July 05, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, July 05, 2024

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

July 05, 2024 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Activity at a company retreat	9
2A	10. Inspiration for Old Major in Orwell's "Animal Farm"	5
3A	15. Crossed arms or yawning, e.g.	9
4A	16. Like Superman in his Fortress of Solitude	5
5A	17. Training announcement?	9
6A	18. Dark shade of brown	5
7A	19. Mens ___	3
8A	20. Historical region of France that lent its name to a food	4
9A	21. Kept one's partner awake, say	6
10A	22. "My Love Is Like ... Wo" singer, 2003	3
11A	23. Ocasek of the Cars	3
12A	24. They fill a break	3
13A	25. Savory jelly	5
14A	28. Big success	8
15A	31. It connects to one of the heart's four valves	5
16A	32. Cutesy farewell	4
17A	33. Character in Genesis and "The Dukes of Hazzard"	4
18A	35. Request for assistance	15
19A	38. Nigerian-born pop singer	4
20A	39. Was behind	4
21A	40. "What can I tell you?" gesture	5
22A	41. Festival with a throwback theme, briefly	8
23A	43. Like some dichotomous questions	5
24A	44. Burn letters?	3
25A	45. What 0! equals	3
26A	46. Beethoven's cry	3
27A	47. Chapter and verse separators	6
28A	49. Will Hunting's expertise in "Good Will Hunting"	4
29A	51. Poor mark	3
30A	54. Confer upon	5
31A	55. Hard fall?	9
32A	57. High and mighty, perhaps	5
33A	58. To an annoying degree	9
34A	59. Texter's "For real?"	5
35A	60. "Time to light it up!"	9

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Activity at a company retreat"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRUSTFALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "10. Inspiration for Old Major in Orwell's "Animal Farm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that russian founder of the bolsheviks and leader of the russian revolution and first head of the ussr (1870-1924)
• Words that mean the same thing: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, Nikolai Lenin, Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LENIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Crossed arms or yawning, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOCIALCUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Like Superman in his Fortress of Solitude"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: only, unaccompanied, lone
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Training announcement?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALLABOARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Dark shade of brown"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an earth pigment
• Words that mean the same thing: chocolate, deep brown, coffee
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UMBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Mens ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Historical region of France that lent its name to a food"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Kept one's partner awake, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that breathe noisily during one's sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: snore, saw wood, saw logs
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNORED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. "My Love Is Like ... Wo" singer, 2003"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that type genus of the family myacidae
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Mya
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Ocasek of the Cars"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. They fill a break"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertisement, advertising, advertizement
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Savory jelly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that savory jelly based on fish or meat stock used as a mold for meats or vegetables
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASPIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Big success"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SMASHHIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. It connects to one of the heart's four valves"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AORTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Cutesy farewell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Character in Genesis and "The Dukes of Hazzard""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Request for assistance"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALITTLEHELPHERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Nigerian-born pop singer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that french soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term `sadism' (1740-1814)
• Words that mean the same thing: de Sade, Comte Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, Marquis de Sade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Was behind"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be obliged to pay or repay
• Words that mean the same thing: owe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. "What can I tell you?" gesture"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHRUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Festival with a throwback theme, briefly"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RENFAIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Like some dichotomous questions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YESNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Burn letters?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: sun protection factor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. What 0! equals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: i, 1, unity
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. Beethoven's cry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. Chapter and verse separators"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of the large intestine between the cecum and the rectum; it extracts moisture from food residues before they are excreted
• Words that mean the same thing: Aspinwall, El Salvadoran colon, Costa Rican colon
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. Will Hunting's expertise in "Good Will Hunting""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement
• Words that mean the same thing: maths, mathematics
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Poor mark"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Confer upon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a grant made by a law court
• Words that mean the same thing: laurels, grant, present
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Hard fall?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a storm during which hail falls
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAILSTORM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. High and mighty, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that belonging to or befitting a supreme ruler
• Words that mean the same thing: imperial, royal, purple
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REGAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. To an annoying degree"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADNAUSEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Texter's "For real?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SRSLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. "Time to light it up!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LETSPARTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword July 05, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Autocrat of old	4
2D	2. Billing matter	4
3D	3. Its film school alums include Francis Ford Coppola and Carol Burnett	4
4D	4. Australian-born pop singer	3
5D	5. Tom sporting a striped coat, say	8
6D	6. Biota component	5
7D	7. ___ bowl	4
8D	8. Draw	4
9D	9. Ran point for	3
10D	10. Send up	6
11D	11. Protector of sailors, by tradition	4
12D	12. They're a snap to get	10
13D	13. "Catch you later!"	10
14D	14. Passionate hobbyists	5
15D	21. Rope fiber	5
16D	22. Accessory for a snowman	6
17D	23. Like the FIFA and Madden video games	6
18D	25. Tiny cells	4
19D	26. Green juice?	10
20D	27. Certain symbols of solidarity	10
21D	28. "Family Guy" baby	6
22D	29. Bill with the 2024 book "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You"	5
23D	30. Devious snicker	6
24D	34. Bell-shaped lily	4
25D	36. They're sometimes forgiven	5
26D	37. Gets excited	8
27D	42. Great way to be remembered	6
28D	44. Lingering emotional damage	5
29D	46. Road ___	5
30D	48. Like a dissertation defense	4
31D	49. Officially inducted, in mob lingo	4
32D	50. Dylan's "It ___ Me Babe"	4
33D	51. Take-charge type	4
34D	52. Part of Q.E.D.	4
35D	53. Part of EGOT	4
36D	55. March who hosted "The $64,000 Question"	3
37D	56. Air force?	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. Autocrat of old"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: czar, tzar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Billing matter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
• Words that mean the same thing: office, purpose, character
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Its film school alums include Francis Ford Coppola and Carol Burnett"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UCLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Australian-born pop singer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Tom sporting a striped coat, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TABBYCAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Biota component"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that all the plant life in a particular region or period
• Words that mean the same thing: botany, plant, plant life
• The opposite would be: fauna
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ bowl"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Draw"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
• Words that mean the same thing: sweetener, bait, decoy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Ran point for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
• Words that mean the same thing: run, direct, guide
• The opposite would be: follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Send up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck
• Words that mean the same thing: establish, found, set up
• The opposite would be: abolish
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAUNCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Protector of sailors, by tradition"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. They're a snap to get"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOBRAINERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "Catch you later!""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INEEDTORUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Passionate hobbyists"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
• Words that mean the same thing: nerd, dweeb, wonk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NERDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Rope fiber"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a plant fiber used for making rope
• Words that mean the same thing: Agave sisalana, sisal hemp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SISAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Accessory for a snowman"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that glove that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MITTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Like the FIFA and Madden video games"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RATEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Tiny cells"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
• Words that mean the same thing: abdominal aortic aneurysm, AAA
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Green juice?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOLARPOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Certain symbols of solidarity"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PRIDEFLAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. "Family Guy" baby"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STEWIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Bill with the 2024 book "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Devious snicker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HEHHEH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Bell-shaped lily"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. They're sometimes forgiven"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
• Words that mean the same thing: lend, loan, loanword
• The opposite would be: borrow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Gets excited"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PSYCHSUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Great way to be remembered"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FONDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Lingering emotional damage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
• Words that mean the same thing: scratch, scar, pock
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Road ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) a titan who was forced by zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
• Words that mean the same thing: telamon, atlas vertebra, map collection
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATLAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Like a dissertation defense"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Officially inducted, in mob lingo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that give certain properties to something
• Words that mean the same thing: wee-wee, nominate, induce
• The opposite would be: unmake, break
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Dylan's "It ___ Me Babe""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Take-charge type"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who acts and gets things done
• Words that mean the same thing: worker, actor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Part of Q.E.D."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Part of EGOT"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an annual award by the academy of television arts and sciences for outstanding achievements in television
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. March who hosted "The $64,000 Question""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Air force?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
• Words that mean the same thing: Transportation Security Administration
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	73.6%
Short Answer	10	13.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.2%
Sports	2	2.8%
History	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 24, 2025 at 02:40 PM

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Arizona State city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEMPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Where Excalibur was forged"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GETINON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REMOTEWORKERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GTG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Oppenheimer" director"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOLAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOMALIPIRATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

13 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERIALNUMBERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "21. Govt. divisions"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEPTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "25. Many a private investigator"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXCOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Minor issue?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGELIMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Greenland expanse"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICESHEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. County next to Napa"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONOMA

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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

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31D: "46. Violating the rules"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOTOK

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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

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NENE

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34D: "50. Buckwheat noodle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOBA

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35D: "52. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WES

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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

28 Across Clues

35 Down Clues

63 Total Clues

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