USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

Welcome to your daily USA Today crossword blog on XWord Hint! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, we provide fresh analysis, clues, and tips to enhance your solving experience without spoiling the fun. For past puzzles, check our June 29 archive or explore our full crossword hints homepage.

USA Today Crossword Answers & Expert Insights – July 29, 2025

Today’s Puzzle Overview

The July 29, 2025, USA Today crossword offers a balanced mix of pop culture references, wordplay, and everyday knowledge. Edited by a team focused on inclusivity, this puzzle features a light theme around summer activities, making it accessible yet engaging. Difficulty level: Moderate—great for mid-week solving. For similar themes, see our June 30 puzzle breakdown.

Complete Clue List

Short Clues (3-5 Letters)

• Wound cover: [Hint: Forms over a cut]
• Male deer: [Hint: Buck in the woods]
• Australian bird: [Hint: Flightless runner]
• Arm bone: [Hint: Next to the radius]
• Foreboding sign: [Hint: Bad omen]

Medium Clues (6-8 Letters)

• Christmas pageant headwear: [Hint: Angel's accessory]
• Oxen harness: [Hint: Farm yoke]
• Poems of praise: [Hint: Laudatory verses]
• South Dakota's capital: [Hint: Pierre]
• Country where Tigris and Euphrates meet: [Hint: Middle Eastern nation]

Longer Clues (9+ Letters)

• 1920s dance craze: [Hint: Charleston origin]
• The "MO" of FOMO: [Hint: Missing out]
• Grammy-winning metal band: [Hint: System of a Down]
• Retail rep's quota: [Hint: Sales target]
• Unauthorized rock recordings: [Hint: Bootleg albums]

For cryptic-style clues like those in today's puzzle, visit our NYT hints page for advanced solving techniques.

Popular Clues Explained

"The MO of FOMO" - This refers to the core fear in "Fear of Missing Out." Think social anxiety acronyms.

"Give up, informally" - Draws from a fishing idiom meaning to quit or decide.

"Grammy-winning metal band" - A band known for unique sounds and multiple appearances in puzzle themes.

For more explanations, browse our LA Times clue analysis.

Solving Tips for USA Today Crosswords

• Start with Short Words: Fill 3-4 letter entries to reveal crossing letters.
• Spot Patterns: Look for common fills like state capitals or abbreviations.
• Use Crossings: Stuck? Solve intersecting clues first.
• Theme Awareness: USA Today often has fun, inclusive themes—identify them early.

Need more strategies? Check our general crossword tips section.

Where to Play USA Today Crosswords

• Official Site: puzzles.usatoday.com for daily access.
• App: Download for on-the-go solving.
• Archives: Explore past puzzles via our linked archives.

The USA Today crossword stands out for its modern, diverse clues and approachable difficulty. Join the community on XWord Hint for daily updates, and don't forget to explore our full puzzle library for more challenges!

The Wall Street Journal Crossword Hints & Insights – July 29, 2025

The Wall Street Journal Crossword Hints & Insights – July 29, 2025

Welcome to your daily Wall Street Journal crossword blog on XWord Hint! As one of the premier business-oriented puzzles, the WSJ crossword combines clever wordplay with financial and cultural references. We provide hints, analysis, and tips to help you solve without spoilers. For past puzzles, explore our June 29 archive or return to the crossword hints homepage.

The Wall Street Journal Crossword Hints & Insights – July 29, 2025

Today’s Puzzle Overview

The July 29, 2025, Wall Street Journal crossword, edited by Mike Shenk, features a sophisticated theme tying into market trends and business jargon. With a 15x15 grid, it offers moderate difficulty—ideal for professionals looking for a mental break. Notable for its witty clues and elegant construction. For similar business-themed puzzles, check our June 30 breakdown.

Complete Clue List

Short Clues (3-5 Letters)

• Market uptick: [Hint: Bullish signal]
• Stock unit: [Hint: Share]
• CEO's degree: [Hint: Often an MBA]
• Wall St. debut: [Hint: IPO]
• Profit's opposite: [Hint: Loss]

Medium Clues (6-8 Letters)

• Investment vehicle: [Hint: Mutual fund]
• Business merger: [Hint: Acquisition]
• Market crash cause: [Hint: Panic selling]
• Corporate raider: [Hint: Activist investor]
• Economic indicator: [Hint: GDP growth]

Longer Clues (9+ Letters)

• Dow Jones component: [Hint: Blue-chip stock]
• Financial statement: [Hint: Balance sheet]
• Trading floor cry: [Hint: Sell order]
• Portfolio diversification: [Hint: Risk management]
• Bear market strategy: [Hint: Short selling]

For advanced techniques on business-themed clues, visit our NYT hints page.

Popular Clues Explained

"Wall St. regulator" - Refers to the oversight body for securities, often abbreviated.

"Bull or bear" - Market sentiment indicators, key to investor psychology.

"Hedge fund tactic" - Involves betting against assets for protection.

For more in-depth explanations, see our LA Times analysis.

Solving Tips for WSJ Crosswords

• Focus on Themes: WSJ often incorporates business news—scan for financial puns.
• Build from Edges: Start with perimeter clues for quicker fills.
• Know Abbreviations: Familiarize with terms like NYSE, SEC, and ETF.
• Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm tricky entries.

Need general strategies? Explore our crossword tips section.

Where to Play WSJ Crosswords

• Official Site: wsj.com/puzzles for daily access.
• App: Available for iOS and Android with archive features.
• Archives: Dive into past editions via our linked archives.

The Wall Street Journal crossword is renowned for its intelligent clues and business savvy, making it a favorite among executives and puzzle enthusiasts. Stay updated with XWord Hint, and browse our full puzzle library for endless challenges!

NYT Down Clues - September 13, 2025 - All Vertical Solutions

NYT Vertical Clues September 13, 2025 - All 38 Down Solutions with Detailed Hints

Welcome to today's complete NYT Down clues guide for September 13, 2025. We have all 38 vertical clues solved with detailed hints and explanations. Down clues run from top to bottom in the crossword grid.

Quick Navigation

• View All Down Clues
• Complete Down Solutions
• Vertical Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Resources

Today's Crossword Resources

Looking for more crossword help? Check out our complete puzzle archive or visit our crossword solving guide for expert tips.

Down Clues - 38 Total Vertical Clues

Here are all the Down clues for today's NYT crossword puzzle. These clues run vertically from top to bottom in the grid.

Number	Clue
1D	Hollow, of a sort
2D	Actor Kieran of "Succession"
3D	Found darling
4D	South Asian crepes
5D	What are ahead of their times?
6D	Prefix with point
7D	Much of a comet, typically
8D	The solution referred to in Sherlock Holmes's "seven-per-cent solution"
9D	You and me both!
10D	Stops lying, say
11D	Jet-black stone
12D	Much of Jupiter
13D	Vegetable also called a Swedish turnip
14D	DNA compound whose name includes the letters D, N and A
15D	Pink-flowered tree
22D	Basketball Hall-of-Famer Baylor
23D	Who you would be in France?
24D	Watermelon detritus
26D	Fine
27D	Out of it
28D	Octet on a chessboard
29D	Instant ___
30D	Former Australian prime minister Malcolm
31D	Home to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, in brief
32D	"What's the alternative?"
33D	Like about 4% of the citizens of Kansas
34D	Soft, yellow fruit
35D	Salsas, e.g.
36D	"No acting up!"
37D	Like paper napkins
38D	Beer alternative to a 44-Across
40D	Tilt
41D	___ test (home inspection component)
43D	Yours, in Tours
44D	Whose business is just around the block?
46D	Chemistry class unit: Abbr.
47D	"___ Beso"
48D	Unprocessed

Complete Down Solutions with Hints

Below are all the answers for today's Down clues, along with helpful hints to understand each solution better.

1 Down: Hollow, of a sort

Answer: ALCOVE

• Could mean: a small recess opening off a larger room
• Similar to: bay

2 Down: Actor Kieran of "Succession"

Answer: CULKIN

• Think about words related to culkin

3 Down: Found darling

Answer: ADORED

• Could mean: love intensely
• Similar to: adore
• Example: he just adored his wife

4 Down: South Asian crepes

Answer: DOSAS

• Think about words related to dosas

5 Down: What are ahead of their times?

Answer: EVES

• Could mean: (Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
• Similar to: Eve
• Could mean: the day before

6 Down: Prefix with point

Answer: MID

• Could mean: used in combination to denote the middle
• Example: midmorning

Find more clues like this in our crossword collection.

7 Down: Much of a comet, typically

Answer: ICE

• Could mean: water frozen in the solid state
• Similar to: water ice
• Example: Americans like ice in their drinks

8 Down: The solution referred to in Sherlock Holmes's "seven-per-cent solution"

Answer: COCAINE

• Could mean: a narcotic (alkaloid) extracted from coca leaves; used as a surface anesthetic or taken for pleasure; can become powerfully addictive
• Similar to: cocain

9 Down: You and me both!

Answer: PEOPLE

• Could mean: (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
• Example: old people
• Could mean: the body of citizens of a state or country

10 Down: Stops lying, say

Answer: RISES

• Could mean: a growth in strength or number or importance
• Similar to: rise
• Could mean: the act of changing location in an upward direction

11 Down: Jet-black stone

Answer: ONYX

• Could mean: a chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos

12 Down: Much of Jupiter

Answer: GAS

• Could mean: the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Similar to: gaseous state
• Could mean: a fluid in the gaseous state having neither independent shape nor volume and being able to expand indefinitely

13 Down: Vegetable also called a Swedish turnip

Answer: RUTABAGA

• Could mean: the large yellow root of a rutabaga plant used as food
• Similar to: swede
• Similar to: swedish turnip

14 Down: DNA compound whose name includes the letters D, N and A

Answer: ADENINE

• Could mean: (biochemistry) purine base found in DNA and RNA; pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA
• Similar to: A

Find more clues like this in our crossword collection.

15 Down: Pink-flowered tree

Answer: MIMOSA

• Could mean: evergreen Australasian tree having white or silvery bark and young leaves and yellow flowers
• Similar to: silver wattle
• Similar to: Acacia dealbata

22 Down: Basketball Hall-of-Famer Baylor

Answer: ELGIN

• Think about words related to elgin

23 Down: Who you would be in France?

Answer: VOUS

• Think about words related to vous

Find more clues like this in our crossword collection.

24 Down: Watermelon detritus

Answer: RINDS

• Could mean: the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
• Similar to: rind

26 Down: Fine

Answer: AOKAY

• Think about words related to aokay

27 Down: Out of it

Answer: DAZED

• Could mean: to cause someone to lose clear vision, especially from intense light
• Similar to: dazzle
• Similar to: bedazzle

28 Down: Octet on a chessboard

Answer: RANKS

• Could mean: a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
• Similar to: rank
• Example: the entrance was guarded by ranks of policemen

29 Down: Instant ___

Answer: RAMEN

• Think about words related to ramen

30 Down: Former Australian prime minister Malcolm

Answer: TURNBULL

• Think about words related to turnbull

31 Down: Home to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, in brief

Answer: MOMA

• Think about words related to moma

32 Down: "What's the alternative?"

Answer: HOWELSE

• Think about words related to howelse

33 Down: Like about 4% of the citizens of Kansas

Answer: TOPEKAN

• Think about words related to topekan

Find more clues like this in our crossword collection.

34 Down: Soft, yellow fruit

Answer: PAWPAW

• Could mean: tropical American shrub or small tree having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves and large oblong yellow fruit
• Similar to: papaya
• Similar to: papaia

35 Down: Salsas, e.g.

Answer: DANCES

• Could mean: an artistic form of nonverbal communication
• Similar to: dance
• Could mean: a party of people assembled for dancing

36 Down: "No acting up!"

Answer: BEGOOD

• Think about words related to begood

37 Down: Like paper napkins

Answer: ONEUSE

• Think about words related to oneuse

38 Down: Beer alternative to a 44-Across

Answer: PORTER

• Could mean: a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
• Could mean: someone who guards an entrance
• Similar to: doorkeeper

40 Down: Tilt

Answer: JOUST

• Could mean: a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances
• Similar to: tilt
• Could mean: joust against somebody in a tournament by fighting on horseback

41 Down: ___ test (home inspection component)

Answer: RADON

• Could mean: a radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health
• Similar to: Rn
• Similar to: atomic number 86

43 Down: Yours, in Tours

Answer: ATOI

• Think about words related to atoi

44 Down: Whose business is just around the block?

Answer: LEGO

• Could mean: (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
• Similar to: Lego set

46 Down: Chemistry class unit: Abbr.

Answer: MOL

• Could mean: the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams; the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
• Similar to: gram molecule
• Similar to: mole

Find more clues like this in our crossword collection.

47 Down: "___ Beso"

Answer: ESO

• Think about words related to eso

48 Down: Unprocessed

Answer: RAW

• Could mean: informal terms for nakedness
• Similar to: altogether
• Similar to: birthday suit

Tips for Solving Down Clues

1. Start with shorter words: 3-letter and 4-letter Down clues are often easier to solve first
2. Use crossing letters: Down clues intersect with Across clues, giving you helpful letters
3. Look for patterns: Common endings like -ING, -ED, or -ER can help with vertical words
4. Consider word breaks: Vertical phrases might break naturally at certain points
5. Check theme connections: Down clues often relate to the puzzle's overall theme

Master Your Crossword Skills

Improve your solving speed with our advanced solving techniques. For beginners, start with our crossword basics guide.

Today's Down Clues Statistics

• Total Down clues: 38
• Puzzle date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
• Difficulty: Standard NYT level
• Grid orientation: Vertical (top to bottom)

Related Puzzle Resources

Continue improving your crossword skills with these resources:

• Previous puzzle solutions
• Crossword terminology guide

About Today's Down Clues

Today's NYT Down Clues - All 38 Vertical Solutions

This complete guide to NYT Down clues for September 13, 2025 includes all 38 vertical answers. Down clues are an essential part of the crossword grid, running from top to bottom and intersecting with Across clues to create the complete puzzle solution.

Remember, solving Down clues becomes easier when you work them together with Across clues, as the intersecting letters provide valuable hints for both directions.

Explore more puzzles in our complete archive or check tomorrow's puzzle preview.

The Washington Post Crossword Tips – July 29, 2025

The Washington Post Crossword Tips – July 29, 2025

Dive into today’s Washington Post Crossword with XWord Hint! This iconic daily puzzle stands out for its insightful clues spanning politics, world history, culture, and current events. Whether you’re a puzzle newcomer or a long-time solver, our comprehensive guide will help you get the most out of today's grid while boosting your crossword confidence.

The Washington Post Crossword Tips – July 29, 2025

Why Choose The Washington Post Crossword?

The Washington Post crossword offers a unique blend of newsworthy themes and classic American crossword fun. Here’s what makes it essential for crossword enthusiasts:

• Edited by Experts: Overseen by Evan Birnholz for Sunday editions and a roster of top constructors during the week.
• Current and Topical Themes: Expect clues inspired by breaking news, political history, literature, pop culture, and world events.
• Inclusive and Diverse: Contains clues for all ages and backgrounds, from US presidents to sports to trending tech.
• Solving Community: Share feedback, discuss tricky clues, and connect with fellow solvers for an engaging daily ritual.

Today’s Puzzle Overview – July 29, 2025

Today's Post crossword features a timely theme mixing notable headlines and evergreen trivia. The grid is sized for accessibility, offering an enjoyable mid-week challenge. Watch for clever clueing—answers may connect to recent political headlines or public figures. For a breakdown of recurring themes or patterns, visit our Washington Post tips page.

Sample Clue Walkthrough

• Short entries: Look for abbreviations (e.g., government agencies like NASA or CDC), short global capitals (e.g., OSLO, LIMA), or crossword regulars (e.g., OREO, ERIE).
• Name clues: These often reference American presidents, key historical figures, or viral newsmakers (think “First Lady after Michelle,” or “Famed civil rights leader King”).
• Topical phrases: Watch for clever wordplay on this week’s trending topics—these clues require a bit of cultural awareness or recent news reading!

For the full clue list and daily walk-through, see the today’s Washington Post Crossword blog post.

Solving Strategies for The Washington Post Crossword

• Start with the “gimmes”: Look for clues you know cold—these anchors let you build out from the grid’s corners.
• Use the theme: If you spot a pattern in a few longer answers, seek out related entries across the puzzle. Themed answers often have similar wordplay or puns.
• Think current events: If a clue seems elusive, consider what’s been in the news; the Post puzzle loves topicality!
• Cross-check with Downs: When stuck on an Across clue, shift your focus to intersecting Downs—you’ll often get the letter or context you’re missing.
• Don’t hesitate to skip and return: If a clue stumps you, move on and circle back later; sometimes the answer reveals itself with more crossings in place.

Expand your solving toolbox with our detailed Post tips and stay up to date with puzzle news in our Washington Post archive.

Washington Post Crossword Culture & Community

The Washington Post’s crossword blog is the ideal spot for puzzle enthusiasts to debate tricky clues, celebrate “aha!” moments, and suggest new wordplay ideas. Engage in the comments, share your personal solving streak, or ask for gentle nudges without full spoilers.

• Newsletter Sign-Up: Never miss a puzzle or tip—subscribe for alerts and updates on new features.
• Feedback: Vote or comment on clues that you found especially fun, educational, or devious.

How to Access More Washington Post Crosswords

• Play Online: The Washington Post hosts a daily interactive puzzle at washingtonpost.com/crossword, accessible free with registration.
• In Print: Grab the Post newspaper for the classic solving experience on paper.
• Get Hints Daily: Visit XWord Hint’s daily blog for analysis, nudges, and solutions commentary.

SEO Summary & Keywords for Today’s Post

• Washington Post crossword hints July 29 2025
• Washington Post crossword tips and guide
• how to solve Washington Post crossword
• latest Washington Post crossword blog
• solutions, walkthrough, and current events clues

Join the Conversation

What clue tripped you up today? Did a news reference stump or amuse you? Join the discussion in the comments, or share your favorite fill on social media with #WPCrossword and tag XWord Hint.

Looking for more? See the home archive for all major crosswords including USA Today, NYT, Newsday, and international grids.

Crack the Code: Mastering Wordplay with NYT Crossword Clue Answers

Introduction

Crossword puzzles have long been a beloved pastime, challenging our minds and expanding our vocabularies. At the forefront of this puzzle-solving phenomenon is the iconic New York Times crossword. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of decoding crossword clues, unraveling the mysteries of wordplay, and exploring the answers to a recent NYT crossword puzzle.

Section 1: Decoding Crossword Clues

Unraveling the Mysteries of Crossword Clues

Crossword puzzles are a playground for wordplay enthusiasts, where puns, homophones, and double meanings reign supreme. Understanding these common techniques is the key to unlocking the hidden meanings behind the clues.

Recognizing Abbreviations and Acronyms

Crossword constructors love to sprinkle in abbreviations and acronyms. Knowing that "U.S.A." stands for "United States of America" or that "LBS" represents "pounds" can be the difference between a successful solve and a frustrating dead-end.

Leveraging Context Clues

One of the most valuable skills in crossword solving is the ability to analyze the surrounding clues and grid to inform your answers. This contextual information can be the key to unlocking the solution.

Section 2: Crossword Clue Answers from the NYT

Exploring the February 8, 2025 NYT Crossword

Let's put our newfound knowledge to the test by diving into the February 8, 2025 edition of the New York Times crossword puzzle.

Across Clues

1. Across: "Feline friend" - PAL

5. Across: "Abbreviation for a U.S. state" - ALA

11. Across: "Homophone for a type of bear" - URSINE

Down Clues

2. Down: "Acronym for a popular messaging app" - SMS

7. Down: "Double meaning: a type of tree or a type of music" - PALM

Section 3: Becoming a Crossword Connoisseur

Honing Your Crossword Skills

Practice Makes Perfect

The more crossword puzzles you solve, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns, deciphering clues, and expanding your vocabulary.

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Crosswords are an excellent way to build your word knowledge. As you encounter new terms, make a note of them and look up their definitions.

FAQ

1. What are the most common types of wordplay used in crossword clues?
The most common types of wordplay in crossword clues include puns, homophones, and double meanings.

2. How can I improve my ability to recognize abbreviations and acronyms in crossword puzzles?
Practice regularly and familiarize yourself with common abbreviations and acronyms used in crosswords.

3. What are some effective techniques for using context clues to solve crossword puzzles?
Analyze the other answers in the puzzle, consider the theme or topic, and look for connections between the clues.

4. Where can I find more NYT crossword puzzles to practice with?
The New York Times offers a wide variety of crossword puzzles, both online and in print.

5. How can I expand my vocabulary to become a better crossword solver?
Read extensively, keep a vocabulary journal, and use online resources to learn new words.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of crossword puzzles is a journey of discovery. By understanding the techniques used in crossword construction and applying the strategies we've discussed, you'll be well on your way to becoming a crossword connoisseur. So, grab a pencil, sharpen your mind, and get ready to crack the code of the NYT crossword!

Chicago Tribune Crossword Guide & Advanced Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

Chicago Tribune Crossword Guide & Advanced Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

Welcome to today’s Chicago Tribune Crossword blog from XWord Hint! Our detailed post offers insights, strategies, and community wisdom to help you make the most of your daily puzzle. Whether you’re new to crosswords or a longtime fan, we’re here to ensure you enjoy and improve—without giving away spoilers or direct answers. Bookmark us for daily, SEO-optimized crossword content you can trust.

Chicago Tribune Crossword Guide & Advanced Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

About the Chicago Tribune Crossword

The Chicago Tribune crossword is celebrated for its smooth, accessible grids, clever Midwestern and American cultural references, and user-friendly editorial style. Edited for both newcomers and experienced solvers, its mix of entertaining clues and regional flavor makes it a must-play daily puzzle.

• Grid Style: Standard 15x15 with symmetrical and lively themes, often referencing Chicago history, sports, and culture.
• Themes: Monday-to-Friday puzzles tend toward direct clues, while weekends offer tougher challenges and unique themes.
• Wide Appeal: Perfect for casual solvers and those seeking daily mental stimulation.

Today’s Chicago Tribune Puzzle – July 29, 2025

July 29’s crossword offers a nod to Chicago’s vibrant identity, with clues referencing city landmarks, notable residents, and classic Windy City cuisine. The grid is well-constructed, with balanced difficulty—if you’re a fan of local trivia or U.S. pop culture, today’s puzzle will be especially rewarding.

Featured Clues & Theme Analysis

• Cultural landmarks: Watch for clues about the Bean, Wrigley Field, and the Magnificent Mile.
• Iconic Chicago food: Common answers include “deep dish,” “Italian beef,” or “elote.”
• Regional slang: Clues might feature local terms—having some Chicago lingo helps!
• Sports teams: References to the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and White Sox abound.

Solving Tips for the Chicago Tribune Crossword

• Fill in Short Answers First: Classic crossword strategy—these give you crossing letters for theme and longer clues.
• Look for Regional Hints: Know your Chicago neighborhoods, street names, and Midwest geography—it often pays off.
• Search for Repeating Themes: Weekend puzzles sometimes sneak in mini-themes or word ladder clues.
• Use Crosswordese to Your Advantage: Some three-letter answers (ALE, ORE, ERA) appear regularly—keep a mental list!
• Be Flexible: If you’re stuck, move to another section. Fresh eyes can reveal answers in a new light.

Puzzle Breakdown & Sample Clues

• Short entries: Three- and four-letter clues usually cover abbreviations or classic trivia (“Abbr. on Windy City taxis,” or “Chicago’s L train system”).
• Medium entries: Local eateries, city architecture, or festivals (“Annual summer Chicago music event” or “Butter-crust pizza style”).
• Long entries: Themed answers, often referencing popular landmarks, city events, or wordplay around city nicknames.

Want in-depth clue analysis? Visit our Chicago Tribune daily post or review previous puzzles in the archive.

History of the Chicago Tribune Crossword

The Chicago Tribune crossword has evolved over decades, shifting from old-school, news-focused grids to today’s lively and inclusive puzzles. Its legacy as a Midwest favorite persists thanks to clever editors and a strong focus on U.S. cultural touchstones, sports, food, and civic pride.

Community, Navigation, and Engagement

• Today’s puzzle analysis
• Explore the full Tribune crossword archive
• XWord Hint homepage: Get solving tips for other major puzzles

Advanced Strategies and Expert Advice

• Focus on grid symmetry—puzzles are often built with mirrored theme answers.
• Review Chicago’s history: World’s Fairs, jazz, famous politicians, and neighborhoods—these topics regularly feature in clues.
• Don’t be shy—comment or share your clues in the blog community to get feedback or celebrate a solving streak.

SEO Keywords for This Post

• Chicago Tribune crossword solutions July 29 2025
• Chicago crossword tips and analysis
• how to solve Chicago Tribune crossword
• Windy City crossword hints
• daily Chicago Tribune crossword blog

Share Your Experience & Stay Connected

What did you think of today’s grid? Did a Chicago baseball clue put you over the top, or did a landmark entry leave you stumped? Join the discussion in the comments, share your approach, and subscribe for our daily newsletter. For more crosswords—including Newsday, Washington Post, Universal, and international puzzles—browse XWord Hint and stay tuned for tomorrow’s insights!

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 05, 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 (63 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (75 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. They need fans to stay cool	5
2A	6. Philippine marinades	6
3A	12. Second first lady, after Martha	7
4A	19. Cheap cigar	6
5A	20. Philippine capital	6
6A	21. Contrition	7
7A	22. Prime-time time	6
8A	23. We're literally giving away our rental cars!	14
9A	25. Resembling bone	7
10A	27. Overnight option	3
11A	28. Pull some strings?	5
12A	29. Phony social media follower	3
13A	30. It hurts how much we're overcharging for this detergent!	12
14A	34. ___ Constitution	3
15A	37. Winter measure	8
16A	40. "Nostalgia is a seductive ___": George W. Ball	4
17A	41. Spider's pouch	6
18A	43. Inappropriately appropriated	7
19A	45. Crush a test	5
20A	48. Muse depicted with a lyre	5
21A	49. Like raw footage	5
22A	51. Alexander ___, 1980s secretary of state	4
23A	53. Competition with clowns, maybe	5
24A	55. Showbiz "grand slam," familiarly	4
25A	56. Scrooge's shout	3
26A	57. Our planes don't have seats!	13
27A	61. Social worker?	3
28A	62. Undertake, as a journey	7
29A	64. College admissions fig.	3
30A	65. Whence St. Francis	6
31A	67. Quite spirited	6
32A	68. Bulletin board addition	7
33A	71. A chair might cover one	6
34A	74. Place to store magazines	6
35A	76. Broody genre	3
36A	77. First college in the modern era to boast a 15-0 football team	7
37A	78. Bump on the head, say?	3
38A	80. Our tech products fall apart easily!	13
39A	84. However, in texts	3
40A	85. Sportsbook figures	4
41A	87. Grinning Face With Sweat, for one	5
42A	88. Winnow	4
43A	89. Some exits in Exeter	5
44A	91. Japanese healing discipline	5
45A	93. Hägar the Horrible's dog	5
46A	95. Like a wrung-out mop	7
47A	97. Some commotion in a sheepfold	6
48A	99. Rep	4
49A	101. Most ridiculous	8
50A	104. Monopolist's portion	3
51A	105. Our cable channel is devoted to censorship!	12
52A	109. Dripping, say	3
53A	110. White's longtime co-host	5
54A	111. Many a book fair sponsor, for short	3
55A	112. [Look below for more info]	7
56A	115. Go ahead and shoplift one pair of our jeans!	14
57A	121. Bolts (down)	6
58A	122. Home country of the Center for Civil Liberties, jointly awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize	7
59A	123. Monkey's place, maybe	6
60A	124. Article of jewelry worn around the biceps	6
61A	125. Erudite	7
62A	126. Stylishly elegant	6
63A	127. Shoe leather for Elvis	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. They need fans to stay cool"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a material effigy that is worshipped
• Similar words include: graven image, matinee idol, perfection
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Philippine marinades"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dish of marinated vegetables and meat or fish; served with rice
• Similar words include: adobo
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADOBOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Second first lady, after Martha"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABIGAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "19. Cheap cigar"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cheap cigar
• Similar words include: stogy
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOGIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Philippine capital"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. manila hemp
• Similar words include: manilla, manila paper, capital of the Philippines
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MANILA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "21. Contrition"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
• Similar words include: compunction, self-reproach
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REMORSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "22. Prime-time time"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NINEPM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "23. We're literally giving away our rental cars!"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FREEENTERPRISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "25. Resembling bone"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OSTEOID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Overnight option"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Similar words include: lodge, auberge, hostelry
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Pull some strings?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that undo the ties of
• Similar words include: unlace, unbrace, undo
• Opposite of: tie

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Phony social media follower"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that botfly larva; typically develops inside the body of a horse or sheep or human
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. It hurts how much we're overcharging for this detergent!"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOPAINNOGAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "34. ___ Constitution"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Similar words include: US, United States of America, United States
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "37. Winter measure"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
• Similar words include: snow
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNOWFALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "40. "Nostalgia is a seductive ___": George W. Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
• Similar words include: prevaricator
• Opposite of: square shooter

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "41. Spider's pouch"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGGSAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "43. Inappropriately appropriated"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
• Similar words include: assume, usurp, arrogate
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USURPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "45. Crush a test"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACEIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "48. Muse depicted with a lyre"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) the muse of lyric and love poetry
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "49. Like raw footage"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not trimmed
• Similar words include: rough, untrimmed, full-length
• Opposite of: cut, mown

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNCUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "51. Alexander ___, 1980s secretary of state"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "53. Competition with clowns, maybe"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "55. Showbiz "grand slam," familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Scrooge's shout"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. Our planes don't have seats!"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNITEDWESTAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "61. Social worker?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
• Similar words include: emmet, pismire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "62. Undertake, as a journey"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the alimentary canal (especially of an embryo or a coelenterate)
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENTERON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "64. College admissions fig."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
• Similar words include: grade point average
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Whence St. Francis"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASSISI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. Quite spirited"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAHRAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "68. Bulletin board addition"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
• Similar words include: card, post, mail
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSTING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "71. A chair might cover one"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to
• Similar words include: schedule, order of business, agendum
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGENDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "74. Place to store magazines"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a collection of resources
• Similar words include: arsenal, inventory, armoury
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARMORY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "76. Broody genre"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "77. First college in the modern era to boast a 15-0 football team"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLEMSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "78. Bump on the head, say?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
• Similar words include: hickey, pimple
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "80. Our tech products fall apart easily!"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APPLECRUMBLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "84. However, in texts"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "85. Sportsbook figures"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
• Similar words include: betting odds
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "87. Grinning Face With Sweat, for one"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMOJI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "88. Winnow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that decrease gradually or bit by bit
• Similar words include: skin, peel, trim
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "89. Some exits in Exeter"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TATAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "91. Japanese healing discipline"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REIKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "93. Hägar the Horrible's dog"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "95. Like a wrung-out mop"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that slightly wet
• Similar words include: moist, damp
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAMPISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "97. Some commotion in a sheepfold"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cry plaintively
• Similar words include: blate, bleat, blat
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAAING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "99. Rep"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that credibility among young fashionable urban individuals
• Similar words include: street credibility, street cred
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "101. Most ridiculous"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that ludicrous, foolish
• Similar words include: whacky, silly, sappy
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOOFIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "104. Monopolist's portion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
• Similar words include: wholly, whole, totally
• Opposite of: some, partly

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "105. Our cable channel is devoted to censorship!"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIFETIMEBANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "109. Dripping, say"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wetness caused by water
• Similar words include: crocked, soaked, squiffy
• Opposite of: dry

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53A: "110. White's longtime co-host"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAJAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54A: "111. Many a book fair sponsor, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55A: "112. [Look below for more info]"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEENOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56A: "115. Go ahead and shoplift one pair of our jeans!"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JUSTTAKEAGUESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57A: "121. Bolts (down)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
• Similar words include: scarf, scarf joint
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCARFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58A: "122. Home country of the Center for Civil Liberties, jointly awarded the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in southeastern europe; formerly a european soviet; the center of the original russian state which came into existence in the ninth century
• Similar words include: Ukrayina
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UKRAINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59A: "123. Monkey's place, maybe"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
• Similar words include: cask, drum, barrelful
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BARREL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60A: "124. Article of jewelry worn around the biceps"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a band worn around the arm for decoration
• Similar words include: arm band
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARMLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61A: "125. Erudite"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that gain knowledge or skills
• Similar words include: instruct, check, erudite
• Opposite of: unconditioned

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEARNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62A: "126. Stylishly elegant"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - julia child
• Similar words include: swish, posh
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLASSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63A: "127. Shoe leather for Elvis"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that leather with a napped surface
• Similar words include: suede leather, suede cloth
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "This. Means. War!"	6
2D	2. Our soap is deadly!	17
3D	3. Serpentine shape in architecture	4
4D	4. Certain cosmetic surgery, familiarly	4
5D	5. High class?	7
6D	6. Big letters in bowling	3
7D	7. "Beavis and Butt-Head" spinoff	5
8D	8. Common soccer score	6
9D	9. Two-year periods	7
10D	10. Common soccer cheer	3
11D	11. With 44-Down, home of the U.S.'s most-visited municipal zoo	3
12D	12. ___ rock (music genre)	5
13D	13. Nickname for Britain's King Edward VII	6
14D	14. Encroach (on)	7
15D	15. Horror movie staple	4
16D	16. Grande's perfume line	3
17D	17. Major research lab for astronauts, for short	3
18D	18. Actress Jamie ___ Curtis	3
19D	19. Highfalutin sorts	5
20D	24. Yank	3
21D	26. Creature with a signature whistle it can use to identify itself	7
22D	31. Accordion fold	5
23D	32. Iridescent shell material	5
24D	33. Dirt pie ingredients	5
25D	34. Our magazine hates everything and everyone!	17
26D	35. Squelched	5
27D	36. Michael ___, Steve Carell's role on "The Office"	5
28D	38. Sch. endearingly called "Wazzu"	3
29D	39. Animated TV series set in the 31st century	8
30D	42. LSAT alternative, for some law schools	3
31D	44. See 11-Down	5
32D	46. Lab label	5
33D	47. Afternoon socials	4
34D	49. It'll take you for a ride	4
35D	50. Mama's mama	4
36D	52. Natl. economic yardsticks	4
37D	54. Discounted	6
38D	58. Zero chance	6
39D	59. Something well-taken?	5
40D	60. Chartreuse or brandy, e.g.	8
41D	63. Mess up	3
42D	66. Part of a sch. year	3
43D	68. Orange cone, say	5
44D	69. "No cause for alarm!"?	4
45D	70. Land rover	5
46D	72. Home of Qatar Airways	4
47D	73. A long time, in Spain	4
48D	75. Tach stats	4
49D	77. Sax player Clarence	7
50D	78. "The Greek" in a 1964 film	5
51D	79. Optimal	5
52D	81. Emergency option for a fighter pilot	5
53D	82. High, wispy clouds	5
54D	83. Alice of TV's "Queen of the South"	5
55D	86. Manage moguls, say	3
56D	90. "___ expected"	3
57D	92. Like many legal phrases	7
58D	94. Fried Japanese fare	7
59D	96. Impersonates	7
60D	98. 1997 Demi Moore military drama	6
61D	100. Hampers	6
62D	102. Fixed rate	6
63D	103. Statistics tool used to find significant differences	5
64D	106. Not real	5
65D	107. ___ out an existence	3
66D	108. They might be loaded or stolen	5
67D	110. Headliner	4
68D	113. Neutral tone	4
69D	114. April or May, e.g.	4
70D	115. Q3 starter: Abbr.	3
71D	116. Luau instrument, in brief	3
72D	117. Mme., across the Pyrenees	3
73D	118. "The Bachelor" network	3
74D	119. Actress Gadot	3
75D	120. Foxy	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. "This. Means. War!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITISON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Our soap is deadly!"

17 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DONTTOUCHTHATDIAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Serpentine shape in architecture"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a molding that (in section) has the shape of an s with the convex part above and the concave part below
• Similar words include: cyma reversa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Certain cosmetic surgery, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. High class?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any meeting for an exchange of ideas
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEMINAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Big letters in bowling"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Beavis and Butt-Head" spinoff"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Common soccer score"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONENIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Two-year periods"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIENNIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Common soccer cheer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. With 44-Down, home of the U.S.'s most-visited municipal zoo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. ___ rock (music genre)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
• Similar words include: stadium, bowl, sports stadium
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Nickname for Britain's King Edward VII"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BERTIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Encroach (on)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that impinge or infringe upon
• Similar words include: encroach, infringe, entrench
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMPINGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Horror movie staple"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that vice president of the united states under bill clinton (born in 1948)
• Similar words include: Albert Gore Jr., bloodshed, panel
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Grande's perfume line"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "17. Major research lab for astronauts, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "18. Actress Jamie ___ Curtis"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
• Similar words include: Robert Edward Lee, Tsung Dao Lee, Bruce Lee
• Opposite of: windward

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "19. Highfalutin sorts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
• Similar words include: snob, snot, snoot
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNOBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "24. Yank"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sudden abrupt pull
• Similar words include: jerk, tower, lug
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "26. Creature with a signature whistle it can use to identify itself"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large slender food and game fish widely distributed in warm seas (especially around hawaii)
• Similar words include: mahimahi, dolphinfish
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOLPHIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Accordion fold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
• Similar words include: ruffle, plicate, plait
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Iridescent shell material"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
• Similar words include: mother-of-pearl
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Dirt pie ingredients"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
• Similar words include: oreo, oreo cookie
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OREOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Our magazine hates everything and everyone!"

17 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USAGAINSTTHEWORLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "35. Squelched"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SATON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "36. Michael ___, Steve Carell's role on "The Office""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that award-winning united states film actor (1928-1999)
• Similar words include: Dred Scott, Robert Falcon Scott, Walter Scott
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCOTT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "38. Sch. endearingly called "Wazzu""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WSU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "39. Animated TV series set in the 31st century"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FUTURAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "42. LSAT alternative, for some law schools"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. See 11-Down"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIEGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Lab label"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDTAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Afternoon socials"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Similar words include: afternoon tea, teatime, tea
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. It'll take you for a ride"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UBER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Mama's mama"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Natl. economic yardsticks"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the measure of an economy adopted by the united states in 1991; the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within a nation's borders during a given period (usually 1 year)
• Similar words include: gross domestic product, GDP
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GDPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Discounted"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONSALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Zero chance"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOHOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Something well-taken?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
• Similar words include: piss, urine, water supply
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Chartreuse or brandy, e.g."

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIGESTIF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. Mess up"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Similar words include: mistake, slip, drift
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Part of a sch. year"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "68. Orange cone, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
• Similar words include: power pylon
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PYLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "69. "No cause for alarm!"?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "70. Land rover"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a people who have no permanent home but move about according to the seasons
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOMAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "72. Home of Qatar Airways"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the capital and chief port of qatar
• Similar words include: El Beda, capital of Qatar, Bida
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "73. A long time, in Spain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the plo in 1974; has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
• Similar words include: Arab Revolutionary Brigades, ANO, Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "75. Tach stats"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Similar words include: rev, rpm, revolutions per minute
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RPMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "77. Sax player Clarence"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLEMONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "78. "The Greek" in a 1964 film"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZORBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "79. Optimal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain
• Similar words include: saint, idealistic, apotheosis
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "81. Emergency option for a fighter pilot"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that put out or expel from a place
• Similar words include: force out, chuck out, discharge
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EJECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "82. High, wispy clouds"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that usually coiled
• Similar words include: cirrus, cirrhus, cirrus cloud
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIRRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

54D: "83. Alice of TV's "Queen of the South""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an ancient city in northern portugal
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRAGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

55D: "86. Manage moguls, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

56D: "90. "___ expected""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

57D: "92. Like many legal phrases"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INLATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

58D: "94. Fried Japanese fare"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that vegetables and seafood dipped in batter and deep-fried
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEMPURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

59D: "96. Impersonates"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSESAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

60D: "98. 1997 Demi Moore military drama"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIJANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

61D: "100. Hampers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that try to prevent; show opposition to
• Similar words include: deter, dissuade, discourage
• Opposite of: persuade

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DETERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

62D: "102. Fixed rate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SETFEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

63D: "103. Statistics tool used to find significant differences"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "106. Not real"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make a copy of with the intent to deceive
• Similar words include: fake, bull, manipulate
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FAKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

65D: "107. ___ out an existence"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

66D: "108. They might be loaded or stolen"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that installation from which a military force initiates operations
• Similar words include: foundation, Base, groundwork
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

67D: "110. Headliner"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Similar words include: wiz, asterisk, mavin
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

68D: "113. Neutral tone"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a very light brown
• Similar words include: beige
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

69D: "114. April or May, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
• Similar words include: distinguish, advert, call
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

70D: "115. Q3 starter: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

71D: "116. Luau instrument, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small guitar having four strings
• Similar words include: ukulele
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

72D: "117. Mme., across the Pyrenees"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

73D: "118. "The Bachelor" network"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
• Similar words include: ABC's, first rudiment, rudiment
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

74D: "119. Actress Gadot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
• Similar words include: gallon
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

75D: "120. Foxy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: guileful, tricksy, crafty
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLY

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

63 Across Clues

75 Down Clues

138 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: April 05, 2026 at 05:24 AM