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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 30, 2026 (Trivia Week 4) - Solutions

NYT Mini Answers September 30, 2026 - Trivia Week 4 Special

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: September 21 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers December 09 | July 27 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 30, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 30, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Read through all the clues before filling in a single square.
  2. Start with anything three letters or shorter.
  3. Crossing letters are your best friend for the trickier answers.
  4. Question mark clues (?) almost always mean wordplay, not a literal answer.
  5. Watch for the usual suspects: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 59. Hightailed it
2 Across 28. It was you
3 Across 27. Nottingham-to-London dir.
4 Across 52. Great flair
5 Across 58. Sized up
6 Across 14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings
7 Across 1. Much-used pencil
8 Across 15. Mayberry kid on old TV
9 Across 19. Walked while fraught with worry, say
10 Across 31. Culinary connoisseur

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "59. Hightailed it"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'E'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: T__E

Answer:

Click to reveal TORE

2 Across: "28. It was you"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'U'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal THOU

3 Across: "27. Nottingham-to-London dir."

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SSE

4 Across: "52. Great flair"

Hints:

  • In plain terms: distinctive and stylish elegance.
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'E'.
  • You're looking for 7 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal PANACHE

5 Across: "58. Sized up"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Think of it this way — look at.

Answer:

Click to reveal EYED

6 Across: "14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'A'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 4-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal IONA

7 Across: "1. Much-used pencil"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S__B
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'B'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal STUB

8 Across: "15. Mayberry kid on old TV"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'E'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal OPIE

9 Across: "19. Walked while fraught with worry, say"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: P___D
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • In plain terms: walk with slow or fast paces.

Answer:

Click to reveal PACED

10 Across: "31. Culinary connoisseur"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'F', ends with 'E'.
  • Close enough in meaning: gourmet.
  • It's a 6-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal FOODIE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 11. Be super-successful, in slang
2 Down 54. Rank below sgt.
3 Down 7. Trust eroder
4 Down 31. Offer from many a streaming service
5 Down 48. Targets of some heists
6 Down 45. Where landlubbers are at home
7 Down 24. Collection of dishes?
8 Down 1. Drawn-out attacks
9 Down 50. Was out of other options
10 Down 10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "11. Be super-successful, in slang"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: K______T
  • First letter's a 'K', last letter's a 'T'.
  • Count on 8 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal KICKBUTT

2 Down: "54. Rank below sgt."

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal CPL

3 Down: "7. Trust eroder"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "consist."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • You're looking for 3 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal LIE

4 Down: "31. Offer from many a streaming service"

Hints:

  • This one runs 9 letters long.
  • If that helps, the shape is: F_______L
  • First letter's a 'F', last letter's a 'L'.

Answer:

Click to reveal FREETRIAL

5 Down: "48. Targets of some heists"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'S'.
  • In plain terms: strongbox where valuables can be safely kept.
  • 'condom' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAFES

6 Down: "45. Where landlubbers are at home"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'E'.
  • Think of it this way — towards the shore from the water.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASHORE

7 Down: "24. Collection of dishes?"

Hints:

  • This one runs 7 letters long.
  • Starts with 'C', ends with 'E'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: C_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal CUISINE

8 Down: "1. Drawn-out attacks"

Hints:

  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Blank it out and you get: S____S
  • 'siege' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal SIEGES

9 Down: "50. Was out of other options"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'O'.
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: H___O

Answer:

Click to reveal HADTO

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

Hints:

  • This one runs 9 letters long.
  • If that helps, the shape is: S_______S
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SPARKLERS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When does the Trivia Week 4 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 4 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 4 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 4 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 30, 2026 at 09:51 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 30 2026 mini crossword

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

September 30, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Much-used pencil"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Composed"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. A bit off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Sharp increase"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Market!"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Administrative role"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Sign up"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ticket!"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. It was you"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Culinary connoisseur"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. GPS's guesses"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Planet!"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Desert landform"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Times Sq. squad"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Humanities degs."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Packet!"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Person's bidding"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Great flair"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Nail a test"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Locket!"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Sized up"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Hightailed it"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Margarine"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Drawn-out attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Powerless"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Writing partner"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Trust eroder"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Feature"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Scrape (by)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Collection of dishes?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Up to snuff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Treasure map markings"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Doubtful"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Impassioned"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Insult"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Targets of some heists"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Burro"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Rank below sgt."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Bread choice"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: September 30, 2026 at 09:51 AM

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Sunday, September 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 20, 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

September 20, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Special-ordered 6
2A 7. Sections of a circle's circumference 4
3A 11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue 7
4A 18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl" 7
5A 20. Coaster feature, maybe 4
6A 21. Assembles in proper order 8
7A 22. Mar, as a reputation 7
8A 23. See 25-Across 4
9A 24. Maligns 8
10A 25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round 8
11A 27. Mouths (off) 6
12A 29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A. 5
13A 30. Burnable bog stuff 4
14A 31. Burnt chimney stuff 4
15A 33. High-speed Olympic sport 4
16A 34. See 37-Across 3
17A 35. One who might have perfect pitch? 5
18A 37. With 34-Across, full extent of something 15
19A 43. "Holy moly!" 3
20A 45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo 3
21A 46. Red-coated cheese 4
22A 47. "___ funny!" 3
23A 48. Bigwig 7
24A 52. Own (up) 4
25A 55. It's off the wall! 8
26A 57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties 3
27A 58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball 5
28A 60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr. 3
29A 62. See 64-Across 5
30A 63. Chew the fat 3
31A 64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me" 10
32A 67. Noted exile isle 4
33A 69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short 3
34A 71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance 5
35A 72. Native Nebraskans 5
36A 75. See 78-Across 3
37A 76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z" 4
38A 78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!" 10
39A 81. Hold up 3
40A 83. Narnia or Neverland 5
41A 86. Give it a whirl 3
42A 87. Violinmaker of Cremona 5
43A 88. Letters from your folks? 3
44A 89. "So cool!" 8
45A 92. Follower of John in the New Testament 4
46A 94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking 7
47A 96. Greatest guy? 3
48A 97. See 101-Across 4
49A 98. Vent 3
50A 100. Part of SCOTUS 3
51A 101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine 15
52A 107. No-cash deal 5
53A 111. Lay off 3
54A 112. Culprit, in police lingo 4
55A 113. Modern pentathlon equipment 4
56A 115. Metaphor for a too-hot room 4
57A 116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes 5
58A 118. Ill will 6
59A 120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle? 8
60A 122. Weigh down, and then some 8
61A 124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically 4
62A 126. Armand of "American Gangster" 7
63A 127. Many mailbox stuffers 8
64A 128. Zest 4
65A 129. Iced tea request 7
66A 130. Clumsy 7
67A 131. Move fast, as a cloud 4
68A 132. Road trip stopovers 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Special-ordered"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that accepted or habitual practice
  • Similar words include: tradition, usage, customs duty
  • Opposite of: ready-made
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUSTOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Sections of a circle's circumference"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Similar words include: spark, arch, discharge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. NASCAR stat that varies widely by venue"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Banderas of 2024's "Babygirl""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Coaster feature, maybe"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: curl, grummet, intertwine
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Assembles in proper order"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that compare critically; of texts
  • Similar words include: collate
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLLATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "22. Mar, as a reputation"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation
  • Similar words include: stain, defile, maculate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARNISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "23. See 25-Across"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
  • Similar words include: Little Joe, quaternion, quadruplet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "24. Maligns"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
  • Similar words include: defame, besmirch, slander
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPERSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. With 23-Across, March Madness tournament round"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Mouths (off)"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an opening that allows the passage of liquids or grain
  • Similar words include: mouth off, spurt, rabbit on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Pact that preceded the U.S.M.C.A."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agreement for free trade between the united states and canada and mexico; became effective in 1994 for ten years
  • Similar words include: North American Free Trade Agreement
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAFTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Burnable bog stuff"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Burnt chimney stuff"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
  • Similar words include: smut, carbon black, crock
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. High-speed Olympic sport"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a racing sled for one or two people
  • Similar words include: toboggan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. See 37-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ii, II, deuce
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. One who might have perfect pitch?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose business is advertising
  • Similar words include: advertiser, advertizer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. With 34-Across, full extent of something"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "43. "Holy moly!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Similar words include: divinity, deity, immortal
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Defensive player who keeps an eye on the QB, in football lingo"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
  • Similar words include: sight, sleuth, stag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Red-coated cheese"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "___ funny!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Similar words include: as well, excessively, to a fault
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Bigwig"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: genius, superstar, champion
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTSHOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Own (up)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (heraldry) an ordinary consisting of a broad horizontal band across a shield
  • Similar words include: fesse, Fes, Fez
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. It's off the wall!"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a glancing rebound
  • Similar words include: rebound, recoil, carom
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICOCHET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. "Red" or "1989," to Swifties"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Buck ___, first African American coach in Major League Baseball"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Extremely soft, in music: Abbr."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surgical resection of unnecessary palatal and oropharyngeal tissue to open the airway; intended to cure extreme cases of snoring (with or without sleep apnea)
  • Similar words include: palatopharyngoplasty, UPPP, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PPP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. See 64-Across"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: 3, triad, trinity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Chew the fat"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Similar words include: yakety-yak, Bos grunniens, cackle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. With 62-Across, Beatles classic with the lyric "Will you still need me / Will you still feed me""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Noted exile isle"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "69. Energy-efficient bulb, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
  • Similar words include: precede, direct, moderate
  • Opposite of: follow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. ___ orange, tree whose fruit has a brainlike appearance"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in missouri in the valleys of the missouri and osage rivers; oil was found on osage lands early in the 20th century
  • Similar words include: Osage River
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Native Nebraskans"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Otoe, Oto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "75. See 78-Across"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "76. Author who purportedly drew inspiration from a filing cabinet labeled "O-Z""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states writer of children's books (1856-1919)
  • Similar words include: Lyman Frank Brown, Frank Baum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "78. With 75-Across, "So very appreciated!""

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "81. Hold up"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "83. Narnia or Neverland"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domain in which something is dominant
  • Similar words include: region, land, kingdom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "86. Give it a whirl"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  • Similar words include: sample, render, stress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "87. Violinmaker of Cremona"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian violin maker in cremona; taught the craft to guarneri and stradivari (1596-1684)
  • Similar words include: Nicola Amati, Nicolo Amati
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMATI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "88. Letters from your folks?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
  • Similar words include: desoxyribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "89. "So cool!""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "92. Follower of John in the New Testament"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: bit, do, pretend
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "94. Chef with "New New Orleans"-style cooking"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "96. Greatest guy?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "97. See 101-Across"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "98. Vent"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: beam, publicise, broadcast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "100. Part of SCOTUS"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "101. With 97-Across, Vegas casino machine"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "107. No-cash deal"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
  • Similar words include: swap, trade wind, merchandise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "111. Lay off"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
  • Similar words include: displace, buns, fanny
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "112. Culprit, in police lingo"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "113. Modern pentathlon equipment"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "115. Metaphor for a too-hot room"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "116. Actress Christine whose last name sounds like a pair of musical notes"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "118. Ill will"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Similar words include: spitefulness, malevolence, spite
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "120. Number written above and to the right of another number ... as seen five times in this puzzle?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
  • Similar words include: power, index, advocator
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPONENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "122. Weigh down, and then some"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electrical load that exceeds the available electrical power
  • Similar words include: surcharge, overcharge, clog
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERLOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "124. Number with a 120-Across, mathematically"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that installation from which a military force initiates operations
  • Similar words include: base of operations, Qaeda, alkali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "126. Armand of "American Gangster""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "127. Many mailbox stuffers"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64A: "128. Zest"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
  • Similar words include: dash, ardor, style
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65A: "129. Iced tea request"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66A: "130. Clumsy"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing inconvenience
  • Similar words include: inept, ill-chosen, embarrassing
  • Opposite of: graceful
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWKWARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67A: "131. Move fast, as a cloud"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
  • Similar words include: flash, shoot, scudding
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68A: "132. Road trip stopovers"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor hotel
  • Similar words include: motel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Pampering place for a Persian 6
2D 2. Not impressed 6
3D 3. Watch via Hulu, say 6
4D 4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic") 8
5D 5. "I'll deal with this right now!" 4
6D 6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle 5
7D 7. Sitcom character from Melmac 3
8D 8. Aussie animals 4
9D 9. Item 6
10D 10. Alfalfa shoot 6
11D 11. Stockholder's setback 4
12D 12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn 3
13D 13. Not merely enough to go around 10
14D 14. Island containing Kiribati's capital 6
15D 15. "Don't pay any mind to this" 14
16D 16. Zoom, e.g. 4
17D 17. Feminine pronoun in Florence 4
18D 19. "Would you look at that!" 5
19D 21. Wedding reception hiree 7
20D 26. Partner of aahs 4
21D 28. "So-o-o gross!" 3
22D 32. A-one 9
23D 36. With nary a chance 5
24D 38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers 3
25D 39. Make a long story short, say 4
26D 40. Individually 4
27D 41. Female rabbit 3
28D 42. Elbow-bender 3
29D 44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells" 5
30D 48. "Sup!" 3
31D 49. Sonicare competitor 5
32D 50. Reschedule, so to speak 14
33D 51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind? 4
34D 53. Letters on a lip balm tube 3
35D 54. Scare stiff 5
36D 56. Some old Disney collectibles 4
37D 59. Arriving by 4
38D 61. Tables 9
39D 65. Stiller's comedic partner 5
40D 66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps 4
41D 68. Electrical impulse transmitters 5
42D 70. Face off 4
43D 73. Catchall abbr. 4
44D 74. Priced to be, as bail 5
45D 77. Fortified wine from Spain 10
46D 79. Home of NoHo and SoHo 3
47D 80. "Catch ya in the morn!" 5
48D 82. Main squeeze, in newer slang 3
49D 84. Lascivious look 4
50D 85. Old-timey teacher 4
51D 89. Sped or bled ... or led 3
52D 90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker) 3
53D 91. Pointe shoe accessories 7
54D 93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning" 3
55D 95. Balloon pilot, say 8
56D 99. Worth a pick? 4
57D 102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say 6
58D 103. State with only three counties: Abbr. 3
59D 104. Illegal offerings 6
60D 105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives 6
61D 106. Star football player? 5
62D 108. Get even for 6
63D 109. Kind of insurance for bridges 6
64D 110. Types in 6
65D 114. Surrey's Derby town 5
66D 116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana 4
67D 117. Say for sure 4
68D 118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints 4
69D 119. Father of five sons in the Bible 4
70D 121. ___ buco 4
71D 123. Adornment on a boathouse wall 3
72D 125. Heel, e.g. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Pampering place for a Persian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not impressed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Opposite of: awed
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNAWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Watch via Hulu, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: rain cats and dogs, well out, pelt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Online forum qualifiers such as /j ("joking") or /s ("sarcastic")"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "I'll deal with this right now!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Keeps hydrated, as vegetables in the produce aisle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: mist over, obscure, becloud
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sitcom character from Melmac"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Aussie animals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Item"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair who associate with one another
  • Similar words include: pair, mate, mates
  • Opposite of: uncouple
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Alfalfa shoot"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any new growth of a plant such as a new branch or a bud
  • Similar words include: shoot, bourgeon, pullulate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPROUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Stockholder's setback"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that is lost
  • Similar words include: passing, personnel casualty, red ink
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Weisshorn or Finsteraarhorn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any high mountain
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Not merely enough to go around"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Island containing Kiribati's capital"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that national capital of kiribati
  • Similar words include: Bairiki, Tarawa-Makin, Makin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARAWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. "Don't pay any mind to this""

14 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Zoom, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: see, contact, satisfy
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Feminine pronoun in Florence"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. "Would you look at that!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "21. Wedding reception hiree"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who provides food and service (as for a party)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATERER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Partner of aahs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh, aah
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. "So-o-o gross!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. A-one"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. With nary a chance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in no manner; in no way
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Ingredient in some hair relaxers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Make a long story short, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, redact, blue-pencil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Individually"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • Similar words include: from each one, apiece, for each one
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Female rabbit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: Energy, Department of Energy, Energy Department
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Elbow-bender"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic drinker
  • Similar words include: wino, rummy, inebriate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Popular singer of the Hawaiian folk song "Pearly Shells""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. "Sup!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Sonicare competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Reschedule, so to speak"

14 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Things that drivers sometimes leave behind?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Letters on a lip balm tube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: sun protection factor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Scare stiff"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
  • Similar words include: creep, shade, weirdie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Some old Disney collectibles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Arriving by"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Tables"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "65. Stiller's comedic partner"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Incur a cellphone surcharge, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Similar words include: swan, rove, cast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "68. Electrical impulse transmitters"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
  • Similar words include: axone, axon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "70. Face off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
  • Similar words include: affaire d'honneur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "73. Catchall abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "74. Priced to be, as bail"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "77. Fortified wine from Spain"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very dry pale sherry from spain
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANZANILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "79. Home of NoHo and SoHo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "80. "Catch ya in the morn!""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
  • Similar words include: nighttime, dark, Nox
  • Opposite of: day
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "82. Main squeeze, in newer slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "84. Lascivious look"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  • Similar words include: sneer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "85. Old-timey teacher"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "89. Sped or bled ... or led"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Similar words include: lean, head for the hills, consort
  • Opposite of: idle, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "90. ___ Lilly (Mounjaro maker)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "91. Pointe shoe accessories"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "93. Amy who wrote "Saving Fish From Drowning""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "95. Balloon pilot, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who operates an aircraft
  • Similar words include: aviator, flier, flyer
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERONAUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "99. Worth a pick?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: mature, advanced, good
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "102. Stick to simple and unprocessed foods, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "103. State with only three counties: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "104. Illegal offerings"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that payment made to a person in a position of trust to corrupt his judgment
  • Similar words include: bribe, payoff, grease one's palms
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "105. High-level H.S. class with derivatives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "106. Star football player?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of texas
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEXAN

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62D: "108. Get even for"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take revenge for a perceived wrong
  • Similar words include: revenge, retaliate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVENGE

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63D: "109. Kind of insurance for bridges"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant articulated with the tip of the tongue near the gum ridge
  • Similar words include: dental consonant, alveolar, alveolar consonant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENTAL

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64D: "110. Types in"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to come or go into
  • Similar words include: accede, enroll, introduce
  • Opposite of: drop out, exit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTERS

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65D: "114. Surrey's Derby town"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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66D: "116. Singer/dancer/actress Falana"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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67D: "117. Say for sure"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Similar words include: swan, affirm, swear
  • Opposite of: disavow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOW

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68D: "118. Org. supporting sobriety checkpoints"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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69D: "119. Father of five sons in the Bible"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

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70D: "121. ___ buco"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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71D: "123. Adornment on a boathouse wall"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

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72D: "125. Heel, e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: stop, remainder, final stage
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

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

68 Across Clues
72 Down Clues
140 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 20, 2026 at 08:42 AM

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