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

Thursday, April 9, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 09, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Start issuing stock, in Wall Street lingo 5
2A 6. Live the single man's life, slangily 6
3A 12. Part of some box sets 3
4A 15. Pungent 5
5A 16. Stick (to) 6
6A 17. Joey of kid-lit 3
7A 18. One with thick skin, notably 5
8A 19. Customizable Asian-fusion dish 10
9A 21. Charlatan 5
10A 22. Ex-Yankee with appearances on "Shark Tank," familiarly 4
11A 23. "Stay" singer Lisa 4
12A 24. In unison 5
13A 26. To an extreme degree 7
14A 29. [Oh no!] 4
15A 32. Stone that's often carved 4
16A 34. "And you ___ ...?" 3
17A 35. "No, thanks" 7
18A 37. Tiny pieces of technology 8
19A 42. Amundsen who went to the South Pole 15 years before he flew over the North Pole 5
20A 43. Sound of a stone landing in a pool 4
21A 45. Tone used to create an antique vibe 5
22A 46. So darling 8
23A 48. Scare the bejesus out of 7
24A 50. Lead-in to Pen 3
25A 51. Speck in the sea 4
26A 53. Zebras in the field? 4
27A 54. Article of summer wear 7
28A 58. On which to watch the Beeb 5
29A 60. Retail giant with a three-syllable name in four letters 4
30A 61. Bring home 4
31A 63. In base eight 5
32A 67. Oil bigwig? 10
33A 70. Cease-fire 5
34A 71. Bit of ticket info 3
35A 72. Community traversed by the Pacific Coast Highway 6
36A 73. Shadow 5
37A 74. ___-Man 3
38A 75. Lines 9 through 14 of a classic sonnet 6
39A 76. Aerodynamic, maybe 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Pungent"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stick (to)"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Charlatan"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. In unison"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. To an extreme degree"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Tiny pieces of technology"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. So darling"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Speck in the sea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Article of summer wear"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Bring home"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. In base eight"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Oil bigwig?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Cease-fire"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Bit of ticket info"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Shadow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. ___-Man"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "76. Aerodynamic, maybe"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Anatomical ring"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

23 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Found darling"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Jimmy known for shoes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Ball bearer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

16 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Peaked"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Cold-weather coat"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Music producer Brian"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Triangular dessert, literally"

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Small squabble"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Comments"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Aromatic bit of attire"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Flashing light"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Cereal box abbr."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Sounds of laughter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "62. Working hard"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "64. Lipstick unit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Syllables of hesitation"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "69. "Norma ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: April 09, 2026 at 05:27 AM

Friday, January 2, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 02, 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. Havanese greeting 3
2A 4. Tolstoy book whose title asks a question 9
3A 13. Reluctantly stoop 5
4A 16. They rate up to 350,000 on the Scoville scale 9
5A 17. H.S. class for tough life lessons? 5
6A 18. "Just tell me when it's over" 9
7A 19. Dance move also known as a backslide 8
8A 21. Skims, as soup stock 6
9A 22. Fig. that cannot start with 9 3
10A 23. Org. for The Rock and Brock Lesnar 3
11A 24. Tunnel-making machine 5
12A 25. Not many 4
13A 27. Windfalls 5
14A 28. Keep coming up 5
15A 30. One might lead to pay back 9
16A 34. Make some introductions, say 5
17A 35. The Cowboys of the N.C.A.A. 3
18A 36. Word from the Lakota for "they dwell" 5
19A 37. Emotional manipulation tactic 9
20A 39. Meaty meal 5
21A 40. Attraction on the western side of Carson Range 5
22A 41. "Oof!" 4
23A 42. Seems less impressive, so to speak 5
24A 43. Spray in the kitchen 3
25A 44. German stock market index 3
26A 47. Cumbrous 6
27A 49. One-to-one relationship 8
28A 51. Exchanges blows? 9
29A 53. Up to 5
30A 54. Eggless bread spread 9
31A 55. "A-a-a-and ___!" (improv show ender) 5
32A 56. High-carb snack 9
33A 57. May day celebrant 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Havanese greeting"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Tolstoy book whose title asks a question"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Reluctantly stoop"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
  • Similar words include: descend, condescend
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. They rate up to 350,000 on the Scoville scale"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. H.S. class for tough life lessons?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. "Just tell me when it's over""

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Dance move also known as a backslide"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of dance step in which the dancer seems to be sliding on the spot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOONWALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Skims, as soup stock"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the fat from
  • Similar words include: defat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEFATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Fig. that cannot start with 9"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Org. for The Rock and Brock Lesnar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Tunnel-making machine"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drill for penetrating rock
  • Similar words include: woodborer, rock drill, stone drill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Not many"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Windfalls"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a desirable state
  • Similar words include: blessing, boon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Keep coming up"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. One might lead to pay back"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Make some introductions, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, master of ceremonies, host
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. The Cowboys of the N.C.A.A."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Word from the Lakota for "they dwell""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native american tent; usually of conical shape
  • Similar words include: teepee, tipi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Emotional manipulation tactic"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Meaty meal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ceremonial dinner party for many people
  • Similar words include: junket, fete, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Attraction on the western side of Carson Range"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "Oof!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something of little value
  • Similar words include: darn, bedamn, darned
  • Opposite of: bless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Seems less impressive, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden strip forming part of a fence
  • Similar words include: pale, picket, pal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Spray in the kitchen"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. German stock market index"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Cumbrous"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking grace in movement or posture
  • Similar words include: clumsy, ungainly, gawky
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLUNKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. One-to-one relationship"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having only one spouse at a time
  • Similar words include: monogamousness
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONOGAMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Exchanges blows?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Up to"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Eggless bread spread"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. "A-a-a-and ___!" (improv show ender)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the place where some action occurs
  • Similar words include: shot, tantrum, prospect
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. High-carb snack"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. May day celebrant"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a mother
  • Similar words include: mammy, momma, mummy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. President who wrote "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it" 5
2D 2. Default outcomes, perhaps 5
3D 3. Kind of sequence that that proceeds 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ... 9
4D 4. Duration 5
5D 5. Modern security threat 4
6D 6. Org. with the Rule of Law Initiative 3
7D 7. Cylindrical oven 7
8D 8. Extremely well-liked? 14
9D 9. Personal opinion? 10
10D 10. Hooting and hollering 5
11D 11. Part of an underground network 4
12D 12. Pithy put-downs 4
13D 14. Main ingredient in an aviation cocktail 3
14D 15. "I like the sound of that!" 14
15D 20. "So adorable!" 3
16D 24. Prepare to ship, say 5
17D 26. Delivery means to a gas station 10
18D 27. Count in the Blues Hall of Fame 5
19D 28. On the ___ (frequently, informally) 3
20D 29. Bird whose eggs are sometimes a canvas for Aboriginal art 3
21D 30. Capotes are flapped at them 5
22D 31. "Let's go, sleepyhead!" 9
23D 32. Booking, for short 3
24D 33. Server's obstacle 3
25D 38. "Word on the street is ..." 7
26D 41. ___ Brown, author of "The Da Vinci Code" 3
27D 42. Night of lawlessness in a long-running horror franchise, with "the" 5
28D 43. Try-hard 5
29D 45. Kind of acid 5
30D 46. Stem component 5
31D 47. Capitulate 4
32D 48. Lender's security 4
33D 49. Table outside 4
34D 50. Big purveyor of health supplements 3
35D 52. Gender-neutral term in a family 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. President who wrote "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that american revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the boston tea party and signer of the declaration of independence (1722-1803)
  • Similar words include: John Adams, Mount Adams, disco biscuit
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Default outcomes, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Kind of sequence that that proceeds 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ..."

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Duration"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
  • Similar words include: patch, piece, spell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Modern security threat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who works hard at boring tasks
  • Similar words include: chop, taxi, political hack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Org. with the Rule of Law Initiative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cylindrical oven"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clay oven used in northern india and pakistan
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANDOOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Extremely well-liked?"

14 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Personal opinion?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Hooting and hollering"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Part of an underground network"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
  • Similar words include: tooth root, ancestor, source
  • Opposite of: descendant
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Pithy put-downs"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Similar words include: tut-tut, tsk, tut
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Main ingredient in an aviation cocktail"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong liquor flavored with juniper berries
  • Similar words include: snare, noose, knock rummy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. "I like the sound of that!""

14 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "So adorable!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Prepare to ship, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Delivery means to a gas station"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Count in the Blues Hall of Fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. On the ___ (frequently, informally)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Bird whose eggs are sometimes a canvas for Aboriginal art"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Similar words include: Dromaius novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit, Emu novaehollandiae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Capotes are flapped at them"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. "Let's go, sleepyhead!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Booking, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: re, Re, rhenium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Server's obstacle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: network, profit, web
  • Opposite of: gross
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Word on the street is ...""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. ___ Brown, author of "The Da Vinci Code""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Night of lawlessness in a long-running horror franchise, with "the""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
  • Similar words include: be sick, disgorge, regorge
  • Opposite of: keep down, rehabilitate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Try-hard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Kind of acid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the radical -nh2
  • Similar words include: amino group, aminic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Stem component"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the woody part of plants: the supporting and water-conducting tissue, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XYLEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Capitulate"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
  • Similar words include: undermine, spelunk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Lender's security"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
  • Similar words include: spleen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Table outside"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
  • Similar words include: table
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Big purveyor of health supplements"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Gender-neutral term in a family"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person's brother or sister
  • Similar words include: blood relative, cognate, sibling
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIB

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

33 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
68 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: January 02, 2026 at 04:26 AM