February 22, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle February 22, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Hot topping for a cone?	4
2A	5. Practical joke	4
3A	9. Tricky billiard shot	5
4A	14. Way off	4
5A	15. Ensconced in	4
6A	16. Asian dog breed	5
7A	17. *Ensign	9
8A	19. Rich sources of beta carotene	5
9A	20. Joint	6
10A	21. One of millions in New Zealand	3
11A	23. Migration pattern?	3
12A	24. Lose one's shirt, say	5
13A	25. *Emirate	9
14A	28. Coup planners	5
15A	30. Ensiform, adj.: Shaped like a ___	5
16A	31. ___ Valley	4
17A	34. Singer Williams who founded the Temptations	4
18A	36. Split up	5
19A	38. Pre-med pre-req	3
20A	39. *Arbiter	7
21A	41. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, e.g.	3
22A	42. Came to pass	5
23A	44. Bibliographer's abbr.	4
24A	45. Ceremony	4
25A	46. They're typically older than seniors	5
26A	48. One in it for the long haul	5
27A	50. *Depot	9
28A	52. Put on a big smile	5
29A	56. ___ Formosa (barrier island system of Portugal)	3
30A	57. Figure in I Samuel	3
31A	58. Issuance from an American embassy, in brief	6
32A	59. Discombobulated	5
33A	61. *Begin	9
34A	64. Meant to be	5
35A	65. "And so …"	4
36A	66. Actor Woo-shik of "Parasite"	4
37A	67. Long hauls	5
38A	68. Doesn't stay tight	4
39A	69. Hankerings	4

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. Hot topping for a cone?"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Practical joke"

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 humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
• Words that mean the same thing: laugh, gag, jest
• 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: JAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Tricky billiard shot"

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 shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball
• Words that mean the same thing: masse shot
• 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: MASSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Way off"

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 (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
• 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: AFAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Ensconced in"

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: AMID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Asian dog breed"

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: AKITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. *Ensign"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: NOPARKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Rich sources of beta carotene"

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 informal terms for money
• Words that mean the same thing: dinero, simoleons, loot
• 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: KALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Joint"

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: DOOBIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. One of millions in New Zealand"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• 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: EWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Migration pattern?"

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: VEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lose one's shirt, say"

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 relatively long narrow piece of something
• Words that mean the same thing: uncase, slip, ransack
• The opposite would be: dress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. *Emirate"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: MADASHELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Coup planners"

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 clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
• Words that mean the same thing: conspiracy, complot, conjure
• 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: CABAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Ensiform, adj.: Shaped like a ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
• Words that mean the same thing: steel, brand, blade
• 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: SWORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. ___ Valley"

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 plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east asia
• Words that mean the same thing: Brassica rapa pekinensis, Chinese cabbage, celery cabbage
• 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: NAPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Singer Williams who founded the Temptations"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OTIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Split up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that remote and separate physically or socially; ; - w.h.hudson
• Words that mean the same thing: aside, asunder, obscure
• 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: APART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Pre-med pre-req"

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: BIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. *Arbiter"

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 pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
• Words that mean the same thing: rattlesnake, freight train
• 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: RATTLER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that two items of the same kind
• Words that mean the same thing: span, distich, dyad
• 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: DUO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Came to pass"

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 come into existence; take on form or shape
• Words that mean the same thing: develop, rise, spring up
• The opposite would be: turn in, go to bed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AROSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Bibliographer's abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Ceremony"

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 cheap or pretentious or vain display
• Words that mean the same thing: gaudery, eclat
• 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: POMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. They're typically older than seniors"

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 one-hundredth of a right angle
• Words that mean the same thing: graduate, grade, alumnus
• 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: GRADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. One in it for the long haul"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a prisoner serving a term of life imprisonment
• 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: LIFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. *Depot"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: DUTCHOVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Put on a big smile"

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: LITUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. ___ Formosa (barrier island system of Portugal)"

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: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Figure in I Samuel"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Issuance from an American embassy, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USVISA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Discombobulated"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: ATSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. *Begin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the british monarch
• Words that mean the same thing: yeoman of the guard, yeoman
• 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: BEEFEATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Meant to be"

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 decree or designate beforehand
• Words that mean the same thing: doomed, destine, fatten
• 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: FATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. "And so …""

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 (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
• 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: ERGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Actor Woo-shik of "Parasite""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: CHOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Long hauls"

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
• Words that mean the same thing: trek
• 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: TREKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "68. Doesn't stay tight"

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 shape that sags
• Words that mean the same thing: droop, sag down, sag
• 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: SAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "69. Hankerings"

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 a yearning for something or to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: languish, hankering, ache
• 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: YENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle February 22, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Scores	5
2D	2. Underway	5
3D	3. Steamy stuff	5
4D	4. Most-grown coffee bean in the world	7
5D	5. Copacetic	4
6D	6. Bon ___	3
7D	7. Exemplar of neatness	3
8D	8. Barely defeated	5
9D	9. Launches an attack	8
10D	10. Going by, in brief	3
11D	11. Chevy truck since 1998	9
12D	12. Staple of Trinidadian music	9
13D	13. Plein-air prop	5
14D	18. Kelly of morning talk	4
15D	22. "Time ___ …"	3
16D	25. Nonreflective, in a way	5
17D	26. Not too much	7
18D	27. First part of a triple jump	3
19D	29. Stole from a burlesque act	3
20D	31. With 50-Down, annual June sports event	3
21D	32. It's never out of tune	9
22D	33. Anathema to an aesthete	9
23D	35. Cut down	5
24D	37. Surpass	3
25D	39. What some people are dyeing to be?	8
26D	40. Puckish sort	3
27D	43. ___ fly	3
28D	45. Implied right in the First and Fourth Amendments	7
29D	47. Big star, in Spain	3
30D	49. If-then-___ (programming construct)	4
31D	50. See 31-Down	5
32D	51. Things one might pick up while entering a room	5
33D	53. Church offering	5
34D	54. Apply to	5
35D	55. 2024 Olympics site	5
36D	58. Focus of the U.S.A.F.'s Project Blue Book (1952-1969)	4
37D	60. "Yikes!"	3
38D	62. Time to remember	3
39D	63. ___ white	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. Scores"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the land on which real estate is located
• Words that mean the same thing: kingdom, realm, demesne
• 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: LANDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Underway"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that traveling by foot
• Words that mean the same thing: underway
• 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: AFOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Steamy stuff"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
• Words that mean the same thing: vaporisation, vaporization, evaporation
• 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: VAPOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Most-grown coffee bean in the world"

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: ARABICA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Copacetic"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: JAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Bon ___"

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: AMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Exemplar of neatness"

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 piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
• Words that mean the same thing: peg, stick, trap
• The opposite would be: unpin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Barely defeated"

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 advance slowly, as if by inches
• Words that mean the same thing: butt on, edge, abut
• 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: EDGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Launches an attack"

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: MAKESWAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Going by, in brief"

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: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Chevy truck since 1998"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SILVERADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Staple of Trinidadian music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STEELDRUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Plein-air prop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
• 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: EASEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Kelly of morning talk"

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: RIPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "Time ___ …""

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 state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: WA, exist, constitute
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Nonreflective, in a way"

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 mixture of sulfides that forms when sulfide metal ores are smelted
• Words that mean the same thing: matt, lustrelessness, matt-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: MATTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Not too much"

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: ALITTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. First part of a triple jump"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: hops, skip, record hop
• 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: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Stole from a burlesque act"

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 long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
• Words that mean the same thing: feather boa
• 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: BOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. With 50-Down, annual June sports event"

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

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 21 Down: "32. It's never out of tune"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIRGUITAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Anathema to an aesthete"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POORTASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Cut down"

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 people who have been slain (as in battle)
• Words that mean the same thing: dispatch, polish off, murder
• 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: SLAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Surpass"

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: top out, meridian, tiptop
• 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 25 Down: "39. What some people are dyeing to be?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who has red hair
• Words that mean the same thing: carrottop, Aythya americana, redheaded woodpecker
• 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: REDHEADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Puckish sort"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. ___ fly"

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 enclosed space
• Words that mean the same thing: pocket, theca, Sauk
• 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: SAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Implied right in the First and Fourth Amendments"

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 the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
• Words that mean the same thing: privateness, concealment, secrecy
• 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: PRIVACY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Big star, in Spain"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: soh, colloidal solution, so
• 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: SOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. If-then-___ (programming construct)"

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. See 31-Down"

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 document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
• Words that mean the same thing: drawing, conscription, gulp
• The opposite would be: discharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Things one might pick up while entering a room"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but having metal bars and rotating disks in the resonators that produce a vibrato sound
• Words that mean the same thing: vibraharp, vibraphone, vibration
• 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: VIBES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Church offering"

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 levy of one tenth of something
• 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: TITHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Apply to"

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: USEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. 2024 Olympics site"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the capital and largest city of france; and international center of culture and commerce
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Paris, capital of France, French capital
• 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: PARIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. Focus of the U.S.A.F.'s Project Blue Book (1952-1969)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
• Words that mean the same thing: unidentified flying object, flying saucer, UFO
• 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: UFOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. "Yikes!""

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: EEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Time to remember"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: epoch, geological era, earned run average
• 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: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "63. ___ white"

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 animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
• Words that mean the same thing: orchis, eggs, ballock
• 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: EGG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	65.4%
Short Answer	18	23.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.8%
Sports	3	3.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 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 27, 2025 at 01:47 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 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 (39 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (28 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Buds	4
2A	5. Concealer for the face	4
3A	9. Pre-K building blocks	4
4A	13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot	4
5A	14. Stick it to your rival!	4
6A	15. Bring in	4
7A	16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment	4
8A	17. Fix, in a way	4
9A	18. Purple bubble tea flavor	4
10A	19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief	3
11A	20. Short sidekick?	4
12A	21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball"	5
13A	22. Dub over?	6
14A	24. Cuatro y dos	4
15A	26. Business magnate Condé	4
16A	28. Promising places?	6
17A	32. Ferry or wherry	4
18A	35. Start of an incantation	4
19A	37. Pastoral sound	3
20A	38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme	14
21A	42. Inspired stuff	3
22A	43. Pro device	4
23A	44. ___ out a win	4
24A	45. Bond alternatives	6
25A	47. "... ___ no one ever"	4
26A	50. Edge jump in figure skating	4
27A	52. Scenes on Black Friday	6
28A	56. Kaitlin of "Hacks"	5
29A	59. Pawn	4
30A	61. Addendum to the five W's	3
31A	62. Female antelopes	4
32A	63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem)	4
33A	64. Woodsy scent	4
34A	65. Top of a mosque, often	4
35A	66. Column in decimal notation	4
36A	67. Central Plains people	4
37A	68. Losing streak	4
38A	69. Column in decimal notation	4
39A	70. Cheeky	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
• Similar words include: mac, mack, macintosh
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Concealer for the face"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
• Similar words include: dissemble, disguise, masquerade
• Opposite of: unmask

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Pre-K building blocks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
• Similar words include: first principle, alphabet, first rudiment
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Stick it to your rival!"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Bring in"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that gather, as of natural products
• Similar words include: draw, glean, harvest
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the highlands of northern scotland
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Fix, in a way"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that remove the ovaries of
• Similar words include: alter, neuter, castrate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Purple bubble tea flavor"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
• Similar words include: Colocasia esculenta, edda, dalo
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Short sidekick?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LINDT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "22. Dub over?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that assign a new name to
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RENAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "24. Cuatro y dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "26. Business magnate Condé"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
• Similar words include: Thomas Nast
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Promising places?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the table in christian churches where communion is given
• Similar words include: Lord's table, altar, communion table
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALTARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Ferry or wherry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small vessel for travel on water
• Similar words include: gravy boat, sauceboat, gravy holder
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Start of an incantation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Pastoral sound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
• Similar words include: low
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INFINITESCROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Inspired stuff"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
• Similar words include: melodic line, strain, aura
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Pro device"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. ___ out a win"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Bond alternatives"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
• Similar words include: breed, livestock, ancestry
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "... ___ no one ever""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that express in words
• Similar words include: tell, articulate, aforesaid
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Edge jump in figure skating"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
• Similar words include: loop-the-loop, intertwine, eyelet
• Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Scenes on Black Friday"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large number of things or people considered together
• Similar words include: herd, crowd, bunch
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CROWDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Kaitlin of "Hacks""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Pawn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of several white wines from the rhine river valley in germany (`hock' is british usage)
• Similar words include: hock-joint, pawn, Rhine wine
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Addendum to the five W's"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Female antelopes"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
• Similar words include: answer, cause, practise
• Opposite of: unmake

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a specific instance of feeling hopeful
• Similar words include: promise, trust, go for
• Opposite of: despair

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Woodsy scent"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a coniferous tree
• Similar words include: languish, yen, pine tree
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Top of a mosque, often"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
• Similar words include: noodle, domed stadium, covered stadium
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: ace, single, unity
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Central Plains people"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
• Similar words include: Oto
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Losing streak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
• Similar words include: slew, slide, slip
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Similar words include: 10, tenner, decade
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Cheeky"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
• Similar words include: irreverent, impertinent, saucy
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	20. Reddit Q&A sesh	3
2D	21. Purple shade	5
3D	23. Prefix with body or bacterial	4
4D	25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically	4
5D	27. "Toodle-oo!"	4
6D	29. One way to run	4
7D	30. Actors like biting into a juicy one	4
8D	31. On board, say	4
9D	32. Pollster's concern	4
10D	33. "Handling this as we speak"	4
11D	34. Hairstyle that you've picked out?	4
12D	36. Kings and queens, e.g.	4
13D	39. Canon competitor	5
14D	40. ___ facto	4
15D	41. Makeover	4
16D	46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps	9
17D	48. Digital security credential	9
18D	49. Get to	3
19D	51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two	9
20D	53. Cannellini, e.g.	9
21D	54. Organ-related item in a wallet	9
22D	55. Perfect place	9
23D	56. Expert employed by a sportsbook	9
24D	57. "Show me some real effort!"	9
25D	58. It's not a full stop	9
26D	60. Room in the audience up for grabs	9
27D	63. Absolute train wrecks	9
28D	64. Andy Warhol, e.g.	9

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "20. Reddit Q&A sesh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "21. Purple shade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various plants of the genus syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
• Similar words include: lilac-colored, lavender
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LILAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "23. Prefix with body or bacterial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
• Opposite of: pro
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANTI

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4D: "25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Similar words include: spike, auricle, pinna
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARS

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5D: "27. "Toodle-oo!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TATA

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6D: "29. One way to run"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that frenzied as if possessed by a demon
• Similar words include: murderously, berserk, demoniac
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMOK

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7D: "30. Actors like biting into a juicy one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
• Similar words include: function, persona, character
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROLE

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8D: "31. On board, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
• Similar words include: trade, deal, sell
• Opposite of: unsold, buy

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOLD

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9D: "32. Pollster's concern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
• Similar words include: predetermine, diagonal, preconception
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIAS

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10D: "33. "Handling this as we speak""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONIT

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11D: "34. Hairstyle that you've picked out?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Similar words include: Afro hairdo
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFRO

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12D: "36. Kings and queens, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Similar words include: go to bed, turn in, love
• Opposite of: get up, turn out

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEDS

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13D: "39. Canon competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIKON

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14D: "40. ___ facto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPSO

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15D: "41. Makeover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REDO

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16D: "46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOSEDSET

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17D: "48. Digital security credential"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACCESSKEY

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18D: "49. Get to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that irritate or vex
• Similar words include: gall
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRK

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19D: "51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PHONEAPPS

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20D: "53. Cannellini, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHITEBEAN

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21D: "54. Organ-related item in a wallet"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DONORCARD

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22D: "55. Perfect place"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWEETSPOT

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23D: "56. Expert employed by a sportsbook"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODDSMAKER

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24D: "57. "Show me some real effort!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOKALIVE

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25D: "58. It's not a full stop"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a punctuation mark (`;') used to connect independent clauses; indicates a closer relation than does a period
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEMICOLON

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26D: "60. Room in the audience up for grabs"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPENSEATS

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27D: "63. Absolute train wrecks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOTMESSES

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28D: "64. Andy Warhol, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPARTIST

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues

28 Down Clues

67 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 17, 2026 at 08:47 AM