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Showing posts sorted by date for query stiff. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Thursday, April 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 09, 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. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo 5
2A 6. Live the single man's life, slangily 6
3A 12. Part of some box sets 3
4A 15. Pungent 5
5A 16. Stick (to) 6
6A 17. Joey of kid-lit 3
7A 18. One with thick skin, notably 5
8A 19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish 10
9A 21. Charlatan 5
10A 22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly 4
11A 23. "Stay" singer Lisa 4
12A 24. In unison 5
13A 26. To an extreme degree 7
14A 29. [Oh no!] 4
15A 32. Stone that's often carved 4
16A 34. "And you ___ ...?" 3
17A 35. "No, thanks" 7
18A 37. Tiny pieces of technology 8
19A 42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole 5
20A 43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool 4
21A 45. Tone used to create an antique vibe 5
22A 46. So darling 8
23A 48. Scare the bejesus out of 7
24A 50. Lead-in to Pen 3
25A 51. Speck in the sea 4
26A 53. Zebras in the field? 4
27A 54. Article of summer wear 7
28A 58. On which to watch the Beeb 5
29A 60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters 4
30A 61. Bring home 4
31A 63. In base eight 5
32A 67. Oil bigwig? 10
33A 70. Cease-fire 5
34A 71. Bit of ticket info 3
35A 72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway 6
36A 73. Shadow 5
37A 74. ___-Man 3
38A 75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet 6
39A 76. Aerodynamic, maybe 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Live the single man's life, slangily"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Part of some box sets"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a digital recording (as of a movie) on an optical disk that can be played on a computer or a television set
  • Similar words include: videodisk, videodisc
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DVD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Pungent"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong and sharp
  • Similar words include: blistering, caustic, sulphurous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stick (to)"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
  • Similar words include: stick by, bind, hold fast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Joey of kid-lit"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. One with thick skin, notably"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast asia and africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
  • Similar words include: rhinoceros
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Charlatan"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
  • Similar words include: stumper, toughie, sticker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Stay" singer Lisa"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states physiologist (born in germany) who did research on parthenogenesis (1859-1924)
  • Similar words include: Jacques Loeb
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. In unison"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. To an extreme degree"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used as intensifiers
  • Similar words include: abysmally, rottenly, dreadfully
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWFULLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. [Oh no!]"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
  • Similar words include: pant, puff, heave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Stone that's often carved"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a semiprecious gemstone that takes a high polish; is usually green but sometimes whitish; consists of jadeite or nephrite
  • Similar words include: wear down, tire, hussy
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. "And you ___ ...?""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. "No, thanks""

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Tiny pieces of technology"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
  • Similar words include: plunk down, plank, plump down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. Tone used to create an antique vibe"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shade of brown with a tinge of red
  • Similar words include: reddish brown, burnt sienna, mahogany
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. So darling"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having characteristics that attract love or affection
  • Similar words include: lovable
  • Opposite of: hateful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOVEABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Scare the bejesus out of"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to become stonelike or stiff or dazed and stunned
  • Similar words include: rigidify, ossify, lapidify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETRIFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Lead-in to Pen"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Similar words include: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Speck in the sea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Zebras in the field?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Similar words include: referee, ref
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Article of summer wear"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. On which to watch the Beeb"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a screen
  • Similar words include: television set, tv set, television receiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Bring home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. In base eight"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Oil bigwig?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Cease-fire"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
  • Similar words include: cease-fire, armistice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Bit of ticket info"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: words, dustup, wrangle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Shadow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a region of complete shadow resulting from total obstruction of light
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. ___-Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, pismire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: six, half a dozen, 6
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "76. Aerodynamic, maybe"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make slick or smooth
  • Similar words include: flowing, satiny, silken
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. John Irving's "The World According to ___" 4
2D 2. Número that's half of dieciséis 4
3D 3. Anatomical ring 4
4D 4. Dessert with rings on top, literally 23
5D 5. Features of leftovers, at times 5
6D 6. Dessert in a boat, literally 11
7D 7. Found darling 6
8D 8. Jimmy known for shoes 4
9D 9. "___ Gabler" (Ibsen play) 5
10D 10. Opposite of virtually, to texters 3
11D 11. Ball bearer 3
12D 12. [That looks so delicious!] 5
13D 13. "Wheel of Fortune" purchase 5
14D 14. Big name in surround sound 5
15D 20. Dessert with a streusel-like topping, literally 16
16D 25. Drinks with or without pulp, for short 3
17D 27. Peaked 3
18D 28. Cold-weather coat 5
19D 29. Follower of "Gossip" or "Gone" 4
20D 30. Potatoes, in some Asian cuisines 4
21D 31. Pole, e.g. 4
22D 33. Music producer Brian 3
23D 36. "Intelligence is the ability to ___ to change": Stephen Hawking 5
24D 38. Triangular dessert, literally 13
25D 39. Early Ron Howard TV role 4
26D 40. Small squabble 4
27D 41. Comments 4
28D 44. Aromatic bit of attire 3
29D 47. Some text beneath a headshot, in brief 3
30D 49. Fish that may return to the ocean to spawn 3
31D 52. Flashing light 6
32D 54. Accessory on "Downton Abbey" or "Bridgerton" 5
33D 55. So-called "Rubber City," home of Goodyear 5
34D 56. Cereal box abbr. 5
35D 57. Sounds of laughter 5
36D 59. Pose for which you must plant your body on the mat? 5
37D 62. Working hard 4
38D 64. Lipstick unit 4
39D 65. It's a lot! 4
40D 66. Damage caused by a mole, maybe 4
41D 68. Syllables of hesitation 3
42D 69. "Norma ___" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. John Irving's "The World According to ___""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Número that's half of dieciséis"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anatomical ring"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
  • Similar words include: flag, iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Dessert with rings on top, literally"

23 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINEAPPLEUPSIDEDOWNCAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Features of leftovers, at times"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Similar words include: odor, olfactory perception, smell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Dessert in a boat, literally"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Found darling"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Similar words include: worshipped, idolized, idolised
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Jimmy known for shoes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "___ Gabler" (Ibsen play)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Opposite of virtually, to texters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ball bearer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: teeing ground, football tee, tee up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. [That looks so delicious!]"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pretentious or silly talk or writing
  • Similar words include: drivel, taradiddle, tarradiddle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Wheel of Fortune" purchase"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a speech sound made with the vocal tract open
  • Similar words include: vowel sound
  • Opposite of: consonant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOWEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Big name in surround sound"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states electrical engineer who devised the dolby system used to reduce background noise in tape recording
  • Similar words include: Ray M. Dolby
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLBY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Dessert with a streusel-like topping, literally"

16 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLUEBERRYCRUMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Drinks with or without pulp, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Peaked"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
  • Similar words include: pallid, wide area network, pale
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Cold-weather coat"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
  • Similar words include: ice, Robert Lee Frost, rime
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FROST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Follower of "Gossip" or "Gone""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Potatoes, in some Asian cuisines"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Pole, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any member of the people of eastern europe or asian russia who speak a slavonic language
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Music producer Brian"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "Intelligence is the ability to ___ to change": Stephen Hawking"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose
  • Similar words include: conform, adjust, accommodate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Triangular dessert, literally"

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Early Ron Howard TV role"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Small squabble"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quarrel about petty points
  • Similar words include: fuss, bickering, spat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Comments"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: enunciate, allege, say
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Aromatic bit of attire"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: wreath, garland, coronal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Some text beneath a headshot, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Fish that may return to the ocean to spawn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Flashing light"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scientific instrument that provides a flashing light synchronized with the periodic movement of an object; can make moving object appear stationary
  • Similar words include: strobe light, stroboscope
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "54. Accessory on "Downton Abbey" or "Bridgerton""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. So-called "Rubber City," home of Goodyear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northeastern ohio; the heart of the united states rubber industry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Cereal box abbr."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Sounds of laughter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep prolonged sound (as of thunder or large bells)
  • Similar words include: peal, roll, ring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Pose for which you must plant your body on the mat?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that native to eastern asia; widely cultivated for its large pink or white flowers
  • Similar words include: genus Lotus, Nymphaea lotus, Egyptian water lily
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Working hard"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. Lipstick unit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
  • Similar words include: subway system, thermionic tube, underground
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. It's a lot!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Damage caused by a mole, maybe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
  • Similar words include: leakage, wetting, passing water
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Syllables of hesitation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "69. "Norma ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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
42 Down Clues
81 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: April 09, 2026 at 05:27 AM

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers March 03, 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. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend) 6
2A 7. Historic tree in Boston Common 3
3A 10. Stinging, as an odor 5
4A 15. Notices 6
5A 16. Not worth a ___ 3
6A 17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister 5
7A 18. Intentionally cause drama 10
8A 20. Classical Indian stringed instrument 5
9A 21. Painting and sculpture 4
10A 22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto 3
11A 23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally 7
12A 25. "Come to our rescue!" 3
13A 26. Learn all the latest info 12
14A 28. Image problem? 4
15A 30. "Say it ___ so!" 4
16A 31. Is awesome, in slang 5
17A 33. Online connection 4
18A 34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often 3
19A 37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across 16
20A 42. Word after photo or covert 3
21A 43. Regrets 4
22A 44. Defeats going away 5
23A 45. Cheeky attitude 4
24A 46. Southern cornbread 4
25A 47. Promgoers' luxurious rides 12
26A 53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short 3
27A 56. "They already left" 7
28A 57. Scorching 3
29A 58. Black bits in cookies and cream 4
30A 59. Beneath 5
31A 60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be 10
32A 63. Brother's daughter 5
33A 64. Caller of balls and strikes 3
34A 65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively 6
35A 66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow 5
36A 67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author 3
37A 68. Sounds from baby robins 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Historic tree in Boston Common"

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: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Stinging, as an odor"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong and sharp
  • Similar words include: acid, blistering, virulent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Notices"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that catch sight of
  • Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Not worth a ___"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former french coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Intentionally cause drama"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Classical Indian stringed instrument"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Painting and sculpture"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: artistry, fine art, artistic creation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. "Come to our rescue!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Learn all the latest info"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Image problem?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hazy or indistinct representation
  • Similar words include: glaze over, confuse, obnubilate
  • Opposite of: focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "Say it ___ so!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Is awesome, in slang"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Similar words include: smacking, slap, smack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Online connection"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the means of connection between things linked in series
  • Similar words include: linkup, nexus, link up
  • Opposite of: disconnectedness, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: football tee, tee up, teeing ground
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRSTTHINGSFIRST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Word after photo or covert"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Regrets"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Defeats going away"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
  • Similar words include: rout, gouge, rabble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Cheeky attitude"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: back talk, sassing, lip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Southern cornbread"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cornbread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried (southern)
  • Similar words include: cornpone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Promgoers' luxurious rides"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. "They already left""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Scorching"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Similar words include: raging, blistering, red-hot
  • Opposite of: cold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Black bits in cookies and cream"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Beneath"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that located below or beneath something else
  • Similar words include: below, nether
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Brother's daughter"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
  • Opposite of: nephew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Caller of balls and strikes"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official at a baseball game
  • Similar words include: umpire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dialect of english used in scotland
  • Similar words include: Scotch, Scottish, Scotsman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
  • Similar words include: Edgar Allan Poe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Sounds from baby robins"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a weak chirping sound as of a small bird
  • Similar words include: twirp, twinge, tweet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Flat-topped hills 5
2D 2. Houston ballplayer 5
3D 3. Raps freestyle, in slang 9
4D 4. Broadcasts 4
5D 5. Allow to 3
6D 6. Less rosy-cheeked 6
7D 7. Channel for collegiate sports fans 5
8D 8. Where to go in the U.K.? 3
9D 9. Changing genetically 8
10D 10. Basketball datum 6
11D 11. Cricket's call 5
12D 12. Knot again 5
13D 13. Absolutely steaming 5
14D 14. Showed some courage 5
15D 19. Have a meal 3
16D 24. Abbey residents 5
17D 26. Sudden burst of wind 4
18D 27. Advil targets 5
19D 29. Vinyl records, familiarly 3
20D 31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight 3
21D 32. Stiff upper ___ 3
22D 33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music" 5
23D 34. Genre for wannabe sleuths 9
24D 35. Winter setting in D.C. 3
25D 36. Sci-fi space travelers 3
26D 38. Plot of land 5
27D 39. Keeps from being publicly known 8
28D 40. Some natural hairstyles, informally 4
29D 41. + or – particle 3
30D 45. Looks slack-jawed (at) 6
31D 46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot 6
32D 47. Leaves shocked 5
33D 48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge 5
34D 49. Event with cowboys and clowns 5
35D 50. Vote into office 5
36D 51. "With any luck ..." 5
37D 52. Cut the grass 3
38D 54. Prove appropriate for 5
39D 55. Lavishes love (on) 5
40D 58. Shrek, e.g. 4
41D 61. Type of medical network, for short 3
42D 62. Part of a seat assignment 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Flat-topped hills"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
  • Similar words include: mesa, table, Mesa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Houston ballplayer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Raps freestyle, in slang"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Broadcasts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
  • Similar words include: publicise, send, aura
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Allow to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, get, net ball
  • Opposite of: prevent, disallow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Less rosy-cheeked"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-gray, ashy, ash-grey
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Channel for collegiate sports fans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Where to go in the U.K.?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toilet in britain
  • Similar words include: W.C., closet, water closet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Changing genetically"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that undergo mutation
  • Similar words include: mutate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUTATING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Basketball datum"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
  • Similar words include: serve, assistance, help
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cricket's call"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
  • Similar words include: tweedle, chirrup, cheep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHIRP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Knot again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tie again or anew
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Absolutely steaming"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
  • Similar words include: ireful
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Showed some courage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
  • Similar words include: make bold, presume, dare
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Have a meal"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: consume, run through, corrode
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Abbey residents"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work
  • Similar words include: Thelonious Sphere Monk, monastic, Thelonious Monk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sudden burst of wind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong current of air
  • Similar words include: blow, blast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Advil targets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an effortful attempt to attain a goal
  • Similar words include: trouble, pain in the neck, anguish
  • Opposite of: pleasure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Vinyl records, familiarly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long-playing phonograph record; designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
  • Similar words include: LP, L-P
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Stiff upper ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
  • Similar words include: back talk, sassing, backtalk
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Genre for wannabe sleuths"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Winter setting in D.C."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Sci-fi space travelers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Plot of land"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended area of land
  • Similar words include: nerve tract, parcel, nerve pathway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Keeps from being publicly known"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Some natural hairstyles, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. + or – particle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

30D: "45. Looks slack-jawed (at)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having great influence
  • Similar words include: virile, strong, stiff
  • Opposite of: impotent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Leaves shocked"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
  • Similar words include: sandbag, stupefy, stun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
  • Similar words include: brisk, pop, quinine water
  • Opposite of: atonic
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Event with cowboys and clowns"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Vote into office"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exclusive group of people
  • Similar words include: elite, chosen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECT

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36D: "51. "With any luck ...""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "52. Cut the grass"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Similar words include: haymow, hayloft, cut down
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOW

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38D: "54. Prove appropriate for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accord or comport with
  • Similar words include: suit, beseem
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFIT

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39D: "55. Lavishes love (on)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be foolish or senile due to old age
  • Similar words include: dust, disperse, dot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOTES

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40D: "58. Shrek, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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41D: "61. Type of medical network, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
  • Similar words include: health maintenance organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HMO

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42D: "62. Part of a seat assignment"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: words, rowing, quarrel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROW

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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
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: March 03, 2026 at 04:59 AM