XWordHint Crossword Complete Solution: June 21, 2025
Our expert breakdown helps you solve the June 21 XWordHint crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.
Across Clues and Answers (32)
Clue #1: 1. Olympics event in which Germany is the traditional powerhouse
Word Help: Synonyms: bob, bobsled, bobsleigh
Clue #2: 8. Scattered
Word Help: Synonyms: thin, sparse
Clue #3: 14. Words before ask, admit or go
Clue #4: 15. First name of the "Princess of Pop"
Word Help: Synonyms: Ariana
Clue #5: 16. Donned quickly
Clue #6: 17. Puts in order
Word Help: Synonyms: square_away, tidy, tidy_up
Clue #7: 18. Fuel for a family feud
Clue #8: 20. "Oh, ___ on!"
Word Help: Synonyms: IT, information_technology
Clue #9: 21. Rita of the "Fifty Shades" movies
Word Help: Synonyms: bone, OS, atomic_number_76
Clue #10: 22. Food label abbr.
Clue #11: 23. Kitchen alternative to tallow
Word Help: Synonyms: ghee
Clue #12: 25. Grammy-winning song (2013) that begins "The snow glows white on the mountain tonight"
Clue #13: 28. Gen-Xer's "excellent"
Word Help: Synonyms: radian, rad
Clue #14: 29. Black-and-yellow demarcation
Clue #15: 32. Cootie-free greeting
Clue #16: 34. Foster kid in "Taxi Driver"?
Clue #17: 35. Bargaining subjects
Word Help: Synonyms: supplication, plea
Clue #18: 36. Frank who wrote the music and lyrics to "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"
Clue #19: 38. Like a Mediterranean diet
Clue #20: 41. Endurance event, for short
Clue #21: 42. Bending over, perhaps
Word Help: Synonyms: moon_on, moon_around, daydream
Clue #22: 43. Word before or after book
Word Help: Synonyms: lawsuit, sheath, compositor's_case
Clue #23: 44. "Ugh!"
Clue #24: 46. QB Dawson who faced Bart Starr in Super Bowl I
Clue #25: 47. Prune, say
Word Help: Synonyms: dilute, slice, burn
Antonyms: switch_on, uncut
Antonyms: switch_on, uncut
Clue #26: 48. Exhibited perfect brakes
Clue #27: 54. Sommelier, e.g.
Clue #28: 55. Tolled
Clue #29: 56. In the shop, say
Clue #30: 57. Dish, at times
Word Help: Synonyms: transmitting_aerial, aerial, feeler
Clue #31: 58. Was overrun
Word Help: Synonyms: swarm, pullulate, pour
Clue #32: 59. Performs a perfect dismount, e.g.
Across Clues and Answers (32)
Clue #1: 1. Storage units
Word Help: Synonyms: flake, minute, moment
Clue #2: 2. "Didn't see ya there!"
Clue #3: 3. Crib for a doll
Clue #4: 4. Trim
Word Help: Synonyms: sylphlike, slim, lissome
Clue #5: 5. Literature Nobelist who wrote "Dodsworth" and "Kingsblood Royal"
Word Help: Synonyms: Sinclair_Lewis, C._S._Lewis, Lewis
Clue #6: 6. Berkshire institution
Clue #7: 7. Vietnamese currency
Word Help: Synonyms: ding, dingdong, dong
Clue #8: 8. Like "Animal Farm" and "Don Quixote"
Word Help: Synonyms: satirical, satiric
Clue #9: 9. Flight of fancy?
Clue #10: 10. "Ritorna vincitor" singer
Clue #11: 11. Training facilities?
Clue #12: 12. Mortimer who once made a guest appearance on "The Muppet Show"
Clue #13: 13. Average booster
Clue #14: 19. Side order with curry
Clue #15: 23. It has its peaks and valleys
Word Help: Synonyms: chart, graph, graphical_record
Clue #16: 24. Ethiopian emperor Selassie
Clue #17: 25. Part of U.C.L.A.
Clue #18: 26. High ways
Word Help: Synonyms: altitude, EL, elevated_railroad
Clue #19: 27. Vehicles seen in the films "Dazed and Confused" and "Two-Lane Blacktop"
Clue #20: 29. Basketball legend Maravich's nickname
Clue #21: 30. Some seaside attractions
Word Help: Synonyms: pier, wharfage, dock
Clue #22: 31. Disturbing, in a way
Word Help: Synonyms: eery, eerie
Clue #23: 33. Name in the baking aisle
Clue #24: 36. Brief office hookup?
Word Help: Synonyms: local_area_network, LAN
Clue #25: 37. ___ chart
Clue #26: 39. Dismissed, with "at"
Word Help: Synonyms: sneer
Clue #27: 40. Word with game or control
Word Help: Synonyms: intellect, beware, head
Antonyms: forget
Antonyms: forget
Clue #28: 43. Old-fashioned club
Word Help: Synonyms: fustigate, cudgel
Clue #29: 44. Sex therapy topic
Clue #30: 45. Pay (for)
Word Help: Synonyms: abye, repent, aby
Clue #31: 47. "C'mon, please?"
Clue #32: 49. Starched
Word Help: Synonyms: prissy, tight-laced, strait-laced
Clue #33: 50. Port WSW of Algiers
Word Help: Synonyms: Oran
Clue #34: 51. Gram alternative
Clue #35: 52. Certain bond, informally
Clue #36: 53. Ministre d'___
Expert Solving Strategies
- Look for fill-in-the-blank clues first (they're often easiest)
- Watch for question marks indicating wordplay
- Check vowel patterns in partially solved words
Related Search Terms
NYT Crossword Help, Daily Puzzle Solutions, Crossword Answer Finder, June Crossword Answers
Friday, September 11, 2026
NYT Mini Trivia Week 2 September 11, 2026 - Hints & Answers
Trivia Week 2 Manual for NYT Mini September 11, 2026
20 clues today. If you're stuck on any of them, scroll down — hints first, answers hidden underneath.
Popular Puzzles: August 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Todays Across Crossword NYT November 29 | January 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |
About Today's Puzzle
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 11, 2026 |
| Grid Size | 5 x 5 squares |
| Total Clues | 20 clues |
| Across Clues | 10 clues |
| Down Clues | 10 clues |
| Average Solve Time | Under 1 minute |
Today's Trivia Week 2 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout
Today's layout is the usual 5x5: five columns, five rows.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Row 1 | |||||
| Row 2 | |||||
| Row 3 | |||||
| Row 4 | |||||
| Row 5 |
How to Solve This One Fast
- Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
- Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
- Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
- A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
- THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.
Quick Facts
- Squares in the grid: 25
- How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
- Best moment for it: any short break
- Overall difficulty: easy-going by design
Across Clues - 10 Total
These run left to right across the grid.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Across | 17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa |
| 2 Across | 52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant) |
| 3 Across | 41. Ramadan, e.g. |
| 4 Across | 15. "I've had enough of this!" |
| 5 Across | 27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps |
| 6 Across | 19. Singer/actress Carrere |
| 7 Across | 1. Impediments to collaboration |
| 8 Across | 53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say |
| 9 Across | 36. "I'll wait for your update" |
| 10 Across | 26. Big name in 23-Down |
Hints and Answers for Across Clues
Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:
- Quick NYT Mini Crossword November 16
- December 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
- August 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
1 Across: "17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa"
Hints:
- If that helps, the shape is: I__A
- Starts with 'I', ends with 'A'.
- You could also think of it as "Incan."
Answer:
Click to reveal
INCA2 Across: "52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant)"
Hints:
- Starts with 'A', ends with 'E'.
- You're looking for 4 letters.
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
ALOE3 Across: "41. Ramadan, e.g."
Hints:
- Blank it out and you get: M___H
- In plain terms: one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year.
- Count on 5 letters here.
Answer:
Click to reveal
MONTH4 Across: "15. "I've had enough of this!""
Hints:
- Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'T'.
- Count on 10 letters here.
- If that helps, the shape is: T________T
Answer:
Click to reveal
THATDOESIT5 Across: "27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps"
Hints:
- Count on 3 letters here.
- 'dkl' points in the same direction.
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
DAL6 Across: "19. Singer/actress Carrere"
Hints:
- First letter's a 'T', last letter's a 'A'.
- Short form / acronym territory here.
- You're looking for 3 letters.
Answer:
Click to reveal
TIA7 Across: "1. Impediments to collaboration"
Hints:
- Kicks off with 'E' and wraps up with 'S'.
- If that helps, the shape is: E__S
- It's a 4-letter word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
EGOS8 Across: "53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say"
Hints:
- It's a 10-letter word.
- If that helps, the shape is: R________D
- Starts with 'R', ends with 'D'.
Answer:
Click to reveal
RANAGROUND9 Across: "36. "I'll wait for your update""
Hints:
- Count on 9 letters here.
- Kicks off with 'L' and wraps up with 'W'.
Answer:
Click to reveal
LETMEKNOW10 Across: "26. Big name in 23-Down"
Hints:
- First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'I'.
- 'Matthew' points in the same direction.
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
LEVIDown Clues - 10 Total
These run top to bottom in the grid.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Down | 47. Pickle |
| 2 Down | 43. Welcome advice from a financial planner |
| 3 Down | 1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character) |
| 4 Down | 8. Network debut of 1981 |
| 5 Down | 52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra |
| 6 Down | 3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete |
| 7 Down | 41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't" |
| 8 Down | 42. Ptolemy III? |
| 9 Down | 48. Like silk or yarn |
| 10 Down | 7. Sound wave amplifiers |
Hints and Answers for Down Clues
Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:
- Todays 55 NYT Mini December 30 2025
- August 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
- December 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
1 Down: "47. Pickle"
Hints:
- Think of it this way — something that hinders as if with bonds.
- Short form / acronym territory here.
- Starts with 'B', ends with 'D'.
Answer:
Click to reveal
BIND2 Down: "43. Welcome advice from a financial planner"
Hints:
- Basically, pass time in a specific way.
- You could also think of it as "pass."
- It's a 5-letter word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
SPEND3 Down: "1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character)"
Hints:
- First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'H'.
- Count on 5 letters here.
Answer:
Click to reveal
EDITH4 Down: "8. Network debut of 1981"
Hints:
- Kicks off with 'M' and wraps up with 'V'.
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
- This one runs 3 letters long.
Answer:
Click to reveal
MTV5 Down: "52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra"
Hints:
- This one runs 3 letters long.
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
- Starts with 'A', ends with 'P'.
Answer:
Click to reveal
ASP6 Down: "3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete"
Hints:
- Starts with 'O', ends with 'Y'.
- This one runs 10 letters long.
- If that helps, the shape is: O________Y
Answer:
Click to reveal
OSCARPARTY7 Down: "41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't""
Hints:
- First letter's a 'M', last letter's a 'S'.
- Pattern-wise it looks like: M____S
- You could also think of it as "pile."
Answer:
Click to reveal
MOUNDS8 Down: "42. Ptolemy III?"
Hints:
- You could also think of it as "whit."
- First letter's a 'I', last letter's a 'S'.
- Basically, a tiny or scarcely detectable amount.
Answer:
Click to reveal
IOTAS9 Down: "48. Like silk or yarn"
Hints:
- You're looking for 4 letters.
- You could also think of it as "whirl."
- This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
Answer:
Click to reveal
SPUN10 Down: "7. Sound wave amplifiers"
Hints:
- Close enough in meaning: auricle.
- In plain terms: the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.
- Short form / acronym territory here.
Answer:
Click to reveal
EARSHow to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster
Some habits that speed things up over time:
Step-by-Step Strategy
- Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
- Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
- Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
- Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
- Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.
Letter Tips That Really Help
- E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
- Words ending in S are usually plurals.
- Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
- An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.
Time Goals to Aim For
| Your Time | Skill Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 seconds | Expert | You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down. |
| 30-60 seconds | Advanced | Solid pace — you're solving quickly. |
| 1-2 minutes | Good | Right where most regular solvers land. |
| Over 2 minutes | Learning | Totally fine — speed comes with reps. |
Puzzle Numbers and Facts
| Total Clues: | 20 |
| Grid Size: | 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down |
| Total Squares: | 25 |
| Average Time: | 58 seconds |
| Difficulty: | A bit tricky |
Common Questions About Trivia Week 2
When does the Trivia Week 2 Mini go live?
Typically drops the evening before, around 10 PM ET.
How long should Trivia Week 2 take me?
Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.
Is Trivia Week 2 free to play?
It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.
What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 2?
Knowing the common short words, spotting wordplay quickly, and reading crossing letters well — that combination gets you most of the way there.
Does Trivia Week 2 get harder as the week goes on?
It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.
XWordHint Crossword Answers September 11, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips
Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.
Quick Navigation - Table of Contents
- Today's Puzzle Difficulty
- Across Clues Table (37 clues)
- Across Clues - Detailed Hints
- Down Clues Table (35 clues)
- Down Clues - Detailed Hints
- Expert Solving Strategies
- Today's Puzzle Statistics
Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate
Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!
Across Clues - Complete List
| No. | Clue | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | 1. Impediments to collaboration | 4 |
| 2A | 5. It's the thing | 4 |
| 3A | 9. Motion on a screen | 5 |
| 4A | 14. Anchor's spot | 4 |
| 5A | 15. "I've had enough of this!" | 10 |
| 6A | 17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa | 4 |
| 7A | 18. Unexpected twists | 10 |
| 8A | 19. Singer/actress Carrere | 3 |
| 9A | 20. U.S. senators Warnock and Duckworth, for two | 4 |
| 10A | 21. How often blue moons occur | 6 |
| 11A | 22. Track-and-field challenges | 7 |
| 12A | 24. Nods at a lot? | 4 |
| 13A | 25. Barrel (along) | 5 |
| 14A | 26. Big name in 23-Down | 4 |
| 15A | 27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps | 3 |
| 16A | 30. Jazz Age Disney princess | 5 |
| 17A | 31. Drives for money? | 9 |
| 18A | 33. Actor Elba | 5 |
| 19A | 34. A long time follower? | 3 |
| 20A | 35. Expert in worldwide fulfillment and distribution operations? | 5 |
| 21A | 36. "I'll wait for your update" | 9 |
| 22A | 38. Attire for a high-pressure job? | 5 |
| 23A | 39. Put down | 3 |
| 24A | 40. Pad | 4 |
| 25A | 41. Ramadan, e.g. | 5 |
| 26A | 42. Particles in a particle accelerator | 4 |
| 27A | 43. Comforts | 7 |
| 28A | 45. Fairly low-risk investment | 6 |
| 29A | 48. Chip source, informally | 4 |
| 30A | 49. Guard at the gates of Mordor | 3 |
| 31A | 50. Tool for adding sparkle to lackluster prose? | 10 |
| 32A | 52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant) | 4 |
| 33A | 53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say | 10 |
| 34A | 54. How one might feel at a support group meeting | 4 |
| 35A | 55. "Ergo ..." | 5 |
| 36A | 56. Wraps | 4 |
| 37A | 57. [Look at me!] | 4 |
Across Clues - Strategic Hints
1A: "1. Impediments to collaboration"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
- Similar words include: self-importance, ego, self
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGOS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
2A: "5. It's the thing"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
- Similar words include: particular, detail, token
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM
Remember this word for future puzzles!
3A: "9. Motion on a screen"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a sweeping stroke or blow
- Similar words include: filch, purloin, pilfer
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIPE
Remember this word for future puzzles!
4A: "14. Anchor's spot"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESK
Remember this word for future puzzles!
5A: "15. "I've had enough of this!""
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THATDOESIT
Remember this word for future puzzles!
6A: "17. People who worshiped the rain god Illapa"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
- Similar words include: Incan, Inka
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCA
Remember this word for future puzzles!
7A: "18. Unexpected twists"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURVEBALLS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
8A: "19. Singer/actress Carrere"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
- Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA
Remember this word for future puzzles!
9A: "20. U.S. senators Warnock and Duckworth, for two"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study
- Similar words include: PhD, Ph.D.
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHDS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
10A: "21. How often blue moons occur"
Solving Hints:
- Similar words include: seldom
- Opposite of: often
- Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARELY
Remember this word for future puzzles!
11A: "22. Track-and-field challenges"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a footrace in which contestants must negotiate a series of hurdles
- Similar words include: hurdle, vault, hurdle race
- Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURDLES
Remember this word for future puzzles!
12A: "24. Nods at a lot?"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
- Similar words include: offer, tender, call
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIDS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
13A: "25. Barrel (along)"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that distance travelled per unit time
- Similar words include: hasten, quicken, hotfoot
- Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEED
Remember this word for future puzzles!
14A: "26. Big name in 23-Down"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
- Similar words include: St. Matthew, St. Matthew the Apostle, Matthew
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVI
Remember this word for future puzzles!
15A: "27. Lentils prepared with ghee, perhaps"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
- Similar words include: dkl, dekaliter, dekalitre
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAL
Remember this word for future puzzles!
16A: "30. Jazz Age Disney princess"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIANA
Remember this word for future puzzles!
17A: "31. Drives for money?"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELETHONS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
18A: "33. Actor Elba"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDRIS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
19A: "34. A long time follower?"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that gone by; or in the past
- Similar words include: agone
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO
Remember this word for future puzzles!
20A: "35. Expert in worldwide fulfillment and distribution operations?"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at christmas
- Similar words include: Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kriss Kringle
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANTA
Remember this word for future puzzles!
21A: "36. "I'll wait for your update""
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETMEKNOW
Remember this word for future puzzles!
22A: "38. Attire for a high-pressure job?"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GSUIT
Remember this word for future puzzles!
23A: "39. Put down"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
- Similar words include: ballad, dwell, secular
- Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAY
Remember this word for future puzzles!
24A: "40. Pad"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that an excavation for ore or precious stones or for archaeology
- Similar words include: barb, toil, apprehend
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIGS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
25A: "41. Ramadan, e.g."
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
- Similar words include: calendar month
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONTH
Remember this word for future puzzles!
26A: "42. Particles in a particle accelerator"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
- Similar words include: ion
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS
Remember this word for future puzzles!
27A: "43. Comforts"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that give moral or emotional strength to
- Similar words include: soothe, solace, comfort
- Opposite of: irritate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOOTHES
Remember this word for future puzzles!
28A: "45. Fairly low-risk investment"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AABOND
Remember this word for future puzzles!
29A: "48. Chip source, informally"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
- Similar words include: murphy, tater, potato
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUD
Remember this word for future puzzles!
30A: "49. Guard at the gates of Mordor"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORC
Remember this word for future puzzles!
31A: "50. Tool for adding sparkle to lackluster prose?"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLITTERPEN
Remember this word for future puzzles!
32A: "52. Tiger ___ (spiky houseplant)"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE
Remember this word for future puzzles!
33A: "53. Steered too close to the shoreline, say"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANAGROUND
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34A: "54. How one might feel at a support group meeting"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
- Similar words include: meet, determine, go steady
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEEN
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35A: "55. "Ergo ...""
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANDSO
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36A: "56. Wraps"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
- Similar words include: final stage, remainder, closing
- Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENDS
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37A: "57. [Look at me!]"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSST
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Down Clues - Complete List
| No. | Clue | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | 1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character) | 5 |
| 2D | 2. "That's brilliant!" | 10 |
| 3D | 3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete | 10 |
| 4D | 4. Export from Jamaica | 3 |
| 5D | 5. Had a hankering | 6 |
| 6D | 6. Sounds of fall? | 5 |
| 7D | 7. Sound wave amplifiers | 4 |
| 8D | 8. Network debut of 1981 | 3 |
| 9D | 9. Assessment of something enjoyed ironically | 12 |
| 10D | 10. Sports | 5 |
| 11D | 11. Part of a key chain | 4 |
| 12D | 12. Prop in "The Matrix" | 4 |
| 13D | 13. "Keep Commerce Human" website | 4 |
| 14D | 16. Infer (from) | 6 |
| 15D | 20. "I'll be sad if you leave" | 12 |
| 16D | 23. Fabric related to chambray | 5 |
| 17D | 24. Down under | 5 |
| 18D | 26. Bricks used in some castles | 5 |
| 19D | 27. Timbits from Tim Hortons, e.g. | 10 |
| 20D | 28. Flawed protagonists | 10 |
| 21D | 29. Trial that an attorney may not remember fondly? | 4 |
| 22D | 30. Cash register part | 4 |
| 23D | 31. Blue ___ (coral reef swimmers like Pixar's Dory) | 5 |
| 24D | 32. Lacks | 5 |
| 25D | 37. More compassionate | 6 |
| 26D | 41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't" | 6 |
| 27D | 42. Ptolemy III? | 5 |
| 28D | 43. Welcome advice from a financial planner | 5 |
| 29D | 44. Lavender or lilac | 5 |
| 30D | 45. City where Shah Jahan built a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal | 4 |
| 31D | 46. Film composer Silvestri | 4 |
| 32D | 47. Pickle | 4 |
| 33D | 48. Like silk or yarn | 4 |
| 34D | 51. Pseudonym cited repeatedly in the 2022 Dobbs decision | 3 |
| 35D | 52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra | 3 |
Down Clues - Strategic Hints
1D: "1. ___ Ann (classic Lily Tomlin character)"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDITH
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2D: "2. "That's brilliant!""
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENIUSIDEA
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3D: "3. Hollywood post-broadcast fete"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSCARPARTY
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4D: "4. Export from Jamaica"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKA
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5D: "5. Had a hankering"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that scrape or rub as if to relieve itching
- Similar words include: scratch, spoil, itch
- Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCHED
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6D: "6. Sounds of fall?"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a heavy dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)
- Similar words include: thumping, crump, clunk
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THUDS
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7D: "7. Sound wave amplifiers"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
- Similar words include: pinna, capitulum, auricle
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS
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8D: "8. Network debut of 1981"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MTV
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9D: "9. Assessment of something enjoyed ironically"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOBADITSGOOD
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10D: "10. Sports"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that impairment resulting from long use
- Similar words include: fall apart, don, have on
- Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEARS
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11D: "11. Part of a key chain"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a small island
- Similar words include: islet
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE
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12D: "12. Prop in "The Matrix""
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size
- Similar words include: tab, anovulatory drug, lozenge
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILL
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13D: "13. "Keep Commerce Human" website"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETSY
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14D: "16. Infer (from)"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that reason by deduction; establish by deduction
- Similar words include: deduct, come, descend
- Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERIVE
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15D: "20. "I'll be sad if you leave""
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEASEDONTGO
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16D: "23. Fabric related to chambray"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
- Similar words include: dungaree, blue jean, jean
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENIM
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17D: "24. Down under"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that in or to a place that is lower
- Similar words include: at a lower place, infra, downstairs
- Opposite of: above, upstairs
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELOW
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18D: "26. Bricks used in some castles"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
- Similar words include: Lego, Lego set
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEGOS
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19D: "27. Timbits from Tim Hortons, e.g."
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONUTHOLES
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20D: "28. Flawed protagonists"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a protagonist who lacks the characteristics that would make him a hero (or her a heroine)
- Similar words include: antihero
- Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTIHEROES
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21D: "29. Trial that an attorney may not remember fondly?"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSAT
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22D: "30. Cash register part"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
- Similar words include: trough, boulder clay, public treasury
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILL
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23D: "31. Blue ___ (coral reef swimmers like Pixar's Dory)"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a tart spicy quality
- Similar words include: savor, Tang dynasty, flavour
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANGS
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24D: "32. Lacks"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HASNT
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25D: "37. More compassionate"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
- Similar words include: kind, tolerant, genial
- Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINDER
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26D: "41. Candy bar in the jingle that begins "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't""
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that (baseball) the slight elevation on which the pitcher stands
- Similar words include: agglomerate, pitcher's mound, pitcher
- Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUNDS
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27D: "42. Ptolemy III?"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
- Similar words include: iota, scintilla, shred
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTAS
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28D: "43. Welcome advice from a financial planner"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that pass time in a specific way
- Similar words include: pass, drop, expend
- Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEND
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29D: "44. Lavender or lilac"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a distinctive odor that is pleasant
- Similar words include: fragrance, odorize, aroma
- Opposite of: deodourise, deodorize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENT
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30D: "45. City where Shah Jahan built a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA
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31D: "46. Film composer Silvestri"
Solving Hints:
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAN
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32D: "47. Pickle"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that something that hinders as if with bonds
- Similar words include: attach, obligate, tie up
- Opposite of: untie, unbind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIND
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33D: "48. Like silk or yarn"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
- Similar words include: whirl, gyrate, twirl
- Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUN
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34D: "51. Pseudonym cited repeatedly in the 2022 Dobbs decision"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
- Similar words include: hard roe
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE
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35D: "52. "The pretty worm of Nilus," per Shakespeare's Cleopatra"
Solving Hints:
- Think of something that of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
- Similar words include: Naja haje, Egyptian cobra, Vipera aspis
- Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASP
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Expert Solving Strategies
Start Smart
Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.
Decode the Clues
Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.
Use Cross-References
Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.
Build Vocabulary
Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.
Today's Puzzle Stats
37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues
More NYT Crossword Help
Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.
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