Search Clues

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

Thursday, October 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 01, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip" 4
2A 5. "Thank You for the Music" group 4
3A 9. Some instructors, for short 5
4A 14. Gator's relative 4
5A 15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly 4
6A 16. Features of gathering clouds? 5
7A 17. Patriotic recitation since 1892 18
8A 20. Concoct, with "up" 4
9A 21. It may include toms and a snare 7
10A 22. Abbr. on a scale 3
11A 25. First lady 3
12A 26. Tagging symbols 3
13A 27. Expresses support without meaning it 14
14A 31. Bit of ink 3
15A 34. Quite the stir 6
16A 35. Bygone "before" 3
17A 36. Means of self-defense 4
18A 37. Joan of Arc, for one 5
19A 38. It's just a state of mind, to some 3
20A 39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa" 5
21A 40. Some midflight announcements, in brief 4
22A 41. Molecule in protein synthesis 3
23A 42. Disposes of securely, in a way 6
24A 43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities 3
25A 44. Obsolescent credit card feature 14
26A 46. Term of affection in the U.K. 3
27A 47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ..." 3
28A 48. Is long ago? 3
29A 49. Chickpeas, e.g. 7
30A 53. "Uh-huh, sure it is" 4
31A 55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle 15
32A 60. Lost 5
33A 61. Identify 4
34A 62. Goddess of the earth 4
35A 63. All together, in music 5
36A 64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing 4
37A 65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sneaker brand whose logo features the "Formstrip""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: catamount, painter, mountain lion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. "Thank You for the Music" group"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Some instructors, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
  • Similar words include: professor, prof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Gator's relative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "King of all kings" in the prehistoric world, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Features of gathering clouds?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Patriotic recitation since 1892"

18 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEDGEOFALLEGIANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Concoct, with "up""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who cooks food
  • Similar words include: manipulate, Captain Cook, prepare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. It may include toms and a snare"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Abbr. on a scale"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. First lady"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, astatine, at
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Expresses support without meaning it"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bit of ink"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Quite the stir"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • Similar words include: garboil, katzenjammer, tumultuousness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Bygone "before""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Means of self-defense"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: macer, macebearer, Chemical Mace
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Joan of Arc, for one"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
  • Similar words include: nonesuch, apotheosis, paragon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. It's just a state of mind, to some"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: old age, geezerhood, mature
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Some midflight announcements, in brief"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Molecule in protein synthesis"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Disposes of securely, in a way"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: tear up, whit, iota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Start of the names of four of the U.S.'s 20 largest cities"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Obsolescent credit card feature"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Term of affection in the U.K."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Rapper with the 1999 #1 album "I Am ...""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: atomic number 11, sodium, Na
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Is long ago?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

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!

29A: "49. Chickpeas, e.g."

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an erect or climbing bean or pea plant of the family leguminosae
  • Similar words include: legume, leguminous plant
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGUMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. "Uh-huh, sure it is""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Obstacles ... or a hint to three squares in this puzzle"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Lost"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Identify"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: describe, identify, make
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Goddess of the earth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Ge, Gaea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. All together, in music"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Migratory fish with exceptionally sensitive hearing"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bony flesh of herring-like fish usually caught during their migration to fresh water for spawning; especially of atlantic coast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
  • Similar words include: United States Army, regular army, US Army
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Doc seen for an annual checkup 3
2D 2. Address letters 3
3D 3. A Stooge 3
4D 4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt 4
5D 5. Came by for dinner 7
6D 6. Word with power or pawn 6
7D 7. Happen to 6
8D 8. Cut 4
9D 9. Great Basin tribe 6
10D 10. Chews (out) 5
11D 11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald 4
12D 12. Central points 4
13D 13. Woodpecker food 4
14D 18. Attacks 6
15D 19. Words that might come before a meal 5
16D 22. Major works of art 6
17D 23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano 6
18D 24. Resident of Aleppo 6
19D 28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g. 7
20D 29. Free of animal products 5
21D 30. Wrath 3
22D 31. Writer Gay 6
23D 32. Hallucinatory experiences 9
24D 33. It comes with cups and saucers 6
25D 36. Chicago exchange, in brief 4
26D 38. Director Lee 3
27D 39. Sculptor's tool 6
28D 41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920 5
29D 42. Skewered 7
30D 44. Gateway of India locale 6
31D 45. Tough nut to crack 6
32D 46. "Network" director Sidney 5
33D 49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty. 4
34D 50. Words of reproach following a betrayal 4
35D 51. Big blow 4
36D 52. Things confessed 4
37D 54. Ancient wrap 4
38D 56. "I don't wanna" 3
39D 57. It might be on a lot 3
40D 58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series) 3
41D 59. Perchance 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Doc seen for an annual checkup"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who helps in identifying or preventing or treating illness or disability
  • Similar words include: phencyclidine hydrochloride, primary care provider, angel dust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Address letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Similar words include: universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. A Stooge"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Band whose logo is stylized with a lightning bolt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Came by for dinner"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Word with power or pawn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
  • Similar words include: stone-broke, skint, bust
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BROKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Happen to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become of; happen to
  • Similar words include: happen, bechance, betide
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEFALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cut"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chop or split with an ax
  • Similar words include: axe, ax
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Great Basin tribe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of either of two shoshonean peoples (northern paiute and southern paiute) related to the aztecs and living in the southwestern united states
  • Similar words include: Piute
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAIUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chews (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large quantity of written matter
  • Similar words include: ream
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cry heard by Old MacDonald"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
  • Similar words include: squeal, grunt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Central points"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the concentration of attention or energy on something
  • Similar words include: direction, stress, centering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Woodpecker food"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Words that might come before a meal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (christian theology) a state of sanctification by god; the state of one who is under such divine influence
  • Similar words include: saving grace, adorn, embellish
  • Opposite of: unseemliness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Major works of art"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical work that has been created
  • Similar words include: piece, opus, piece of music
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Mexican revolutionary Emiliano"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mexican revolutionary who led a revolt for agrarian reforms (1879-1919)
  • Similar words include: Emiliano Zapata
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZAPATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Resident of Aleppo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of syria
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYRIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Moccasins and loafers, e.g."

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Free of animal products"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products at all
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Wrath"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: wrath, ira, choler
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Writer Gay"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Hallucinatory experiences"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. It comes with cups and saucers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Chicago exchange, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Director Lee"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a civilian reserve component of the united states air force that provides prompt mobilization during war and assistance during national emergencies
  • Similar words include: Air National Guard
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sculptor's tool"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
  • Similar words include: cheat, rip off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHISEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. French composer who refused the Legion of Honour in 1920"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french composer and exponent of impressionism (1875-1937)
  • Similar words include: ladder, ravel out, Maurice Ravel
  • Opposite of: unknot, unravel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Skewered"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use a knife on
  • Similar words include: stab, poke, jab
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STABBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Gateway of India locale"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in western india just off the coast of the arabian sea; india's 2nd largest city (after calcutta); has the only natural deep-water harbor in western india
  • Similar words include: Bombay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MUMBAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Tough nut to crack"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  • Similar words include: riddle, closed book, conundrum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. "Network" director Sidney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Hurdle for an aspiring atty."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Words of reproach following a betrayal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Big blow"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

36D: "52. Things confessed"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Ancient wrap"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. "I don't wanna""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. It might be on a lot"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: elevator car, auto, gondola
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. "___ Possible" (2000s animated series)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Perchance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: allege, order, enjoin
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 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: October 01, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Much-used pencil 4
2A 5. Composed 4
3A 9. A bit off 5
4A 14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings 4
5A 15. Mayberry kid on old TV 4
6A 16. Sharp increase 5
7A 17. Market! 9
8A 19. Walked while fraught with worry, say 5
9A 20. Like a moon that is not full but is more than half visible 7
10A 21. Administrative role 5
11A 23. Sign up 6
12A 24. Ticket! 8
13A 27. Nottingham-to-London dir. 3
14A 28. It was you 4
15A 30. Attributed writer of the third Gospel 6
16A 31. Culinary connoisseur 6
17A 33. GPS's guesses 4
18A 34. Planet! 13
19A 38. Desert landform 4
20A 39. San Francisco team, informally 6
21A 40. Best and most awesome, in slang 6
22A 43. Times Sq. squad 4
23A 44. Humanities degs. 3
24A 47. Packet! 8
25A 49. Person's bidding 6
26A 51. Need for a greedy Swede? 5
27A 52. Great flair 7
28A 53. Nail a test 5
29A 55. Locket! 9
30A 57. Pie-in-the-face sound 5
31A 58. Sized up 4
32A 59. Hightailed it 4
33A 60. How a trickster might behave 5
34A 61. Group in a gym routine 4
35A 62. Margarine 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Much-used pencil"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Composed"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steadiness of mind under stress
  • Similar words include: composure, tranquillise, cool off
  • Opposite of: stormy, stimulate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. A bit off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turned or twisted toward one side; - g.k.chesterton
  • Similar words include: wonky, lopsided, cockeyed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Mayberry kid on old TV"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Sharp increase"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a transient variation in voltage or current
  • Similar words include: empale, stiletto heel, spike out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Market!"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Walked while fraught with worry, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk with slow or fast paces
  • Similar words include: pace, step
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Like a moon that is not full but is more than half visible"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of or suffering from kyphosis, an abnormality of the vertebral column
  • Similar words include: kyphotic, crookback, humpbacked
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBBOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Administrative role"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
  • Similar words include: salesclerk, shop clerk, shop assistant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLERK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Sign up"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that join the military
  • Similar words include: draft, muster in, engage
  • Opposite of: discharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENLIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ticket!"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Nottingham-to-London dir."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • Similar words include: sou'-sou'-east, south southeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. It was you"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: K, M, chiliad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Attributed writer of the third Gospel"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Culinary connoisseur"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)
  • Similar words include: epicurean, gastronome, epicure
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOODIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. GPS's guesses"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

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: eta, ETA, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Planet!"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Desert landform"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
  • Similar words include: sand dune
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. San Francisco team, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Similar words include: niner, 9, nine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Best and most awesome, in slang"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
  • Similar words include: sick, inauspicious, ill
  • Opposite of: well
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILLEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Times Sq. squad"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Humanities degs."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Ba, Bachelor of Arts, AB
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Packet!"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes
  • Similar words include: travelling bag, bag, traveling bag
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUITCASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Person's bidding"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an authoritative command or request
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEHEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Need for a greedy Swede?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in sweden
  • Similar words include: Swedish krona, Icelandic krona
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Great flair"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive and stylish elegance
  • Similar words include: flair, dash, style
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Nail a test"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Locket!"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Pie-in-the-face sound"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a single splash
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Sized up"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature especially as specified; often used in combination
  • Similar words include: eyeball, eye
  • Opposite of: eyeless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Hightailed it"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: pluck, bust, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. How a trickster might behave"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in an artful manner
  • Similar words include: trickily, foxily, knavishly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLYLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Group in a gym routine"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: set up, lay, set
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Margarine"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spread made chiefly from vegetable oils and used as a substitute for butter
  • Similar words include: marge, margarine, oleomargarine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Drawn-out attacks 6
2D 2. Things to be cleansed from the body 6
3D 3. Powerless 6
4D 4. Movie with the record for the longest time between its release and the release of its sequel (63 years) 5
5D 5. Writing partner 8
6D 6. Many tech start-up ideas 4
7D 7. Trust eroder 3
8D 8. Some concert gear, informally 5
9D 9. Feature 6
10D 10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration 9
11D 11. Be super-successful, in slang 8
12D 12. Scrape (by) 3
13D 13. Give a ring, say 3
14D 18. Surgery recovery period, in brief 6
15D 22. "___ Troyens" (five-hour French opera) 3
16D 24. Collection of dishes? 7
17D 25. Up to snuff 4
18D 26. Treasure map markings 3
19D 29. God whose name has one "I," fittingly 4
20D 31. Offer from many a streaming service 9
21D 32. Start of a counting rhyme 4
22D 34. "Star Trek" helmsman 4
23D 35. Doubtful 8
24D 36. Musical promoters of school spirit 8
25D 37. Impassioned 6
26D 38. Insult 3
27D 41. "Star Trek" engineer 6
28D 42. Trig function that can output every real number 3
29D 44. "Don't freak out, dude" 6
30D 45. Where landlubbers are at home 6
31D 46. It often features panels with speakers 6
32D 48. Targets of some heists 5
33D 50. Was out of other options 5
34D 52. Word found at the start of "Poe, to name one" 4
35D 53. Burro 3
36D 54. Rank below sgt. 3
37D 56. Bread choice 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Drawn-out attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
  • Similar words include: military blockade, besieging, beleaguering
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIEGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Things to be cleansed from the body"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
  • Similar words include: toxin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOXINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Powerless"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
  • Similar words include: ineffective, ineffectual
  • Opposite of: able
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Movie with the record for the longest time between its release and the release of its sequel (63 years)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Writing partner"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer who collaborates with others in writing something
  • Similar words include: joint author
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COAUTHOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Many tech start-up ideas"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Trust eroder"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Some concert gear, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Feature"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct feature or element in a problem
  • Similar words include: facial expression, panorama, prospect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a firework that burns slowly and throws out a shower of sparks
  • Similar words include: ice, sparkler
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARKLERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Be super-successful, in slang"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Scrape (by)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Give a ring, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: tie, Wednesday, marry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Surgery recovery period, in brief"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. "___ Troyens" (five-hour French opera)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: LE, lupus erythematosus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Collection of dishes?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the practice or manner of preparing food or the food so prepared
  • Similar words include: culinary art
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUISINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Up to snuff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an endorsement
  • Similar words include: hunky-dory, o.k., sanction
  • Opposite of: disapprove
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Treasure map markings"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
  • Similar words include: x, Adam, X
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. God whose name has one "I," fittingly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Offer from many a streaming service"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Start of a counting rhyme"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. "Star Trek" helmsman"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Doubtful"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
  • Similar words include: unbelievable, unconvincing, improbable
  • Opposite of: likely, probable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNLIKELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Musical promoters of school spirit"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Impassioned"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by intense emotion
  • Similar words include: perfervid, fervent, impassioned
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARDENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Insult"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that god of the underworld; counterpart of greek pluto
  • Similar words include: Orcus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. "Star Trek" engineer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Trig function that can output every real number"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: suntan, topaz, tangent
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. "Don't freak out, dude""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Where landlubbers are at home"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that towards the shore from the water
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. It often features panels with speakers"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: two-channel, stereoscopic picture, stereophony
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Targets of some heists"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  • Similar words include: rubber, safe, condom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Was out of other options"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Word found at the start of "Poe, to name one""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Burro"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Rank below sgt."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Bread choice"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: rye whisky, rye whiskey, Secale cereale
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

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
37 Down Clues
72 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 30, 2026 at 09:51 AM