certain art print, informally"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Wise sorts"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Similar words include: sag, sag down, swag
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Astound"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affect with wonder
  • Similar words include: pose, bewilder, perplex
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Brother of Cain"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)
  • Similar words include: Niels Henrik Abel, Niels Abel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "60. TV medical drama settings, in brief"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "62. Things traveling through fallopian tubes"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: egg cell, ovum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "63. Previously unseen"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
  • Similar words include: fresh, young, unexampled
  • Opposite of: worn, old
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. "Rules ___ rules""

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Abba title sung after the line "The love you gave me, nothing else can save me""

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: soh, sol, so
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

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
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: September 14, 2026 at 09:06 AM

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 14, 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. Closest bud 3
2A 4. Put-up job 4
3A 8. Destination for some sci-fi travelers 4
4A 12. ___ and dear 4
5A 13. Magician's "Look at what I just did!" 4
6A 14. Supportive advocate, as for L.G.B.T.Q. rights 4
7A 15. Corrupting sorts, in an orchard metaphor 9
8A 17. Merest little chirp 4
9A 18. Folded French pancake 5
10A 19. ___ mode (in the fashionable style) 3
11A 20. Industry showcase 4
12A 21. Nightmares for nannies 12
13A 24. "We come in peace" speakers, in a sci-fi trope 6
14A 26. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly 3
15A 27. + or – particle 3
16A 28. Word after twin, tanning or trundle 3
17A 31. Rapper ___ Rhymes 5
18A 35. Movie review site with a percentage rating scale 14
19A 39. Schnozzle 5
20A 40. Firefighter's tool 3
21A 41. Helpful posting at a trailhead 3
22A 42. "Stop, Look and Listen" spot, e.g., in brief 3
23A 44. Curiosity and Perseverance, for two 6
24A 47. Novelty dance with comical elbow-flapping 12
25A 52. Hasn't been canceled 4
26A 53. Stimpy's TV companion 3
27A 54. ___ peek 5
28A 57. State along a river of the same name 4
29A 58. Heading the wrong way ... or, interpreted culinarily, a hint to 15-, 21-, 35- and 47-Across 9
30A 60. Home in the woods 4
31A 61. Earring type 4
32A 62. Actress ___ Rachel Wood 4
33A 63. Half brother and rival of the goddess Athena 4
34A 64. Align 4
35A 65. Mo. with International Talk Like a Pirate Day 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Closest bud"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Put-up job"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
  • Similar words include: assume, shammer, fictive
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Destination for some sci-fi travelers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time that has elapsed
  • Similar words include: retiring, past times, by
  • Opposite of: present, future
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. ___ and dear"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move towards
  • Similar words include: cheeseparing, nearly, virtually
  • Opposite of: far
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Magician's "Look at what I just did!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "14. Supportive advocate, as for L.G.B.T.Q. rights"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friendly nation
  • Similar words include: friend
  • Opposite of: foe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "15. Corrupting sorts, in an orchard metaphor"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Merest little chirp"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short weak cry of a young bird
  • Similar words include: cheep, chirp, chirrup
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Folded French pancake"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that paper with a crinkled texture; usually colored and used for decorations
  • Similar words include: French pancake, crepe paper, crape
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. ___ mode (in the fashionable style)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Industry showcase"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
  • Similar words include: exposition, exhibition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. Nightmares for nannies"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. "We come in peace" speakers, in a sci-fi trope"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
  • Similar words include: foreigner, estrange, extraterrestrial being
  • Opposite of: acquaintance, citizen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Youngest woman ever elected to Congress, familiarly"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. + or – particle"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Word after twin, tanning or trundle"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: bang, do it, hit the sack
  • Opposite of: turn out, get up
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Rapper ___ Rhymes"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Movie review site with a percentage rating scale"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Schnozzle"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: snot, schnoz, beak
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Firefighter's tool"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Helpful posting at a trailhead"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
  • Similar words include: mathematical function, mapping, single-valued function
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. "Stop, Look and Listen" spot, e.g., in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; psa is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of psa in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
  • Similar words include: prostate specific antigen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Curiosity and Perseverance, for two"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
  • Similar words include: bird of passage, rover, roamer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROVERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Novelty dance with comical elbow-flapping"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Hasn't been canceled"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Stimpy's TV companion"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. ___ peek"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
  • Similar words include: sneaky, lift, hook
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. State along a river of the same name"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: OH, Ohio River, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Heading the wrong way ... or, interpreted culinarily, a hint to 15-, 21-, 35- and 47-Across"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Home in the woods"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, cuddle, draw close
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Earring type"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is virile and sexually active
  • Similar words include: scantling, dot, stud poker
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Actress ___ Rachel Wood"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Half brother and rival of the goddess Athena"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Similar words include: are, ar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Align"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make synchronous and adjust in time or manner
  • Similar words include: synchronize, synchronise
  • Opposite of: desynchronize, desynchronise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYNC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Mo. with International Talk Like a Pirate Day"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following august and preceding october
  • Similar words include: Sept, September
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Campsite crasher in the Rockies 4
2D 2. Gradually blends with 9
3D 3. Chilled coffee drink 6
4D 4. Longtime NASCAR sponsor 3
5D 5. Special request for a flight meal 5
6D 6. Singer with the best-selling album "21" 5
7D 7. Ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea 6
8D 8. Slice of Life or nick of Time? 8
9D 9. Assistant with a whisper mode 5
10D 10. Gave it a rest? 5
11D 11. Writing wrongs 5
12D 12. Jimmy Fallon's network 3
13D 16. Underappreciated worker, say 4
14D 22. Library ID 4
15D 23. Tea with tapioca pearls 4
16D 24. Publicizes 4
17D 25. Lake bird with a laughing call 4
18D 29. When U R due 3
19D 30. Reveal private info about, in online lingo 3
20D 32. "The audacity!" 9
21D 33. Lachrymal unit 4
22D 34. Nile reptiles 4
23D 36. Traditional sumo hairstyles 8
24D 37. Online crafts bazaar 4
25D 38. Hired soldier, in slang 4
26D 43. Unlike the direction of this clue's answer 6
27D 45. "All right. What's the big deal?" 4
28D 46. Concert sites 6
29D 47. Shrek's beloved 5
30D 48. Escort 5
31D 49. Snap, crackle or pop 5
32D 50. Sizable 5
33D 51. For kicks and giggles 5
34D 55. "I need this immediately" 4
35D 56. "She's everything. He's just ___" ("Barbie" tagline) 3
36D 59. Public health agcy. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Campsite crasher in the Rockies"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
  • Similar words include: wear, assume, behave
  • Opposite of: bull
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Gradually blends with"

9 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Chilled coffee drink"

6 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liqueur poured over shaved ice
  • Similar words include: ice
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAPPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Longtime NASCAR sponsor"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Special request for a flight meal"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) meat from animals that have been slaughtered in the prescribed way according to the shariah
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Singer with the best-selling album "21""

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea"

6 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Slice of Life or nick of Time?"

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Assistant with a whisper mode"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Gave it a rest?"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be able to accommodate for sleeping
  • Similar words include: sleep, log Z's, kip
  • Opposite of: wake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Writing wrongs"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
  • Similar words include: typo, literal error, erratum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Jimmy Fallon's network"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. Underappreciated worker, say"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a laborer who is obliged to do menial work
  • Similar words include: galley slave, drudge, navvy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "22. Library ID"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Tea with tapioca pearls"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Publicizes"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
  • Similar words include: airwave, melodic line, gentle wind
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Lake bird with a laughing call"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a worthless lazy fellow
  • Similar words include: birdbrain, addle-head, diver
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. When U R due"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Reveal private info about, in online lingo"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. "The audacity!""

9 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Lachrymal unit"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drop of the clear salty saline solution secreted by the lacrimal glands
  • Similar words include: teardrop, rent, deplume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Nile reptiles"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
  • Similar words include: Egyptian cobra, asp viper, Vipera aspis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Traditional sumo hairstyles"

8 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair
  • Similar words include: topknot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPKNOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Online crafts bazaar"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hired soldier, in slang"

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "43. Unlike the direction of this clue's answer"

6 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to the opposite side
  • Similar words include: crossways, crosswise
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACROSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "45. "All right. What's the big deal?""

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Concert sites"

6 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
  • Similar words include: locus, locale, venue
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Shrek's beloved"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Escort"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irish prelate who deduced from the bible that creation occurred in the year 4004 bc (1581-1656)
  • Similar words include: show, James Usher, James Ussher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Snap, crackle or pop"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
  • Similar words include: dissonance, disturbance, stochasticity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Sizable"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful
  • Similar words include: goodish, sizable, healthy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEFTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. For kicks and giggles"

5 letters šŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. "I need this immediately""

4 letters šŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. "She's everything. He's just ___" ("Barbie" tagline)"

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that range of what one can know or understand
  • Similar words include: sight, cognizance
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Public health agcy."

3 letters šŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services; located in atlanta; investigates and diagnoses and tries to control or prevent diseases (especially new and unusual diseases)
  • Similar words include: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CDC

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
36 Down Clues
71 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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Last updated: July 14, 2026 at 05:43 AM