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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 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

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. Retro kind of hairstyle 5
2A 6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short 4
3A 10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals 4
4A 14. Ancient Greek marketplace 5
5A 15. Symphony site 4
6A 16. Singer Tori 4
7A 17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?" 10
8A 19. Son of Seth 4
9A 20. Ingested 3
10A 21. Like cotton candy 4
11A 22. Tolerate 5
12A 23. Not notice 4
13A 25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?" 10
14A 28. Confused 5
15A 30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool 3
16A 31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s 3
17A 32. Stubborn beast 3
18A 34. Uplifting coverage? 3
19A 35. Liberal ___ 4
20A 36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers? 13
21A 40. Amps (up) 4
22A 41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit) 3
23A 42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris 3
24A 43. Teacher's pest 3
25A 44. Fish with a Kohaku variety 3
26A 45. They're cover-ups! 5
27A 49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?" 10
28A 54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge 4
29A 55. "See ya!" 5
30A 56. Look before you do this 4
31A 58. Deg. for an entrepreneur 3
32A 59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star) 4
33A 60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?" 10
34A 63. What postseason games can't end in 4
35A 64. ___ bean 4
36A 65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine 5
37A 66. Big name in e-commerce 4
38A 67. Sign of things to come 4
39A 68. Wow 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Retro kind of hairstyle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Pinkglow pineapples and GloFish, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Article of apparel often worn with sandals"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ancient Greek marketplace"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
  • Similar words include: public square
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Symphony site"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
  • Similar words include: Charles Francis Hall, vestibule, mansion house
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Singer Tori"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
  • Similar words include: Book of Amos
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Sleigh's loaded and ready! How are you feeling, Santa?""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Son of Seth"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Ingested"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat on, wipe out, deplete
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Like cotton candy"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
  • Similar words include: spin around, spin out, whirl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Tolerate"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put up with something or somebody unpleasant
  • Similar words include: bear, tolerate, stand
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Not notice"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: drop, overlook, young woman
  • Opposite of: attend to, hit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "I'm at the bakery – what kind of doughnut do you want?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Confused"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Fire ... or a firefighter's tool"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Kind of dairy-free milk developed in the 1990s"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

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!

17A: "32. Stubborn beast"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Uplifting coverage?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Liberal ___"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: fine art, artistry, liberal arts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Hand-held radios used by the speakers of the italicized clues and their answers?"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Amps (up)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, peppiness, pep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "___ Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter" (1965 #1 hit)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
  • Similar words include: Mr., Mister, Mrs.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Governor Walz, who ran with Kamala Harris"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Teacher's pest"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Fish with a Kohaku variety"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. They're cover-ups!"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that waterproofed canvas
  • Similar words include: tarp, tarpaulin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. "What's tomorrow's chemistry exam about again?""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Pastry that often has a fluted edge"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. "See ya!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: good day, goodby, goodbye
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Look before you do this"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
  • Similar words include: jump, bound, saltation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Deg. for an entrepreneur"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in business
  • Similar words include: Master in Business, Master in Business Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Jonathan Van ___ ("Queer Eye" co-star)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. "Before you go, what animal crosses the road in that old joke?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. What postseason games can't end in"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: association, tie, link
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. ___ bean"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Citrus-based sauce in Japanese cuisine"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Big name in e-commerce"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Sign of things to come"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: portent, Oman, auspicate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Wow"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affect with wonder
  • Similar words include: nonplus, puzzle, mystify
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps 6
2D 2. "Aha!" 6
3D 3. Equally 6
4D 4. Link letters 3
5D 5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps 4
6D 6. Storied graverobber 5
7D 7. ___ cum laude 5
8D 8. World Cup cheer 3
9D 9. Camera type, for short 3
10D 10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports 5
11D 11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda) 8
12D 12. A satisfying meal, informally 8
13D 13. Claims 7
14D 18. D&D or WoW 3
15D 22. Lemon add-on 3
16D 24. Important creatures in Inuit culture 5
17D 26. Popular fast-fashion brand 4
18D 27. Glorify 5
19D 29. Hit up 3
20D 33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 5
21D 34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" 3
22D 35. Put in the cross hairs 5
23D 36. "Whew! Our journey is over!" 8
24D 37. Makes aware (of) 8
25D 38. Children's author Carle 4
26D 39. A little foxy? 3
27D 40. Very spicy 7
28D 44. Goals for boxers, in brief 3
29D 46. Sportswriter Shelburne 6
30D 47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally 6
31D 48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one 6
32D 50. Like a commanding lead? 5
33D 51. Dark yellowish-green 5
34D 52. Thanksgiving pie nut 5
35D 53. One in a Himalayan herd 3
36D 57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group 4
37D 60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief 3
38D 61. One who's yukking it up 3
39D 62. French identification 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Kind of pants worn on a rainy day, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pair of loose trousers tied by a drawstring around the waist; worn by men and women in some asian countries
  • Similar words include: pyjama, jammies, pj's
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAJAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Aha!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Equally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Link letters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Approves a Venmo request, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something that remunerates
  • Similar words include: compensate, pay, remuneration
  • Opposite of: default
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Storied graverobber"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who takes bodies from graves and sells them for anatomical dissection
  • Similar words include: graverobber, body snatcher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHOUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. ___ cum laude"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. World Cup cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Camera type, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Workout program that's a portmanteau of two different sports"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Grizzly or black bear (but typically not a panda)"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who eats all kinds of foods
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMNIVORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. A satisfying meal, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Claims"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state categorically
  • Similar words include: assert, avow, swan
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSERTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. D&D or WoW"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Lemon add-on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Important creatures in Inuit culture"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealing wax, Navy SEAL, stamp
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Popular fast-fashion brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Glorify"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that praise, glorify, or honor
  • Similar words include: inebriate, inspire, exhilarate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Hit up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: call for, demand, take
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Paul who's been inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the twelve apostles (first century)
  • Similar words include: St. Simon, Marvin Neil Simon, Neil Simon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Band whose spelled-out name translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Put in the cross hairs"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. "Whew! Our journey is over!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Makes aware (of)"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inform (somebody) of something
  • Similar words include: advise, send word, give notice
  • Opposite of: depreciate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPRISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Children's author Carle"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. A little foxy?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a case for containing a set of articles
  • Similar words include: outfit, kit out, kit up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Very spicy"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Goals for boxers, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (in india) a unit of length having different values in different localities
  • Similar words include: coss, knockout, KO
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Sportswriter Shelburne"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
  • Similar words include: Salvia officinalis, common sage
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Marketing team's goal with a new product launch, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Pygmalion's Galatea, for one"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sculpture representing a human or animal
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Like a commanding lead?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
  • Similar words include: high-and-mighty, peremptory, dominating
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOSSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Dark yellowish-green"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
  • Similar words include: European olive tree, Olea europaea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Thanksgiving pie nut"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood of a pecan tree
  • Similar words include: Carya illinoinsis, pecan tree, Carya illinoensis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. One in a Himalayan herd"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Salt-N-___, "Shoop" group"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. One who holds a company's purse strings, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the corporate executive having financial authority to make appropriations and authorize expenditures for a firm
  • Similar words include: chief financial officer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. One who's yukking it up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
  • Similar words include: ham it up, jambon, gammon
  • Opposite of: underact
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. French identification"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: June 24, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Friday, January 9, 2026

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

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Crush 9
2A 10. They get picked up at clubs 4
3A 14. Winning like crazy 9
4A 15. Surfing destinations, for short 4
5A 16. Places many Cubans are found 10
6A 18. Noggin 4
7A 19. Clumsy oafs 4
8A 20. "You better believe it!" 8
9A 22. Bad thing to have in a poker game 4
10A 25. Dumps 5
11A 26. Apple core? 3
12A 28. Confirmation from a maître d' 3
13A 30. "I didn't do it!" 5
14A 34. Stealthy flier 10
15A 39. Bummer at a casino game 4
16A 40. It often comes with the job 15
17A 42. ___ Slush (frozen fruit drink) 4
18A 43. "Watch your mouth!" 10
19A 44. Old-timey oath 5
20A 46. Firm up 3
21A 47. Eats 3
22A 48. Was rude on the road or the dance floor 5
23A 52. "Weed 'Em and ___," gardening book whose title is a spoonerism 4
24A 54. Led the charge 8
25A 57. Prepares for a wild night, maybe 4
26A 60. Monopoly token retired in 2017 4
27A 61. He's great for the time being 10
28A 64. Be just chillin' 4
29A 65. "Beats me!" 9
30A 66. Jazz coda? 4
31A 67. Unpack for the night, in a way 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Crush"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. They get picked up at clubs"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bill in a restaurant
  • Similar words include: tabloid, lozenge, tablet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Winning like crazy"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Surfing destinations, for short"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Places many Cubans are found"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Noggin"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
  • Similar words include: noggin, attic, edible bean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Clumsy oafs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult castrated bull of the genus bos; especially bos taurus
  • Similar words include: ox, wild ox
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "You better believe it!""

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Bad thing to have in a poker game"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: narrate, tell apart, differentiate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Dumps"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: pigsty, eye infection, hordeolum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Apple core?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing
  • Similar words include: central processor, C.P.U., processor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Confirmation from a maître d'"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. "I didn't do it!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "34. Stealthy flier"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "39. Bummer at a casino game"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that obscene terms for feces
  • Similar words include: dirt, make, Irish bull
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "40. It often comes with the job"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "42. ___ Slush (frozen fruit drink)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "43. "Watch your mouth!""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "44. Old-timey oath"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "46. Firm up"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "47. Eats"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
  • Similar words include: possess, sustain, suffer
  • Opposite of: abstain, refuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Was rude on the road or the dance floor"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a waxy transparent material that occurs in the cuticle of plants and consists of highly polymerized esters of fatty acids
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUTIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "52. "Weed 'Em and ___," gardening book whose title is a spoonerism"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: harvest, glean, draw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "54. Led the charge"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for
  • Similar words include: campaign, press, crusade
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRUSADED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "57. Prepares for a wild night, maybe"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of time spent sleeping
  • Similar words include: pile, snooze, cat sleep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "60. Monopoly token retired in 2017"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
  • Similar words include: iron boot, kick, charge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "61. He's great for the time being"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "64. Be just chillin'"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Similar words include: slug, unwarranted, loose
  • Opposite of: work, busy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "65. "Beats me!""

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "66. Jazz coda?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Similar words include: Z, z, zee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. Unpack for the night, in a way"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Small bit, in Bogotá 4
2D 2. Windows alternative 4
3D 3. Something you have trouble putting down 10
4D 4. Gradually introduce, with "in" 5
5D 5. The Beatles' "___ Blues" 3
6D 6. Varieties of this include chocolate and yellow 3
7D 7. "Then again ...," to a texter 4
8D 8. Puzzles 5
9D 9. Build 5
10D 10. Footwear that lacks defined heels 9
11D 11. An "A" in geometry 4
12D 12. Dull 4
13D 13. Often-redacted fig. 3
14D 17. Item that someone with cold feet might have 3
15D 21. Verb that fills in the blanks of its own synonym: _ _AR_ 3
16D 23. Be just chillin' 4
17D 24. Vividly shocking 5
18D 26. Kind of fever 5
19D 27. Ballade or étude 5
20D 29. Analogy words 4
21D 31. Raccoon, humorously 10
22D 32. It's bubbling below the surface 5
23D 33. Pointers for some fighters? 5
24D 35. Rom-com plot points 9
25D 36. Channel offering deals 3
26D 37. There are more than 2.3 million in N.Y.C.: Abbr. 4
27D 38. Industrial cutter 5
28D 41. Oscar winner Blanchett 4
29D 45. Shady, in modern parlance 3
30D 49. Flat hat 3
31D 50. Elba who portrayed Nelson Mandela 5
32D 51. "Some ___!" 5
33D 53. Shenanigan 5
34D 54. Java ingredient? 4
35D 55. Listing on a jobs website 4
36D 56. Losing effort 4
37D 58. Wilde thing 4
38D 59. Cashless transaction 4
39D 60. Ad or show follower 3
40D 62. African grazer 3
41D 63. Challenge from a hard-hit ground ball, perhaps 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Small bit, in Bogotá"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Windows alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that trademark for a powerful operating system
  • Similar words include: UNIX system, UNIX operating system
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Something you have trouble putting down"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Gradually introduce, with "in""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: stage, phase angle, form
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. The Beatles' "___ Blues""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Varieties of this include chocolate and yellow"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
  • Similar words include: laboratory, science lab, research laboratory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Then again ...," to a texter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Puzzles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: pose, mystify, beat
  • Opposite of: reassure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Build"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that construct, build, or erect
  • Similar words include: vertical, set up, tumid
  • Opposite of: level, unerect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Footwear that lacks defined heels"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. An "A" in geometry"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: sphere, surface area, region
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Dull"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Similar words include: rant, claptrap, bombast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Often-redacted fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Item that someone with cold feet might have"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Verb that fills in the blanks of its own synonym: _ _AR_"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a yearning for something or to do something
  • Similar words include: yearn, hankering, pine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Be just chillin'"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
  • Similar words include: loiter, fuck off, lurk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Vividly shocking"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that horrible in fierceness or savagery
  • Similar words include: shocking
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Kind of fever"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Ballade or étude"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a separate part of a whole
  • Similar words include: assemble, composition, pick
  • Opposite of: disassemble
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Analogy words"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Raccoon, humorously"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. It's bubbling below the surface"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that molten rock in the earth's crust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Pointers for some fighters?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Similar words include: epee
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Rom-com plot points"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Channel offering deals"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. There are more than 2.3 million in N.Y.C.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Industrial cutter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
  • Similar words include: optical maser
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Oscar winner Blanchett"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Shady, in modern parlance"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the suidae
  • Similar words include: genus Sus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Flat hat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woolen cap of scottish origin
  • Similar words include: tammy, tam-o'-shanter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Elba who portrayed Nelson Mandela"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Some ___!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body
  • Similar words include: mettle, nervus, spunk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NERVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Shenanigan"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
  • Similar words include: prank, caper, put-on
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Java ingredient?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
  • Similar words include: codification, encipher, write in code
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Listing on a jobs website"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: purpose, function, office
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Losing effort"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prescribed selection of foods
  • Similar words include: dieting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Wilde thing"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
  • Similar words include: verse form
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Cashless transaction"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an equal exchange
  • Similar words include: trade, swop, barter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Ad or show follower"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that your occupation or line of work
  • Similar words include: game
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. African grazer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
  • Similar words include: wildebeest
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Challenge from a hard-hit ground ball, perhaps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: skip, record hop, hop-skip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

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

31 Across Clues
41 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.

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Last updated: January 09, 2026 at 04:14 AM