Search Clues

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers March 10, 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. ___-C cable (computer connector) 3
2A 4. Decide (to) 3
3A 7. Bells and whistles 6
4A 13. Seattle M.L.B. player 7
5A 15. Get ready to enter the rink 6
6A 16. Cut above the rest? 8
7A 18. "Haven't the foggiest" 6
8A 19. "Star Wars" antagonist 4
9A 20. New Zealand native 5
10A 22. Grain used in making Cheerios 3
11A 23. Something I can stand for? 4
12A 26. Conductor's stick 5
13A 28. Quick transition on the basketball court 9
14A 31. ___ Owens (birth name of Queen Latifah) 4
15A 34. Hardwood tree ... or what's left after it burns 3
16A 35. Serenade 4
17A 36. 8-pointer in Scrabble 5
18A 38. Blowgun projectile 4
19A 40. For a single purpose, as a committee 5
20A 43. Class for a future stockbroker, informally 4
21A 44. Wolf (down) 5
22A 46. Not close 4
23A 48. Word with shift or skeleton 3
24A 49. Not completely closed 4
25A 50. Permit for an international traveler 9
26A 52. Subway system 5
27A 54. Equipment for a gymnast 4
28A 55. Tizzy 3
29A 58. Apt anagram of BRUSH 5
30A 60. Kind of soup from Japan 4
31A 63. Eddie who voiced Donkey in "Shrek" 6
32A 65. Get right to work 8
33A 68. Like many virtual meetings 6
34A 69. Natural seasoning 7
35A 70. Capital of North Macedonia 6
36A 71. Dangerous sort of stick 3
37A 72. Bronx-born star, to fans ... or a phonetic hint to 3-, 8- 17-, 32- and 45-Down 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___-C cable (computer connector)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Decide (to)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, prefer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "7. Bells and whistles"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (paleontology) a bony plate that curves upward behind the skull of many ceratopsian dinosaurs
  • Similar words include: gimcrack, ruffle, frill
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRILLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Seattle M.L.B. player"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who serves as a sailor
  • Similar words include: old salt, sea dog, Jack
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARINER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Get ready to enter the rink"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Cut above the rest?"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. "Haven't the foggiest""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Star Wars" antagonist"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. New Zealand native"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ethnic minority of polynesian and melanesian descent who speak maori and live in new zealand
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAORI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Grain used in making Cheerios"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Something I can stand for?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: smidgeon, smidgin, scintilla
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Conductor's stick"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
  • Similar words include: billy, billy club, nightstick
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Quick transition on the basketball court"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. ___ Owens (birth name of Queen Latifah)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that celtic goddess who was the mother of the tuatha de danann; identified with the welsh don
  • Similar words include: Danu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Hardwood tree ... or what's left after it burns"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Serenade"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deliver by singing
  • Similar words include: babble, talk, blab
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. 8-pointer in Scrabble"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Blowgun projectile"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small narrow pointed missile that is thrown or shot
  • Similar words include: flit, scud, fleet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. For a single purpose, as a committee"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Class for a future stockbroker, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Wolf (down)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make off with belongings of others
  • Similar words include: hook, swipe, lift
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Not close"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Word with shift or skeleton"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
  • Similar words include: Francis Scott Key, name, keystone
  • Opposite of: atonality
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Not completely closed"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly open
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AJAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Permit for an international traveler"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Subway system"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an electric railway operating below the surface of the ground (usually in a city)
  • Similar words include: underground, subway, subway system
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Equipment for a gymnast"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
  • Similar words include: broadcast, ray of light, balance beam
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Tizzy"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: flurry, hustle, stir
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Apt anagram of BRUSH"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
  • Similar words include: bush
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHRUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Kind of soup from Japan"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick paste made from fermented soybeans and barley or rice malt; used in japanese cooking to make soups or sauces
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Eddie who voiced Donkey in "Shrek""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. Get right to work"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Like many virtual meetings"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Natural seasoning"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Capital of North Macedonia"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital of modern macedonia
  • Similar words include: Skoplje, Uskub
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKOPJE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Dangerous sort of stick"

3 letters Category: Common Word

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!

37A: "72. Bronx-born star, to fans ... or a phonetic hint to 3-, 8- 17-, 32- and 45-Down"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. They wear masks at home 4
2D 2. Bollywood wrap 4
3D 3. Focus of Gandhi protests 10
4D 4. With 5-Down, strict sales limit, informally 3
5D 5. See 4-Down 3
6D 6. Version of a car model 4
7D 7. Show romantic interest, in a way 5
8D 8. One playing 45s, informally 7
9D 9. Hosp. area for serious cases 3
10D 10. Jay formerly of late-night TV 4
11D 11. Sol's sister, in Roman myth 4
12D 12. Espy 4
13D 14. "Whew! Sweat is dripping off me" 5
14D 17. Mediterranean dish whose name can be translated as "pampered daddy" 11
15D 21. ___ leaf cluster (decoration on a medal) 3
16D 24. Network for many TV reruns 3
17D 25. Bizet's "Habanera," for one 4
18D 27. Comedian Bargatze 4
19D 28. Razor scooters and Rubik's Cubes, once 4
20D 29. Yoga pose 5
21D 30. Something a Möbius strip lacks 3
22D 32. All-time best-selling female rapper worldwide 10
23D 33. Medicinal plants 5
24D 37. Big name in New Age music 4
25D 39. Trolley 4
26D 41. Again and again 3
27D 42. Low-___ diet 4
28D 45. Drink that's just been squeezed, say 7
29D 47. Alternative to white or whole wheat 3
30D 50. Mispell a word, say 3
31D 51. "Let's go, muchacho!" 5
32D 53. Herb in the mint family 5
33D 55. Biblical prophet that's 51-Down without its first letter 4
34D 56. Slam-___ (easy success) 4
35D 57. Grain-shaped pasta 4
36D 59. Ignominious failure 4
37D 61. Place for a pie to cool, stereotypically 4
38D 62. "A Man Called ___" (Tom Hanks film) 4
39D 64. Bubble wrap sound 3
40D 66. Fraternity members 3
41D 67. Friendly touch 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. They wear masks at home"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an official at a baseball game
  • Similar words include: ump, umpire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Bollywood wrap"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Focus of Gandhi protests"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. With 5-Down, strict sales limit, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: i, single, ane
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. See 4-Down"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Version of a car model"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of arrangement or appearance
  • Similar words include: clipping, pare, trim down
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Show romantic interest, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
  • Similar words include: flirtation, coquetry, coquette
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. One playing 45s, informally"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Hosp. area for serious cases"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
  • Similar words include: intensive care unit
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Jay formerly of late-night TV"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sol's sister, in Roman myth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Espy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: make out, blob, post
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. "Whew! Sweat is dripping off me""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Mediterranean dish whose name can be translated as "pampered daddy""

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. ___ leaf cluster (decoration on a medal)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Similar words include: oak tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Network for many TV reruns"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metallic element of the rare earth group; used in lasers; occurs in apatite and monazite and xenotime and ytterbite
  • Similar words include: terbium, tuberculosis, terabyte
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Bizet's "Habanera," for one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Comedian Bargatze"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Razor scooters and Rubik's Cubes, once"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Yoga pose"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) a posture or manner of sitting (as in the practice of yoga)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Something a Möbius strip lacks"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. All-time best-selling female rapper worldwide"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Medicinal plants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a purgative made from the leaves of aloe
  • Similar words include: bitter aloes, aloe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Big name in New Age music"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Trolley"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
  • Similar words include: trolley car, cable tramway, ropeway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Again and again"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that many times at short intervals
  • Similar words include: often, frequently, ofttimes
  • Opposite of: rarely, infrequently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Low-___ diet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Drink that's just been squeezed, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Alternative to white or whole wheat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Mispell a word, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. "Let's go, muchacho!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Herb in the mint family"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various mints of the genus thymus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THYME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "55. Biblical prophet that's 51-Down without its first letter"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "56. Slam-___ (easy success)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a basketball shot in which the basketball is propelled downward into the basket
  • Similar words include: stuff shot, souse, plunge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUNK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Grain-shaped pasta"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pasta shaped like pearls of barley; frequently prepared with lamb in greek cuisine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Ignominious failure"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a complete failure
  • Similar words include: bout, wear, wear out
  • Opposite of: repair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "61. Place for a pie to cool, stereotypically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest member of a framework or supporting structure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. "A Man Called ___" (Tom Hanks film)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Bubble wrap sound"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: soda pop, pop out, bulge
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "66. Fraternity members"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: world, serviceman, military man
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "67. Friendly touch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Similar words include: chuck, glib, dab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

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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
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: March 10, 2026 at 04:54 AM

Monday, March 9, 2026

Complete Solutions for NYT Mini Trivia Week 2 March 09, 2026

Trivia Week 2 Manual for NYT Mini March 09, 2026

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: January 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | May 31 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | December 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for March 09, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, March 09, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date March 09, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 42. "Pencils down!"
2 Across 43. Double-decker, e.g.
3 Across 55. Zimbalist Jr. of "77 Sunset Strip"
4 Across 65. Baltimore baseball pro
5 Across 5. Something to blow off or let off
6 Across 35. *Temporary guest from a canine shelter (1988, 1991)
7 Across 23. Take weapons away from
8 Across 16. *Outdoor sport with sticks (1979, 1984)
9 Across 34. Goal for collectors
10 Across 67. "___ gratia artis" (classic MGM motto)

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "42. "Pencils down!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E

Answer:

Click to reveal TIME


2 Across: "43. Double-decker, e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: coach

Answer:

Click to reveal BUS


3 Across: "55. Zimbalist Jr. of "77 Sunset Strip""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: E___M

Answer:

Click to reveal EFREM


4 Across: "65. Baltimore baseball pro"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O____E

Answer:

Click to reveal ORIOLE


5 Across: "5. Something to blow off or let off"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S___M

Answer:

Click to reveal STEAM


6 Across: "35. *Temporary guest from a canine shelter (1988, 1991)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: F_______G

Answer:

Click to reveal FOSTERDOG


7 Across: "23. Take weapons away from"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: D____M

Answer:

Click to reveal DISARM


8 Across: "16. *Outdoor sport with sticks (1979, 1984)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: F_________Y

Answer:

Click to reveal FIELDHOCKEY


9 Across: "34. Goal for collectors"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: band

Answer:

Click to reveal SET


10 Across: "67. "___ gratia artis" (classic MGM motto)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: AR

Answer:

Click to reveal ARS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 12. Receiving the most rain
2 Down 38. Biceps, boastfully
3 Down 11. Round up, as cattle
4 Down 44. "Now, you listen to me ..."
5 Down 39. Canadian province north of Montana
6 Down 37. Double-reed woodwind player
7 Down 49. Support for a knee or a neck
8 Down 24. Starting on
9 Down 54. Group assisting a sheriff
10 Down 8. Suffix with lemon or orange

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "12. Receiving the most rain"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: W_____T

Answer:

Click to reveal WETTEST


2 Down: "38. Biceps, boastfully"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G__S

Answer:

Click to reveal GUNS


3 Down: "11. Round up, as cattle"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: W_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal WRANGLE


4 Down: "44. "Now, you listen to me ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal SEEHERE


5 Down: "39. Canadian province north of Montana"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A_____A

Answer:

Click to reveal ALBERTA


6 Down: "37. Double-reed woodwind player"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O____T

Answer:

Click to reveal OBOIST


7 Down: "49. Support for a knee or a neck"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B___E

Answer:

Click to reveal BRACE


8 Down: "24. Starting on"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: A__F

Answer:

Click to reveal ASOF


9 Down: "54. Group assisting a sheriff"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E

Answer:

Click to reveal POSSE


10 Down: "8. Suffix with lemon or orange"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ADE

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 2

When can I play the Trivia Week 2 Mini?

The Trivia Week 2 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 2?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 2 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 2?

No! The Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 2 solver?

Good Trivia Week 2 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 2?

Trivia Week 2 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: March 09, 2026 at 05:08 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, March 09 2026 mini crossword