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Wednesday, July 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 01, 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. Designation for a potato 5
2A 6. Kind of party 4
3A 10. Counter, as a claim 5
4A 15. ___ Holmes, 2020s role for Millie Bobby Brown 5
5A 16. Strongly nudge 4
6A 17. In opposition to everyone else 5
7A 18. Jack ___ 5
8A 19. Position in a bridge game 4
9A 20. Covers for campers 5
10A 21. Claim on property 4
11A 22. "Really?" 6
12A 24. Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson 4
13A 25. "I should care because ...?" 3
14A 26. It's just a little bit off 8
15A 28. Little bit of life? 3
16A 29. Chocolate toffee bar since 1981 4
17A 30. Modern component in a digital display, in brief 4
18A 32. Places to stretch out 5
19A 35. What may precede a texter's two cents 4
20A 38. Mexican milk 5
21A 42. Fitting kind of exam for a dental student 4
22A 43. Least friendly 6
23A 45. Anchor, as a boat 4
24A 46. 1880s-'90s veep ___ P. Morton 4
25A 47. Kids 6
26A 48. Rightmost compartment in a till 4
27A 49. Shape of a skating rink 4
28A 51. Subtle glow 4
29A 53. Theoretical world coexisting with ours ... as depicted in this puzzle 16
30A 61. Hit musical set in Buenos Aires 5
31A 62. Ceramic collectible, maybe 4
32A 63. Adjust the price on 5
33A 64. Theoretical timeline where things play out a little differently ... as featured in this puzzle 16
34A 67. "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly ___ Jepsen 3
35A 68. How one might dress in a professional setting 8
36A 69. Just one taste 3
37A 70. Abbr. in a birth announcement 3
38A 71. That ship 3
39A 72. Family member, familiarly 3
40A 73. C7H5N3O6, for short 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Designation for a potato"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fleshy underground stem or root serving for reproductive and food storage
  • Similar words include: genus Tuber
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Kind of party"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male deer, especially an adult male red deer
  • Similar words include: tell on, snitch, denounce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Counter, as a claim"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
  • Similar words include: refute, controvert
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REBUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. ___ Holmes, 2020s role for Millie Bobby Brown"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Strongly nudge"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: barrack, press, cheer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. In opposition to everyone else"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that isolated from others
  • Similar words include: only, exclusively, solitary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Jack ___"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small fatty european fish; usually smoked or canned like sardines
  • Similar words include: brisling, Clupea sprattus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Position in a bridge game"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
  • Similar words include: tail, nates, buns
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Covers for campers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

10A: "21. Claim on property"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Really?""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "I should care because ...?""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. It's just a little bit off"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Little bit of life?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Chocolate toffee bar since 1981"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Modern component in a digital display, in brief"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-luminous diode (it glows when an electrical field is applied to the electrodes) that does not require backlighting or diffusers
  • Similar words include: organic light-emitting diode
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Places to stretch out"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
  • Similar words include: lounge, couch, sofa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. What may precede a texter's two cents"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Mexican milk"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Fitting kind of exam for a dental student"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Least friendly"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
  • Similar words include: gelid, wintry, polar
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Anchor, as a boat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the muslim people of north africa; of mixed arab and berber descent; converted to islam in the 8th century; conqueror of spain in the 8th century
  • Similar words include: tie up, wharf, berth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. 1880s-'90s veep ___ P. Morton"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
  • Similar words include: Matthew, Saint Matthew, St. Matthew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Kids"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
  • Similar words include: vexer, ride, beleaguer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Rightmost compartment in a till"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: single, unity, 1
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Shape of a skating rink"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Similar words include: elliptical, ellipse, ovate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Subtle glow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
  • Similar words include: gloriole, nimbus, aureole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Theoretical world coexisting with ours ... as depicted in this puzzle"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Hit musical set in Buenos Aires"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Ceramic collectible, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Adjust the price on"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Theoretical timeline where things play out a little differently ... as featured in this puzzle"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly ___ Jepsen"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. How one might dress in a professional setting"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with modesty; in a modest manner
  • Opposite of: immodestly
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MODESTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "69. Just one taste"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "70. Abbr. in a birth announcement"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 16 ounces avoirdupois
  • Similar words include: lb, pound
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "71. That ship"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "72. Family member, familiarly"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Similar words include: Si, atomic number 14, SI unit
  • Opposite of: brother
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "73. C7H5N3O6, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Automotive giant headquartered in Austin, Tex. 5
2D 2. Detach from a bulletin board 5
3D 3. Used a drill on 5
4D 4. Spirit 4
5D 5. Chinese zodiac creature 3
6D 6. Bed for fish? 9
7D 7. Reward for a dog 5
8D 8. Marbled gemstone 5
9D 9. Escapes, as a dog 9
10D 10. Double-crosser 3
11D 11. Zip 4
12D 12. Yawning, say 5
13D 13. Shift from the top of a social media feed 5
14D 14. Pioneer in developing alternating current 5
15D 22. On the other hand, in brief 3
16D 23. Component of most salad dressings 3
17D 26. Mo. parts 3
18D 27. Lurker in a reef 3
19D 29. Get ready for dinner, say 8
20D 31. Aspiring actor's submission 8
21D 32. The sun 3
22D 33. It might be conveyed on a conveyor belt 3
23D 34. Websites whose URLs are stored, typically 9
24D 36. Lost, for short 3
25D 37. Gentlemen 3
26D 39. Trickster 9
27D 40. Garden tool 3
28D 41. Places where people are usually lying, for short 3
29D 43. "___ be fine" 4
30D 44. Taiwanese president ___ Ing-wen 4
31D 50. Clear warnings 6
32D 52. Tanning agents, informally 6
33D 53. Gemstone with biological roots 5
34D 54. H.S. media room 5
35D 55. Dodge deceptively 5
36D 56. Behind 4
37D 57. Purposes 4
38D 58. "Phooey!" 5
39D 59. Posh clothing material 5
40D 60. Site of the Ten Plagues 5
41D 65. Traditional Japanese drama 3
42D 66. QB Manning 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Automotive giant headquartered in Austin, Tex."

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Detach from a bulletin board"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of
  • Opposite of: pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNPIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Used a drill on"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be bored
  • Similar words include: world-weary, bore, drill
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Spirit"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Chinese zodiac creature"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: tell on, shit, blackleg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bed for fish?"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Reward for a dog"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Marbled gemstone"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Escapes, as a dog"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Double-crosser"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: tell on, shit, blackleg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Zip"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Yawning, say"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be bored
  • Similar words include: world-weary, bore, drill
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Shift from the top of a social media feed"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of
  • Opposite of: pin
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNPIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Pioneer in developing alternating current"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. On the other hand, in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Component of most salad dressings"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Similar words include: inunct, anele, rock oil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Mo. parts"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Lurker in a reef"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Get ready for dinner, say"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that produce saliva
  • Similar words include: drool
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALIVATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Aspiring actor's submission"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. The sun"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Similar words include: colloidal solution, soh, colloidal suspension
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. It might be conveyed on a conveyor belt"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Websites whose URLs are stored, typically"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something regarded with special favor or liking
  • Similar words include: favourite, front-runner, ducky
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAVORITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Lost, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Gentlemen"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; the most difficult gas to liquefy; occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in texas and kansas)
  • Similar words include: he, helium, He
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Trickster"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Garden tool"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Places where people are usually lying, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: erbium, Er, emergency room
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. "___ be fine""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Taiwanese president ___ Ing-wen"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Clear warnings"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  • Similar words include: alarm system, consternation, alarum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALARMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Tanning agents, informally"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Gemstone with biological roots"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth lustrous round structure inside the shell of a clam or oyster; much valued as a jewel
  • Similar words include: ivory, bead, off-white
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEARL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. H.S. media room"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Dodge deceptively"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • Similar words include: bilk, hedge, elude
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Behind"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: deep, belatedly, tardily
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Purposes"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: enjoyment, USA, purpose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. "Phooey!""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Posh clothing material"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Site of the Ten Plagues"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in northeastern africa known as the united arab republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 bc
  • Similar words include: Egyptian Empire, United Arab Republic, Arab Republic of Egypt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGYPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. Traditional Japanese drama"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. QB Manning"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

40 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
82 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: July 01, 2026 at 07:52 AM

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 20, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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. Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps 7
2A 8. Adorn with raised lettering 6
3A 14. "Drink" for vocal critics 8
4A 15. European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune 6
5A 16. Nontraditional time for voting someone into office 15
6A 18. Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" 4
7A 19. God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies 4
8A 20. Church cross 4
9A 21. Florence-based fashion house 5
10A 24. Takes back a public statement 7
11A 26. What a waiter might offer to start you off 12
12A 29. Make a boo-boo 3
13A 30. ___ contendere (court plea) 4
14A 31. Spud 5
15A 35. Biting 5
16A 37. ___ Kippur 3
17A 39. Actress Bow of the silent film era 5
18A 40. Light show tool 5
19A 41. TV personality Kotb 4
20A 43. Clan 3
21A 44. Bit of movie magic 12
22A 48. "Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment 7
23A 51. Take ___ of faith 5
24A 52. Place for a seafood dinner 4
25A 53. Classic Pontiacs 4
26A 55. Arcing tennis shots 4
27A 58. Condescending rhetorical question ... or what you might say about 16-, 26- and 44-Across? 15
28A 62. John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance" 6
29A 63. "Seems right," folksily 8
30A 64. Words a teenager might say with an eye roll 6
31A 65. Says OK 7

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Establishment that serves zombies, perhaps"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "8. Adorn with raised lettering"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that raise in a relief
  • Similar words include: boss, stamp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMBOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. "Drink" for vocal critics"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. European city that "waits for you," in a Billy Joel tune"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of austria; located on the danube in northeastern austria; was the home of beethoven and brahms and haydn and mozart and schubert and strauss
  • Similar words include: Austrian capital, capital of Austria
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIENNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Nontraditional time for voting someone into office"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Redding who sang "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
  • Similar words include: genus Otis, Elisha Graves Otis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. God played by Anthony Hopkins in Marvel movies"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Church cross"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that representation of the cross on which jesus died
  • Similar words include: rood-tree, crucifix
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Florence-based fashion house"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Takes back a public statement"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
  • Similar words include: abjure, resile, retract
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. What a waiter might offer to start you off"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOUPOFTHEDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Make a boo-boo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. ___ contendere (court plea)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Spud"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: white potato, Irish potato, potato
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Biting"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sour or bitter in taste
  • Similar words include: sulfurous, acerbic, vitriolic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. ___ Kippur"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. Actress Bow of the silent film era"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Light show tool"

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!

19A: "41. TV personality Kotb"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Clan"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person having kinship with another or others
  • Similar words include: kindred, kinship group, kin group
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Bit of movie magic"

12 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VISUALEFFECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. "Essential" product used as an anti-acne treatment"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "51. Take ___ of faith"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Place for a seafood dinner"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
  • Similar words include: wharfage, dock, wharf
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Classic Pontiacs"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Arcing tennis shots"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
  • Similar words include: lob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Condescending rhetorical question ... or what you might say about 16-, 26- and 44-Across?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. John in the sketch "The Fish-Slapping Dance""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. "Seems right," folksily"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Words a teenager might say with an eye roll"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Says OK"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that agreement with a statement or proposal to do something
  • Similar words include: acquiesce, accede, acquiescence
  • Opposite of: dissent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909 4
2D 2. "Don't know why I thought any different!" 9
3D 3. Gets hyped 6
4D 4. Fury 3
5D 5. Farmyard bleat 3
6D 6. With deftness 8
7D 7. Clarinet, for one 4
8D 8. Made level 6
9D 9. Careful, this might be hot! 3
10D 10. Act of Judas 8
11D 11. Word with ring or roll 5
12D 12. Hoity-toity one 5
13D 13. Smooths, in a way 5
14D 14. "___ boy!" 3
15D 17. Old Italian money 4
16D 22. Musical notation that means "with vigor" 7
17D 23. Boardroom bigwig, in brief 3
18D 25. Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx 7
19D 26. Ocean prey for a 27-Down 4
20D 27. Ocean predator of a 26-Down 4
21D 28. Big to-do 5
22D 32. Be in charge, informally 9
23D 33. Protagonist of "That '70s Show" 4
24D 34. Speech full of invective 4
25D 36. Went back (to), as a prior state 8
26D 38. Epitome of slowness 8
27D 42. Director Guillermo ___ Toro 3
28D 45. Expressed frustration, maybe 6
29D 46. Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name 4
30D 47. Atlanta athlete 6
31D 48. RisquΓ© 5
32D 49. Walkway for newlyweds 5
33D 50. They're part of what makes you you 5
34D 54. "___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song) 4
35D 56. Low voice 4
36D 57. ___-mo 3
37D 59. Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms 3
38D 60. Lenovo products, informally 3
39D 61. Just get (by) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Mustachioed president who succeeded another mustachioed president in 1909"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states sculptor (1860-1936)
  • Similar words include: Lorado Taft, William Howard Taft, President Taft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Don't know why I thought any different!""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Gets hyped"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Fury"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: wrath, anger, ira
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Farmyard bleat"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cry made by sheep
  • Similar words include: bleat, blat, blate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. With deftness"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with adroitness; in an adroit manner
  • Opposite of: maladroitly
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADROITLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Clarinet, for one"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Similar words include: beating-reed instrument, John Reed, Walter Reed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Made level"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make level or straight
  • Similar words include: flush, level, even
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Careful, this might be hot!"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Act of Judas"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an act of deliberate betrayal
  • Similar words include: treason, treachery, perfidy
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETRAYAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Word with ring or roll"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bulb of an onion plant
  • Similar words include: Allium cepa, onion plant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Hoity-toity one"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Similar words include: prig, honker, schnoz
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Smooths, in a way"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
  • Similar words include: George Sand, moxie, Baroness Dudevant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. "___ boy!""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Old Italian money"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money on malta; equal to 100 cents
  • Similar words include: Turkish lira, Maltese lira, lira
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Musical notation that means "with vigor""

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Boardroom bigwig, in brief"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

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!

18D: "25. Spot to drink a matcha with a Manx"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Ocean prey for a 27-Down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

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, seal off
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Ocean predator of a 26-Down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Similar words include: killer whale, grampus, killer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Big to-do"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Be in charge, informally"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Protagonist of "That '70s Show""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Speech full of invective"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
  • Similar words include: rave, blah, jabber
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Went back (to), as a prior state"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go back to a previous state
  • Similar words include: return, revert, turn back
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REVERTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Epitome of slowness"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thick dark syrup produced by boiling down juice from sugar cane; especially during sugar refining
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOLASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Director Guillermo ___ Toro"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Expressed frustration, maybe"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
  • Similar words include: suspire, sigh
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Beauty company whose Nasdaq ticker symbol is its name"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Atlanta athlete"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that diurnal birds of prey having long pointed powerful wings adapted for swift flight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FALCON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. RisquΓ©"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having an agreeably pungent taste
  • Similar words include: gamey, piquant, racy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPICY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Walkway for newlyweds"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
  • Similar words include: gangway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. They're part of what makes you you"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
  • Similar words include: cistron, gene, factor
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "___ Noche en Miami" (Bad Bunny song)"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Low voice"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest part of the musical range
  • Similar words include: basso, deep, bass voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. ___-mo"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Org. whose staffers wear royal blue uniforms"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Lenovo products, informally"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
  • Similar words include: microcomputer, PC, personal computer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Just get (by)"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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
39 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 20, 2026 at 07:00 AM