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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query HALT. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 30, 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: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Professional wrestler's takedown 4
2A 5. Halt, to a horse 4
3A 9. "You've ___ this!" 3
4A 12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer 5
5A 14. Devout 5
6A 15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits 3
7A 16. Big name in pain relief 5
8A 17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him 5
9A 18. Anti-trafficking agcy. 3
10A 19. *Knack for success 10
11A 21. Makes angry, old-style 4
12A 22. Reveal 5
13A 23. Still on the run 7
14A 25. Something grilled at a tailgating party 4
15A 27. *Source of ongoing income, informally 10
16A 29. Do more work on, as a farrier might 6
17A 31. Slow-moving tree-dweller 5
18A 32. Landscape photographer Adams 5
19A 33. Green-lights 3
20A 34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse" 5
21A 38. Warning before your breaking point? 5
22A 40. Fund-raising drive participants 6
23A 41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows" 10
24A 45. Mothers in a flock 4
25A 46. Plans (to) 7
26A 47. Ctrl+V action 5
27A 49. Dragon's den 4
28A 50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues 10
29A 54. What the prefix "omni-" means 3
30A 55. Easily broken 5
31A 56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast 5
32A 57. Rolled randomizer 3
33A 58. Like some martinis and jokes 5
34A 59. Sweat ___ 5
35A 60. "Sure thing!" 3
36A 61. Workers in a colony 4
37A 62. Made haste 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Professional wrestler's takedown"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
  • Similar words include: bang, mosh, sweep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Halt, to a horse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "You've ___ this!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: bring, experience, aim
  • Opposite of: take away, end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Polo, polo, Marco Polo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  • Opposite of: impious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: one and only, I, nonpareil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Big name in pain relief"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks aleve and anaprox and aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
  • Similar words include: Anaprox, naproxen sodium, Aflaxen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Anti-trafficking agcy."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGICTOUCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Makes angry, old-style"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATLARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Something grilled at a tailgating party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very troublesome child
  • Similar words include: little terror, bratwurst, terror
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. *Source of ongoing income, informally"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEALTICKET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Do more work on, as a farrier might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Slow-moving tree-dweller"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: laziness, slothfulness, tree sloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANSEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, okey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient numidian town in northwestern africa adjoining present-day annaba in northeastern algeria
  • Similar words include: river horse, hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIPPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Warning before your breaking point?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Fund-raising drive participants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that person who makes a gift of property
  • Similar words include: conferrer, bestower, presenter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTERTOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in mind as a purpose
  • Similar words include: intend, mean, specify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
  • Similar words include: glue, library paste, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPTYWORDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. What the prefix "omni-" means"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: totally, wholly, altogether
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs; between 50 and 75 pounds
  • Similar words include: fallible, weak, delicate
  • Opposite of: robust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that region of western asia minor colonized by ancient greeks
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: kick the bucket, give way, pop off
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Like some martinis and jokes"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make soiled, filthy, or dirty
  • Similar words include: cheating, begrime, pestiferous
  • Opposite of: clean
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
  • Similar words include: secreter, secretor, secretory organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. "Sure thing!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move faster
  • Similar words include: quicken, hie, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Meat sold in a can 4
2D 2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song 4
3D 3. Vessel for a pub pint 8
4D 4. *Where new features are released? 12
5D 5. Nintendo Switch predecessor 4
6D 6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!" 8
7D 7. Really should 7
8D 8. Total jerk 3
9D 9. Suddenly cease all communication 6
10D 10. Tightly wound, maybe 6
11D 11. Mad Hatter's collection 6
12D 13. Breakaway group 4
13D 14. Word after smart or flip 5
14D 20. Thick book 4
15D 21. *Metal lathes and drill presses 12
16D 24. Printmaking process, for short 5
17D 25. Supportive undergarment 3
18D 26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain 3
19D 28. Extend an invitation for 5
20D 30. Bygone 5
21D 33. Get the better of 8
22D 35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say 8
23D 36. Historic introduction? 3
24D 37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group 3
25D 39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps 7
26D 40. Historic Normandy date 4
27D 41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman 6
28D 42. Bad way to get caught 6
29D 43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You" 6
30D 44. In an appropriate way 5
31D 48. Big gulp 4
32D 51. Cherry discards 4
33D 52. Break bread 4
34D 53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth 4
35D 55. Medicine-approving grp. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Meat sold in a can"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
  • Similar words include: junk e-mail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Vessel for a pub pint"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEGLASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. *Where new features are released?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVIETHEATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIIU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOGCALLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUGHTTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: piece of ass, roll in the hay, As
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GODARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mad Hatter's collection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Similar words include: faction, religious order, religious sect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Word after smart or flip"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
  • Similar words include: call, speech sound, earpiece
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. *Metal lathes and drill presses"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACHINETOOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Printmaking process, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LITHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: brassiere, bandeau
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat through cleverness and wit
  • Similar words include: circumvent, outfox, outwit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTSMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POWERNAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: OS, bone, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english noblewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Bad way to get caught"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INALIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright that is a member in a door or window frame
  • Similar words include: stile
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • Similar words include: capably, ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Similar words include: quaff, slug, draught
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: pitfall, stone, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SADD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Medicine-approving grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
  • Similar words include: Food and Drug Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

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.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: June 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Today's NYT Mini Crossword October 26, 2025 - Complete Solutions with Smart Hints | 5-Minute Solve

NYT Mini Crossword October 26, 2025 Hints & Answers - Beat the Average 1-Minute Time

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: November 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | November 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 26, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, October 26, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 26, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 30. Call at home
2 Across 78. Temporary halt, legally
3 Across 111. Garb for an Indian bridesmaid
4 Across 77. Moonshiners' needs
5 Across 1. Leftover piece of fabric
6 Across 71. Awesome after dark? (Gen X)
7 Across 67. Greed
8 Across 45. "Frozen" character who says "I like warm hugs"
9 Across 91. Tempo
10 Across 28. Vaudeville offering

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "30. Call at home"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STRIKE


2 Across: "78. Temporary halt, legally"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STAY


3 Across: "111. Garb for an Indian bridesmaid"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SARI


4 Across: "77. Moonshiners' needs"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal YEASTS


5 Across: "1. Leftover piece of fabric"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SCRAP


6 Across: "71. Awesome after dark? (Gen X)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: F________T

Answer:

Click to reveal FLYBYNIGHT


7 Across: "67. Greed"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal AVARICE


8 Across: "45. "Frozen" character who says "I like warm hugs""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: O__F

Answer:

Click to reveal OLAF


9 Across: "91. Tempo"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PACE


10 Across: "28. Vaudeville offering"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T

Answer:

Click to reveal SKIT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 47. Run off with
2 Down 49. Source of onomatopoeic words
3 Down 118. PC connection
4 Down 29. Carrier with a Flying Dutchman magazine
5 Down 18. 2013 title role for Asa Butterfield
6 Down 70. "Not to mention …"
7 Down 53. Coveter's sin
8 Down 94. Books with legends
9 Down 2. Numismatist's acquisition
10 Down 92. Commencement ritual

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "47. Run off with"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: F___H

Answer:

Click to reveal FILCH


2 Down: "49. Source of onomatopoeic words"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SOUNDS


3 Down: "118. PC connection"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LAN


4 Down: "29. Carrier with a Flying Dutchman magazine"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal KLM


5 Down: "18. 2013 title role for Asa Butterfield"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: E___R

Answer:

Click to reveal ENDER


6 Down: "70. "Not to mention …""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ALSO


7 Down: "53. Coveter's sin"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ENVY


8 Down: "94. Books with legends"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal ATLASES


9 Down: "2. Numismatist's acquisition"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal COIN


10 Down: "92. Commencement ritual"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal CAPTOSS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 58 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

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

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

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


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 26, 2025 at 03:52 AM

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