Universal Crossword Guide & Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

Universal Crossword Guide & Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

Welcome to today’s Universal Crossword breakdown from XWord Hint! Whether you’re a casual solver or a puzzle perfectionist, this daily Universal post gives you a thorough puzzle overview, expert strategies, and community highlights—without giving away any direct answers or solutions. Bookmark us for regular, SEO-friendly crossword support with a human touch.

Universal Crossword Guide & Solving Tips – July 29, 2025

About the Universal Crossword

Universal Crossword is famous for approachable themes, a diverse range of clues, and grids that suit beginners and seasoned solvers alike. Created by a rotating group of talented constructors, Universal’s puzzles are syndicated worldwide and are always accessible, fun, and educational.

• Theme Variety: Expect lighthearted topics, clever puns, and on-trend pop culture references.
• Standard Grid Size: Typically 15x15 with balanced difficulty and symmetrical design.
• Frequent Minis: Quick “mini” versions offer fast practice or a gentle warm-up.

Today’s Universal Puzzle: July 29, 2025

July 29’s puzzle brings a joyful, summer-inspired theme, with clues touching on music, food, and outdoor fun. The constructor weaves well-known cultural tidbits with fresh vocabulary, perfect for improving your solving skills and general knowledge.

Puzzle Highlights & Theme Analysis

Today’s Universal grid is welcoming, with themed entries forming the backbone of the puzzle. Interconnecting corners support smooth solving, while a handful of clues require a little extra pop culture savvy. As always, look out for wordplay-based clues—these are Universal’s signature.

• Common entries include personalities, foods, and trending shows.
• Theme answers are clearly marked and can often be solved with a few crossings.
• Mini themes or repeated clue ideas help less experienced solvers build confidence.

Sample Clues & Hints

• Short entries: 3- to 4-letter clues often rely on common abbreviations, world capitals, or classic crossword fill (e.g., “Three-letter musical instrument,” or “Short for ‘refrigerator’”).
• Medium entries: Expect food-related clues, TV shows, or pop icons that require recent cultural knowledge.
• Long entries: Themed answers—often puns or playful wordplay—are best approached after filling a few crossings for a letter boost.

Want more clue analysis? Try the Universal tips page, or check the archive for recent puzzles and approaches.

Solving Strategies & Community Insight

• Fill short answers first: They unlock valuable crossings for trickier, themed entries.
• Look for patterns: Universal crosswords love letter sequences and rhymes—beware of clues ending in “?” for wordplay.
• Learn constructor favorites: Over time, you’ll see certain clues or answers repeated. Recognizing these can speed up your solve!
• Engage with the blog: Share your solving experience, ask about tough spots, and connect with other crossword enthusiasts in the comments.

Theme Breakdown & Walkthrough

Every Universal crossword has a special flavor. Today’s grid might feature a hidden word theme, or perhaps a “punny” clue you won’t see elsewhere. Unsure where to start? Focus on the longest entries, then check for a hint in the puzzle’s title or accompanying notes.

Crossword Culture & Feedback

The Universal crossword community is active and welcoming. Many solvers prefer Universal for its user-friendly mix of difficulty tiers, daily variety, and friendly editorial style. We encourage you to join the conversation—suggest feedback on themes, offer your favorite clue interpretations, or request extra hints if you’re stumped.

Why Universal Crossword Is a Solver Favorite

• Fresh puzzles daily: Updated with new themes and constructors for endless variety.
• Balance of challenge and fun: Accessible to all, never boring.
• Pop culture flair: Learn fun facts and test your contemporary knowledge.
• Interactive support: Daily tips and community engagement on XWord Hint.

SEO & Discovery

• Keywords: Universal crossword hints July 29 2025, Universal puzzle solutions and walkthrough, how to solve Universal crossword, Universal crossword tips for beginners, Universal daily crossword guide
• Appears in Google News for timely puzzle searches
• Optimized metadata and easy-to-read format for all screens

Navigation & Internal Links

• XWord Hint homepage for more newspapers

Reader Engagement

What did you think of today’s Universal theme? Did a clue require outside-the-box thinking, or was it a classic fact you finally learned? Drop a comment below or share on social media with #UniversalCrossword and tag XWord Hint to join our fast-growing puzzle tribe!

Looking for even more crossword fun? Discover guides for Newsday, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and all major international puzzles in our navigation bar.

June 12, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (44 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 79 (35 Across, 44 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

June 12, 2024 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Pop corn?	7
2A	8. Home planet of a classic TV alien	3
3A	11. ___ Ren of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi"	4
4A	15. Brainstormer's graphic	7
5A	16. Stooge with the catchphrase "Oh, a wise guy, eh?"	3
6A	17. Lighting tubeful	4
7A	18. Cranky	7
8A	19. Balderdash	8
9A	21. Pop quizzes?	14
10A	23. "Yesterday, I ___ a clock. It was very time-consuming!" (example of a 1-Across)	3
11A	25. Set upon en masse	3
12A	26. Edge of a path	7
13A	27. Planning to, informally	5
14A	30. The U.S. is its southernmost member	4
15A	32. Appreciated, as a joke	3
16A	33. Nonfiction films with an editorial viewpoint, in a New York Times series	6
17A	35. Attending to pressing matters?	7
18A	39. Pop song?	10
19A	42. Minor bump against another car	7
20A	44. Long Islander of literature	6
21A	48. Old French coin	3
22A	49. Small scratch	4
23A	52. "___ et Blanche" (Man Ray's study in contrast)	5
24A	53. Misbehaves	7
25A	57. LX ÷ XX	3
26A	59. There and back, perhaps	3
27A	60. Pop wisdom?	14
28A	64. How contest winners might be chosen	8
29A	65. Opening	7
30A	68. More than theoretical	4
31A	69. "I won't list them all": Abbr.	3
32A	70. Obstacle to change	7
33A	71. Poem about pastoral life	4
34A	72. Major employer in Maryland whose employee count is classified, for short	3
35A	73. Pop art?	7

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. Pop corn?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: DADJOKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Home planet of a classic TV alien"

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: ORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. ___ Ren of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: KYLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Brainstormer's graphic"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: IDEAMAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Stooge with the catchphrase "Oh, a wise guy, eh?""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: MOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Lighting tubeful"

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 colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 10, Ne
• 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: NEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Cranky"

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 easily irritated or annoyed
• Words that mean the same thing: irritable, pettish, techy
• 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: PEEVISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Balderdash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a message that seems to convey no meaning
• Words that mean the same thing: falderol, hokum, bunk
• 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: NONSENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Pop quizzes?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: PATERNITYTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. "Yesterday, I ___ a clock. It was very time-consuming!" (example of a 1-Across)"

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: eat on, wipe out, eat 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: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Set upon en masse"

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 disorderly crowd of people
• Words that mean the same thing: pack, ring, rout
• 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: MOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Edge of a path"

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 edge of a way or road or path
• Words that mean the same thing: roadside
• 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: WAYSIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Planning to, informally"

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: GONNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. The U.S. is its southernmost member"

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 an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
• Words that mean the same thing: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
• 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: NATO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Appreciated, as a joke"

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 come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
• Words that mean the same thing: catch, arrest, draw
• The opposite would be: take away, end
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Nonfiction films with an editorial viewpoint, in a New York Times series"

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

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: OPDOCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Attending to pressing matters?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that garments (clothes or linens) that are to be (or have been) ironed
• Words that mean the same thing: press, iron out, iron
• 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: IRONING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Pop song?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert 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: THISOLDMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "42. Minor bump against another car"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: LOVETAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Long Islander of literature"

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

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: GATSBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "48. Old French coin"

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 former french coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
• 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: SOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "49. Small scratch"

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 impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
• Words that mean the same thing: dent, gouge, snick
• 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: NICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "52. "___ et Blanche" (Man Ray's study in contrast)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: NOIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "53. Misbehaves"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: ACTSBAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "57. LX ÷ XX"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Words that mean the same thing: three, trinity, tierce
• 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: III

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "59. There and back, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
• Words that mean the same thing: lap covering, overlap, wash
• 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: LAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "60. Pop wisdom?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: FATHERLYADVICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "64. How contest winners might be chosen"

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: ATRANDOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "65. Opening"

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 being unoccupied
• Words that mean the same thing: emptiness, vacuum, void
• 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: VACANCY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "68. More than theoretical"

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 any rational or irrational number
• Words that mean the same thing: material, genuine, tangible
• The opposite would be: nominal, insubstantial
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "69. "I won't list them all": Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: ETC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "70. Obstacle to change"

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 disposition to remain inactive or inert
• Words that mean the same thing: inactivity, inactiveness
• The opposite would be: activeness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INERTIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "71. Poem about pastoral life"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a musical composition that evokes rural life
• Words that mean the same thing: bucolic, pastoral, eclogue
• 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: IDYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "72. Major employer in Maryland whose employee count is classified, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
• Words that mean the same thing: National Security Agency
• 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: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "73. Pop art?"

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 nihilistic art movement (especially in painting) that flourished in europe early in the 20th century; based on irrationality and negation of the accepted laws of beauty
• Words that mean the same thing: dada
• 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: DADAISM

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - June 12, 2024 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Crudité go-with	3
2D	2. Drink suffix	3
3D	3. One side of a pool	7
4D	4. Island on which the Dutch introduced coffee in the 1600s	4
5D	5. Elide	4
6D	6. Casey of radio countdowns	5
7D	7. "Sleepless in Seattle" director	6
8D	8. All: Prefix	4
9D	9. Demos for democracy, e.g.	8
10D	10. Distance running powerhouse	5
11D	11. They're often held in the fetal position	5
12D	12. Symbol on the Nikkei 225	7
13D	13. Subject of a worried pet owner's posting	7
14D	14. Quick tennis outing	6
15D	20. Pen	3
16D	22. Jazz grp.	3
17D	23. Opposite of hence	3
18D	24. Garnish (with)	3
19D	28. Rule for a screen-free household	4
20D	29. Back issue	4
21D	31. Up to, informally	3
22D	34. Mind a baby, maybe	3
23D	36. [!!!]	3
24D	37. Tandoor-baked bread	4
25D	38. A fan of	4
26D	40. Some improvised ball fields	8
27D	41. Big name in nail polish	3
28D	42. Found	7
29D	43. Spot for a pile of finished work	7
30D	45. One of two in "business suits"	7
31D	46. One might be unfastened to feed a baby	3
32D	47. Informal agreement	3
33D	48. Wild trip?	6
34D	50. Snoopy group, for short	3
35D	51. Children's TV, informally	6
36D	54. Certainly will	5
37D	55. Newspaper editor Bradlee	3
38D	56. Elizabeth with millions of made-up customers	5
39D	58. Divorcée in 1990s New York tabloids	5
40D	61. Place for swimming lessons, in brief	4
41D	62. On the rocks	4
42D	63. Supermodel Delevingne	4
43D	66. Prefix with gender	3
44D	67. Thanksgiving serving	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. Crudité go-with"

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 depression in an otherwise level surface
• Words that mean the same thing: dunk, douse, cutpurse
• 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: DIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Drink suffix"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
• Words that mean the same thing: fruit drink
• 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: ADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. One side of a pool"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: DEEPEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Island on which the Dutch introduced coffee in the 1600s"

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 an island in indonesia to the south of borneo; one of the world's most densely populated regions
• Words that mean the same thing: coffee
• 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: JAVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Elide"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: pretermit, leave off, except
• The opposite would be: include, attend to
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Casey of radio countdowns"

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: KASEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Sleepless in Seattle" director"

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: EPHRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. All: Prefix"

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: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Demos for democracy, e.g."

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: ROOTWORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Distance running powerhouse"

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 a republic in eastern africa; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1963; major archeological discoveries have been made in the great rift valley in kenya
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Kenya
• 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: KENYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. They're often held in the fetal position"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
• Words that mean the same thing: stifle, genu, articulatio genus
• 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: KNEES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Symbol on the Nikkei 225"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: YENSIGN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Subject of a worried pet owner's posting"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: LOSTDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Quick tennis outing"

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: ONESET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Pen"

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 infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Words that mean the same thing: pigsty, stye, hordeolum
• 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: STY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Jazz grp."

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: NBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Opposite of hence"

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 gone by; or in the past
• Words that mean the same thing: agone
• 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: AGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Garnish (with)"

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 upper part of anything
• Words that mean the same thing: teetotum, clear, top of the inning
• The opposite would be: bottom
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Rule for a screen-free household"

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: NOTV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Back issue"

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 dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Words that mean the same thing: suffer, aching, pine
• 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: ACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Up to, informally"

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: TIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Mind a baby, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: pose, sit around, ride
• The opposite would be: stand, arise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. [!!!]"

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: OMG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Tandoor-baked bread"

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 leavened bread baked in a clay oven in india; usually shaped like a teardrop
• Words that mean the same thing: nan
• 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: NAAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. A fan of"

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: INTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Some improvised ball fields"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vacant lot used by city boys to play games
• Words that mean the same thing: sandlot
• 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: SANDLOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Big name in nail polish"

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: OPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Found"

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 discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining
• Words that mean the same thing: set, situated, locate
• 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: LOCATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Spot for a pile of finished work"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: OUTTRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. One of two in "business suits""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: SILENTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. One might be unfastened to feed a baby"

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 undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Words that mean the same thing: brassiere, bandeau
• 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: BRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Informal agreement"

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: YEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Wild trip?"

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 an overland journey by hunters (especially in africa)
• Words that mean the same thing: hunting expedition, campaign
• 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: SAFARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Snoopy group, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
• Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
• 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: CIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. Children's TV, informally"

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: KIDVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Certainly will"

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: SHALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Newspaper editor Bradlee"

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 mountain or tall hill
• 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: BEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Elizabeth with millions of made-up customers"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ARDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Divorcée in 1990s New York tabloids"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: IVANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "61. Place for swimming lessons, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: YMCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. On the rocks"

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 decorate with frosting
• Words that mean the same thing: frost, ice
• 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: ICED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "63. Supermodel Delevingne"

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: CARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "66. Prefix with gender"

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 alliance made up of states that had been soviet socialist republics in the soviet union prior to its dissolution in dec 1991
• Words that mean the same thing: curie, Ci, Commonwealth of Independent States
• 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: CIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 44 Down: "67. Thanksgiving serving"

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 edible tuber of any of several yams
• Words that mean the same thing: yam plant
• 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: YAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	47	59.5%
Short Answer	22	27.8%
Abbreviation	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.5%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	44
Total Clues	79
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 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: August 25, 2025 at 03:16 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers November 03, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 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. Fizzy pop	4
2A	5. Eve's mate	4
3A	9. Film that may have inspired "Sharknado"	4
4A	13. "Jurassic Park" beast, for short	4
5A	14. Yawning, say	5
6A	16. Land on the Tigris and Euphrates	4
7A	17. *PIN, e.g.	10
8A	19. Restaurant handout	4
9A	20. Tennis star Osaka	5
10A	21. Pint-size	5
11A	23. Pioneering computer engineer Lovelace	3
12A	24. Fleming who was the original host of "Jeopardy!"	3
13A	26. *Stray feline	8
14A	28. Skull	7
15A	32. AMC's "Better Call ___"	4
16A	33. Guffaw, in internet lingo	3
17A	34. Abruptly call off one's plans	4
18A	37. Gooey goody	5
19A	40. *Overly eager personal injury lawyer, derisively	15
20A	44. Shade of purple	5
21A	45. "I suppose so"	4
22A	46. ___ Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin	3
23A	47. More than a snack	4
24A	49. Clairol product	7
25A	52. *Gangster a.k.a. Scarface	8
26A	56. "As I see it," to texters	3
27A	57. August birth sign, for the most part	3
28A	58. Give a talking-to	5
29A	60. Dispense carefully	5
30A	64. Red-hot flow	4
31A	66. *Morning waker-upper	10
32A	68. French "with"	4
33A	69. "Gotta run!"	5
34A	70. Recording studio effect	4
35A	71. Gender-specific possessive	4
36A	72. Word made up of the four main compass points	4
37A	73. Aussie critters	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Fizzy pop"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
• Similar words include: soda ash, tonic, soda pop
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Eve's mate"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
• Similar words include: cristal, X, go
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Film that may have inspired "Sharknado""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
• Similar words include: masticate, chew, dress down
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JAWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Jurassic Park" beast, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TREX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Yawning, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cause to be bored
• Similar words include: world-weary, drill, blase
• Opposite of: interest

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BORED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Land on the Tigris and Euphrates"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in the middle east in western asia; the ancient civilization of mesopotamia was in the area now known as iraq
• Similar words include: Republic of Iraq, Al-Iraq, Irak
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRAQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. *PIN, e.g."

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACCESSCODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Restaurant handout"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Similar words include: fare, carte, carte du jour
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MENU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Tennis star Osaka"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Similar words include: Noemi
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAOMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Pint-size"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the slender part of the back
• Similar words include: diminished, minuscule, low
• Opposite of: large, big

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SMALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Pioneering computer engineer Lovelace"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
• Similar words include: adenosine deaminase
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Fleming who was the original host of "Jeopardy!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Similar words include: nontextual matter, artistry, prowess
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. *Stray feline"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLEYCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Skull"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the part of the skull that encloses the brain
• Similar words include: brainpan, braincase
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRANIUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. AMC's "Better Call ___""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) the first king of the israelites who defended israel against many enemies (especially the philistines)
• Similar words include: Apostle of the Gentiles, Apostle Paul, St. Paul
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Guffaw, in internet lingo"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Abruptly call off one's plans"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
• Similar words include: bail bond, bond
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Gooey goody"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SMORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. *Overly eager personal injury lawyer, derisively"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMBULANCECHASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Shade of purple"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a moderate purple
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAUVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. "I suppose so""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not only so, but
• Similar words include: yea
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YEAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. ___ Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. More than a snack"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the food served and eaten at one time
• Similar words include: repast
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Clairol product"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAIRDYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. *Gangster a.k.a. Scarface"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALCAPONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. "As I see it," to texters"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. August birth sign, for the most part"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
• Similar words include: Lion, Leo the Lion
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Give a talking-to"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
• Similar words include: dress down, chew out, trounce
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. Dispense carefully"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that allow to have
• Similar words include: administer, dish out, dole out
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Red-hot flow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. *Morning waker-upper"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALARMCLOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "68. French "with""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "69. "Gotta run!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that coming at a subsequent time or stage
• Similar words include: afterwards, ulterior, after
• Opposite of: early

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "70. Recording studio effect"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
• Similar words include: sound reflection, recall, replication
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "71. Gender-specific possessive"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HERS

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36A: "72. Word made up of the four main compass points"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that information about recent and important events
• Similar words include: word, newsworthiness, news show
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEWS

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37A: "73. Aussie critters"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROOS

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Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Slang for a huge fan	4
2D	2. Large toothed whale	4
3D	3. Roaring Twenties style, informally	4
4D	4. Guitarist, in slang	6
5D	5. "Six-pack" muscles	3
6D	6. Physicians, for short	4
7D	7. Enticing scent	5
8D	8. Olympics reward	5
9D	9. Singer Morrison of the Doors	3
10D	10. *Warning sign that might be seen on a chain-link fence	10
11D	11. Stand-up comic Sykes	5
12D	12. Diddly-___	5
13D	15. Secluded valleys	5
14D	18. Apple's digital assistant	4
15D	22. Line for Lassie	5
16D	25. Oom-pah band instrument	4
17D	27. Arizona city or Native American tribe	4
18D	28. Happy as a ___	4
19D	29. Egg-shaped tomato	4
20D	30. *Record art space	10
21D	31. Oodles	4
22D	35. "Rocks," to a bartender	3
23D	36. Two-time Emmy winner Remini	4
24D	38. Depend (on)	4
25D	39. The "E" of HOMES	4
26D	41. Layer of the eye	4
27D	42. Emulates a tree frog or ballerina	5
28D	43. Masala ___ (Indian spiced tea)	4
29D	48. Not express, as a train	5
30D	50. Apple on a desk, perhaps	4
31D	51. Word before derby or coaster	6
32D	52. Koran's Almighty	5
33D	53. Depart	5
34D	54. Christopher who directed "The Dark Knight Rises"	5
35D	55. Thrill	5
36D	59. Classic teen sleuth Nancy	4
37D	61. Nutso	4
38D	62. Eight, in Spanish	4
39D	63. Some boxing wins, in brief	4
40D	65. Summer coolers, for short … or a hint to the answers to the starred clues	3
41D	67. Title for Doubtfire, Fields or Maisel	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Slang for a huge fan"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAN

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2D: "2. Large toothed whale"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
• Similar words include: grampus, Orcinus orca, sea wolf
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORCA

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3D: "3. Roaring Twenties style, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a style of design that was popular in the 1920s and 1930s; marked by stylized forms and geometric designs adapted to mass production
• Similar words include: art deco
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DECO

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4D: "4. Guitarist, in slang"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AXEMAN

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5D: "5. "Six-pack" muscles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
• Similar words include: type AB, Artium Baccalaurens, Av
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABS

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6D: "6. Physicians, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a licensed medical practitioner
• Similar words include: doc, medico, doctor
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOCS

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7D: "7. Enticing scent"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any property detected by the olfactory system
• Similar words include: odour, scent, perfume
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AROMA

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8D: "8. Olympics reward"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event
• Similar words include: medallion, ribbon, palm
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MEDAL

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9D: "9. Singer Morrison of the Doors"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JIM

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10D: "10. *Warning sign that might be seen on a chain-link fence"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AREACLOSED

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11D: "11. Stand-up comic Sykes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WANDA

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12D: "12. Diddly-___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent; strengthens the leg muscles
• Similar words include: diddly-shit, hunker, chunky
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SQUAT

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13D: "15. Secluded valleys"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small wooded hollow
• Similar words include: dell, dingle
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DELLS

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14D: "18. Apple's digital assistant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIRI

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15D: "22. Line for Lassie"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
• Similar words include: troika, triplet, collar
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEASH

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16D: "25. Oom-pah band instrument"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the lowest brass wind instrument
• Similar words include: bass horn, sousaphone
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUBA

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17D: "27. Arizona city or Native American tribe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of the north american indian people of arizona and adjacent mexico and california
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YUMA

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18D: "28. Happy as a ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLAM

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19D: "29. Egg-shaped tomato"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern india but now are living on all continents (but mostly in europe, north africa, and north america)
• Similar words include: Romany, fixed storage, Gypsy
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROMA

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20D: "30. *Record art space"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALBUMCOVER

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21D: "31. Oodles"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `as' or `too' or `so' or `that'; amounting to a large but indefinite number
• Opposite of: few
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MANY

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22D: "35. "Rocks," to a bartender"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
• Similar words include: ice-skating rink, frappe, frosting
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICE

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23D: "36. Two-time Emmy winner Remini"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAH

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24D: "38. Depend (on)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that have confidence or faith in
• Similar words include: trust, swear, bank
• Opposite of: mistrust

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RELY

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25D: "39. The "E" of HOMES"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Similar words include: Lake Erie
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERIE

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26D: "41. Layer of the eye"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the part of the eye that contains the iris and ciliary body and choroid
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UVEA

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27D: "42. Emulates a tree frog or ballerina"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
• Similar words include: bound, spring, leap
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAPS

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28D: "43. Masala ___ (Indian spiced tea)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHAI

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29D: "48. Not express, as a train"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that public transport consisting of a bus or train that stops at all stations or stops
• Similar words include: topical anaesthetic, topical anesthetic, local anaesthetic
• Opposite of: national, general

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOCAL

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30D: "50. Apple on a desk, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMAC

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31D: "51. Word before derby or coaster"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a grounder that rolls along the infield
• Similar words include: hair curler, rolling wave, tumbler
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROLLER

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32D: "52. Koran's Almighty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that muslim name for the one and only god
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLAH

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33D: "53. Depart"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty
• Similar words include: will, get out, leave behind
• Opposite of: enter, disinherit

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAVE

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34D: "54. Christopher who directed "The Dark Knight Rises""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOLAN

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35D: "55. Thrill"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
• Similar words include: lift up, intoxicate, uplift
• Opposite of: depress

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELATE

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36D: "59. Classic teen sleuth Nancy"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states actor (born in ireland); father of georgiana emma barrymore (1827-1862)
• Similar words include: cast, delineate, tie
• Opposite of: repel, push

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DREW

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37D: "61. Nutso"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
• Similar words include: batty, nuts, kookie
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOCO

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38D: "62. Eight, in Spanish"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OCHO

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39D: "63. Some boxing wins, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
• Similar words include: technical knockout, TKO
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TKOS

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40D: "65. Summer coolers, for short … or a hint to the answers to the starred clues"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a radioactive element of the actinide series; found in uranium ores
• Similar words include: atomic number 89, Ac, AC
• Opposite of: direct current

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "67. Title for Doubtfire, Fields or Maisel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
• Similar words include: Mrs., Mister, Mr.
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

78 Total Clues

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Last updated: November 03, 2025 at 04:02 AM