Search Clues

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

Thursday, June 25, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 25, 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. Some terminals 6
2A 7. Gamer's state of invincibility enabled by a cheat code 7
3A 14. Listens to, as a radio station 7
4A 16. Achieves success for the first time 7
5A 17. *They may result in people wrongly being sent to jail 7
6A 18. *Bonny young girl 7
7A 19. Spanner of 11 time zones 4
8A 20. Klondike territory 5
9A 22. Copacabana locale 3
10A 23. *Exercise experts 8
11A 26. Bit of improv 4
12A 28. One end of a playground "telephone" 6
13A 30. Wish for a romantic pairing between, in modern lingo 4
14A 33. "Thor: Ragnarok" actress Thompson 5
15A 35. *Advocate of women's equality 8
16A 38. Tower in the water 3
17A 39. Hi-fi spinners 3
18A 41. Ewe said it! 3
19A 42. School org. 3
20A 43. *"Let's pick up the pace!" 8
21A 46. Preschooler's wheels 5
22A 48. Trivia contest venues 4
23A 49. Restaurant icon McDonald 6
24A 51. Breakfast that may be prepared overnight 4
25A 54. *Some online courses 8
26A 58. "The Matrix" character 3
27A 60. N.C.A.A. basketball powerhouse, informally 5
28A 62. Cantina freebie 4
29A 63. With 65-Across, market no-no ... or a hint to entering the answers to the starred clues 7
30A 65. See 63-Across 7
31A 68. Simply taboo 7
32A 69. Melted adhesive 7
33A 70. Categorizes 7
34A 71. Removes a curse? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Some terminals"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • Similar words include: anode
  • Opposite of: cathode
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANODES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Gamer's state of invincibility enabled by a cheat code"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Listens to, as a radio station"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Achieves success for the first time"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
  • Similar words include: make it, come, get in
  • Opposite of: leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARRIVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. *They may result in people wrongly being sent to jail"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. *Bonny young girl"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Spanner of 11 time zones"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Klondike territory"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a north american river that flows westward from the yukon territory through central alaska to the bering sea
  • Similar words include: Yukon River, Yukon Territory
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YUKON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Copacabana locale"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. *Exercise experts"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who trains other persons or animals
  • Similar words include: flight simulator, trainer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAINERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Bit of improv"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short theatrical episode
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. One end of a playground "telephone""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Wish for a romantic pairing between, in modern lingo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vessel that carries passengers or freight
  • Similar words include: send, transport, embark
  • Opposite of: disembark
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. "Thor: Ragnarok" actress Thompson"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. *Advocate of women's equality"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a supporter of feminism
  • Similar words include: women's liberationist, libber, women's rightist
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEMINIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "38. Tower in the water"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden abrupt pull
  • Similar words include: labor, tugboat, drive
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Hi-fi spinners"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

18A: "41. Ewe said it!"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cry made by sheep
  • Similar words include: blate, blat, bleat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. School org."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. *"Let's pick up the pace!""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Preschooler's wheels"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle with three wheels that is moved by foot pedals
  • Similar words include: velocipede, tricycle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Trivia contest venues"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tavern consisting of a building with a bar and public rooms; often provides light meals
  • Similar words include: gin mill, pothouse, pub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Restaurant icon McDonald"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "51. Breakfast that may be prepared overnight"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. *Some online courses"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. "The Matrix" character"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "60. N.C.A.A. basketball powerhouse, informally"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Cantina freebie"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that largest known toad species; native to central america; valuable destroyer of insect pests
  • Similar words include: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. With 65-Across, market no-no ... or a hint to entering the answers to the starred clues"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an officer of a corporation or others who have access to private information about the corporation's operations
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSIDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. See 63-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that buying or selling securities or commodities
  • Similar words include: sell, switch, trade
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "68. Simply taboo"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Melted adhesive"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Categorizes"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that keep company with; hang out with
  • Similar words include: classify, class, affiliate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Removes a curse?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short high tone produced as a signal or warning
  • Similar words include: beep, bleep
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLEEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Up 5
2D 2. Front-line hero during the 2020 pandemic 5
3D 3. "We're live!" studio sign 5
4D 4. Goes 7
5D 5. Spanish pronoun 3
6D 6. The Science Kid, in children's television 3
7D 7. Get an eyeful 4
8D 8. Some McFlurry ingredients 5
9D 9. Knocked back a few 5
10D 10. Bad start? 3
11D 11. Analyze excessively 9
12D 12. Slicer's place 4
13D 13. ExxonMobil brand 4
14D 15. "Bye Bye Bye" boy band 5
15D 21. Falcons' grp. 4
16D 24. Congressional divide 5
17D 25. Like purchases made while playing freemium games 5
18D 27. Distinctive doctrine 3
19D 29. Point of writing 3
20D 31. "So that's how it is" 4
21D 32. Organizer of an after-school event, in brief 3
22D 33. You might go on tiptoe in this 4
23D 34. Consequences of compliments 9
24D 36. Sharansky who wrote the memoir "Fear No Evil" 5
25D 37. Country rocker Steve with the album "Exit 0" 5
26D 38. Medicinal amt. 3
27D 40. Paul McCartney, for one 3
28D 44. Org. that hires cryptanalysts 3
29D 45. Minor municipality 4
30D 47. Conventioneer's passport 7
31D 50. First grade of high school, typically 5
32D 52. Old royal house 5
33D 53. Lilac, e.g. 5
34D 55. Twinkle-toed 5
35D 56. Preceding time 5
36D 57. Solomonic figures 5
37D 58. 1492 caravel 4
38D 59. Grandson of Eve 4
39D 61. Get a lode of these! 4
40D 64. Words sealed with a kiss 3
41D 66. ___ blind 3
42D 67. W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Front-line hero during the 2020 pandemic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
  • Similar words include: entertain, suckle, hold
  • Opposite of: bottlefeed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "We're live!" studio sign"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Goes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move away from a place into another direction
  • Similar words include: deviate, start, pull up stakes
  • Opposite of: conform, stay
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Spanish pronoun"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. The Science Kid, in children's television"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Get an eyeful"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: clod, lump, goon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAWK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Some McFlurry ingredients"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Knocked back a few"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in liquids
  • Similar words include: toast, salute, drink
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Bad start?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
  • Similar words include: stat mi, Military Intelligence Section 5, knot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Analyze excessively"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Slicer's place"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: food shop, delicatessen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ExxonMobil brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. "Bye Bye Bye" boy band"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Falcons' grp."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the airforce of the united states of america; the agency that defends the united states through control and exploitation of air and space
  • Similar words include: Air Force, U. S. Air Force, United States Air Force
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Congressional divide"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
  • Similar words include: gangway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Like purchases made while playing freemium games"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Distinctive doctrine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
  • Similar words include: philosophical system, philosophy, doctrine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Point of writing"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the writing point of a pen
  • Similar words include: pecker, beak, neb
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. "So that's how it is""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Organizer of an after-school event, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. You might go on tiptoe in this"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that south african prelate and leader of the antiapartheid struggle (born in 1931)
  • Similar words include: ballet skirt, Desmond Tutu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUTU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Consequences of compliments"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Sharansky who wrote the memoir "Fear No Evil""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Country rocker Steve with the album "Exit 0""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Medicinal amt."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Paul McCartney, for one"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that term of address for a man
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Org. that hires cryptanalysts"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Similar words include: National Security Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Minor municipality"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
  • Similar words include: townsfolk, Ithiel Town, township
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Conventioneer's passport"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. First grade of high school, typically"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that position nine in a countable series of things
  • Similar words include: 9th, one-ninth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Old royal house"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english dynasty descended from henry tudor; tudor monarchs ruled from henry vii to elizabeth i (from 1485 to 1603)
  • Similar words include: House of Tudor, Antony Tudor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUDOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Lilac, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive odor that is pleasant
  • Similar words include: odour, fragrance, odorize
  • Opposite of: deodorize, deodourise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Twinkle-toed"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that moving quickly and lightly
  • Similar words include: nimble, quick, spry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Preceding time"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substantial increase over a relatively short period of time
  • Similar words include: run-up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUNUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Solomonic figures"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. 1492 caravel"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Grandson of Eve"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Get a lode of these!"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Words sealed with a kiss"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. ___ blind"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Similar words include: surcharge, hook, overcharge
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "67. W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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

34 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
76 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: June 25, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Thursday, May 28, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 28, 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. Surname of two Indian prime ministers 6
2A 7. Fly-by-night types? 4
3A 11. Go (for) 3
4A 14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally 6
5A 15. Baroque instrument 4
6A 16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly) 3
7A 17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti? 11
8A 19. Veto 3
9A 20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire" 4
10A 21. Cry of frustration 5
11A 22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B. 4
12A 23. Hajj destination 5
13A 25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s 6
14A 27. Preacher's gift? 13
15A 29. Fly catcher? 4
16A 30. Kind of a drag? 4
17A 31. Parrot 3
18A 32. Perceptive 7
19A 35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station 7
20A 37. Get ___ (shine scholastically) 3
21A 38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly 4
22A 40. Billionaire Musk 4
23A 41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example? 13
24A 45. Fan of "I" statements 6
25A 46. Dissect with a diagram 5
26A 47. "___, actually ..." 4
27A 48. Start of many first-year course names 5
28A 50. Lawman who got out of Dodge 4
29A 54. 60 minuti 3
30A 55. Local leader is prohibited? 11
31A 57. Clear 3
32A 58. Bum around Europe 4
33A 59. Intentional creases 6
34A 60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad" 3
35A 61. Changes the locks? 4
36A 62. Acted all crabby? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Surname of two Indian prime ministers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that daughter of nehru who served as prime minister of india from 1966 to 1977 (1917-1984)
  • Similar words include: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANDHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Fly-by-night types?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: owl, bird of night, hooter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Go (for)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, prefer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of ohio
  • Similar words include: Buckeye
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHIOAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Baroque instrument"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Veto"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: disallow, zero, aught
  • Opposite of: permit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Cry of frustration"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Hajj destination"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joint capital (with riyadh) of saudi arabia; located in western saudi arabia; as the birthplace of muhammad it is the holiest city of islam
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MECCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Preacher's gift?"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Fly catcher?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
  • Similar words include: glove, manus, hand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Kind of a drag?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
  • Similar words include: independent, principal, master
  • Opposite of: dependent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Parrot"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
  • Similar words include: anthropoid, aper, caricature
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Perceptive"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having physical sensation
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Get ___ (shine scholastically)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Billionaire Musk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Fan of "I" statements"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conceited and self-centered person
  • Similar words include: egocentric, egotist, swellhead
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Dissect with a diagram"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that analyze syntactically by assigning a constituent structure to (a sentence)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. "___, actually ...""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
  • Similar words include: comfortably, considerably, intimately
  • Opposite of: badly, disadvantageously
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Start of many first-year course names"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
  • Similar words include: introduction, presentation
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Lawman who got out of Dodge"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. 60 minuti"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: operating system, atomic number 76, OS
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Local leader is prohibited?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Clear"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Bum around Europe"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: keister, butt, asshole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Intentional creases"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
  • Similar words include: pleat, ruffle, plicate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Changes the locks?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Similar words include: dye, dyestuff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. Acted all crabby?"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move unobtrusively or furtively
  • Similar words include: sidle, sashay
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIDLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code 4
2D 2. [Excuse me] 4
3D 3. Totenberg of public radio 4
4D 4. People who get walked all over 8
5D 5. Bit of a laugh 3
6D 6. Not separated 6
7D 7. Throwing style 7
8D 8. Bit of a lark 4
9D 9. Lady-killer 8
10D 10. Machiavellian, in a way 3
11D 11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?" 10
12D 12. Written with venom 9
13D 13. Oil, they say 8
14D 18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper 4
15D 22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two 3
16D 24. México's Tabasco, Jalisco and others 7
17D 26. Guardians of bushido tradition 7
18D 27. National drink of Puerto Rico 10
19D 28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole 3
20D 29. It's a zoo out there 9
21D 32. Blue stop sign? 8
22D 33. Third in order 8
23D 34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien 3
24D 36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze 8
25D 39. Comes on little cat feet 7
26D 42. "___ death do us part" 3
27D 43. Comedian Jimmy 4
28D 44. Opposite of 39-Down 6
29D 49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines) 4
30D 51. Fussbudgety, say 4
31D 52. Mindless repetition 4
32D 53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief 4
33D 55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine 3
34D 56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. [Excuse me]"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Totenberg of public radio"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. People who get walked all over"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
  • Similar words include: welcome mat, doormat, wuss
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOORMATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bit of a laugh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Not separated"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged; - bacon
  • Similar words include: inviolate, entire, integral
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Throwing style"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
  • Similar words include: overhand, overhanded
  • Opposite of: underhand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Bit of a lark"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
  • Similar words include: extension, annex, flank
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lady-killer"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a successful womanizer; a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOTHARIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Machiavellian, in a way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Written with venom"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Oil, they say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in east central texas
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. México's Tabasco, Jalisco and others"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Guardians of bushido tradition"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. National drink of Puerto Rico"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equality, equivalence, equation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. It's a zoo out there"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of live animals for study or display
  • Similar words include: zoological garden, zoo
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENAGERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Blue stop sign?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Third in order"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that from 63 million to 2 million years ago
  • Similar words include: Tertiary period, 3rd, third
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERTIARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixie, gremlin, pixy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Comes on little cat feet"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the tip of a toe
  • Similar words include: tip, tippytoe, tiptoe
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIPTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. "___ death do us part""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Comedian Jimmy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Opposite of 39-Down"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: New York Stock Exchange, N. Y. Stock Exchange, big board
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Fussbudgety, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to the anus
  • Similar words include: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Mindless repetition"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that memorization by repetition
  • Similar words include: rote learning
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images
  • Similar words include: posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
  • Similar words include: insane, huffy, disturbed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

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

36 Across Clues
34 Down Clues
70 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: May 28, 2026 at 07:07 AM