0909 NYT Crossword: September 09, 2024 | Puzzle Breakdown

NYT Crossword September 09, 2024 Puzzle Breakdown: Your Complete Guide

Here are the puzzles for New York Times Crossword of September 09, 2024 which brings another set of fun and enticing clues and questions. Below are the explanations for the across and down clues which will assist you in completing today’s puzzle.

 NYT Crossword: September 09, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Sarcastic "Yeah, right!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IBET




• The clue is 5. King with a golden touch. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MIDAS

  Possible Answer : Midas




• The clue is 10. "___ Worry, Be Happy". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DONT




• The clue is 14. Emperor Claudius's successor. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NERO

  Possible Answer : Nero, Lucius_Domitius_Ahenobarbus, Nero_Claudius_Caesar_Drusus_Germanicus




• The clue is 15. Words to live by. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CREDO

  Possible Answer : creed, credo




• The clue is 16. Facts and figures. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INFO

  Possible Answer : info, information




• The clue is 17. Smack with a hand. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLAP

  Possible Answer : smack, smacking, slap, bolt, bang, slapdash




• The clue is 18. Beach project that rarely survives high tide. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SANDCASTLE




• The clue is 20. Actress Fisher of "Eighth Grade". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELSIE




• The clue is 22. Lock up, as a playoff spot. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CLINCH

  Possible Answer : hug, clinch, squeeze, clench, clamp




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

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

  The answer: CHUCKLEHEAD




• The clue is 26. Moody rock subgenre. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EMO




• The clue is 29. The Maple Leafs, on scoreboards. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOR

  Possible Answer : tor




• The clue is 30. Understood. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GOT

  Possible Answer : mother, perplex, contract, catch, pose, induce, take, generate, dumbfound, let, go, arrest, commence, acquire, bewilder, incur, stimulate, start, stupefy, father, nonplus, convey, fuck_off, obtain, buzz_off, become, develop, make, get_down, produce, suffer, receive, grow, bugger_off, set_about, mystify, pay_off, gravel, engender, sire, vex, experience, get, bring, fetch, capture, find, drive, beat, set_out, sustain, arrive, pay_back, aim, scram, fix, get_under_one's_skin, stick, puzzle, draw, amaze, bring_forth, start_out, flummox, have, come, cause, begin, beget, baffle

  Possible Opposite Answer : end, take_away, leave




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

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

  The answer: LOGGER

  Possible Answer : lumberman, lumberjack, feller, logger, faller




• The clue is 33. Blueprint detail, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPEC

  Possible Answer : spec, specification




• The clue is 35. Sgts. and cpls.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NCOS




• The clue is 38. Midday times. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOONS

  Possible Answer : high_noon, twelve_noon, noonday, noontide, noon, midday




• The clue is 39. State of total happiness. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOGHEAVEN




• The clue is 42. From which Britain "Brexited," for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THEEU




• The clue is 45. Opera solo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARIA

  Possible Answer : aria




• The clue is 46. "College GameDay" airer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESPN




• The clue is 50. Fireplace floor. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEARTH

  Possible Answer : fireside, hearth, open_fireplace, fireplace




• The clue is 52. Govt. code crackers. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NSA

  Possible Answer : NSA, National_Security_Agency




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

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

  The answer: LOU




• The clue is 55. Even so. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YET

  Possible Answer : however, til_now, even_so, hitherto, yet, notwithstanding, until_now, as_yet, even, withal, so_far, up_to_now, thus_far, all_the_same, in_time, nonetheless, nevertheless, still, heretofore




• The clue is 56. Sandwich specialty of Maine. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOBSTERROLL




• The clue is 60. Bordeaux red wine. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CLARET

  Possible Answer : claret, red_Bordeaux




• The clue is 62. Sauna covering. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOWEL

  Possible Answer : towel




• The clue is 63. Make a subtle insult, or a hint to four highlighted groups of letters in this puzzle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THROWSHADE




• The clue is 67. Bic products. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PENS

  Possible Answer : playpen, indite, pen, compose, write, penitentiary




• The clue is 68. Word that can precede vegetable or beer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROOT

  Possible Answer : ascendant, root, theme, steady_down, settle_down, tooth_root, rootage, rootle, rout, ancestor, root_word, settle, ascendent, etymon, base, take_root, origin, radical, stem, beginning, antecedent, source, solution

  Possible Opposite Answer : descendant




• The clue is 69. Roof overhangs. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EAVES

  Possible Answer : eaves




• The clue is 70. Dirección from Monterrey to Miami. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESTE




• The clue is 71. Coniferous trees with red berrylike fruit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YEWS

  Possible Answer : yew




• The clue is 72. Bride's wedding purchase. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DRESS

  Possible Answer : do, dress, trim, line_up, habilitate, dress_up, curry, fit_out, decorate, coif, enclothe, raiment, clothes, garment, plume, clip, garb, preen, arrange, lop, snip, get_dressed, frock, apparel, attire, cut_back, wearing_apparel, dress_out, groom, coiffe, garnish, full-dress, crop, prune, clothe, tog, primp, coiffure, set

  Possible Opposite Answer : undress




• The clue is 73. "Now!," in a hospital. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STAT

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Fleas and flies. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INSECTS

  Possible Answer: insect, worm, louse, dirt_ball

• The clue is 2. Hotel worker with baggage. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BELLHOP

  Possible Answer: bellhop, bellboy, bellman

• The clue is 3. Crossword solver's correction mark. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERASURE

  Possible Answer: erasure, expunging, expunction

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

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

  The answer: TOPIC

  Possible Answer: matter, theme, issue, subject, topic

• The clue is 5. Award show hosts, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MCS

  Possible Answer: megacycle_per_second, megahertz, megacycle, Mc, MHz

• The clue is 6. 401(k) alternative. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRA

  Possible Answer: Irish_Republican_Army, Provos, individual_retirement_account, Provisional_Irish_Republican_Army, Provisional_IRA, ire, IRA, anger, ira, wrath

• The clue is 7. Dame Judi. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DENCH

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

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

  The answer: ADDLE

  Possible Answer: puddle, muddle, addle

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

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

  The answer: SOCIAL

  Possible Answer: sociable, social, societal, mixer

  Possible Opposite Answer : unsocial

• The clue is 10. Spinal segment. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DISC

  Possible Answer: phonograph_record, disc, disk, magnetic_disc, saucer, platter, magnetic_disk, record, phonograph_recording

• The clue is 11. Currently traveling. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ONTHEGO

• The clue is 12. Super Bowl org.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NFL

• The clue is 13. Front part of a shoe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOE

  Possible Answer: toe, toenail

• The clue is 19. Hoops phrase uttered after a basket plus a foul. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANDONE

• The clue is 21. Hosp. heart readout. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EKG

  Possible Answer: ECG, electrocardiogram, EKG, cardiogram

• The clue is 24. Like the odds of an unlikely event. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LONG

  Possible Answer: foresighted, farseeing, longsighted, long, hanker, yearn, retentive, foresightful, prospicient, farsighted, tenacious, recollective

  Possible Opposite Answer : unretentive, short

• The clue is 25. ___ Sketch (classic toy). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETCHA

• The clue is 27. Gents. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MEN

  Possible Answer: world, humans, military_man, human_being, gentleman, man, piece, human_race, adult_male, human_beings, Isle_of_Man, gentleman's_gentleman, men, hands, humanity, serviceman, valet_de_chambre, human, Man, workforce, manpower, mankind, humankind, work_force, military_personnel, homo, valet

  Possible Opposite Answer : civilian, woman

• The clue is 28. Surgery sites, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORS

  Possible Answer: surgery, OR, Beaver_State, Oregon, operating_theatre, operating_room, operating_theater

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

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

  The answer: GONE

  Possible Answer: plump, perish, last, gone, go, choke, break_down, sound, lead, locomote, blend_in, fit, live, cash_in_one's_chips, decease, start, bypast, buy_the_farm, kaput, run_short, conk_out, proceed, run, bygone, operate, become, function, pass_away, croak, move, break, give_way, extend, drop_dead, fail, deceased, hold_up, snuff_it, done_for, work, hold_out, get, depart, run_low, pop_off, foregone, rifle, survive, travel, pass, exit, kick_the_bucket, conk, give_out, at_peace, endure, go_away, die, get_going, go_bad, departed, at_rest, asleep, blend, expire, belong, give-up_the_ghost, live_on

  Possible Opposite Answer : stop, come, malfunction, be_born, stay_in_place

• The clue is 34. "Moonstruck" Oscar winner. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHER

• The clue is 36. Opposite of 'neath. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OER

• The clue is 37. Canonized person. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SAINT

  Possible Answer: canonize, nonsuch, ideal, paragon, apotheosis, holy_person, nonesuch, nonpareil, angel, enshrine, canonise, holy_man, saint

• The clue is 40. Make illegal. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OUTLAW

  Possible Answer: lawless, illicit, criminal, unlawful, malefactor, illegalize, illegitimate, criminalise, illegalise, crook, outlawed, outlaw, felon, criminalize

  Possible Opposite Answer : decriminalize, legalize, decriminalise

• The clue is 41. Floral arrangement holder. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: VASE

  Possible Answer: vase

• The clue is 42. Your of yore. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THY

• The clue is 43. Start of a donkey's bray. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEE

• The clue is 44. Humbly admit a mistake. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EATCROW

• The clue is 47. Like the rightmost lane on a highway. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLOWEST

  Possible Answer: dense, boring, dumb, dull, deadening, wearisome, slowest, sluggish, tedious, irksome, dim, tiresome, obtuse, slow, ho-hum

  Possible Opposite Answer : fast

• The clue is 48. Italian cornmeal dish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POLENTA

  Possible Answer: polenta

• The clue is 49. { }, in math. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NULLSET

• The clue is 51. Goofed (around). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HORSED

  Possible Answer: horse

• The clue is 53. One might be liberal in college. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ART

  Possible Answer: prowess, artwork, art, fine_art, graphics, artistic_creation, artistic_production, nontextual_matter, artistry

• The clue is 57. Joy of daytime television. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BEHAR

• The clue is 58. Fend (off). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STAVE

  Possible Answer: staff, stave_in, round, rung, stave, lag

• The clue is 59. Boxing ring boundaries. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROPES

  Possible Answer: Mexican_valium, rophy, circle, lasso, forget_me_drug, roach, leash, roofy, R-2, rope

• The clue is 61. A whole bunch. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOTS

  Possible Answer: piles, flock, shell_out, mountain, scads, lots, loads, luck, parcel_out, wads, dozens, deal_out, lashings, rafts, great_deal, fate, a_lot, very_much, raft, mint, slew, mete_out, mess, caboodle, dish_out, pot, peck, oodles, pile, slews, stacks, deal, fortune, heaps, allot, wad, bunch, distribute, good_deal, mickle, dispense, destiny, band, hatful, stack, scores, Lot, plenty, mass, administer, tons, spate, dole_out, quite_a_little, tidy_sum, circle, portion, draw, passel, batch, muckle, circumstances, a_good_deal, gobs, lot, a_great_deal, much, sight, set, heap

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

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

  The answer: TRY

  Possible Answer: assay, try, try_out, endeavour, render, sample, essay, effort, stress, seek, examine, prove, strain, taste, hear, endeavor, test, judge, adjudicate, try_on, attempt

• The clue is 64. Soil-breaking tool. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOE

  Possible Answer: hoe

• The clue is 65. ___ Moines, Iowa. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DES

  Possible Answer: stilbesterol, Diamond_State, diethylstilbestrol, stilbestrol, Delaware, DES, First_State, diethylstilbesterol, stilboestrol, DE, diethylstilboestrol

• The clue is 66. Pluralizing letter. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESS

  Possible Answer: einsteinium, Es, atomic_number_99, E

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 14, 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 (28 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: Tricky

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. It's made with two fingers	9
2A	10. They're often taken in December	11
3A	12. Features of many romantic dramas	13
4A	14. "Follow me"	4
5A	15. Heart test, for short	3
6A	16. Subject of study	4
7A	18. Go heavy at the buffet, say	6
8A	21. Kind of car on a long-distance train	6
9A	23. The W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards	3
10A	24. Requirement of some dress codes	7
11A	28. Tree of life, in Norse mythology	3
12A	29. Tire meas.	3
13A	30. Intimate footage	7
14A	31. Meadow	3
15A	32. Arrive suddenly and from a distance, metaphorically	11
16A	35. Big drink	4
17A	37. Unlikeable sorts	5
18A	38. Like a nepo baby's life, perhaps	4
19A	41. Things peddled	5
20A	43. B.C. winter hrs.	3
21A	44. Arizona State city	5
22A	45. Where Excalibur was forged	6
23A	47. North African fortress	6
24A	48. Access, as a profitable enterprise	7
25A	50. Potpourri bags	7
26A	51. Ones no longer in office?	13
27A	53. One of the "Golden Girls" of the 2024 Summer Olympics	11
28A	54. Puts one's money on the line	9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. It's made with two fingers"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEACESIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. They're often taken in December"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SANTAPHOTOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Features of many romantic dramas"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOVETRIANGLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Follow me""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
• Similar words include: number, get along, arrive
• Opposite of: leave, go

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: COME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Heart test, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
• Similar words include: EKG, electrocardiogram, cardiogram
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Subject of study"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Similar words include: sphere, arena, orbit
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Go heavy at the buffet, say"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOADUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Kind of car on a long-distance train"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of eating dinner
• Similar words include: din, dine, boom
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DINING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. The W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Requirement of some dress codes"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm
• Similar words include: sleeve, arm
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLEEVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Tree of life, in Norse mythology"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
• Similar words include: ash tree
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Tire meas."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of pressure
• Similar words include: pounds per square inch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Intimate footage"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEXTAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Meadow"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
• Similar words include: ley, grazing land, pasture
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Arrive suddenly and from a distance, metaphorically"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARACHUTEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Big drink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
• Similar words include: slog, draft, draught
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Unlikeable sorts"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement used in the practice of a vocation
• Similar words include: tool, creature, prick
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Like a nepo baby's life, perhaps"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Things peddled"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: `silverware', `software'
• Similar words include: war, consume, waste
• Opposite of: make peace

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. B.C. winter hrs."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that standard time in the 8th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the united states
• Similar words include: Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Time
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PST

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21A: "44. Arizona State city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEMPE

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22A: "45. Where Excalibur was forged"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVALON

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23A: "47. North African fortress"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an older or native quarter of many cities in northern africa; the quarter in which the citadel is located
• Similar words include: kasbah
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CASBAH

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24A: "48. Access, as a profitable enterprise"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GETINON

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25A: "50. Potpourri bags"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small soft bag containing perfumed powder; used to perfume items in a drawer or chest
• Similar words include: sachet
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SACHETS

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26A: "51. Ones no longer in office?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REMOTEWORKERS

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27A: "53. One of the "Golden Girls" of the 2024 Summer Olympics"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIMONEBILES

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28A: "54. Puts one's money on the line"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAKESABET

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Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Smoothed over, in a way	5
2D	2. Suffix with benz-	3
3D	3. QB stat: Abbr.	3
4D	4. Attention to detail	4
5D	5. "Totally awesome!"	4
6D	6. Screw or nail, to a Brit	4
7D	7. It's charged	3
8D	8. Texter's ta-ta	3
9D	9. "Oppenheimer" director	5
10D	10. Antagonists in 2013's "Captain Phillips"	13
11D	11. One-of-a-kind figures	13
12D	12. Takes badly?	5
13D	13. Faculty	5
14D	14. Show appreciation, in a way	4
15D	17. Honorific meaning "elder brother"	4
16D	19. Losing team in the "Miracle on Ice"	4
17D	20. Fold	5
18D	21. Govt. divisions	5
19D	22. "That's clear now"	4
20D	25. Many a private investigator	5
21D	26. Community spirit	5
22D	27. Gymnastics event	5
23D	33. Minor issue?	8
24D	34. Greenland expanse	8
25D	35. Stylish confidence	4
26D	36. Show indecision	5
27D	39. Short rows	5
28D	40. Nervous laughs	4
29D	42. County next to Napa	6
30D	44. Take on, or take down	6
31D	46. Violating the rules	5
32D	47. Beer brand from Trinidad and Tobago	5
33D	49. Goose named for its call	4
34D	50. Buckwheat noodle	4
35D	52. Maryland governor Moore	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Smoothed over, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cover with a material such as stone or concrete to make suitable for vehicle traffic
• Similar words include: pave
• Opposite of: unpaved

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAVED

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2D: "2. Suffix with benz-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the compass point midway between northeast and east
• Similar words include: east northeast
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENE

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3D: "3. QB stat: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATT

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4D: "4. Attention to detail"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
• Similar words include: tending, fear, upkeep
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARE

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5D: "5. "Totally awesome!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Similar words include: epic poem, heroic, heroic poem
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPIC

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6D: "6. Screw or nail, to a Brit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strong coarse tobacco that has been shredded
• Similar words include: fuck, piece of tail, nookie
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHAG

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7D: "7. It's charged"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ION

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8D: "8. Texter's ta-ta"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GTG

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9D: "9. "Oppenheimer" director"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOLAN

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10D: "10. Antagonists in 2013's "Captain Phillips""

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOMALIPIRATES

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11D: "11. One-of-a-kind figures"

13 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERIALNUMBERS

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12D: "12. Takes badly?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that goods or money obtained illegally
• Similar words include: pillage, clams, dinero
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOTS

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13D: "13. Faculty"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a general conscious awareness
• Similar words include: good sense, feel, smell
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENSE

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14D: "14. Show appreciation, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sudden very loud noise
• Similar words include: clack, applaud, gonorrhoea
• Opposite of: boo

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLAP

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15D: "17. Honorific meaning "elder brother""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that title for a civil or military leader (especially in turkey)
• Similar words include: Aga
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGHA

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16D: "19. Losing team in the "Miracle on Ice""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
• Similar words include: Russia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Soviet Union
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USSR

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17D: "20. Fold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
• Similar words include: ruffle, plait, plicate
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLEAT

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18D: "21. Govt. divisions"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEPTS

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19D: "22. "That's clear now""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISEE

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20D: "25. Many a private investigator"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXCOP

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21D: "26. Community spirit"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETHOS

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22D: "27. Gymnastics event"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a burial chamber (usually underground)
• Similar words include: overleap, burial vault, hurdle
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VAULT

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23D: "33. Minor issue?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGELIMIT

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24D: "34. Greenland expanse"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICESHEET

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25D: "35. Stylish confidence"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that valuable goods
• Similar words include: sag, pillage, droop
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Show indecision"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who communicates by waving
• Similar words include: fluctuate, flicker, flitter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WAVER

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27D: "39. Short rows"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quarrel about petty points
• Similar words include: bicker, fuss, bickering
• Opposite of: boo

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Nervous laughs"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEHS

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29D: "42. County next to Napa"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONOMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Take on, or take down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the person who plays that position on a football team
• Similar words include: take on, rigging, fishing rig
• Opposite of: unharness

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TACKLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Violating the rules"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOTOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Beer brand from Trinidad and Tobago"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of an american indian peoples of northeastern south america and the lesser antilles
• Similar words include: Carib Indian, Caribbean language
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Goose named for its call"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Buckwheat noodle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WES

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

28 Across Clues

35 Down Clues

63 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 14, 2026 at 04:55 AM