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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 05, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Tried-and-true choice, informally 4
2A 5. It's perfect for some musicians 5
3A 10. Motorcyclist's invitation 5
4A 15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea 4
5A 16. Ruckus 5
6A 17. Where Boise is 5
7A 18. It's a piece of cake 10
8A 20. Computer geeks 5
9A 21. Source of some South American wool 5
10A 22. Alaska politico Palin 5
11A 24. ___-Ball 4
12A 25. Alternative to a Word doc 3
13A 27. It's child's play 9
14A 29. Glassblower, e.g. 7
15A 33. One of three statistical averages 4
16A 34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 4
17A 35. Ones always blowing off steam? 7
18A 39. Altar promise 3
19A 42. It's a no-brainer 16
20A 45. Starchy tuber 3
21A 46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song 7
22A 47. Drug buster 4
23A 48. Heavy, spiked club 4
24A 50. Bared one's teeth, say 7
25A 52. It's a breeze 9
26A 57. ___-fi 3
27A 58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision 4
28A 59. Lipstick blunder 5
29A 61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich 5
30A 65. Oscars host, e.g. 5
31A 67. It's a walk in the park 10
32A 69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission 5
33A 70. Piano exercise 5
34A 71. Fencing blade 4
35A 72. "OMG, same!" 5
36A 73. About 50.7% of all Americans 5
37A 74. Like typical communicators in sign language 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tried-and-true choice, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's perfect for some musicians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: auction pitch, tilt, toss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Motorcyclist's invitation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Ruckus"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Where Boise is"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. It's a piece of cake"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small finger-shaped sponge cake
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADYFINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Computer geeks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school, tech
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Source of some South American wool"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alaska politico Palin"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. ___-Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Alternative to a Word doc"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. It's child's play"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Glassblower, e.g."

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
  • Similar words include: craftsman, artificer, journeyman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. One of three statistical averages"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Similar words include: tight, signify, mean value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Ones always blowing off steam?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: kettleful, kettle, boiler
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KETTLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Altar promise"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. It's a no-brainer"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Starchy tuber"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Drug buster"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
  • Similar words include: narcotics agent, nark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Heavy, spiked club"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: Chemical Mace, macebearer, macer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Bared one's teeth, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
  • Similar words include: snarl up, entangle, knotty
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. It's a breeze"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. ___-fi"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: foolhardy, blizzard, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Lipstick blunder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slanderous defamation
  • Similar words include: calumniate, daub, smudge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Oscars host, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. It's a walk in the park"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Fencing blade"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

35A: "72. "OMG, same!""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: total, tote, tug
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. About 50.7% of all Americans"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: woman, cleaning woman, adult female
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like typical communicators in sign language"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe hearing impairments
  • Similar words include: indifferent, deafen
  • Opposite of: hearing
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Effrontery 4
2D 2. Not in writing, as an exam 4
3D 3. Magician's "Look what I did!" 4
4D 4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines 8
5D 5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" 3
6D 6. Charged particles 4
7D 7. Roman robes 5
8D 8. French sweetheart 5
9D 9. Prohibited in Islam 5
10D 10. Chart-topper 3
11D 11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" 6
12D 12. Mule or burro 10
13D 13. "Fancy seeing you here!" 5
14D 14. They may be counted when taking attendance 5
15D 19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s 4
16D 23. Undeniable successes 8
17D 26. Media misinformation 8
18D 28. Loch ___ monster 4
19D 29. Like a campfire by morning, typically 4
20D 30. Flightless bird from South America 4
21D 31. Figure in a school pep rally 10
22D 32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) 4
23D 36. Chinese general on a menu 3
24D 37. "___ will be done" 3
25D 38. English facilities 4
26D 40. "Don't you ___!" 4
27D 41. How much 1990s music was issued 4
28D 43. Pet pests 4
29D 44. Having added nutrients 8
30D 49. Obey, with "to" 6
31D 51. Apex 4
32D 52. Pay for at a restaurant, say 5
33D 53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone 5
34D 54. "This is my first day on the job" 5
35D 55. "Groovy" 5
36D 56. Unit of information 5
37D 60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date 4
38D 62. Fully matured 4
39D 63. Swedish furniture supplier 4
40D 64. Complaint, informally 4
41D 66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief 3
42D 68. ___ Faire (historical event) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Effrontery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
  • Similar words include: saddle sore, freshness, irk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not in writing, as an exam"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva voce, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Magician's "Look what I did!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four-year intervals between olympic games; used to reckon time in ancient greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 bc
  • Similar words include: Olympics, Olympic Games
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLYMPIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Charged particles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Similar words include: ion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Roman robes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Similar words include: toga
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chart-topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Similar words include: stumble, reach, slay
  • Opposite of: miss
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city of south central ukraine on an arm of the black sea
  • Similar words include: Odesa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODESSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Fancy seeing you here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. They may be counted when taking attendance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Similar words include: horn in, wind, pry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: craze, rage, cult
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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!

19D: "29. Like a campfire by morning, typically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Flightless bird from South America"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: nandu, Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Figure in a school pep rally"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, cuddle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Chinese general on a menu"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "___ will be done""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. English facilities"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian architect (1870-1933)
  • Similar words include: closet, Adolf Loos, water closet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. "Don't you ___!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, presume, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. How much 1990s music was issued"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Pet pests"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  • Similar words include: bird louse, worm, dirt ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Having added nutrients"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or improve in quality
  • Similar words include: enrich
  • Opposite of: deprive, impoverish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRICHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Obey, with "to""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Apex"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: vertex, summit, pinnacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Pay for at a restaurant, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: care for, plow, deal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "This is my first day on the job""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Unit of information"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
  • Similar words include: data point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socially incorrect in behavior
  • Similar words include: uncivil, unmannered, underbred
  • Opposite of: civil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Fully matured"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Complaint, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cattle that are reared for their meat
  • Similar words include: gripe, bellyache, bitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. ___ Faire (historical event)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

37 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

Last updated: May 05, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Friday, April 3, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 03, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. ___ Hoffman, member of the Chicago Seven 5
2A 6. Trace 4
3A 10. Influence on the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus" 4
4A 14. Words before a dash 10
5A 16. Crazy, in Coahuila 4
6A 17. Coy response to "Why do you ask?" 10
7A 18. Traced, e.g. 4
8A 19. S.I. or GQ 3
9A 20. Corn whole? 3
10A 21. Hymn's finale? 7
11A 23. Baltic and Mediterranean: Abbr. 4
12A 25. Sponsor of auto racing's Sprint Cup Series 3
13A 27. Conductor Previn with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy 5
14A 28. Writer's fillip 5
15A 30. Throw in the towel 5
16A 33. Sculler's instrument 3
17A 34. All-natural juice? 11
18A 37. Hit HBO series inspired by a post-apocalyptic video game 11
19A 38. One offering biting critiques? 11
20A 39. Brand whose products often come with caps 3
21A 40. "m" or "n" 5
22A 41. Dine at home ... or at a restaurant 5
23A 45. Like many replays in sports 5
24A 47. ___ Nation (entertainment company founded by Jay-Z) 3
25A 49. Swimmer's assignment 4
26A 50. Tundra, for one 7
27A 53. "Yellowjackets" airer, for short 3
28A 55. Secrecy-ensuring document, in brief 3
29A 56. Apogee 4
30A 57. Fusion pastry made with glutinous rice flour 10
31A 60. Really get to 4
32A 61. It might be worth just as much as you pay for it 10
33A 62. Mates 4
34A 63. Blend 4
35A 64. More grounded 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ Hoffman, member of the Chicago Seven"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Trace"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indirect suggestion
  • Similar words include: touch, wind, suggest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Influence on the Beatles' "I Am the Walrus""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
  • Similar words include: Elvis, back breaker, acerb
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Words before a dash"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Crazy, in Coahuila"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Similar words include: kookie, round the bend, whacky
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Coy response to "Why do you ask?""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Traced, e.g."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states actor (born in ireland); father of georgiana emma barrymore (1827-1862)
  • Similar words include: drag, suck, get out
  • Opposite of: push, repel
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DREW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. S.I. or GQ"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
  • Similar words include: magazine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Corn whole?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, capitulum, auricle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Hymn's finale?"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Baltic and Mediterranean: Abbr."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ornithology) the class of birds
  • Similar words include: class Aves
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Sponsor of auto racing's Sprint Cup Series"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: s.t.p.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Conductor Previn with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Writer's fillip"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
  • Similar words include: seriph
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERIF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Throw in the towel"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Sculler's instrument"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

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!

17A: "34. All-natural juice?"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Hit HBO series inspired by a post-apocalyptic video game"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. One offering biting critiques?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Brand whose products often come with caps"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. "m" or "n""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
  • Similar words include: rhinal, pinched, nasal consonant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Dine at home ... or at a restaurant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Like many replays in sports"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. ___ Nation (entertainment company founded by Jay-Z)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mythical bird of prey having enormous size and strength
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Swimmer's assignment"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Tundra, for one"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives or occurs
  • Similar words include: home ground
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HABITAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "Yellowjackets" airer, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Secrecy-ensuring document, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Apogee"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest point (of something)
  • Similar words include: solar apex, vertex, apex of the sun's way
  • Opposite of: antapex
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Fusion pastry made with glutinous rice flour"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Really get to"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: irritate, chafe, annoy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. It might be worth just as much as you pay for it"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Mates"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, pal up, brother
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Blend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers; jokers and deuces are wild; the object is to form groups of the same rank
  • Similar words include: melt, commingle, mix
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. More grounded"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
  • Similar words include: sane, reasonable
  • Opposite of: insane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. They're often picked up at coffee shops 6
2D 2. Parent's warning 6
3D 3. Sausage, in British lingo 6
4D 4. Spousal vow 3
5D 5. Brontë heroine 4
6D 6. Ticks of a ticker 10
7D 7. "___ no use" 3
8D 8. GLAAD and CARE, for two 4
9D 9. Author Morrison 4
10D 10. Actor Ehrenreich of "Oppenheimer" 5
11D 11. Some fair fare 8
12D 12. Cube producer 7
13D 13. Bummer 6
14D 15. Baltic and Mediterranean 4
15D 22. What autopay helps avoid 7
16D 24. Responses suggesting "Here we go again" 5
17D 26. Brown on the outside 7
18D 29. "It'll all be OK!" 7
19D 31. Become well lubricated 10
20D 32. After regulation play, for short 4
21D 35. Zeno of ___, Greek philosopher who rejected the existence of space, time and motion 4
22D 36. Like some wide-open spaces 5
23D 37. International fast-food chain without a location in Mexico, interestingly 8
24D 38. Popular food fish 7
25D 39. C's equivalent 6
26D 42. Compound in wine or tea 6
27D 43. Bring about 6
28D 44. Less of a mess 6
29D 46. Socializes 5
30D 48. ___ Pet 4
31D 51. Bands together? 4
32D 52. Rent 4
33D 54. Betting figures 4
34D 58. ___ shading (animation technique) 3
35D 59. Some small donations 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. They're often picked up at coffee shops"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Parent's warning"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
  • Similar words include: conduct, acquit, deport
  • Opposite of: misbehave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEHAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Sausage, in British lingo"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (british informal) pork sausage
  • Similar words include: firecracker, cracker
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Spousal vow"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Brontë heroine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
  • Similar words include: Lake Eyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Ticks of a ticker"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart
  • Similar words include: beat, jiffy, trice
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEARTBEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "___ no use""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
  • Similar words include: information technology, IT
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. GLAAD and CARE, for two"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
  • Similar words include: nongovernmental organization, NGO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NGOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Author Morrison"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Actor Ehrenreich of "Oppenheimer""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Some fair fare"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Cube producer"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tray for making cubes of ice in a refrigerator
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICETRAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Bummer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person
  • Similar words include: sedative, sedative drug, depressant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOWNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Baltic and Mediterranean"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Similar words include: sea, ocean
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. What autopay helps avoid"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Responses suggesting "Here we go again""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an utterance made by exhaling audibly
  • Similar words include: suspiration, suspire, sigh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Brown on the outside"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. "It'll all be OK!""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Become well lubricated"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. After regulation play, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Zeno of ___, Greek philosopher who rejected the existence of space, time and motion"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. Like some wide-open spaces"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that living in or characteristic of farming or country life
  • Opposite of: urban
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RURAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. International fast-food chain without a location in Mexico, interestingly"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Popular food fish"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a genus of cichlidae
  • Similar words include: genus Tilapia
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILAPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. C's equivalent"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. Compound in wine or tea"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various complex phenolic substances of plant origin; used in tanning and in medicine
  • Similar words include: tannic acid
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANNIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Bring about"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to arise
  • Similar words include: make, cause, get
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INDUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Less of a mess"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clean or organized
  • Similar words include: neat, corking, swell
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Socializes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a commercially prepared mixture of dry ingredients
  • Similar words include: shuffle, premix, unify
  • Opposite of: segregate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. ___ Pet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Bands together?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Rent"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. Betting figures"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
  • Similar words include: betting odds
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. ___ shading (animation technique)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Some small donations"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: ovum, egg cell
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

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
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: April 03, 2026 at 05:21 AM