27439 Thu Dec 26, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 26, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

Thu Dec 26, 2024 NY Times

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Targets of crunches, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABS

  Possible Answer : type_AB, Artium_Baccalaurens, BA, AB, Ab, group_AB, abdominal, Av, ABS, abdominal_muscle, Bachelor_of_Arts, ab, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene




• The clue is 4. "Smart" guy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALEC




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

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

  The answer: AURAS

  Possible Answer : gloriole, halo, air, glory, aura, atmosphere, nimbus, aureole




• The clue is 13. Hawaiian dish with cubed fish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POKEBOWL




• The clue is 15. Perceptive. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASTUTE

  Possible Answer : astute, shrewd, sharp




• The clue is 16. End-of-year hope. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PAYRAISE




• The clue is 17. Lawyers, collectively. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THEBAR




• The clue is 18. Astronauts' outpost, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISS




• The clue is 19. Like the last name of swimming legend Diana Nyad. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: APT

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




• The clue is 21. Original N.Y.C. subway line. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRT




• The clue is 22. Vampire hunter's weapon. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STAKE

  Possible Answer : bet, impale, hazard, back, adventure, jeopardize, stakes, game, punt, venture, gage, post, bet_on, stake, interest, wager




• The clue is 25. "Well, that's just perfect". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GREAT

  Possible Answer : heavy, swell, expectant, bang-up, cracking, with_child, large, dandy, capital, corking, neat, peachy, slap-up, smashing, nifty, great, enceinte, keen, majuscule, bully, gravid, outstanding, not_bad, big, groovy




• The clue is 27. Telluride maker (that's 6,000+ miles away from Telluride). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KIA




• The clue is 28. Faith Hill hit with the lyric "It's perpetual bliss". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THISKISS




• The clue is 29. Slim-fitting bottom. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PENCILSKIRT




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

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

  The answer: ERMA




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

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

  The answer: BAD

  Possible Answer : badness, tough, spoilt, unsound, defective, badly, unfit, forged, sorry, regretful, high-risk, uncollectible, speculative, risky, bad, big, spoiled

  Possible Opposite Answer : good, goodness, unregretful




• The clue is 33. Forgo a ring, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KNOCK

  Possible Answer : bang, criticize, knock, pick_apart, whang, tap, criticise, roast, knocking, strike_hard, bump, rap, smash, whack, ping, belt, bash, pink

  Possible Opposite Answer : praise




• The clue is 35. Fills in the gaps of, in a way. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PUTTIES

  Possible Answer : putty




• The clue is 37. Futuristic zappers. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAYGUNS




• The clue is 39. Samira Wiley's role on "The Handmaid's Tale". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MOIRA




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

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

  The answer: DAD

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




• The clue is 41. A thing of the passed?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OBIT

  Possible Answer : necrology, obituary, obit




• The clue is 42. Wetland fuel source. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEATBOG




• The clue is 44. Breaking the fourth wall, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: META




• The clue is 45. Cartoon frame. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CEL




• The clue is 47. Snarkily disparaging. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNIDE

  Possible Answer : sneering, snide, supercilious




• The clue is 48. Like a baby in need of burping. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GASSY

  Possible Answer : flatulent, colicky, gassy




• The clue is 49. Dismiss abruptly. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AXE

  Possible Answer : axe, ax




• The clue is 50. Dutch banking giant. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ING




• The clue is 51. Get to 21 first in cornhole, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WIN

  Possible Answer : come_through, pull_ahead, get_ahead, gain_ground, gain, profits, winnings, advance, win, make_headway, deliver_the_goods, succeed, bring_home_the_bacon, acquire

  Possible Opposite Answer : fail, fall_back, lose, losings




• The clue is 52. Oscar nominee for "Carrie". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPACEK




• The clue is 55. Peak picker-uppers, as depicted three times in this puzzle's grid. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SKILIFTS




• The clue is 60. "Money talks". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CASHISKING




• The clue is 61. Unapproved, pharmaceutically. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OFFLABEL




• The clue is 62. Remained home for supper. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATEIN




• The clue is 63. CBS drama with five spinoffs. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NCIS




• The clue is 64. In need of salt, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ICY

  Possible Answer : wintry, arctic, gelid, frozen, icy, frosty, frigid, polar, glacial

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Home screen selection. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: APP

• The clue is 2. Stole onstage. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOA

  Possible Answer: feather_boa, boa

• The clue is 3. Difficult area of a jigsaw puzzle, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SKY

  Possible Answer: flip, toss, sky, pitch

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

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

  The answer: ABASE

  Possible Answer: humiliate, humble, chagrin, mortify, abase

• The clue is 5. Lane in DC?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOIS

• The clue is 6. Grossed-out cries. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EWS

  Possible Answer: electronic_warfare, EW

• The clue is 7. Given the go-ahead. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CLEARED

  Possible Answer: authorize, realize, crystallise, exonerate, pull_in, pass, light_up, crystalise, net, make, sack, illuminate, clear, elucidate, take_in, crystalize, sort_out, crystallize, exonerated, shed_light_on, solve, sack_up, authorise, straighten_out, clear_up, top, exculpate, exculpated, bring_in, vindicated, enlighten, unclutter, brighten, discharge, acquit, absolved, gain, cleared, earn, assoil, realise

  Possible Opposite Answer : bounce, convict, uncleared, clutter, overcast

• The clue is 8. Pizza oven residue. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASH

  Possible Answer: ash, ash_tree

• The clue is 9. Beehive State native. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UTE

  Possible Answer: Ute

• The clue is 10. Toys once marketed as having "Over three billion combinations, but only one solution". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RUBIKSCUBES

• The clue is 11. Chess : check :: go : ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATARI

• The clue is 12. Tempur-Pedic competitor. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SERTA

• The clue is 14. Early 20th-century composer who introduced the typewriter as a percussion instrument. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERIKSATIE

• The clue is 15. Negative campaign tactic. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATTACKAD

• The clue is 20. Signature item. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEN

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

• The clue is 22. Prefix with any family member. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STEP

  Possible Answer: stair, pace, footstep, measure, tone, footfall, ill-use, mistreat, whole_tone, dance_step, ill-treat, stride, step, whole_step, tread, maltreat, gradation, footmark, stone's_throw, abuse, footprint

• The clue is 23. Steady engine sound. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THRUM

  Possible Answer: hum, beat, drum, strum, thrum

• The clue is 24. Focus on making others happy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AIMTOPLEASE

• The clue is 25. They might accompany SAT scores. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GPAS

  Possible Answer: grade_point_average, GPA

• The clue is 26. Minute. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TINY

  Possible Answer: petite, flyspeck, lilliputian, midget, bantam, tiny, diminutive

• The clue is 30. Slangy term for an obsession with branded fashion items. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOGOMANIA

  Possible Answer: logorrhea, logomania

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

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

  The answer: BEATNIKS

  Possible Answer: beatnik, beat, beats, beat_generation, beatniks

• The clue is 34. Sweaters and such. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KNITS

  Possible Answer: knitting, plain, rumple, knit_stitch, plain_stitch, knitwork, pucker, cockle, knit, crumple, entwine

• The clue is 36. 401(k) alternatives. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRAS

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

• The clue is 37. Short-lived fashion. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAGE

  Possible Answer: furore, craze, storm, fury, ramp, passion, furor, madness, rage, fad, cult

• The clue is 38. Court-ordered delay. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STAY

  Possible Answer: ride_out, continue, arrest, bide, rest, hitch, halt, stop, last_out, abide, appease, outride, persist, detain, stoppage, check, stick, stay, stay_on, quell, delay, stay_put, stick_around, remain

  Possible Opposite Answer : change, move, depart

• The clue is 40. Lewis Carroll's real last name, hence Lewis's last name in "Jurassic Park". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DODGSON

  Possible Answer: Lewis_Carroll, Charles_Dodgson, Reverend_Dodgson, Carroll, Charles_Lutwidge_Dodgson, Dodgson

• The clue is 43. Hamper, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BIN

  Possible Answer: bin, binful, bank_identification_number, BIN, ABA_transit_number

• The clue is 45. Caesar's first stabber. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CASCA

• The clue is 46. One living abroad. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EXPAT

  Possible Answer: expatriate, exile, expat

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

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

  The answer: GILLS

  Possible Answer: gill, branchia, lamella

• The clue is 51. Something that's often free in airports but expensive on airplanes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WIFI

  Possible Answer: wireless_local_area_network, WLAN, WiFi, wireless_fidelity

• The clue is 53. Life force. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHI

  Possible Answer: ch'i, qi, chi, ki, khi

• The clue is 54. Köln one. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EIN

• The clue is 56. Fast-food chain with 30,000+ locations. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KFC

• The clue is 57. "Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity" org.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FBI

  Possible Answer: Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation, FBI

• The clue is 58. Gumshoe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TEC

  Possible Answer: police_detective, investigator, detective, tec

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

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

  The answer: SLY

  Possible Answer: crafty, guileful, foxy, knavish, slick, tricky, cunning, sly, dodgy, tricksy, wily

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 12, 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 (35 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (35 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Light décor	10
2A	11. Last place?	4
3A	15. Pop-up with an envelope icon	10
4A	16. Round figure	4
5A	17. Winner's circle?	10
6A	18. Take two	4
7A	19. Hyperfixated	6
8A	20. "Thick ___ Brick" (1972 Jethro Tull album)	3
9A	21. Earth's pull, informally	4
10A	22. On the ___ (free)	5
11A	23. Thumbs-down votes in the Duma	5
12A	25. Why wait?	3
13A	26. Personal circumstances, so to speak	5
14A	28. Justice who's the subject of the 2026 biography "Revenge for the Sixties"	5
15A	30. Rolls out the green carpet?	4
16A	34. First full word sung in "The Alphabet Song"	3
17A	35. Proverbial small amount	6
18A	36. "Now we're talking!"	15
19A	39. Capers	6
20A	40. Common ___	3
21A	41. Rowing machines, in gym lingo	4
22A	42. "Schitt's Creek" matriarch	5
23A	43. Really hurts	5
24A	45. Rout, in computer game lingo	3
25A	46. Word with letter or grant	5
26A	48. Toothbrush handle?	5
27A	53. Smokes	4
28A	55. N.B.A. coach Jordan ___	3
29A	56. Punnily named production company behind TV's "Insecure" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show"	6
30A	57. Stat	4
31A	58. Common sleep aid	10
32A	60. Acquire by default?	4
33A	61. Math class assignment	10
34A	62. Labor, e.g.: Abbr.	4
35A	63. Appliances that are always blowing out?	10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Light décor"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a protective ornamental shade used to screen a light bulb from direct view
• Similar words include: lampshade, lamp shade
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAMPSHADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Last place?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
• Similar words include: grave
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Pop-up with an envelope icon"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMAILALERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Round figure"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
• Similar words include: ovoid, ovate, prolate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Winner's circle?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VICTORYLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Take two"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
• Similar words include: remake, remodel, refashion
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Hyperfixated"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENRAPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "Thick ___ Brick" (1972 Jethro Tull album)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Earth's pull, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. On the ___ (free)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that grant freedom to; free from confinement
• Similar words include: unaffixed, at large, relax
• Opposite of: confine, stiffen

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Thumbs-down votes in the Duma"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Why wait?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
• Similar words include: confidential information, wind, bakshish
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Personal circumstances, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particular situation
• Similar words include: shoe, horseshoe, brake shoe
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Justice who's the subject of the 2026 biography "Revenge for the Sixties""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALITO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Rolls out the green carpet?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
• Similar words include: sod, turf, sodomite
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. First full word sung in "The Alphabet Song""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Proverbial small amount"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a very small quantity of something
• Similar words include: lowlife, rotter, crumb
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRUMBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. "Now we're talking!""

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THATSMORELIKEIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Capers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
• Similar words include: trick, put-on, caper
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANTICS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Common ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: epoch, earned run average, geological era
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Rowing machines, in gym lingo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
• Similar words include: erg
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. "Schitt's Creek" matriarch"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOIRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Really hurts"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation
• Similar words include: maim
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAIMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Rout, in computer game lingo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Word with letter or grant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
• Similar words include: deflect, forget, embarrass
• Opposite of: unstuff, unblock

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Toothbrush handle?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORALB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Smokes"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. N.B.A. coach Jordan ___"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Punnily named production company behind TV's "Insecure" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOORAE

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30A: "57. Stat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that as soon as possible
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASAP

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31A: "58. Common sleep aid"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHITENOISE

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32A: "60. Acquire by default?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REPO

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33A: "61. Math class assignment"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PROBLEMSET

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34A: "62. Labor, e.g.: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEPT

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35A: "63. Appliances that are always blowing out?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HANDDRYERS

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Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Carpenter's tool	5
2D	2. ___ acid	5
3D	3. Kind of photography lens for a close-up	5
4D	4. Wraps in the Mideast	5
5D	5. Certain geometry calculations	6
6D	6. Playwright Moss ___	4
7D	7. Gymnast Raisman	3
8D	8. What a joke may get eventually	15
9D	9. Takes marks off in a classroom?	6
10D	10. Mid-March V.I.P., informally	5
11D	11. "Surf" food in Japan, or "turf" animal in Spain	4
12D	12. Kitchen counter	9
13D	13. Became a household name, say	9
14D	14. Examples of media on Medium	9
15D	23. Many a listing in an etiquette book	4
16D	24. Wrap in South Asia	4
17D	27. Actors unsuited for subtle roles	4
18D	29. Country singer Combs	4
19D	30. Rewards program tracker	9
20D	31. "It's finally clear"	9
21D	32. Phone connector?	9
22D	33. Arouse	4
23D	35. Simoleon	4
24D	37. Labor pain?	4
25D	38. Journalist Larson who wrote "The Splendid and the Vile"	4
26D	43. Godzilla adversary	6
27D	44. Longhorn's rival	6
28D	47. Acidic	5
29D	49. Capacious	5
30D	50. Surface	5
31D	51. Pointer for a public speaker	5
32D	52. Sources of the juice that "bleeds" in a faux meat patty	5
33D	54. Tough thing to be in	4
34D	56. Stayed together	4
35D	59. Placeholder abbr.	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Carpenter's tool"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
• Similar words include: stratum, plane, tied
• Opposite of: raise

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEVEL

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2D: "2. ___ acid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMINO

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3D: "3. Kind of photography lens for a close-up"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language
• Similar words include: macro instruction
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MACRO

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4D: "4. Wraps in the Mideast"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
• Similar words include: pita, pocket bread
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PITAS

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5D: "5. Certain geometry calculations"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an elevated geological formation
• Similar words include: squelch, squish, splosh
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLOPES

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6D: "6. Playwright Moss ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states playwright who collaborated with george s. kaufman (1904-1961)
• Similar words include: stag, Lorenz Hart, Moss Hart
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HART

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7D: "7. Gymnast Raisman"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALY

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8D: "8. What a joke may get eventually"

15 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DELAYEDREACTION

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9D: "9. Takes marks off in a classroom?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that remove from memory or existence
• Similar words include: delete, rub out, wipe out
• Opposite of: record

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERASES

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10D: "10. Mid-March V.I.P., informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STPAT

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11D: "11. "Surf" food in Japan, or "turf" animal in Spain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TORO

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12D: "12. Kitchen counter"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVENTIMER

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13D: "13. Became a household name, say"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MADEITBIG

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14D: "14. Examples of media on Medium"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLOGPOSTS

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15D: "23. Many a listing in an etiquette book"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NONO

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16D: "24. Wrap in South Asia"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
• Similar words include: saree
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SARI

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17D: "27. Actors unsuited for subtle roles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
• Similar words include: ham actor, ham, overplay
• Opposite of: underact

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAMS

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18D: "29. Country singer Combs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (new testament) the apostle closely associated with st. paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third gospel
• Similar words include: Saint Luke, Gospel of Luke, Gospel According to Luke
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUKE

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19D: "30. Rewards program tracker"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAMPCARD

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20D: "31. "It's finally clear""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OHNOWISEE

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21D: "32. Phone connector?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DATINGAPP

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22D: "33. Arouse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
• Similar words include: shake, put forward, ado
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STIR

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23D: "35. Simoleon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Similar words include: dollar bill, buck, dollar
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLAM

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24D: "37. Labor pain?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
• Similar words include: rat, strikebreaker, fink
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCAB

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25D: "38. Journalist Larson who wrote "The Splendid and the Vile""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERIK

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26D: "43. Godzilla adversary"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOTHRA

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27D: "44. Longhorn's rival"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or resident of oklahoma
• Similar words include: Oklahoman, preferably, rather
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOONER

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28D: "47. Acidic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOWPH

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29D: "49. Capacious"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an associate who shares a room with you
• Similar words include: roomie, spacious, roommate
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROOMY

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30D: "50. Surface"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
• Similar words include: lift, originate, rise up
• Opposite of: sit down, go to bed

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARISE

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31D: "51. Pointer for a public speaker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
• Similar words include: optical maser
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LASER

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32D: "52. Sources of the juice that "bleeds" in a faux meat patty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
• Similar words include: Beta vulgaris, common beet, beetroot
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEETS

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33D: "54. Tough thing to be in"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
• Similar words include: stain, smirch, make out
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPOT

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34D: "56. Stayed together"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
• Similar words include: book, bind, concur
• Opposite of: disagree, let go of

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HELD

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35D: "59. Placeholder abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TBD

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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

35 Across Clues

35 Down Clues

70 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 12, 2026 at 08:01 AM