2410 Tue Oct 08, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. Tackle, as a crossword, 6. Hold responsible, 11. ___ culpa, 14. Pertaining to bees, 15. Small bouquets, 16. "Be on the lookout" message, for short, 17. "Beware of this sausage!"?, 19. Insult, 20. Genderqueer identity, informally, 21. Balaam couldn't move his, 22. Must, 24. French seasoning, 25. Camera roll contents, 28. Small drum, 29. Unexpected delight, 31. Like unshorn wool?, 33. Give some lip, 36. Call from a goat, 37. Frosts, as a cupcake, 38. Breed beef cattle?, 42. ___ good example, 43. A.A. Milne youngster, 44. Roughly cut, 45. Charlotte's first draft for "Some Pig"?, 48. Book in a cartographer's collection, 52. Name of Athena's shield, 53. Two up quarks and a down quark, 56. Supped on, 57. Crude and tactless, 59. Compete (for), 60. Giant squids have ones the size of dinner plates, 61. College sr.'s test, 62. Summary of the phonetic puns at 17-, 31-, 38- and 45-Across?, 66. Tee preceder, 67. Building with many wings?, 68. Handbag, 69. Thing, in legalese, 70. Hub, 71. It's a good thing

Down Clues :

1. Most secure, 2. First game of the season, 3. On the hook, 4. Fluctuate, 5. Treebeard or Beechbone, in Middle-earth, 6. Greets with deference, 7. Sch. whose mascot is Mike the Tiger, 8. Bouncy castle filler, 9. Netting, 10. Huge tract of land, 11. Recouped, as an investment, 12. Paragons, 13. Sops up, 15. Money in Mexico, 18. "As if!", 23. Lionhearted, 25. Organizers of book fairs, for short, 26. "I'm buying!", 27. Tuck away for later, 30. Like some lions and elephants, 32. Despise, 34. Novak Djokovic or Nikola Jokic, by birth, 35. Bend over, 38. Go over the line?, 39. "If I had to estimate ...", 40. Winter frost, 41. Actor McGregor, 42. Cocky walk, 46. "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard, 47. Curiosity and Perseverance, e.g., 49. Good things to dress in when it's cold, 50. "Relax, soldier!", 51. End of a sonnet, often, 54. Wee, 55. Voluminous ref., 58. Spot for an icicle, 60. Cassowary relatives, 63. Cereal with the slogan "Kid-tested. Parent-approved", 64. Mer contents, 65. Belgian town known for its mineral baths

Break down the NYT Crosswords: October 08, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Tackle, as a crossword. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SOLVE

  
  

  Possible Answer : figure_out, lick, work, resolve, work_out, solve, puzzle_out, clear




• The clue is 6. Hold responsible. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: BLAME

  
  

  Possible Answer : damn, deuced, goddam, goddamned, blasted, charge, incrimination, damned, inculpation, find_fault, fault, blamed, infernal, blessed, blame, darned, goddamn, pick, rap

  Possible Opposite Answer : absolve




• The clue is 11. ___ culpa. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: MEA

  
  



• The clue is 14. Pertaining to bees. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: APIAN

  
  

  Possible Answer : apian




• The clue is 15. Small bouquets. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: POSIES

  
  

  Possible Answer : nosegay, bouquet, corsage, posy




• The clue is 16. "Be on the lookout" message, for short. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: APB

  
  



• The clue is 17. "Beware of this sausage!"?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: FEARTHEWURST

  
  



• The clue is 19. Insult. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: DIS

  
  

  Possible Answer : Dis, Orcus




• The clue is 20. Genderqueer identity, informally. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ENBY

  
  



• The clue is 21. Balaam couldn't move his. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ASS

  
  

  Possible Answer : arse, butt, tail_end, bottom, buns, nooky, As, fuck, fucking, rear_end, rump, posterior, fanny, keister, fundament, can, American_Samoa, rear, tush, prat, arsenic, ass, buttocks, shag, stern, hind_end, roll_in_the_hay, hindquarters, nookie, screwing, seat, piece_of_tail, tooshie, Eastern_Samoa, screw, AS, nates, backside, behind, piece_of_ass, tail, shtup, atomic_number_33, bum, derriere




• The clue is 22. Must. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: HAVETO

  
  



• The clue is 24. French seasoning. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SEL

  
  



• The clue is 25. Camera roll contents. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: PHOTOS

  
  

  Possible Answer : pic, photograph, exposure, picture, photo




• The clue is 28. Small drum. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: TABOR

  
  

  Possible Answer : tabour, tabor




• The clue is 29. Unexpected delight. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: TREAT

  
  

  Possible Answer : kickshaw, process, dainty, delicacy, address, deal, treat, do_by, plow, regale, handle, care_for, cover, goody




• The clue is 31. Like unshorn wool?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: ONTHELAMB

  
  



• The clue is 33. Give some lip. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SASS

  
  

  Possible Answer : backtalk, lip, sassing, Special_Air_Service, mouth, SAS, sass, back_talk




• The clue is 36. Call from a goat. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: MAA

  
  



• The clue is 37. Frosts, as a cupcake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ICES

  
  

  Possible Answer : icing, glass, frosting, ICE, Methedrine, meth, water_ice, methamphetamine_hydrochloride, ice_rink, internal-combustion_engine, methamphetamine, chalk, ice, frost, sparkler, shabu, ice-skating_rink, chicken_feed, trash, deoxyephedrine, crank, frappe




• The clue is 38. Breed beef cattle?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

  The answer: RAISETHESTEAKS

  
  



• The clue is 42. ___ good example. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SETA

  
  

  Possible Answer : seta




• The clue is 43. A.A. Milne youngster. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ROO

  
  



• The clue is 44. Roughly cut. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HEWN

  
  

  Possible Answer : hew, hewn, hand-hewn, hew_out




• The clue is 45. Charlotte's first draft for "Some Pig"?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: WHATABOAR

  
  



• The clue is 48. Book in a cartographer's collection. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ATLAS

  
  

  Possible Answer : map_collection, Atlas, book_of_maps, telamon, atlas_vertebra, atlas




• The clue is 52. Name of Athena's shield. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: AEGIS

  
  

  Possible Answer : protection, aegis, egis, auspices, breastplate




• The clue is 53. Two up quarks and a down quark. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: PROTON

  
  

  Possible Answer : proton




• The clue is 56. Supped on. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ATE

  
  

  Possible Answer : exhaust, consume, Ate, eat_on, eat_up, feed, wipe_out, use_up, run_through, corrode, eat, deplete, rust




• The clue is 57. Crude and tactless. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: GAUCHE

  
  

  Possible Answer : unpolished, gauche, graceless




• The clue is 59. Compete (for). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: VIE

  
  

  Possible Answer : compete, vie, contend




• The clue is 60. Giant squids have ones the size of dinner plates. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EYES

  
  

  Possible Answer : center, centre, heart, eyeball, oculus, optic, eyes, middle, eye




• The clue is 61. College sr.'s test. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: GRE

  
  



• The clue is 62. Summary of the phonetic puns at 17-, 31-, 38- and 45-Across?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: MAKEENDSMEAT

  
  



• The clue is 66. Tee preceder. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ESS

  
  

  Possible Answer : Es, einsteinium, E, atomic_number_99




• The clue is 67. Building with many wings?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: AVIARY

  
  

  Possible Answer : bird_sanctuary, volary, aviary




• The clue is 68. Handbag. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: PURSE

  
  

  Possible Answer : wrinkle, pocketbook, bag, purse, handbag




• The clue is 69. Thing, in legalese. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RES

  
  

  Possible Answer : RES, ray, Ra, atomic_number_75, Re, rhenium, reticuloendothelial_system, re




• The clue is 70. Hub. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NEXUS

  
  

  Possible Answer : nexus, link




• The clue is 71. It's a good thing. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ASSET

  
  

  Possible Answer : plus, asset

  Possible Opposite Answer : liability

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Most secure. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SAFEST

  
  

  Possible Answer: good, secure, dependable, safe

  Possible Opposite Answer : dangerous, out

• The clue is 2. First game of the season. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: OPENER

  
  

  Possible Answer: unfastener, opener, untier, undoer

• The clue is 3. On the hook. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: LIABLE

  
  

  Possible Answer: unresistant, apt, liable, nonimmune, nonresistant

• The clue is 4. Fluctuate. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: VARY

  
  

  Possible Answer: alter, depart, change, diverge, vary, deviate, motley, variegate

  Possible Opposite Answer : conform

• The clue is 5. Treebeard or Beechbone, in Middle-earth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ENT

  
  

• The clue is 6. Greets with deference. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: BOWSTO

  
  

• The clue is 7. Sch. whose mascot is Mike the Tiger. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: LSU

  
  

• The clue is 8. Bouncy castle filler. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: AIR

  
  

  Possible Answer: melodic_phrase, zephyr, aerate, aviation, ventilate, publicize, atmosphere, transmit, bare, line, aura, send, melody, broadcast, airwave, air, vent, air_out, beam, melodic_line, strain, air_travel, tune, breeze, publicise, gentle_wind

• The clue is 9. Netting. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MESH

  
  

  Possible Answer: meshwork, operate, enmesh, ensnarl, net, mesh_topology, meshing, mesh, interlocking, engage, engagement, lock, network, interlock

  Possible Opposite Answer : disengage

• The clue is 10. Huge tract of land. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ESTATE

  
  

  Possible Answer: demesne, estate, estate_of_the_realm, land, acres, landed_estate, the_three_estates

• The clue is 11. Recouped, as an investment. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: MADEBACK

  
  

• The clue is 12. Paragons. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: EPITOMES

  
  

  Possible Answer: paradigm, prototype, epitome, image

• The clue is 13. Sops up. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: ABSORBS

  
  

  Possible Answer: plunge, suck_up, steep, engage, assimilate, imbibe, absorb, draw, suck, soak_up, engulf, sop_up, ingest, immerse, take_up, take_in, engross, occupy, take_over

  Possible Opposite Answer : emit

• The clue is 15. Money in Mexico. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PESO

  
  

  Possible Answer: Dominican_peso, Guinea-Bissau_peso, Colombian_peso, Mexican_peso, Philippine_peso, Uruguayan_peso, peso, Chilean_peso, Cuban_peso

• The clue is 18. "As if!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: HAH

  
  

• The clue is 23. Lionhearted. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: VALIANT

  
  

  Possible Answer: valiant, valorous

• The clue is 25. Organizers of book fairs, for short. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PTAS

  
  

• The clue is 26. "I'm buying!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ONME

  
  

• The clue is 27. Tuck away for later. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: STASH

  
  

  Possible Answer: squirrel_away, hive_up, lay_away, stash, cache, hoard

• The clue is 30. Like some lions and elephants. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: ASIATIC

  
  

  Possible Answer: Asian, Asiatic

• The clue is 32. Despise. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HATE

  
  

  Possible Answer: detest, hatred, hate

  Possible Opposite Answer : love

• The clue is 34. Novak Djokovic or Nikola Jokic, by birth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SERB

  
  

  Possible Answer: Serbian, Serb

• The clue is 35. Bend over. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: STOOP

  
  

  Possible Answer: condescend, bow, stoep, crouch, stoup, stoop, lower_oneself, bend

• The clue is 38. Go over the line?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: REHEARSE

  
  

  Possible Answer: rehearse, practice, practise

• The clue is 39. "If I had to estimate ...". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: ATAGUESS

  
  

• The clue is 40. Winter frost. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HOAR

  
  

  Possible Answer: gray-headed, grey-headed, gray, hoar, white-haired, frost, hoarfrost, gray-haired, grizzly, rime, grey, grey-haired, hoary

• The clue is 41. Actor McGregor. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EWAN

  
  

• The clue is 42. Cocky walk. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: SWAGGER

  
  

  Possible Answer: bluster, browbeat, tittup, swagman, strut, ruffle, bully, groovy, swagger, cock, sashay, prance, swaggie, swash

• The clue is 46. "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ASHMAN

  
  

• The clue is 47. Curiosity and Perseverance, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ROVERS

  
  

  Possible Answer: wanderer, bird_of_passage, roamer, rover, scouter

• The clue is 49. Good things to dress in when it's cold. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: LAYERS

  
  

  Possible Answer: bed, level, layer, stratum

• The clue is 50. "Relax, soldier!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ATEASE

  
  

• The clue is 51. End of a sonnet, often. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SESTET

  
  

  Possible Answer: sextuplet, sestet, VI, six, sextet, 6, Captain_Hicks, hexad, sise, sextette, sixer, half_a_dozen

• The clue is 54. Wee. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TINY

  
  

  Possible Answer: petite, lilliputian, flyspeck, diminutive, tiny, bantam, midget

• The clue is 55. Voluminous ref.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: OED

  
  

  Possible Answer: OED, O.E.D., Oxford_English_Dictionary

• The clue is 58. Spot for an icicle. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EAVE

  
  

• The clue is 60. Cassowary relatives. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EMUS

  
  

  Possible Answer: emu, electromagnetic_unit, Dromaius_novaehollandiae, Emu_novaehollandiae

• The clue is 63. Cereal with the slogan "Kid-tested. Parent-approved". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: KIX

  
  

• The clue is 64. Mer contents. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: EAU

  
  

• The clue is 65. Belgian town known for its mineral baths. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SPA

  
  

  Possible Answer: watering_place, spa, resort_hotel, health_club, health_spa, watering_hole

Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 21, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

NYT Mini September 21, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

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: October 19 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | July 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | 27448 Sat Jan 04 2025 Ny Times |

Jump To Section

• Puzzle Information
• Grid Layout
• Across Clues (10 total)
• Down Clues (10 total)
• How to Solve Faster
• Common Questions

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, September 21, 2025

Puzzle Statistics

Detail	Information
Date	September 21, 2025
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 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	55. Game with Indigenous origins
2 Across	118. TV host Cohen
3 Across	85. Fight the urge
4 Across	54. Phases, to Taylor Swift
5 Across	80. Muchas horas
6 Across	81. "Was ___ blame?"
7 Across	23. Traditional form of Japanese drama
8 Across	5. Does acid
9 Across	59. Festive outdoor lighting options
10 Across	36. Had

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

• February 16 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Wednesday August 07 2024 NYT Crossword
• August 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

---

1 Across: "55. Game with Indigenous origins"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 8 letters
• It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: L______E

Answer:

Click to reveal

LACROSSE

---

2 Across: "118. TV host Cohen"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ANDY

---

3 Across: "85. Fight the urge"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

RESIST

---

4 Across: "54. Phases, to Taylor Swift"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ERAS

---

5 Across: "80. Muchas horas"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

DIAS

---

6 Across: "81. "Was ___ blame?""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ITO

---

7 Across: "23. Traditional form of Japanese drama"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 13 letters
• It starts with 'K' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: K___________R

Answer:

Click to reveal

KABUKITHEATER

---

8 Across: "5. Does acid"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 5 letters
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: T___S

Answer:

Click to reveal

TRIPS

---

9 Across: "59. Festive outdoor lighting options"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 11 letters
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: T_________S

Answer:

Click to reveal

TIKITORCHES

---

10 Across: "36. Had"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

TASTED

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List

Number	Clue
1 Down	4. Models after
2 Down	54. Jazz composer Garner
3 Down	100. Broken piece of pottery
4 Down	45. Hip
5 Down	91. Jeans
6 Down	33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story"
7 Down	42. Many a skin-care product
8 Down	68. Several CBS dramas
9 Down	89. Worked hard (for)
10 Down	64. Public health agcy.

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 06 2025
• August 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Wednesday August 07 2024 NYT Crossword

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1 Down: "4. Models after"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 8 letters
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: E______S

Answer:

Click to reveal

EMULATES

---

2 Down: "54. Jazz composer Garner"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ERROLL

---

3 Down: "100. Broken piece of pottery"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

SHARD

---

4 Down: "45. Hip"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 9 letters
• It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
• Word pattern: I_______N

Answer:

Click to reveal

INFASHION

---

5 Down: "91. Jeans"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

DENIMS

---

6 Down: "33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

DEBOSE

---

7 Down: "42. Many a skin-care product"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
• Another word like this: mousse

Answer:

Click to reveal

GEL

---

8 Down: "68. Several CBS dramas"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

CSIS

---

9 Down: "89. Worked hard (for)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

STROVE

---

10 Down: "64. Public health agcy."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

CDC

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:	A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 06 2025
• March 27 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Wednesday August 07 2024 NYT Crossword
• February 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 22 2018 NYT Clues Answers
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 08

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the 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?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.

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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: September 21, 2025 at 03:50 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, September 21 2025 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 18, 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 (35 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Assistance	4
2A	5. Dickens villain ___ Heep	5
3A	10. Bears' lairs	4
4A	14. Plant with many topical uses	4
5A	15. Downright unpleasant	5
6A	16. Meaning of "vidi," in Caesar's boast	4
7A	17. Classic Beethoven piano piece	15
8A	20. Fed. agency overseeing the stock market	3
9A	21. To blame	7
10A	22. Online Q&A	3
11A	25. ___ ex machina	4
12A	28. Home to Kosovo and Monaco: Abbr.	3
13A	29. Academy Award-winning tune from "La La Land"	11
14A	32. "Chiseled" muscles	3
15A	35. Of yore	5
16A	36. Snippet in a film review show	9
17A	38. "Looper" director Johnson	4
18A	39. Sarcastic title girl of 1990s-2000s MTV	5
19A	40. Utah skiing destination	4
20A	41. Coverers of current events	9
21A	43. Boss (around)	5
22A	44. Phoenix basketball player	3
23A	45. 1983 Eurythmics hit whose full title includes "(Are Made of This)"	11
24A	47. Popular fantasy role-playing game, in brief	3
25A	48. Spies	4
26A	49. "___-haw!"	3
27A	50. It has its x's and y's	7
28A	54. T-shirt or blouse	3
29A	56. Iconic number from "The Phantom of the Opera" ... or an apt title for this puzzle	15
30A	62. Story of one's life?	4
31A	63. Beforehand	5
32A	64. Singer Kahan with the 2026 #1 album "The Great Divide"	4
33A	65. Hot	4
34A	66. 17-, 29-, 45- and 56-Across	5
35A	67. Person regularly sought out for advice	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Assistance"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
• Similar words include: service, serve, assistance
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HELP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Dickens villain ___ Heep"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) the husband of bathsheba and a soldier who was sent to die in battle so that king david could marry his wife (circa 10th century bc)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: URIAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Bears' lairs"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
• Similar words include: hideout, hideaway, den
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Plant with many topical uses"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Downright unpleasant"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that offensive or even (of persons) malicious; ; ; ; ; ; - ezra pound
• Similar words include: tight, awful, smutty
• Opposite of: nice

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NASTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Meaning of "vidi," in Caesar's boast"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Classic Beethoven piano piece"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOONLIGHTSONATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Fed. agency overseeing the stock market"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Similar words include: secant, unsweet, Securities and Exchange Commission
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. To blame"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATFAULT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Online Q&A"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. ___ ex machina"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Home to Kosovo and Monaco: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Academy Award-winning tune from "La La Land""

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CITYOFSTARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. "Chiseled" muscles"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
• Similar words include: Bachelor of Arts, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, group AB
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Of yore"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "36. Snippet in a film review show"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOVIECLIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. "Looper" director Johnson"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Sarcastic title girl of 1990s-2000s MTV"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Utah skiing destination"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Coverers of current events"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEWSMEDIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Boss (around)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
• Similar words include: Holy Order, tell, regulate
• Opposite of: disorderliness, disorder

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Phoenix basketball player"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
• Similar words include: Lord's Day, sunlight, insolate
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. 1983 Eurythmics hit whose full title includes "(Are Made of This)""

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWEETDREAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Popular fantasy role-playing game, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Spies"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Similar words include: discover, realize, meet
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "___-haw!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. It has its x's and y's"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the mathematics of generalized arithmetical operations
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALGEBRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. T-shirt or blouse"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the upper part of anything
• Similar words include: tip, pinnacle, circus tent
• Opposite of: bottom

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Iconic number from "The Phantom of the Opera" ... or an apt title for this puzzle"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MUSICOFTHENIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Story of one's life?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
• Similar words include: necrology, obituary
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OBIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Beforehand"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the head of a religious order; in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot
• Similar words include: anterior
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRIOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Singer Kahan with the 2026 #1 album "The Great Divide""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Hot"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
• Similar words include: aphrodisiac, aphrodisiacal
• Opposite of: unsexy, anaphrodisiac

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEXY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. 17-, 29-, 45- and 56-Across"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a short musical composition with words
• Similar words include: vocal, birdsong, Sung
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Person regularly sought out for advice"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Scene stealer	3
2D	2. Eponym of a chess rating system	3
3D	3. British bathroom	3
4D	4. Writes	4
5D	5. International aid org.	6
6D	6. Cloth covered in dust, say	3
7D	7. "... or so"	3
8D	8. Lead-in to "boy!" or "girl!"	4
9D	9. Madness	8
10D	10. Kuwaiti currency	5
11D	11. The elder of a pair of biblical twins	4
12D	12. The "N" of N.A.A.C.P.: Abbr.	4
13D	13. Smack, as flies	4
14D	18. Gave false hopes	5
15D	19. Coming in handy	5
16D	22. Nuts whose shells look like they have little berets	6
17D	23. Environs	6
18D	24. When Hamilton and Burr had their duel	6
19D	26. Manufactured in America	6
20D	27. What gossipers and tall buildings are full of	7
21D	30. Desires	4
22D	31. Fly in the sky	6
23D	32. Like some theme park passes	6
24D	33. "Oh, buzz off"	6
25D	34. Thin on the ground	6
26D	37. Give a hoot	4
27D	39. Morning condensation	8
28D	42. Channel that rebranded with "NOW" in its name in 2025	5
29D	43. "Citizen Kane" director Welles	5
30D	46. Forfends	6
31D	47. Part of a pantheon	5
32D	50. "Famous" cookie baker	4
33D	51. Anti-friction fluid	4
34D	52. High-end private jet, familiarly	4
35D	53. Hairstyle associated with Jimi Hendrix and Angela Davis	4
36D	55. Send an instant message	4
37D	57. Sardine container	3
38D	58. Refuse to share	3
39D	59. Glop	3
40D	60. Mario has a red "M" on his	3
41D	61. Howe'er	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Scene stealer"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
• Similar words include: gammon, overplay, jambon
• Opposite of: underact

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Eponym of a chess rating system"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. British bathroom"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a toilet in britain
• Similar words include: W.C., closet, water closet
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Writes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
• Similar words include: pen, compose, write
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. International aid org."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an agency of the united nations responsible for programs to aid education and the health of children and mothers in developing countries
• Similar words include: United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNICEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Cloth covered in dust, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small piece of cloth or paper
• Similar words include: annoy, nettle, bawl out
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "... or so""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Lead-in to "boy!" or "girl!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Madness"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that state of violent mental agitation
• Similar words include: hysterical neurosis, fury, craze
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HYSTERIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Kuwaiti currency"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 100 dinars equal 1 rial in iran
• Similar words include: Tunisian dinar, Libyan dinar, Yugoslavian dinar
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DINAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The elder of a pair of biblical twins"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. The "N" of N.A.A.C.P.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NATL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Smack, as flies"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sharp blow
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Gave false hopes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEDON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Coming in handy"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OFUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Nuts whose shells look like they have little berets"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fruit of the oak tree: a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base
• Similar words include: acorn
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Environs"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the environmental condition
• Similar words include: surroundings
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MILIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. When Hamilton and Burr had their duel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATDAWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Manufactured in America"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USMADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. What gossipers and tall buildings are full of"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of 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
• Similar words include: narration, storey, tale
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STORIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Desires"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a yearning for something or to do something
• Similar words include: hankering, yen, yearn
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Fly in the sky"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that operate an airplane
• Similar words include: pilot, fly
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVIATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Like some theme park passes"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. "Oh, buzz off""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BITEME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Thin on the ground"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Similar words include: thin
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Give a hoot"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
• Similar words include: maintenance, wish, worry
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Morning condensation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a drop of dew
• Similar words include: dewdrop
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEWDROPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Channel that rebranded with "NOW" in its name in 2025"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MSNBC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. "Citizen Kane" director Welles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Forfends"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that try to prevent; show opposition to
• Similar words include: dissuade, discourage, deter
• Opposite of: persuade

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DETERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Part of a pantheon"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
• Similar words include: immortal, divinity, god
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEITY

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32D: "50. "Famous" cookie baker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

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

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33D: "51. Anti-friction fluid"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
• Similar words include: lubricating substance, lubricator, lubricate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUBE

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34D: "52. High-end private jet, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GSIX

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35D: "53. Hairstyle associated with Jimi Hendrix and Angela Davis"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Similar words include: Afro hairdo
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFRO

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36D: "55. Send an instant message"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a river in western thailand; a major tributary of the chao phraya
• Similar words include: pink, Ping River, knock
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PING

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37D: "57. Sardine container"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
• Similar words include: can, atomic number 50, canister
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIN

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38D: "58. Refuse to share"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person regarded as greedy and pig-like
• Similar words include: hogget, grunter, squealer
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOG

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39D: "59. Glop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
• Similar words include: ooze, gunk, gook
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOO

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40D: "60. Mario has a red "M" on his"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
• Similar words include: chapeau, lid
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAT

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41D: "61. Howe'er"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THO

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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

35 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

76 Total Clues

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Last updated: August 18, 2026 at 04:03 AM