July 28, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, July 28, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle July 28, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Like some face creams and serums, supposedly	9
2A	6. Cost for a commercial	6
3A	9. Class now known as Family and Consumer Sciences, informally	6
4A	14. W.N.B.A. star Taurasi with five Olympic gold medals	5
5A	15. "___ qué?"	3
6A	16. Over	5
7A	17. Strip, as a ship	5
8A	18. Extravagantly emotional	9
9A	20. Rouse to action	6
10A	22. Close behind, as a canine	6
11A	23. N.L. West team, on scoreboards	3
12A	24. Dearest partner?	7
13A	27. Plant used to make mescal	5
14A	28. "Go ahead, try this!"	7
15A	32. Pear cultivar	4
16A	35. Rumble in the Jungle promoter	7
17A	37. Gal in Hollywood	5
18A	39. Tube rider, e.g.	4
19A	40. Port of Alaska	5
20A	42. Word with memory or bike	4
21A	43. Antilles resident	5
22A	45. Finish off	4
23A	46. Sign	4
24A	47. 1985 benefit concert watched by nearly two billion people	7
25A	49. Fastidious roommate of classic TV	5
26A	51. One way to administer a tranquilizer	7
27A	53. To boot	6
28A	56. Electronics whiz	6
29A	59. Opposite of ruddy	6
30A	61. Engaged in some amorous behavior	9
31A	64. Creator of Heffalumps and Woozles	5
32A	65. Sing ___	5
33A	66. Swear words?	3
34A	67. It has options for "cc" and "bcc"	5
35A	68. Newsroom positions	5
36A	69. With the circled letters, a hint to solving seven Across clues	3
37A	70. True-blue	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Like some face creams and serums, supposedly"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTIAGING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Cost for a commercial"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADRATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Class now known as Family and Consumer Sciences, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOMEEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. W.N.B.A. star Taurasi with five Olympic gold medals"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english aristocrat who was the first wife of prince charles; her death in an automobile accident in paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lady Diana Frances Spencer, Princess Diana, Princess of Wales
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "___ qué?""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Over"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an earlier section of a written text
• Words that mean the same thing: supra, higher up, to a higher place
• The opposite would be: below
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Strip, as a ship"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNRIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Extravagantly emotional"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that feeling great rapture or delight
• Words that mean the same thing: enraptured, ecstatic, rapt
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHAPSODIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Rouse to action"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that become active
• Words that mean the same thing: rouse
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BESTIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Close behind, as a canine"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOHEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. N.L. West team, on scoreboards"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Dearest partner?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
• Words that mean the same thing: close, dear, nighest
• The opposite would be: far
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEAREST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Plant used to make mescal"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tropical american plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes; some cultivated for ornament or for fiber
• Words that mean the same thing: century plant, American aloe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. "Go ahead, try this!""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAVEONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Pear cultivar"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that greenish-yellow pear
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOSC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Rumble in the Jungle promoter"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DONKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Gal in Hollywood"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GADOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Tube rider, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a native or inhabitant of great britain
• Words that mean the same thing: Briton, britt, Britisher
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Port of Alaska"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in southeastern alaska that was the capital of russian america and served as the capital of alaska from 1867 until 1906
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SITKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Word with memory or bike"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrow way or road
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Antilles resident"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of an american indian peoples of northeastern south america and the lesser antilles
• Words that mean the same thing: Carib Indian, Caribbean language
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CARIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Finish off"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Sign"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sign of something about to happen
• Words that mean the same thing: betoken, foreshadow, prognosticate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. 1985 benefit concert watched by nearly two billion people"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIVEAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Fastidious roommate of classic TV"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. One way to administer a tranquilizer"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DARTGUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. To boot"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASWELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Electronics whiz"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a technician who is highly proficient and enthusiastic about some technical field (especially computing)
• Words that mean the same thing: tekki
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TECHIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Opposite of ruddy"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of several old world shrubby broad-leaved willows having large catkins; some are important sources for tanbark and charcoal
• Words that mean the same thing: sickly
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALLOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Engaged in some amorous behavior"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fondle or pet affectionately
• Words that mean the same thing: canoodle
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANOODLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Creator of Heffalumps and Woozles"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english writer of stories for children (1882-1956)
• Words that mean the same thing: Alan Alexander Milne, A. A. Milne
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Sing ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that with a forward motion
• Words that mean the same thing: on
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Swear words?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. It has options for "cc" and "bcc""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
• Words that mean the same thing: netmail, e-mail, electronic mail
• The opposite would be: snail mail
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Newsroom positions"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
• Words that mean the same thing: desk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DESKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "69. With the circled letters, a hint to solving seven Across clues"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a share of the profits
• Words that mean the same thing: gash, turn off, skip
• The opposite would be: switch on, expand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "70. True-blue"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that steadfast in allegiance or duty
• Words that mean the same thing: firm, patriotic, fast
• The opposite would be: unpatriotic, disloyal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOYAL

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Thursday Crossword Down Clues - July 28, 2022 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Actress Uzo	5
2D	2. Montana, once	5
3D	3. Ankle bones	5
4D	4. Still a contender	4
5D	5. Putting in an enclosure	6
6D	6. Loan letters	3
7D	7. "Why did I do that?!"	3
8D	8. Exhibit grandiloquence	5
9D	9. Character that's popular on social media	7
10D	10. Instrument with a bell	4
11D	11. Most frequent number, in math	4
12D	12. "May the forces of ___ become confused on the way to your house": George Carlin	4
13D	13. Partner of Parks	3
14D	19. Ritzy	4
15D	21. Has a novel experience?	5
16D	25. Sidestep	5
17D	26. Lease	7
18D	27. End of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," e.g.	5
19D	29. Courage under fire	5
20D	30. Cheese wrapped in wax	4
21D	31. Abstainer's amount	4
22D	32. Largest TV network in the world, by number of employees	3
23D	33. Word-of-mouth	4
24D	34. Cortana : Microsoft :: ___ : Apple	4
25D	36. Scraping (out)	5
26D	38. What you get when you put your hands together?	3
27D	41. Scottish noble in "Macbeth"	5
28D	44. Ones always taking cover?	7
29D	48. Military move	4
30D	50. Crown covering	6
31D	52. One of many in Indiana Jones's possession	5
32D	53. Quell, as concerns	5
33D	54. First name on the Supreme Court	5
34D	55. "Just peachy"	5
35D	56. Chaucer chapter	4
36D	57. Chimp who orbited Earth in 1961	4
37D	58. Go kaput, with "out"	4
38D	60. "The Beast" for the U.S. president, for one	4
39D	61. No-goodnik	3
40D	62. See 63-Down	3
41D	63. With 62-Down, end of a college address	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Actress Uzo"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Montana, once"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
• Words that mean the same thing: nine, 9, ennead
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NINER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Ankle bones"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg; in human beings the bones of the ankle and heel collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: tarsus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TARSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Still a contender"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Putting in an enclosure"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that confine in a cage
• Words that mean the same thing: cage in, cage
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAGING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Loan letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following march and preceding may
• Words that mean the same thing: April
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Why did I do that?!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
• Words that mean the same thing: do, ut
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Exhibit grandiloquence"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that talk pompously
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Character that's popular on social media"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HASHTAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Instrument with a bell"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Most frequent number, in math"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that how something is done or how it happens
• Words that mean the same thing: mood, style, fashion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "May the forces of ___ become confused on the way to your house": George Carlin"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that morally objectionable behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: vicious, immorality, malevolent
• The opposite would be: goodness, good
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Partner of Parks"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Ritzy"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - julia child
• Words that mean the same thing: classy, swish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Has a novel experience?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something that is read
• Words that mean the same thing: register, learn, take
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: READS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Sidestep"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
• Words that mean the same thing: nullify, ward off, debar
• The opposite would be: validate, confront
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVOID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Lease"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENTOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. End of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTIV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Courage under fire"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle)
• Words that mean the same thing: valorousness, valiancy, gallantry
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VALOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Cheese wrapped in wax"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Abstainer's amount"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Largest TV network in the world, by number of employees"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BBC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Word-of-mouth"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
• Words that mean the same thing: viva, oral examination, viva voce
• The opposite would be: anal, aboral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Cortana : Microsoft :: ___ : Apple"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Scraping (out)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. What you get when you put your hands together?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: x, ten-spot, X
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Scottish noble in "Macbeth""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that celtic god of love and beauty; patron deity of young men and women
• Words that mean the same thing: Oengus, Aengus, Angus Og
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Ones always taking cover?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEDHOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Military move"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden short attack
• Words that mean the same thing: maraud, foray, bust
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Crown covering"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
• Words that mean the same thing: tooth enamel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENAMEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. One of many in Indiana Jones's possession"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an antiquity that has survived from the distant past
• Words that mean the same thing: souvenir, token, keepsake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Quell, as concerns"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lessen the intensity of or calm
• Words that mean the same thing: quench, relieve, still
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. First name on the Supreme Court"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SONIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. "Just peachy""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the undulating movement of the surface of the open sea
• Words that mean the same thing: dandy, well up, peachy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Chaucer chapter"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
• Words that mean the same thing: taradiddle, narrative, story
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Chimp who orbited Earth in 1961"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Go kaput, with "out""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal term for the nose
• Words that mean the same thing: swoon, perish, snuff it
• The opposite would be: be born
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. "The Beast" for the U.S. president, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
• Words that mean the same thing: limousine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. No-goodnik"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who is morally reprehensible
• Words that mean the same thing: hound, bounder, blackguard
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. See 63-Down"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. With 62-Down, end of a college address"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very small circular shape
• Words that mean the same thing: constellate, Zen, Department of Transportation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	60	76.9%
Short Answer	11	14.1%
Science/Technology	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Sports	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 08, 2025 at 11:17 AM

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
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (42 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHERI

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9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HARAM

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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

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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

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12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PACKANIMAL

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OHHEY

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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

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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

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16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOMERUNS

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17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FAKENEWS

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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

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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

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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

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

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEAMMASCOT

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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

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSO

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THY

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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

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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

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONCD

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAMBO

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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

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35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEATO

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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

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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

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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

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39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IKEA

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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

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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

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REN

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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

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