2408 Thu Aug 22, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. Confident claim, 5. Tootsie treat?, 9. Enclosed rhyme scheme, 13. Stone measure, 15. Modern-day home of Persepolis, 16. Godsend, 17. MEDALS, 19. "Cheers" bartender Woody, 20. Crafty inits., 21. Baseball pitcher's feat, informally, 22. Irritated, 23. They work through a lot of baggage, for short, 24. GOBI DESERT, 27. Quite some time, 29. Source of the Golden Fleece, 30. What doesn't look the best naked?, 31. Choir section, 33. Not so loud, 36. "SAY WHAT?", 40. Acting unconsciously, 41. Prevailing spirit, 43. Game piece in Mastermind, 46. Legislative subject of the 2020 miniseries "Mrs. America," for short, 47. Spain's longest river, 48. NEOLITH, 54. "Scientia potentia ___" ("Knowledge is power"), 55. Lassie's owner on old TV, 56. Premier couple's retreat?, 57. Furtive laugh, 58. Troll's lookalike, 59. RUMMY, 62. Land that split from Zanzibar in 1861, 63. Medicinal form, 64. Word with screen or space, 65. Self images?, 66. Sleep restlessly, 67. Something passed down the line

Down Clues :

1. Cold beverage popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, 2. Sleeveless top, 3. Small marching band?, 4. Vote in opposition, 5. Word that can precede or follow "player", 6. Flynn of Hollywood's Golden Age, 7. 41, to 43, 8. Popular crowd, 9. Top of the order?, 10. Foot warmer, 11. Young male lover, informally, 12. Foul shot following a basket, in hoops lingo, 14. Blue reef fish, 18. Heartache, 22. Reproductive cell, 25. Lover of Euridice, in opera, 26. Scratching post scratchers, 28. Middle-of-the-road, 32. With a clear head, 33. Zippo, 34. Sound asleep, 35. Formal ceremony, 37. About 2 1/2 pints of beer, 38. Catchphrase for moviedom's "International Man of Mystery", 39. Vikings, e.g., 42. "That'll show ya!", 43. Buns, 44. Tough nut to crack, 45. Fitness fanatic, in slang, 49. What seers read, 50. University of North Carolina team, to fans, 51. Pastoral poems, 52. Keanu Reeves role, 53. Stampeders in "The Lion King", 59. Spot-on, 60. Birthplace of bossa nova, 61. Joke

Thu Aug 22, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: August 22, 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. Confident claim. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ICAN




• The clue is 5. Tootsie treat?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEDI




• The clue is 9. Enclosed rhyme scheme. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABBA




• The clue is 13. Stone measure. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CARAT

  Possible Answer : karat, carat, kt




• The clue is 15. Modern-day home of Persepolis. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRAN

  Possible Answer : Islamic_Republic_of_Iran, Persia, Iran




• The clue is 16. Godsend. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOON

  Possible Answer : boon, blessing




• The clue is 17. MEDALS. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: EMMYAWARDS




• The clue is 19. "Cheers" bartender Woody. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOYD




• The clue is 20. Crafty inits.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DIY




• The clue is 21. Baseball pitcher's feat, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NONO




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

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

  The answer: GOTTO




• The clue is 23. They work through a lot of baggage, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TSA

  Possible Answer : Transportation_Security_Administration, TSA




• The clue is 24. GOBI DESERT. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: GEOLOCATION




• The clue is 27. Quite some time. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EONS

  Possible Answer : eon, aeon




• The clue is 29. Source of the Golden Fleece. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAM

  Possible Answer : wad, random_memory, random-access_memory, Aries_the_Ram, read/write_memory, RAM, random_access_memory, cram, ram, drive, crash, chock_up, pound, Aries, Ram, tup, force, jampack, jam, ram_down




• The clue is 30. What doesn't look the best naked?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EYE

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




• The clue is 31. Choir section. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALTOS

  Possible Answer : alto, countertenor, contralto




• The clue is 33. Not so loud. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOFTER

  Possible Answer : delicate, diffuse, indulgent, sonant, easy, piano, subdued, gentle, diffused, voiced, soft, flabby, easygoing, balmy, flaccid, lenient, cushy, mild

  Possible Opposite Answer : forte, hard, hardened, unvoiced, loud




• The clue is 36. "SAY WHAT?". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: ESSAYQUESTION




• The clue is 40. Acting unconsciously. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ONAUTO




• The clue is 41. Prevailing spirit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETHOS

  Possible Answer : ethos




• The clue is 43. Game piece in Mastermind. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEG

  Possible Answer : wooden_leg, oarlock, thole, tholepin, peg_down, rowlock, pin, nail, peg, stick, nog, pegleg, leg, nail_down




• The clue is 46. Legislative subject of the 2020 miniseries "Mrs. America," for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERA

  Possible Answer : geological_era, ERA, earned_run_average, epoch, era




• The clue is 47. Spain's longest river. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EBRO

  Possible Answer : Ebro_River, Ebro




• The clue is 48. NEOLITH. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: ANYOLDTHING




• The clue is 54. "Scientia potentia ___" ("Knowledge is power"). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EST

  Possible Answer : Eastern_Time, EST, Eastern_Standard_Time




• The clue is 55. Lassie's owner on old TV. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIMMY




• The clue is 56. Premier couple's retreat?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EDEN

  Possible Answer : Shangri-la, promised_land, Eden, Garden_of_Eden, paradise, heaven, nirvana




• The clue is 57. Furtive laugh. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEH




• The clue is 58. Troll's lookalike. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OGRE

  Possible Answer : demon, ogre, monster, devil, fiend




• The clue is 59. RUMMY. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: AREYOUGAME




• The clue is 62. Land that split from Zanzibar in 1861. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OMAN

  Possible Answer : Muscat_and_Oman, Oman, Sultanate_of_Oman




• The clue is 63. Medicinal form. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PILL

  Possible Answer : tablet, anovulatory_drug, lozenge, contraceptive_pill, birth_control_pill, oral_contraceptive_pill, pill, anovulant, oral_contraceptive, tab




• The clue is 64. Word with screen or space. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SAVER

  Possible Answer : rescuer, saver, recoverer




• The clue is 65. Self images?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TATS

  Possible Answer : cheapness, sleaze, tackiness, TAT, Thematic_Apperception_Test, tat, intertwine




• The clue is 66. Sleep restlessly. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOSS

  Possible Answer : thresh_about, chuck_out, discard, toss_out, put_away, pass, slash, thrash, convulse, thrash_about, toss, chuck, cast_aside, fling, pitch, throw_out, cast_out, sky, throw_away, cast_away, flip, dispose, jactitate, toss_away, thresh




• The clue is 67. Something passed down the line. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GENE

  Possible Answer : factor, gene, cistron

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Cold beverage popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ICEDTEA

• The clue is 2. Sleeveless top. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CAMISOLE

  Possible Answer: underbodice, camisole

• The clue is 3. Small marching band?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARMYANTS

• The clue is 4. Vote in opposition. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAY

  Possible Answer: nay

  Possible Opposite Answer : yea

• The clue is 5. Word that can precede or follow "player". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PIANO

  Possible Answer: forte-piano, pianissimo, softly, piano, soft, pianoforte

  Possible Opposite Answer : forte

• The clue is 6. Flynn of Hollywood's Golden Age. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERROL

• The clue is 7. 41, to 43. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DAD

  Possible Answer: dada, pop, dad, daddy, papa, pappa, pa

• The clue is 8. Popular crowd. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INS

  Possible Answer: IN, In, inch, in, INS, Indiana, Immigration_and_Naturalization_Service, atomic_number_49, indium, Hoosier_State

• The clue is 9. Top of the order?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABBOT

  Possible Answer: abbot, archimandrite

• The clue is 10. Foot warmer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOOTIE

  Possible Answer: bootie, bootee

• The clue is 11. Young male lover, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOYTOY

• The clue is 12. Foul shot following a basket, in hoops lingo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANDONE

• The clue is 14. Blue reef fish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TANG

  Possible Answer: bladderwrack, piquancy, savour, bladder_fucus, relish, sea_tang, tang, Fucus_serratus, piquance, sea_tangle, smack, flavour, sapidity, serrated_wrack, piquantness, black_rockweed, Tang_dynasty, Fucus_vesiculosus, Tang, nip, zest, tanginess, savor, flavor

• The clue is 18. Heartache. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WOE

  Possible Answer: suffering, woe, woefulness

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

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

  The answer: GAMETE

  Possible Answer: gamete

• The clue is 25. Lover of Euridice, in opera. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORFEO

• The clue is 26. Scratching post scratchers. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CATS

  Possible Answer: barf, retch, purge, regurgitate, true_cat, hombre, computerized_axial_tomography, be_sick, cat-o'-nine-tails, Arabian_tea, computed_axial_tomography, cast, spew, computed_tomography, African_tea, disgorge, computerized_tomography, honk, bozo, chuck, Caterpillar, qat, CT, vomit, regorge, CAT, vomit_up, guy, big_cat, sick, upchuck, spue, cat, khat, puke, throw_up, kat, quat

  Possible Opposite Answer : keep_down

• The clue is 28. Middle-of-the-road. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOSO

• The clue is 32. With a clear head. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SANELY

  Possible Answer: sanely, reasonably, sensibly

  Possible Opposite Answer : insanely, unreasonably

• The clue is 33. Zippo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SQUAT

  Possible Answer: underslung, shit, jack, squatting, diddlyshit, squatty, scrunch, hunker_down, stumpy, low-set, knee_bend, diddly-squat, diddly-shit, dumpy, diddley, chunky, squat, crouch, doodly-squat, diddly, diddlysquat, scrunch_up, hunker

• The clue is 34. Sound asleep. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OUT

  Possible Answer: come_out, taboo, kayoed, prohibited, KO'd, knocked_out, stunned, verboten, away, out, tabu, forbidden, proscribed, come_out_of_the_closet, extinct

  Possible Opposite Answer : safe

• The clue is 35. Formal ceremony. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RITE

  Possible Answer: ritual, religious_rite, rite

• The clue is 37. About 2 1/2 pints of beer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YARD

  Possible Answer: cubic_yard, one_thousand, railway_yard, grand, curtilage, K, chiliad, railyard, M, thousand, G, pace, 1000, yard, grounds, thou

• The clue is 38. Catchphrase for moviedom's "International Man of Mystery". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHBEHAVE

• The clue is 39. Vikings, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NORSEMEN

  Possible Answer: Norseman, Norse, Norwegian

• The clue is 42. "That'll show ya!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOTHERE

• The clue is 43. Buns. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PATOOT

• The clue is 44. Tough nut to crack. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ENIGMA

  Possible Answer: brain-teaser, riddle, secret, closed_book, mystery, enigma, conundrum

• The clue is 45. Fitness fanatic, in slang. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GYMRAT

• The clue is 49. What seers read. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OMENS

  Possible Answer: portent, betoken, prefigure, foreshadow, prognostic, predict, bode, foretell, prognostication, presage, portend, auspicate, omen, prognosticate, forecast, augur, prodigy

• The clue is 50. University of North Carolina team, to fans. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEELS

  Possible Answer: dog, cad, hound, bounder, list, reheel, blackguard, heel

• The clue is 51. Pastoral poems. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IDYLS

  Possible Answer: bucolic, idyll, pastoral, pastorale, eclogue, idyl

• The clue is 52. Keanu Reeves role. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NEO

  Possible Answer: neo

• The clue is 53. Stampeders in "The Lion King". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GNUS

  Possible Answer: gnu, wildebeest

• The clue is 59. Spot-on. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: APT

  Possible Answer: clever, disposed, apt, pertinent, given, minded, liable, tending, apposite

• The clue is 60. Birthplace of bossa nova. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RIO

  Possible Answer: Rio_de_Janeiro, Rio

• The clue is 61. Joke. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GAG

  Possible Answer: jest, laugh, strangle, retch, heave, suffocate, fret, muzzle, choke, quip, gag, jape, joke

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 26, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

XWordHint Crossword Complete Solution: May 26, 2025

Published on Monday, May 26, 2025 • Updated daily

Our expert breakdown helps you solve the May 26 XWordHint crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. Ran, as colors in the wash

4-letter answer Answer: BLED

Word Help: Synonyms: run, phlebotomize, leech

Clue #2: 5. One of four on most molars

4-letter answer Answer: CUSP

Word Help: Synonyms: cusp, leaflet

Clue #3: 9. Fee

4-letter answer Answer: COST

Word Help: Synonyms: price, cost, monetary_value

Clue #4: 13. Overhaul

4-letter answer Answer: REDO

Word Help: Synonyms: refashion, reconstruct, make_over

Clue #5: 14. Where India and Indonesia are

4-letter answer Answer: ASIA

Word Help: Synonyms: Asia

Clue #6: 15. Choir member

4-letter answer Answer: ALTO

Word Help: Synonyms: contralto, alto, countertenor

Clue #7: 16. 1999 sports drama co-starring Al Pacino

14-letter answer Answer: ANYGIVENSUNDAY

Clue #8: 19. Fiber-rich fruits

4-letter answer Answer: FIGS

Word Help: Synonyms: Libyan_Fighting_Group, common_fig, Libyan_Islamic_Group

Clue #9: 20. The "p" of r.p.m.

3-letter answer Answer: PER

Clue #10: 21. Preps for a sports competition

6-letter answer Answer: TRAINS

Word Help: Synonyms: aim, wagon_train, groom

Clue #11: 22. Sinusitis doc

3-letter answer Answer: ENT

Clue #12: 23. What the "E" stands for in 22-Across

3-letter answer Answer: EAR

Word Help: Synonyms: spike, capitulum, ear

Clue #13: 24. Born and ___

4-letter answer Answer: BRED

Word Help: Synonyms: breed, cover, engender

Clue #14: 25. 1973 marital drama co-starring Elizabeth Taylor

12-letter answer Answer: ASHWEDNESDAY

Clue #15: 30. T-bone or porterhouse

5-letter answer Answer: STEAK

Word Help: Synonyms: steak

Clue #16: 31. Unexpected blessing

4-letter answer Answer: BOON

Word Help: Synonyms: boon, blessing

Clue #17: 32. Super Mario Bros. console

3-letter answer Answer: NES

Word Help: Synonyms: Nebraska, northeast, neon

Clue #18: 35. Take care of, as a bar

4-letter answer Answer: TEND

Word Help: Synonyms: lean, run, incline

Clue #19: 36. Firmly declares

5-letter answer Answer: AVOWS

Word Help: Synonyms: verify, assert, swear
Antonyms: disavow

Clue #20: 38. "___ we forget ..."

4-letter answer Answer: LEST

Word Help: Synonyms: 50, l, fifty

Clue #21: 39. Texting tech, in brief

3-letter answer Answer: SMS

Word Help: Synonyms: Master_of_Science, atomic_number_62, MSc

Clue #22: 40. TLC or ZZ Top, e.g.

4-letter answer Answer: TRIO

Word Help: Synonyms: triad, III, ternion

Clue #23: 41. Around, as in dates

5-letter answer Answer: CIRCA

Clue #24: 42. 2003 fantasy comedy co-starring Lindsay Lohan

12-letter answer Answer: FREAKYFRIDAY

Clue #25: 45. Not at home

4-letter answer Answer: AWAY

Word Help: Synonyms: outside, out, forth
Antonyms: home

Clue #26: 47. ___ Raisman, six-time medalist in Olympic gymnastics

3-letter answer Answer: ALY

Clue #27: 48. Mimic

3-letter answer Answer: APE

Word Help: Synonyms: emulator, ape, caricature

Clue #28: 49. Security devices

6-letter answer Answer: ALARMS

Word Help: Synonyms: horrify, alarm_system, alarum

Clue #29: 51. Point of no return?

3-letter answer Answer: ACE

Word Help: Synonyms: maven, I, topnotch

Clue #30: 52. Oft-used plaything on snow days

4-letter answer Answer: SLED

Word Help: Synonyms: sled, sledge, sleigh

Clue #31: 53. 1970s-'80s TV staple ... or a hint to 16-, 25- and 42-Across

14-letter answer Answer: MOVIEOFTHEWEEK

Clue #32: 56. Subsequently

4-letter answer Answer: THEN

Word Help: Synonyms: and_so, then, so

Clue #33: 57. Locale of an arch and sole

4-letter answer Answer: FOOT

Word Help: Synonyms: metrical_unit, hoof_it, foot
Antonyms: head

Clue #34: 58. Meanie

4-letter answer Answer: OGRE

Word Help: Synonyms: demon, devil, ogre

Clue #35: 59. Actress Gilbert

4-letter answer Answer: SARA

Clue #36: 60. The Venus de Milo's missing body parts

4-letter answer Answer: ARMS

Word Help: Synonyms: fortify, gird, arms
Antonyms: disarm

Clue #37: 61. Like some fiber-rich cereals

4-letter answer Answer: OATY

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. Body part connecting the cerebrum to the spinal cord

9-letter answer Answer: BRAINSTEM

Word Help: Synonyms: brain-stem, brain_stem, brainstem

Clue #2: 2. Stretches out

9-letter answer Answer: LENGTHENS

Word Help: Synonyms: lengthen
Antonyms: shorten

Clue #3: 3. "Grand" ice cream brand

4-letter answer Answer: EDYS

Clue #4: 4. Hound, in two ways

3-letter answer Answer: DOG

Word Help: Synonyms: pawl, hot_dog, frankfurter

Clue #5: 5. Stalactite site

6-letter answer Answer: CAVERN

Word Help: Synonyms: cavern, cavern_out

Clue #6: 6. ___ experience

4-letter answer Answer: USER

Word Help: Synonyms: drug_user, user, exploiter

Clue #7: 7. Topic for an evangelical preacher

3-letter answer Answer: SIN

Word Help: Synonyms: boob, sin, sinfulness

Clue #8: 8. History

4-letter answer Answer: PAST

Word Help: Synonyms: past_times, preceding, past
Antonyms: present, future

Clue #9: 9. Melodious yellow bird

6-letter answer Answer: CANARY

Word Help: Synonyms: stoolie, canary-yellow, canary_yellow

Clue #10: 10. Tune from way back

5-letter answer Answer: OLDIE

Word Help: Synonyms: oldie, golden_oldie

Clue #11: 11. Counterpart of sit

5-letter answer Answer: STAND

Word Help: Synonyms: rack, stand, bandstand
Antonyms: sit, yield

Clue #12: 12. Santa's bagful

4-letter answer Answer: TOYS

Word Help: Synonyms: dally, miniature, fiddle

Clue #13: 17. Tablet debut of 2010

4-letter answer Answer: IPAD

Clue #14: 18. City-related

5-letter answer Answer: URBAN

Word Help: Synonyms: urban
Antonyms: rural

Clue #15: 19. Thanksgiving or Easter spreads

6-letter answer Answer: FEASTS

Word Help: Synonyms: feast, feed, banquet

Clue #16: 23. "A mouse!"

3-letter answer Answer: EEK

Clue #17: 26. Bunch of dollar bills, say

3-letter answer Answer: WAD

Word Help: Synonyms: flock, cram, slew

Clue #18: 27. Kindle download, e.g.

5-letter answer Answer: EBOOK

Clue #19: 28. Scatter, as seeds

3-letter answer Answer: SOW

Word Help: Synonyms: inseminate, seed, sow_in

Clue #20: 29. MS-___ (early PC platform)

3-letter answer Answer: DOS

Word Help: Synonyms: brawl, State_Department, Doctor_of_Osteopathy
Antonyms: unmake

Clue #21: 32. "Look at this guy spouting useless trivia!"

9-letter answer Answer: NERDALERT

Clue #22: 33. Aid for getting out of a computer jam

9-letter answer Answer: ESCAPEKEY

Clue #23: 34. Didn't go

6-letter answer Answer: STAYED

Word Help: Synonyms: stay, abide, continue
Antonyms: depart, change

Clue #24: 36. "What ___ you up to these days?"

3-letter answer Answer: ARE

Word Help: Synonyms: make_up, comprise, personify
Antonyms: differ

Clue #25: 37. By way of

3-letter answer Answer: VIA

Clue #26: 38. 52, in old Rome

3-letter answer Answer: LII

Word Help: Synonyms: 52, lii, fifty-two

Clue #27: 40. "Go ahead, ask"

5-letter answer Answer: TRYME

Clue #28: 41. Sob

3-letter answer Answer: CRY

Word Help: Synonyms: holler, call, shout
Antonyms: laugh

Clue #29: 42. Hot breakfast bowlful

6-letter answer Answer: FARINA

Word Help: Synonyms: farina

Clue #30: 43. Billionaires' boats

6-letter answer Answer: YACHTS

Word Help: Synonyms: racing_yacht, yacht

Clue #31: 44. Get out of Dodge

4-letter answer Answer: FLEE

Word Help: Synonyms: flee, take_flight, fly

Clue #32: 45. "Hi," in Hilo

5-letter answer Answer: ALOHA

Word Help: Synonyms: ciao, aloha

Clue #33: 46. Show indecision

5-letter answer Answer: WAVER

Word Help: Synonyms: vacillate, waffle, flutter

Clue #34: 49. Quantities: Abbr.

4-letter answer Answer: AMTS

Clue #35: 50. Seat with cushions

4-letter answer Answer: SOFA

Word Help: Synonyms: lounge, couch, sofa

Clue #36: 51. Chemistry 101 topic

4-letter answer Answer: ATOM

Word Help: Synonyms: corpuscle, molecule, atom

Clue #37: 52. Gaming company that created Sonic the Hedgehog

4-letter answer Answer: SEGA

Clue #38: 54. Not against

3-letter answer Answer: FOR

Clue #39: 55. Pursue romantically

3-letter answer Answer: WOO

Word Help: Synonyms: romance, court, solicit

Expert Solving Strategies

• Look for fill-in-the-blank clues first (they're often easiest)
• Watch for question marks indicating wordplay
• Check vowel patterns in partially solved words

Related Search Terms

NYT Crossword Help, Daily Puzzle Solutions, Crossword Answer Finder, May Crossword Answers

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 02, 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 (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (35 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Havanese greeting	3
2A	4. Tolstoy book whose title asks a question	9
3A	13. Reluctantly stoop	5
4A	16. They rate up to 350,000 on the Scoville scale	9
5A	17. H.S. class for tough life lessons?	5
6A	18. "Just tell me when it's over"	9
7A	19. Dance move also known as a backslide	8
8A	21. Skims, as soup stock	6
9A	22. Fig. that cannot start with 9	3
10A	23. Org. for The Rock and Brock Lesnar	3
11A	24. Tunnel-making machine	5
12A	25. Not many	4
13A	27. Windfalls	5
14A	28. Keep coming up	5
15A	30. One might lead to pay back	9
16A	34. Make some introductions, say	5
17A	35. The Cowboys of the N.C.A.A.	3
18A	36. Word from the Lakota for "they dwell"	5
19A	37. Emotional manipulation tactic	9
20A	39. Meaty meal	5
21A	40. Attraction on the western side of Carson Range	5
22A	41. "Oof!"	4
23A	42. Seems less impressive, so to speak	5
24A	43. Spray in the kitchen	3
25A	44. German stock market index	3
26A	47. Cumbrous	6
27A	49. One-to-one relationship	8
28A	51. Exchanges blows?	9
29A	53. Up to	5
30A	54. Eggless bread spread	9
31A	55. "A-a-a-and ___!" (improv show ender)	5
32A	56. High-carb snack	9
33A	57. May day celebrant	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Havanese greeting"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Tolstoy book whose title asks a question"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHATISART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Reluctantly stoop"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
• Similar words include: descend, condescend
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. They rate up to 350,000 on the Scoville scale"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HABANEROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. H.S. class for tough life lessons?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APBIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. "Just tell me when it's over""

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICANTLOOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Dance move also known as a backslide"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a kind of dance step in which the dancer seems to be sliding on the spot
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOONWALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Skims, as soup stock"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that remove the fat from
• Similar words include: defat
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEFATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Fig. that cannot start with 9"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SSN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Org. for The Rock and Brock Lesnar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Tunnel-making machine"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a drill for penetrating rock
• Similar words include: woodborer, rock drill, stone drill
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BORER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Not many"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Windfalls"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a desirable state
• Similar words include: blessing, boon
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Keep coming up"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that happen or occur again
• Similar words include: repeat, fall back, resort
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RECUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. One might lead to pay back"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAXRETURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Make some introductions, say"

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, master of ceremonies, host
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. The Cowboys of the N.C.A.A."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OSU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Word from the Lakota for "they dwell""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native american tent; usually of conical shape
• Similar words include: teepee, tipi
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Emotional manipulation tactic"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUILTTRIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Meaty meal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a ceremonial dinner party for many people
• Similar words include: junket, fete, spread
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FEAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Attraction on the western side of Carson Range"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "Oof!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something of little value
• Similar words include: darn, bedamn, darned
• Opposite of: bless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Seems less impressive, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a wooden strip forming part of a fence
• Similar words include: pale, picket, pal
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Spray in the kitchen"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. German stock market index"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Cumbrous"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lacking grace in movement or posture
• Similar words include: clumsy, ungainly, gawky
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLUNKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. One-to-one relationship"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that having only one spouse at a time
• Similar words include: monogamousness
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MONOGAMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Exchanges blows?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIRKISSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Up to"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNTIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Eggless bread spread"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VEGENAISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. "A-a-a-and ___!" (improv show ender)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the place where some action occurs
• Similar words include: shot, tantrum, prospect
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. High-carb snack"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENERGYBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. May day celebrant"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal terms for a mother
• Similar words include: mammy, momma, mummy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. President who wrote "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it"	5
2D	2. Default outcomes, perhaps	5
3D	3. Kind of sequence that that proceeds 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ...	9
4D	4. Duration	5
5D	5. Modern security threat	4
6D	6. Org. with the Rule of Law Initiative	3
7D	7. Cylindrical oven	7
8D	8. Extremely well-liked?	14
9D	9. Personal opinion?	10
10D	10. Hooting and hollering	5
11D	11. Part of an underground network	4
12D	12. Pithy put-downs	4
13D	14. Main ingredient in an aviation cocktail	3
14D	15. "I like the sound of that!"	14
15D	20. "So adorable!"	3
16D	24. Prepare to ship, say	5
17D	26. Delivery means to a gas station	10
18D	27. Count in the Blues Hall of Fame	5
19D	28. On the ___ (frequently, informally)	3
20D	29. Bird whose eggs are sometimes a canvas for Aboriginal art	3
21D	30. Capotes are flapped at them	5
22D	31. "Let's go, sleepyhead!"	9
23D	32. Booking, for short	3
24D	33. Server's obstacle	3
25D	38. "Word on the street is ..."	7
26D	41. ___ Brown, author of "The Da Vinci Code"	3
27D	42. Night of lawlessness in a long-running horror franchise, with "the"	5
28D	43. Try-hard	5
29D	45. Kind of acid	5
30D	46. Stem component	5
31D	47. Capitulate	4
32D	48. Lender's security	4
33D	49. Table outside	4
34D	50. Big purveyor of health supplements	3
35D	52. Gender-neutral term in a family	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. President who wrote "Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that american revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the boston tea party and signer of the declaration of independence (1722-1803)
• Similar words include: John Adams, Mount Adams, disco biscuit
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Default outcomes, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Kind of sequence that that proceeds 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, ..."

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FIBONACCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Duration"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition
• Similar words include: patch, piece, spell
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Modern security threat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one who works hard at boring tasks
• Similar words include: chop, taxi, political hack
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Org. with the Rule of Law Initiative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cylindrical oven"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a clay oven used in northern india and pakistan
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TANDOOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Extremely well-liked?"

14 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INTERNETFAMOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Personal opinion?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SELFESTEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Hooting and hollering"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AROAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Part of an underground network"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
• Similar words include: tooth root, ancestor, source
• Opposite of: descendant

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Pithy put-downs"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
• Similar words include: tut-tut, tsk, tut
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Main ingredient in an aviation cocktail"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that strong liquor flavored with juniper berries
• Similar words include: snare, noose, knock rummy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. "I like the sound of that!""

14 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOWWERETALKING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "So adorable!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Prepare to ship, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOXUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Delivery means to a gas station"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FUELTANKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Count in the Blues Hall of Fame"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BASIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. On the ___ (frequently, informally)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Bird whose eggs are sometimes a canvas for Aboriginal art"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
• Similar words include: Dromaius novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit, Emu novaehollandiae
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Capotes are flapped at them"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. "Let's go, sleepyhead!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UPANDATEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Booking, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
• Similar words include: re, Re, rhenium
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Server's obstacle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Similar words include: network, profit, web
• Opposite of: gross

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "Word on the street is ...""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THEYSAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. ___ Brown, author of "The Da Vinci Code""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Night of lawlessness in a long-running horror franchise, with "the""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
• Similar words include: be sick, disgorge, regorge
• Opposite of: keep down, rehabilitate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PURGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Try-hard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
• Similar words include: stumper, toughie, model
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Kind of acid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the radical -nh2
• Similar words include: amino group, aminic
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Stem component"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the woody part of plants: the supporting and water-conducting tissue, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: XYLEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Capitulate"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
• Similar words include: undermine, spelunk
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Lender's security"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
• Similar words include: spleen
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Table outside"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
• Similar words include: table
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MESA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Big purveyor of health supplements"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GNC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Gender-neutral term in a family"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person's brother or sister
• Similar words include: blood relative, cognate, sibling
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues

35 Down Clues

68 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 02, 2026 at 04:26 AM