August 03, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (36 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, August 03, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 73 (36 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

August 03, 2022 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Like some testimony	4
2A	5. Carpenter's bladed tool	3
3A	8. New ones may be sleep-deprived	4
4A	12. ___ al pastor (Mexican street food order)	5
5A	14. Pool accessory	3
6A	15. Live it up	5
7A	16. With 30- and 49-Across, test question to be answered by filling in the correct circle	15
8A	19. Park City getaway, say	7
9A	20. Competed with	7
10A	21. "___ My Ride" (2004-07 MTV series)	4
11A	22. Not much	4
12A	23. Ooze	4
13A	25. Certain workshop worker	3
14A	27. His name means "desire"	4
15A	30. See 16-Across	15
16A	34. Pair in a dinghy	4
17A	35. Character in "Face/Off"?	5
18A	36. Rice bowl garnish	4
19A	37. Mich. neighbor	3
20A	38. Petting zoo sound	3
21A	39. Drill sergeant's word	3
22A	41. ___ Ray (pioneer in Surrealist photography)	3
23A	42. Like a cloudless night	6
24A	44. "Here!"	6
25A	46. Healthful practices, collectively	7
26A	48. Supernatural sights	7
27A	49. See 16-Across	9
28A	51. Part of a Velcro shoe	5
29A	54. Anomalous	3
30A	55. Sign of burnout?	5
31A	59. Swahili word meaning "freedom"	5
32A	60. One of two in Monopoly	3
33A	61. Like rusty pipes, perhaps	5
34A	62. Genre for Mary J. Blige	5
35A	63. Prefix with conscious	3
36A	64. Leafy shelter from the sun	9

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Like some testimony"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Carpenter's bladed tool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an edge tool used to cut and shape wood
• Words that mean the same thing: adze
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. New ones may be sleep-deprived"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: mammy, mummy, mum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "12. ___ al pastor (Mexican street food order)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: taco, greaser, wetback
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Pool accessory"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: pool stick, clue, clew
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Live it up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that unrestrained merrymaking
• Words that mean the same thing: make whoopie, revelry, whoop it up
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. With 30- and 49-Across, test question to be answered by filling in the correct circle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INASCRABBLEGAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Park City getaway, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKITRIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Competed with"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be equal to in quality or ability
• Words that mean the same thing: rival, equal, match
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIVALED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. "___ My Ride" (2004-07 MTV series)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who procures customers for whores (in england they call a pimp a ponce)
• Words that mean the same thing: ponce, pandar, pander
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Not much"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Ooze"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that pass gradually or leak through or as if through small openings
• Words that mean the same thing: ooze
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Certain workshop worker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Words that mean the same thing: hob, extremely low frequency, pixie
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. His name means "desire""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: physical attraction, sexual desire, concupiscence
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. See 16-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WHATTILEISWORTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Pair in a dinghy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• Words that mean the same thing: oar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Character in "Face/Off"?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a wound made by cutting
• Words that mean the same thing: lather, welt, separatrix
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Rice bowl garnish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NORI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Mich. neighbor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Petting zoo sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cry made by sheep
• Words that mean the same thing: blate, bleat, blat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Drill sergeant's word"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. ___ Ray (pioneer in Surrealist photography)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
• Words that mean the same thing: humans, mankind, world
• The opposite would be: woman, civilian
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Like a cloudless night"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that abounding with or resembling stars
• The opposite would be: starless
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STARRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. "Here!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAKEIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Healthful practices, collectively"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a condition promoting sanitary practices
• Words that mean the same thing: hygienics
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYGIENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Supernatural sights"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vivid mental image
• Words that mean the same thing: visual sensation, visual modality, imaginativeness
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VISIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. See 16-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TWOPOINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Part of a Velcro shoe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
• Words that mean the same thing: whip, lather, slash
• The opposite would be: unstrap
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Anomalous"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not divisible by two
• Words that mean the same thing: unpaired, curious, singular
• The opposite would be: even
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Sign of burnout?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hot fragment of wood or coal that is left from a fire and is glowing or smoldering
• Words that mean the same thing: coal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Swahili word meaning "freedom""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UHURU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. One of two in Monopoly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
• Words that mean the same thing: croak, give out, cash in one's chips
• The opposite would be: be born
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Like rusty pipes, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that permitting the unwanted passage of fluids or gases
• Words that mean the same thing: blabbermouthed, tattling, talebearing
• The opposite would be: tight
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAKY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Genre for Mary J. Blige"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RANDB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Prefix with conscious"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ECO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Leafy shelter from the sun"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHADETREE

  Great job if you got it right!

August 03, 2022 Wednesday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Redding with 11 Top 40 hits	4
2D	2. Prioritize, in a way	4
3D	3. Juice stand berry	4
4D	4. What microchips help to find	8
5D	5. Like singing in the rain, usually	9
6D	6. Make a knight, e.g.	3
7D	7. Striped aquarium denizen	9
8D	8. Leader of the Decepticons in the "Transformers" series	8
9D	9. ___ Office	4
10D	10. Something shared a lot online	4
11D	11. Musher's vehicle	4
12D	13. Improv show's lack	6
13D	15. "This vacuum sucks! 5 stars," for one	6
14D	17. Part of a wheel	3
15D	18. Trudeau's party: Abbr.	3
16D	23. Song sung at sea	6
17D	24. Wildlife identifier	6
18D	26. Pasture	3
19D	28. Start of a famous line from a balcony	6
20D	29. Genetic variant	6
21D	30. Rushing sound	5
22D	31. Declaration when putting one's foot down	6
23D	32. Confined	6
24D	33. Nudges in the right direction	5
25D	38. Place for rounds of draft picks	7
26D	40. Hue such as pale mint or lilac	11
27D	43. Slowing down, musically: Abbr.	6
28D	45. It's destiny!	6
29D	47. Classical lyric poem	5
30D	48. Meeting format	5
31D	50. Ending with spasm	4
32D	51. Big ___	3
33D	52. Hip-hop article	3
34D	53. Word with end or earned	3
35D	56. Mars ___	3
36D	57. Barely make, with "out"	3
37D	58. Bread choice	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. Redding with 11 Top 40 hits"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Otis, Elisha Graves Otis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Prioritize, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
• Words that mean the same thing: right-down, rank and file, social status
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Juice stand berry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. What microchips help to find"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOSTPETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Like singing in the rain, usually"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACAPPELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Make a knight, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the new sounds added by dubbing
• Words that mean the same thing: nickname, knight
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Striped aquarium denizen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ZEBRAFISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Leader of the Decepticons in the "Transformers" series"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MEGATRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. ___ Office"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
• Words that mean the same thing: ellipse, ovate, oviform
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Something shared a lot online"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Musher's vehicle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
• Words that mean the same thing: sleigh, sledge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "13. Improv show's lack"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
• Words that mean the same thing: hand, book, handwriting
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCRIPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. "This vacuum sucks! 5 stars," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a new appraisal or evaluation
• Words that mean the same thing: recapitulation, recap, brushup
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REVIEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Part of a wheel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
• Words that mean the same thing: lip, brim, flange
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Trudeau's party: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Song sung at sea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that small crude shelter used as a dwelling
• Words that mean the same thing: shack, hovel, chanty
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHANTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Wildlife identifier"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EARTAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Pasture"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
• Words that mean the same thing: ley, pasture, pastureland
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Start of a famous line from a balcony"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OROMEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Genetic variant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
• Words that mean the same thing: straining, song, nervous strain
• The opposite would be: relax, unstrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Rushing sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move with a sibilant sound
• Words that mean the same thing: whoosh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Declaration when putting one's foot down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ISAYNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Confined"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHUTIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Nudges in the right direction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an indirect suggestion
• Words that mean the same thing: clue, jot, speck
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Place for rounds of draft picks"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a combination brewery and restaurant; beer is brewed for consumption on the premises and served along with food
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREWPUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Hue such as pale mint or lilac"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PASTELSHADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Slowing down, musically: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RITARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. It's destiny!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (islam) the will of allah
• Words that mean the same thing: kismat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KISMET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Classical lyric poem"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EPODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Meeting format"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the visible part of a television transmission
• Words that mean the same thing: picture, television, video recording
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIDEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Ending with spasm"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Big ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port in southern lebanon on the mediterranean sea; formerly a major phoenician seaport famous for silks
• Words that mean the same thing: Tyre
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Hip-hop article"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Word with end or earned"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
• Words that mean the same thing: scat, endure, ravel
• The opposite would be: malfunction, idle
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Mars ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Words that mean the same thing: legal community, blockade, saloon
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Barely make, with "out""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Bread choice"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the seed of the cereal grass
• Words that mean the same thing: Secale cereale, rye whisky, rye whiskey
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	63.0%
Short Answer	19	26.0%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.7%
Music	2	2.7%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	36
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	73
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 08, 2025 at 08:30 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 21, 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 (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (36 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Look to give nothing away?	10
2A	11. European city on the Bay of Angels	4
3A	15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly"	10
4A	16. Like some fixations	4
5A	17. It gets folded and pressed	10
6A	18. Split in two	4
7A	19. Posts on Insta	3
8A	20. The third primary chakra is located just above it	5
9A	21. Foundations of many dad jokes	4
10A	22. "Right, right, right"	4
11A	24. Yom Kippur topic	3
12A	25. Certain slip-on	6
13A	27. Merely hinted at	5
14A	29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute"	5
15A	31. Clip-on mic, for short	3
16A	32. Many great athletes play with it	4
17A	34. Architect's tool	7
18A	36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year	7
19A	39. In pieces	7
20A	40. Items of some import?	7
21A	41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry"	4
22A	42. Savory latke topping	3
23A	43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men"	5
24A	45. "Quiet, you!"	5
25A	49. Formula 1 star, e.g.	6
26A	51. Shade similar to avocado	3
27A	53. "Sick!"	4
28A	54. On a chain, say	4
29A	55. A lot of paperwork	5
30A	57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards	3
31A	58. Steps to a lively tune	4
32A	59. How low can you go?	10
33A	61. "Right now!"	4
34A	62. What roller coasters are designed to do	10
35A	63. Flat earth?	4
36A	64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side	10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Look to give nothing away?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLANKSTARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. European city on the Bay of Angels"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
• Similar words include: skillful, decent, gracious
• Opposite of: nasty

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BODYHORROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Like some fixations"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
• Similar words include: unwritten, oral exam, oral examination
• Opposite of: anal, aboral

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. It gets folded and pressed"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tortilla that is filled with cheese and heated
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QUESADILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Split in two"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cutlery used for serving and eating food
• Similar words include: branch, crotch, forking
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Posts on Insta"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a chest in which coins from the mint are held to await assay
• Similar words include: pix chest, pyx, pyx chest
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. The third primary chakra is located just above it"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a scar where the umbilical cord was attached
• Similar words include: omphalus, belly button, omphalos
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Foundations of many dad jokes"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a humorous play on words
• Similar words include: paronomasia, pun, wordplay
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Right, right, right""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Yom Kippur topic"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that estrangement from god
• Similar words include: drop the ball, hell, boob
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Certain slip-on"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a blanket-like cloak with a hole in the center for the head
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PONCHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Merely hinted at"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that implied by or inferred from actions or statements
• Similar words include: understood, silent
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TACIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AESOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Clip-on mic, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
• Similar words include: lavatory, bathroom, can
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Many great athletes play with it"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
• Similar words include: gritstone, backbone, gumption
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Architect's tool"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSQUARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: METHANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. In pieces"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that widely separated especially in space
• Similar words include: apart
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASUNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Items of some import?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXOTICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of david hume (1710-1796)
• Similar words include: Thomas Reid
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Savory latke topping"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Similar words include: liquid oxygen
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUMET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. "Quiet, you!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZIPIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Formula 1 star, e.g."

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the operator of a motor vehicle
• Similar words include: number one wood, device driver
• Opposite of: nondriver

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRIVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Shade similar to avocado"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
• Similar words include: pea plant
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "Sick!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that street names for marijuana
• Similar words include: sess, pot, cola
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. On a chain, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CCED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. A lot of paperwork"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
• Similar words include: organize, forge, variant
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FORMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PHX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Steps to a lively tune"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that music in three-four time for dancing a jig
• Similar words include: gigue, jig
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. How low can you go?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROCKBOTTOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. "Right now!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. What roller coasters are designed to do"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fill with sublime emotion
• Similar words include: beatify, thrill, tickle pink
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXHILARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Flat earth?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
• Similar words include: table
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MESA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MYSTERYBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Smoking spot	6
2D	2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams	6
3D	3. Campaign leader, informally	6
4D	4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief	3
5D	5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán	4
6D	6. Some diner drinks	5
7D	7. They might have all the answers	10
8D	8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield"	6
9D	9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog	4
10D	10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)	3
11D	11. Like a spoilsport	5
12D	12. Totally foolproof	8
13D	13. Many key changes take place in it	8
14D	14. Herd at Yellowstone	3
15D	21. It's a surprise, of course!	7
16D	23. Chinese symbol of prosperity	5
17D	25. Group of companions	5
18D	26. See 9-Down	4
19D	28. Followed surreptitiously	7
20D	30. Beginner's set	10
21D	33. Rack up	5
22D	35. Ruined	5
23D	36. Blend into one	4
24D	37. Free spirits?	8
25D	38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g.	8
26D	44. Big times	6
27D	46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled	6
28D	47. Defunct image editor	6
29D	48. Chile con carne cuisine	6
30D	50. Hornet genus	5
31D	52. Take a constitutional	5
32D	55. Cunning	4
33D	56. Go to the moon	4
34D	58. Play together, in a way	3
35D	59. Phase for dreamers	3
36D	60. "___ me!"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Smoking spot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BBQPIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOUISA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Campaign leader, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADEXEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mid-atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
• Similar words include: Empire State, New York, NY
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a title given to rulers or other important people in asian countries
• Similar words include: caravansary, caravan inn, caravanserai
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KHAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Some diner drinks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
• Similar words include: sodium carbonate, sal soda, washing soda
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SODAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. They might have all the answers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRIVIATEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARLENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rotary motion of an object around its own axis
• Similar words include: rolling, curlicue, range
• Opposite of: unwind

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)"

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: geological era, earned run average, epoch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Like a spoilsport"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOFUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Totally foolproof"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a wooden warship of the 19th century that is plated with iron or steel armor
• Similar words include: brassbound
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRONCLAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Many key changes take place in it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARSHARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Herd at Yellowstone"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Similar words include: moose, Alces alces, Cervus elaphus canadensis
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. It's a surprise, of course!"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPQUIZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Chinese symbol of prosperity"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
• Similar words include: Ashcan School, eighter from Decatur, eight-spot
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Group of companions"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a temporary police force
• Similar words include: posse comitatus
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. See 9-Down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
• Similar words include: ended, all over, complete
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Followed surreptitiously"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to lag or linger behind
• Similar words include: chase after, tail, tag
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Beginner's set"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STARTERKIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Rack up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
• Similar words include: obtain, find, receive
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INCUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Ruined"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
• Similar words include: loosen, undo, unmake
• Opposite of: wrap, make

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNDID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Blend into one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers; jokers and deuces are wild; the object is to form groups of the same rank
• Similar words include: flux, fuse, mix
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MELD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Free spirits?"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that expel through adjuration or prayers
• Similar words include: exorcize
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXORCISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g."

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOXICGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Big times"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: date of reference, era, epoch
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPOCHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPTAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. Defunct image editor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPHOTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Chile con carne cuisine"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEXMEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Hornet genus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that type genus of the vespidae: various hornets and yellow jackets
• Similar words include: genus Vespa
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VESPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Take a constitutional"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
• Similar words include: promenade, stroll, saunter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Cunning"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: sly, dodgy, guileful
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FOXY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Go to the moon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of rising upward into the air
• Similar words include: sailplane, zoom, soar upwards
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "58. Play together, in a way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that preserve of crushed fruit
• Similar words include: muddle, mess, ram
• Opposite of: free

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "59. Phase for dreamers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
• Similar words include: paradoxical sleep, REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "60. "___ me!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
• Similar words include: test, render, sample
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRY

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

36 Across Clues

36 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.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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: February 21, 2026 at 04:50 AM