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Thursday, September 24, 2026

NYT Mini Answers September 24, 2026 - Trivia Week 4 Special

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword September 24, 2026 Answers

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

Popular Puzzles: Xwordhint Crossword Answers November 08 | NYT Down Clues Answers November 05 2025 | Sunday NYT Down Solutions October 26 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 24, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, September 24, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 24, 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

Standard Mini size again: 5 across, 5 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

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 42. Full of vivid detail, as memory
2 Across 14. Recital pieces
3 Across 18. Traction enhancer
4 Across 25. Like most manuscript submissions
5 Across 62. Cognizant
6 Across 1. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble
7 Across 58. Actress Sandra or Ruby
8 Across 28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief
9 Across 45. Onesie fastener
10 Across 26. Many a Scottish native

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: "42. Full of vivid detail, as memory"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'E', ends with 'C'.
  • You're looking for 7 letters.
  • In plain terms: of visual imagery of almost photographic accuracy.

Answer:

Click to reveal EIDETIC

2 Across: "14. Recital pieces"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'S'.
  • This one runs 5 letters long.
  • Blank it out and you get: S___S

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLOS

3 Across: "18. Traction enhancer"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: C___T
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'T'.

Answer:

Click to reveal CLEAT

4 Across: "25. Like most manuscript submissions"

Hints:

  • 'type' points in the same direction.
  • This one runs 5 letters long.
  • In plain terms: write by means of a keyboard with types.

Answer:

Click to reveal TYPED

5 Across: "62. Cognizant"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'E'.
  • 'mindful' points in the same direction.
  • It's a 5-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal AWARE

6 Across: "1. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 2 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal ZA

7 Across: "58. Actress Sandra or Ruby"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Starts with 'D', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal DEE

8 Across: "28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'W' and wraps up with 'R'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: W_____R
  • This one runs 7 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal WTATOUR

9 Across: "45. Onesie fastener"

Hints:

  • Basically, the act of catching an object with the hands.
  • Count on 4 letters here.
  • You could also think of it as "shoot."

Answer:

Click to reveal SNAP

10 Across: "26. Many a Scottish native"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'G' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal GAEL

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 4. Ring
2 Down 46. Spots for addresses
3 Down 15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music
4 Down 56. Patisserie pastry
5 Down 1. Weightless state, for short
6 Down 24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day?
7 Down 49. Frère de la mère
8 Down 53. Design problem
9 Down 48. Kind of cavity
10 Down 40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "4. Ring"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 4 letters.
  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal TOLL

2 Down: "46. Spots for addresses"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: P___A
  • Count on 5 letters here.
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'A'.

Answer:

Click to reveal PODIA

3 Down: "15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: S______E
  • Basically, one thing at a time.
  • Count on 8 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal STEPWISE

4 Down: "56. Patisserie pastry"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: T__T
  • First letter's a 'T', last letter's a 'T'.
  • 'sharp' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal TART

5 Down: "1. Weightless state, for short"

Hints:

  • This one runs 5 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'Z' and wraps up with 'G'.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: Z___G

Answer:

Click to reveal ZEROG

6 Down: "24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day?"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: bruiser.
  • It's a 6-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAMSON

7 Down: "49. Frère de la mère"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'O' and wraps up with 'E'.
  • It's a 5-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ONCLE

8 Down: "53. Design problem"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: defect.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'F' and wraps up with 'W'.

Answer:

Click to reveal FLAW

9 Down: "48. Kind of cavity"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: S___S
  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • First letter's a 'S', last letter's a 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SINUS

10 Down: "40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: W______N
  • This one runs 8 letters long.
  • Kicks off with 'W' and wraps up with 'N'.

Answer:

Click to reveal WINGSPAN

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. Scan before you solve: One quick read-through of all the clues before you commit to anything usually pays off.
  2. Short words first: The 2-3 letter answers are almost always the low-hanging fruit.
  3. Let crossings guide you: Harder answers get much easier once a couple of crossing letters are locked in.
  4. Puns hide behind question marks: If a clue ends in "?", expect wordplay, not a straight answer.
  5. A few words repeat a lot: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE show up more than you'd expect — keep them in mind.

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: 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

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?

Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.

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?

Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.

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 24, 2026 at 08:36 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 24 2026 mini crossword

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 24, 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 24, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble 2
2A 3. Make an impression 4
3A 7. Hanger-on 5
4A 12. Blunder 3
5A 14. Recital pieces 5
6A 16. "Same here," more stiffly 5
7A 17. Canapé topping 3
8A 18. Traction enhancer 5
9A 19. Ships, say 5
10A 20. Cheerios grain 3
11A 21. American architect who invented Scrabble while unemployed during the Great Depression 11
12A 23. Hold tightly 5
13A 25. Like most manuscript submissions 5
14A 26. Many a Scottish native 4
15A 28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief 7
16A 33. Dish featured in Broadway's "Sweeney Todd" 7
17A 36. Decline 4
18A 37. Scrabble's name prior to its acquisition by James Brunot in 1948 15
19A 41. Ford or Lincoln 4
20A 42. Full of vivid detail, as memory 7
21A 43. Supposed sign of a healthy pooch 7
22A 45. Onesie fastener 4
23A 47. Actress Rene of "Thor" 5
24A 50. Watchdog's warning 5
25A 53. Bonus score for a bingo (using all seven of one's tiles) in Scrabble 11
26A 58. Actress Sandra or Ruby 3
27A 59. Dr. Seuss' environmentalist 5
28A 60. Open, as a toothpaste tube 5
29A 61. Like Brahms's Symphony No. 3 3
30A 62. Cognizant 5
31A 63. Home to Oral Roberts University 5
32A 64. Verizon competitor, informally 3
33A 65. Power measures 5
34A 66. Witnessed 4
35A 67. The two most valuable Scrabble tiles 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Slang for an Italian dish ... or along with QI, the highest-value two-letter word in Scrabble"

2 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "3. Make an impression"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engrave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "7. Hanger-on"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that carnivorous or bloodsucking aquatic or terrestrial worms typically having a sucker at each end
  • Similar words include: parasite, sponger, phlebotomize
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEECH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Blunder"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: mistake, stray, drift
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Recital pieces"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: solo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Same here," more stiffly"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Canapé topping"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Traction enhancer"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe); prevents slipping
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Ships, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
  • Similar words include: send, mail, get off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Cheerios grain"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. American architect who invented Scrabble while unemployed during the Great Depression"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Hold tightly"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that understanding of the nature or meaning or quality or magnitude of something
  • Similar words include: hold on, clutches, compass
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Like most manuscript submissions"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that write by means of a keyboard with types
  • Similar words include: typecast, type, typewrite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Many a Scottish native"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gaelic-speaking celt in ireland or scotland or the isle of man
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Circuit in which Martina Navratilova holds the most singles titles, in brief"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Dish featured in Broadway's "Sweeney Todd""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Decline"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Similar words include: decline, ebbing, go down
  • Opposite of: wax
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Scrabble's name prior to its acquisition by James Brunot in 1948"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Ford or Lincoln"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: motorcar, automobile, machine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Full of vivid detail, as memory"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of visual imagery of almost photographic accuracy
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIDETIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Supposed sign of a healthy pooch"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Onesie fastener"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of catching an object with the hands
  • Similar words include: break down, tear, duck soup
  • Opposite of: inelasticity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Actress Rene of "Thor""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Watchdog's warning"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of growling (as made by animals)
  • Similar words include: growling, grumble, rumble
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GROWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Bonus score for a bingo (using all seven of one's tiles) in Scrabble"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. Actress Sandra or Ruby"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "59. Dr. Seuss' environmentalist"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Open, as a toothpaste tube"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Like Brahms's Symphony No. 3"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Cognizant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
  • Similar words include: mindful, cognisant, cognizant
  • Opposite of: unmindful, unaware
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Home to Oral Roberts University"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a major city of northeastern oklahoma on the arkansas river; once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TULSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Verizon competitor, informally"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Power measures"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english poet and theologian (1674-1748)
  • Similar words include: watt, Watt, Isaac Watts
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WATTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Witnessed"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
  • Similar words include: realize, assure, witness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. The two most valuable Scrabble tiles"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Weightless state, for short 5
2D 2. Cheering wildly 5
3D 3. Ones who have trouble finishing sentences? 8
4D 4. Ring 4
5D 5. Chin feature 5
6D 6. Old and trite 5
7D 7. Wavelength symbol 6
8D 8. Genesis twin 4
9D 9. Doctor 4
10D 10. Belmont entry 4
11D 11. Sound during a cat fight 4
12D 13. Put on sale, perhaps 5
13D 15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music 8
14D 22. Finds repugnant 7
15D 24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day? 6
16D 27. Gets ready to hit the ice 7
17D 29. Like some garages 6
18D 30. Crew need 3
19D 31. Hamburger connection? 3
20D 32. Some scale members 3
21D 34. Vies for a roster spot 8
22D 35. Group of seals 3
23D 37. Crow's cry 3
24D 38. Wish undone 3
25D 39. Addams Family cousin 3
26D 40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet 8
27D 44. Straight-horned antelopes 6
28D 46. Spots for addresses 5
29D 48. Kind of cavity 5
30D 49. Frère de la mère 5
31D 51. Forgot what you intended to say 9
32D 52. Didn't fill in, as a field on an application 9
33D 53. Design problem 4
34D 54. Part of the Corn Belt 4
35D 55. Row house? 4
36D 56. Patisserie pastry 4
37D 57. Stun, in a way 4

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Weightless state, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Cheering wildly"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who escapes
  • Similar words include: run, lam, miss
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESCAPEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Ring"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance)
  • Similar words include: cost, bell, price
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Chin feature"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a split or indentation in something (as the palate or chin)
  • Similar words include: cling, fissure, dissected
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Old and trite"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showing characteristics of age, especially having grey or white hair; -coleridge
  • Similar words include: grey-headed, hoar, rusty
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Wavelength symbol"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 11th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMBDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Genesis twin"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Doctor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Belmont entry"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young male horse under the age of four
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sound during a cat fight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
  • Similar words include: bird, sibilate, whoosh
  • Opposite of: applaud
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Put on sale, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. From one tone to the next adjacent tone, in music"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thing at a time
  • Similar words include: piecemeal, step-by-step, bit-by-bit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEPWISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "22. Finds repugnant"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards
  • Similar words include: hate, detest
  • Opposite of: love
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETESTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "24. Biblical figure with a notoriously bad hair day?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) a judge of israel who performed herculean feats of strength against the philistines until he was betrayed to them by his mistress delilah
  • Similar words include: bruiser, bull, strapper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAMSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "27. Gets ready to hit the ice"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "29. Like some garages"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "30. Crew need"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Hamburger connection?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Some scale members"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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: rhenium, atomic number 75, re
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Vies for a roster spot"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Group of seals"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: fuel pod, seedcase, cod
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Crow's cry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by corvine birds
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Wish undone"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Addams Family cousin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Record held by the Spruce Goose for over 70 years, at 320 feet"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that linear distance between the extremities of an airfoil
  • Similar words include: wingspread
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WINGSPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Straight-horned antelopes"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large african antelope with long straight nearly upright horns
  • Similar words include: oryx, pasang
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORYXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Spots for addresses"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  • Similar words include: podium, rostrum, stump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Kind of cavity"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an abnormal passage leading from a suppurating cavity to the body surface
  • Similar words include: venous sinus, fistula
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Frère de la mère"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Forgot what you intended to say"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Didn't fill in, as a field on an application"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Design problem"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imperfection in an object or machine
  • Similar words include: defect, blemish, fault
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Part of the Corn Belt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: IA, Ioway, Hawkeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Row house?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a social club for male undergraduates
  • Similar words include: fraternity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Patisserie pastry"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
  • Similar words include: cyprian, woman of the street, working girl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Stun, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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 24, 2026 at 08:35 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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

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

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