27415 Sat Nov 30, 2024 NYT by Oliver Goodridge and Juan Garavito

Across Clues :

1. Handle of a knife, 5. "And …?", 11. "Say …", 14. Haughty self-important question, 16. Boast in a 1987 Michael Jackson hit, 17. Airport transports, perhaps, 18. Export from Jamaica, 19. "Nature always ___ the colors of the spirit": Ralph Waldo Emerson, 20. Petite ___, 21. Number of fingers on dos manos, 22. Recipe fig., 23. Be all in a tizzy, 24. Complicated, 25. Ready to rinse, say, 28. Shared, 29. Cooks up, so to speak, 30. Horse race measures, 32. Went wrong, 33. Painting technique in which the artist applies new paint atop a just-painted layer, 34. Etc., etc., 35. Longtime candy company based in San Francisco, 36. Color akin to amarillo, 37. Cart for the Budweiser Clydesdales, e.g., 38. Speck, 39. Termite, e.g., 41. Fired (up), in old slang, 42. Japanese game using pentagonal pieces, 43. Jack ___, Best Supporting Actor nominee for 1940's "The Great Dictator", 44. Fateful encounter, 47. Where cold cases are frequently opened, 48. Nearly every third baseman and shortstop in M.L.B. history, 49. Sign of hunger

Down Clues :

1. At-home distraction?, 2. Like the crowd after a buzzer beater, say, 3. Quarrels, 4. Sound accompanying a shake of the head, 5. Attacked, as a castle, 6. "Hang on a second …", 7. Request to be impressed, 8. Expressions of befuddlement, 9. Since, 10. Breakup line, 11. End result of a starter, 12. The so-called "heart of the scorpion" in the night sky, 13. Assumes control, 14. Holiday honoring Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of fortune, 15. Hard to navigate, 21. Stoop (to), 23. Mr. Rogers, to his neighbors, 24. Prefix from the Greek for "alone", 26. Styles of singing, 27. Hot times in la cité, 28. Leaves in a hurry, informally, 30. It flows where the wind blows, 31. One of 11 for Big Ben, 33. Like an important decision, 34. Reason one might get extended time on the PSAT, 35. Tried to hit, 38. "___ is it?", 39. Nova preceder, 40. Like some horse feed, 42. Gulp, 45. "___ and the Thirteenth Confession" (Laura Nyro album), 46. Subject of a ganzfeld experiment, in brief

Break down the NYT Crosswords: November 30, 2024

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

New York Times, Saturday, November 30, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Handle of a knife. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAFT

  Possible Answer : haft, helve




• The clue is 5. "And …?". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOWHAT




• The clue is 11. "Say …". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: HERESATHOUGHT




• The clue is 14. Haughty self-important question. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: DOYOUKNOWWHOIAM




• The clue is 16. Boast in a 1987 Michael Jackson hit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IMBAD




• The clue is 17. Airport transports, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRAMS

  Possible Answer : tramway, ropeway, trolley, tram, streetcar, trolley_car, cable_tramway, tramcar, aerial_tramway




• The clue is 18. Export from Jamaica. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SKA




• The clue is 19. "Nature always ___ the colors of the spirit": Ralph Waldo Emerson. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WEARS

  Possible Answer : wearable, fag, put_on, wear_upon, vesture, break, wear_down, tire_out, wearing, article_of_clothing, wear_thin, bear, outwear, bust, wear_off, tire, weary, don, wear, wear_out, fatigue, habiliment, fall_apart, clothing, hold_out, assume, fag_out, jade, have_on, endure, get_into

  Possible Opposite Answer : refresh




• The clue is 20. Petite ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMIE




• The clue is 21. Number of fingers on dos manos. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DIEZ




• The clue is 22. Recipe fig.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMT




• The clue is 23. Be all in a tizzy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FRET

  Possible Answer : chafe, scratch, fret, erode, key_pattern, gall, fray, Greek_fret, swither, worn_spot, niggle, eat_away, rub, stew, grate, rankle, gag, lather, choke, eat_into, Greek_key, sweat, fuss




• The clue is 24. Complicated. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MESSY

  Possible Answer : mussy, messy




• The clue is 25. Ready to rinse, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LATHERED

  Possible Answer : welt, slash, soap, lather, lash, trounce, strap, flog, whip




• The clue is 28. Shared. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: JOINT

  Possible Answer : stick, junction, articulate, join, spliff, articulation, marijuana_cigarette, joint, articulatio, roast, juncture, reefer

  Possible Opposite Answer : separate




• The clue is 29. Cooks up, so to speak. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IDEATES

  Possible Answer : ideate, envisage, imagine, conceive_of




• The clue is 30. Horse race measures. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LENGTHS

  Possible Answer : distance, duration, length




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

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

  The answer: ERRED

  Possible Answer : slip, mistake, stray, err, drift




• The clue is 33. Painting technique in which the artist applies new paint atop a just-painted layer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WETONWET




• The clue is 34. Etc., etc.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABBRS




• The clue is 35. Longtime candy company based in San Francisco. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SEES

  Possible Answer : understand, ascertain, assure, visualise, go_out, reckon, attend, insure, examine, interpret, consider, look, view, picture, ensure, get_a_line, determine, hear, discover, check, see_to_it, learn, witness, find_out, catch, escort, visualize, encounter, go_steady, run_into, find, project, construe, get_word, get_wind, date, watch, go_through, fancy, come_across, meet, run_across, image, envision, visit, control, realize, take_care, experience, realise, pick_up, take_in, see, figure, regard




• The clue is 36. Color akin to amarillo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORO




• The clue is 37. Cart for the Budweiser Clydesdales, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DRAY

  Possible Answer : dray, camion




• The clue is 38. Speck. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WHIT

  Possible Answer : scintilla, tittle, whit, shred, iota, smidge, smidgeon, smidgin, smidgen




• The clue is 39. Termite, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BORER

  Possible Answer : bore_bit, borer, rock_drill, stone_drill, woodborer




• The clue is 41. Fired (up), in old slang. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HET

  Possible Answer : heated, heated_up, het_up, het




• The clue is 42. Japanese game using pentagonal pieces. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHOGI

  Possible Answer : shogi




• The clue is 43. Jack ___, Best Supporting Actor nominee for 1940's "The Great Dictator". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OAKIE




• The clue is 44. Fateful encounter. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: DATEWITHDESTINY




• The clue is 47. Where cold cases are frequently opened. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: DELICATESSENS

  Possible Answer : deli, delicatessen, food_shop, delicatessen_food




• The clue is 48. Nearly every third baseman and shortstop in M.L.B. history. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RIGHTY




• The clue is 49. Sign of hunger. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PANG

  Possible Answer : stab, sting, twinge, pang

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. At-home distraction?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: HEYBATTERBATTER

• The clue is 2. Like the crowd after a buzzer beater, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AROAR

• The clue is 3. Quarrels. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FEUDS

  Possible Answer: feud

• The clue is 4. Sound accompanying a shake of the head. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TSK

  Possible Answer: tsk, tut, tut-tut

• The clue is 5. Attacked, as a castle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STORMED

  Possible Answer: force, surprise, rage, storm, ramp

• The clue is 6. "Hang on a second …". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHWAIT

• The clue is 7. Request to be impressed. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WOWME

• The clue is 8. Expressions of befuddlement. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HUHS

• The clue is 9. Since. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AGO

  Possible Answer: ago, agone

• The clue is 10. Breakup line. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: THISISNTWORKING

• The clue is 11. End result of a starter. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: HOMEMADEBREAD

• The clue is 12. The so-called "heart of the scorpion" in the night sky. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANTARES

  Possible Answer: Antares

• The clue is 13. Assumes control. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: TAKESTHEREINS

• The clue is 14. Holiday honoring Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of fortune. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DIWALI

• The clue is 15. Hard to navigate. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAZY

  Possible Answer: mazy, labyrinthine, labyrinthian

• The clue is 21. Stoop (to). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DEIGN

  Possible Answer: deign, descend, condescend

• The clue is 23. Mr. Rogers, to his neighbors. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FRED

• The clue is 24. Prefix from the Greek for "alone". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MONO

  Possible Answer: kissing_disease, mono, monophonic, infectious_mononucleosis, glandular_fever, mononucleosis, single-channel

• The clue is 26. Styles of singing. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HARRY

  Possible Answer: chivvy, plague, ravage, harass, beset, harry, chevy, molest, provoke, chivy, chevvy, hassle

• The clue is 27. Hot times in la cité. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETES

• The clue is 28. Leaves in a hurry, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: JETS

  Possible Answer: blue_jet, honey_oil, cat_valium, spurt, super_acid, reverse_lightning, special_K, squirt, green, gush, fountain, jet_plane, jet, jet-propelled_plane, spirt, super_C, K

• The clue is 30. It flows where the wind blows. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEETIDE

• The clue is 31. One of 11 for Big Ben. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STOREY

  Possible Answer: storey, story, level, floor

• The clue is 33. Like an important decision. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WEIGHTY

  Possible Answer: telling, grievous, heavy, grave, cogent, corpulent, weighty, rotund, obese

  Possible Opposite Answer : weightless

• The clue is 34. Reason one might get extended time on the PSAT. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ADHD

  Possible Answer: minimal_brain_damage, ADD, minimal_brain_dysfunction, MBD, attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder, ADHD, attention_deficit_disorder, hyperkinetic_syndrome

• The clue is 35. Tried to hit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHOTAT

• The clue is 38. "___ is it?". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WHICH

• The clue is 39. Nova preceder. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BOSSA

• The clue is 40. Like some horse feed. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OATEN

  Possible Answer: oaten

• The clue is 42. Gulp. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SWIG

  Possible Answer: swig, draught, gulp, draft, slug, slog, quaff

• The clue is 45. "___ and the Thirteenth Confession" (Laura Nyro album). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELI

• The clue is 46. Subject of a ganzfeld experiment, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESP

  Possible Answer: ESP, second_sight, extrasensory_perception, clairvoyance, E.S.P.

NY Times Crossword Answers July 15, 2021 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

NY Times Crossword Complete Solution: July 15, 2021

Published on Thursday, July 15, 2021 • Updated daily

Our expert breakdown helps you solve the July 15 NYT crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. "Delish!"

6-letter answer Answer: YUMYUM

Clue #2: 5. "___ Sexy" (1991 dance hit)

5-letter answer Answer: IMTOO

Clue #3: 10. Single at a bar, perhaps

3-letter answer Answer: TIP

Word Help: Synonyms: gratuity, topple, crest

Clue #4: 13. Brown powder

5-letter answer Answer: COCOA

Word Help: Synonyms: hot_chocolate, chocolate, cocoa

Clue #5: 15. Brown powder

5-letter answer Answer: CAROB

Word Help: Synonyms: locust_pod, carob_bean_tree, Ceratonia_siliqua

Clue #6: 16. Costa ___

4-letter answer Answer: RICA

Clue #7: 17. Popular pops

5-letter answer Answer: COKES

Word Help: Synonyms: coke, snow, Coke

Clue #8: 18. Point a finger at

5-letter answer Answer: BLAME

Word Help: Synonyms: goddamned, find_fault, charge
Antonyms: absolve

Clue #9: 19. Fan fave

4-letter answer Answer: IDOL

Word Help: Synonyms: idol, perfection, graven_image

Clue #10: 20. Kennel sound

3-letter answer Answer: ARF

Clue #11: 21. Southern newspaper that William Faulkner once contributed to, with "The"

13-letter answer Answer: TIMESPICAYUNE

Clue #12: 24. Prefix with beat or futurism

4-letter answer Answer: AFRO

Word Help: Synonyms: Afro, Afro_hairdo

Clue #13: 26. Toy dog from Tibet

9-letter answer Answer: LHASAAPSO

Clue #14: 27. Sport with Native American origins

8-letter answer Answer: LACROSSE

Word Help: Synonyms: lacrosse

Clue #15: 30. Melodramatist

3-letter answer Answer: HAM

Word Help: Synonyms: jambon, gammon, Ham
Antonyms: underact

Clue #16: 31. Kind of saxophone

4-letter answer Answer: ALTO

Word Help: Synonyms: alto, countertenor, contralto

Clue #17: 32. Rapper for whom Harvard's Hip-Hop Fellowship is named

3-letter answer Answer: NAS

Word Help: Synonyms: Na, sodium, atomic_number_11

Clue #18: 34. Get cozy

6-letter answer Answer: NESTLE

Word Help: Synonyms: nestle, cuddle, nuzzle

Clue #19: 39. Cultivars known for their yellow flesh

17-letter answer Answer: YUKONGOLDPOTATOES

Clue #20: 43. "Excuse me"

6-letter answer Answer: PARDON

Word Help: Synonyms: free_pardon, amnesty, forgiveness

Clue #21: 44. Do some patching, say

3-letter answer Answer: SEW

Word Help: Synonyms: stitch, sew, tailor-make

Clue #22: 45. Book after Joel

4-letter answer Answer: AMOS

Word Help: Synonyms: Book_of_Amos, Amos

Clue #23: 46. Compadre

3-letter answer Answer: PAL

Word Help: Synonyms: pal_up, buddy, chum

Clue #24: 48. Quantity that's tied to one's carbon footprint

9-letter answer Answer: ENERGYUSE

Clue #25: 51. Second way of viewing things, figuratively

9-letter answer Answer: OTHERHAND

Clue #26: 56. Appear

4-letter answer Answer: SEEM

Word Help: Synonyms: seem, look, appear

Clue #27: 57. What a solver might growl after catching on to this puzzle's theme?

12-letter answer Answer: WHYYOULITTLE

Clue #28: 59. Genre for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones

3-letter answer Answer: SKA

Clue #29: 62. Mine find

4-letter answer Answer: LODE

Word Help: Synonyms: lode, load

Clue #30: 63. Mother-of-pearl

5-letter answer Answer: NACRE

Word Help: Synonyms: mother-of-pearl, nacre

Clue #31: 64. Motorola smartphone

5-letter answer Answer: DROID

Clue #32: 66. Flubs it

4-letter answer Answer: ERRS

Word Help: Synonyms: slip, mistake, err

Clue #33: 67. Not using profanity, as a comedian

5-letter answer Answer: CLEAN

Word Help: Synonyms: sporting, fair, neat
Antonyms: dirty, unfairly

Clue #34: 68. "___ is easily deceived, because it is quick to hope": Aristotle

5-letter answer Answer: YOUTH

Word Help: Synonyms: youthfulness, youth, young
Antonyms: aged

Clue #35: 69. Central concept of philosopher Zhuangzi's teachings

3-letter answer Answer: TAO

Word Help: Synonyms: Tao, Taoist

Clue #36: 70. Repeatedly comments (on)

5-letter answer Answer: HARPS

Word Help: Synonyms: harp, dwell, mouth_harp

Clue #37: 71. The first one in The New York Times appeared in 1970

4-letter answer Answer: OPED

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. Southwest desert plant

5-letter answer Answer: YUCCA

Word Help: Synonyms: yucca

Clue #2: 2. Dock

4-letter answer Answer: MOOR

Word Help: Synonyms: tie_up, moor, Moor

Clue #3: 3. Metric of grossness

10-letter answer Answer: YUCKFACTOR

Clue #4: 4. Classic comedy figure who sported a bowl cut

3-letter answer Answer: MOE

Clue #5: 5. Certain warhead transport, in brief

4-letter answer Answer: ICBM

Word Help: Synonyms: ICBM, intercontinental_ballistic_missile

Clue #6: 6. Phoenix and Washington, e.g.

9-letter answer Answer: MALELEADS

Clue #7: 7. Low culture, disparagingly

5-letter answer Answer: TRASH

Word Help: Synonyms: Methedrine, folderol, meth

Clue #8: 8. Brass band sound

6-letter answer Answer: OOMPAH

Clue #9: 9. Showily deferential

8-letter answer Answer: OBEISANT

Clue #10: 10. Neaten

6-letter answer Answer: TIDYUP

Clue #11: 11. Clickable things

5-letter answer Answer: ICONS

Word Help: Synonyms: image, icon, picture

Clue #12: 12. Prefix with -lithic

5-letter answer Answer: PALEO

Clue #13: 14. Lone Star State athlete

5-letter answer Answer: ASTRO

Clue #14: 16. Certifier of music sales, for short

4-letter answer Answer: RIAA

Clue #15: 22. Apple devices run on it

3-letter answer Answer: IOS

Word Help: Synonyms: Io

Clue #16: 23. "Along ___ spider ..."

5-letter answer Answer: CAMEA

Clue #17: 25. Palm part

5-letter answer Answer: FROND

Word Help: Synonyms: frond

Clue #18: 27. Easy two-pointer

5-letter answer Answer: LAYUP

Word Help: Synonyms: layup, lay-up

Clue #19: 28. ___-Seltzer

4-letter answer Answer: ALKA

Clue #20: 29. Not Ready for Prime Time Players show, for short

3-letter answer Answer: SNL

Clue #21: 33. Where a zipper gets caught?

9-letter answer Answer: SPEEDTRAP

Clue #22: 35. Put on

5-letter answer Answer: STAGE

Word Help: Synonyms: stagecoach, represent, degree

Clue #23: 36. Popular hot-and-sour Thai dish

10-letter answer Answer: TOMYUMSOUP

Clue #24: 37. Some summer babies

4-letter answer Answer: LEOS

Word Help: Synonyms: Lion, Leo_the_Lion, Leo

Clue #25: 38. To be: Lat.

4-letter answer Answer: ESSE

Clue #26: 40. Headgear for many an extreme athlete

5-letter answer Answer: GOPRO

Clue #27: 41. Using intuition

8-letter answer Answer: ONAHUNCH

Clue #28: 42. Have

3-letter answer Answer: OWN

Word Help: Synonyms: possess, ain, have

Clue #29: 47. Syllables said with fingers in one's ears

6-letter answer Answer: LALALA

Clue #30: 49. Night sch. class

3-letter answer Answer: ESL

Clue #31: 50. Thin, as a voice

5-letter answer Answer: REEDY

Word Help: Synonyms: reedy, reedlike, wheezy

Clue #32: 51. Small screech, for example

5-letter answer Answer: OWLET

Word Help: Synonyms: owlet

Clue #33: 52. Actress Birch

5-letter answer Answer: THORA

Clue #34: 53. Green power option, informally

5-letter answer Answer: HYDRO

Clue #35: 54. A scallop has up to 200 of these

4-letter answer Answer: EYES

Word Help: Synonyms: eyes, eyeball, centre

Clue #36: 55. Not so cold

5-letter answer Answer: NICER

Word Help: Synonyms: overnice, skillful, prissy
Antonyms: nasty

Clue #37: 58. Second place at a math competition?

4-letter answer Answer: TENS

Word Help: Synonyms: 10, decade, ten-spot

Clue #38: 60. Symbol of highness

4-letter answer Answer: KITE

Word Help: Synonyms: kite

Clue #39: 61. Focus problem, for short

4-letter answer Answer: ADHD

Word Help: Synonyms: attention_deficit_disorder, MBD, ADHD

Clue #40: 65. Joey of children's fiction

3-letter answer Answer: ROO

Expert Solving Strategies

• Look for fill-in-the-blank clues first (they're often easiest)
• Watch for question marks indicating wordplay
• Check vowel patterns in partially solved words

Related Search Terms

NYT Crossword Help, Daily Puzzle Solutions, Crossword Answer Finder, July Crossword Answers

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 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 (39 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. Forerunner of reggae	3
2A	4. Because	5
3A	9. Fluster with embarrassment	5
4A	14. Buddy	3
5A	15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo"	5
6A	16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo"	5
7A	17. White rodent often used in lab research	9
8A	19. Hunter in the night sky	5
9A	20. "Cool!"	5
10A	21. Hit maker?	4
11A	23. Big name in pet food	4
12A	24. Complete fiasco	5
13A	26. "I suppose that's right"	7
14A	28. Some fancy finger painting	7
15A	30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey	4
16A	31. Classic skin-care brand	4
17A	32. Film performers' union, for short	3
18A	34. Spanish appetizers	5
19A	38. Prospector's receptacle	3
20A	39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them?	7
21A	42. German cry of dismay	3
22A	43. Old Ford Motor offering	5
23A	45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party	3
24A	46. No more than	4
25A	47. Sources of quick $$$	4
26A	50. Break up, as a group	7
27A	52. Someone's public identity	7
28A	55. Workout inspired by martial arts	5
29A	56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan)	4
30A	57. Daddy-o	4
31A	59. "___ Jacques" (children's song)	5
32A	61. "The Addams Family" butler	5
33A	63. Spoken evaluations	9
34A	65. Island greeting	5
35A	66. Starts daydreaming, with "out"	5
36A	67. Sound heard at the door	3
37A	68. Amped up	5
38A	69. Call off the relationship	5
39A	70. Furtive	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Forerunner of reggae"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Because"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SINCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Fluster with embarrassment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious
• Similar words include: embarrass
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Buddy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
• Similar words include: pal up, brother, crony
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
• Similar words include: opera house
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. White rodent often used in lab research"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALBINORAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Hunter in the night sky"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) a giant boeotian hunter who pursued the pleiades and was eventually slain by artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation
• Similar words include: Hunter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Cool!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Hit maker?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)
• Similar words include: clenched fist
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Big name in pet food"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Complete fiasco"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acronym often used by soldiers in world war ii: situation normal all fucked up
• Similar words include: fucked-up
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNAFU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. "I suppose that's right""

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUESSSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Some fancy finger painting"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAILART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Flavoring in an earthy whiskey"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Classic skin-care brand"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Film performers' union, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shape that sags
• Similar words include: flag, sag down, swag
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Spanish appetizers"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
• Similar words include: tapa, tapa bark, tappa bark
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Prospector's receptacle"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
• Similar words include: cooking pan, goat god, pan out
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Music genre for the words hidden in this puzzle's circled letters ... or a punny description for them?"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the historic period from about 1600 until 1750 when the baroque style of art, architecture, and music flourished in europe
• Similar words include: churrigueresco, churrigueresque, Baroque era
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAROQUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. German cry of dismay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Old Ford Motor offering"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDSEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Site for hibernation ... or a Super Bowl party"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
• Similar words include: hideout, hideaway, lair
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. No more than"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UPTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Sources of quick $$$"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Similar words include: ATM, automated teller, cash machine
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Break up, as a group"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cause to break up or cease to function
• Similar words include: dissolve
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DISBAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Someone's public identity"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an actor's portrayal of someone in a play
• Similar words include: part, image, character
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PERSONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Workout inspired by martial arts"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAEBO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. "Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Daddy-o"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
• Similar words include: dada, pop music, toss off
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "___ Jacques" (children's song)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. "The Addams Family" butler"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an unsteady uneven gait
• Similar words include: careen, pitching, shift
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LURCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Spoken evaluations"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORALEXAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Island greeting"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Similar words include: ciao
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Starts daydreaming, with "out""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
• Similar words include: district, zone, geographical zone
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Sound heard at the door"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
• Similar words include: tap, strike, rap music
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Amped up"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that provide with electrical circuits
• Similar words include: pumped up, cable, electrify
• Opposite of: wireless, unwire

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Call off the relationship"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Furtive"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: knavish, foxy, cunning
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Distance from end to end	4
2D	2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K	9
3D	3. Residents of Tirana	9
4D	4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ..."	6
5D	5. Wall Street debut, for short	3
6D	6. Toy brand with foam ammo	4
7D	7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies	5
8D	8. Devours	6
9D	9. Fuss and flurry	3
10D	10. Many a Starbucks employee	7
11D	11. Highlights of a 15-Across	5
12D	12. Smartphone video effect	5
13D	13. Film composer Zimmer	4
14D	18. Boot out of Europe?	5
15D	22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart	3
16D	25. ___ Major	4
17D	27. Fill fully	4
18D	28. "Uh-uh"	4
19D	29. Material for a roof repair	3
20D	33. Mars, but not Earth	3
21D	35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally	9
22D	36. "Don't be so weird!"	9
23D	37. Equipped with footwear	4
24D	39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread	4
25D	40. Proof-ending inits.	3
26D	41. Troop group	4
27D	44. Aural ailment	7
28D	46. Standard option on a rideshare app	5
29D	48. Shaggy head of hair	3
30D	49. Get some Z's	6
31D	51. Least risky	6
32D	52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle"	5
33D	53. Blunder	5
34D	54. Front part of a stage	5
35D	56. Barbecue side dish	4
36D	58. Material in a classical timepiece	4
37D	60. Sneak a peek at	4
38D	62. Suckered	3
39D	64. Ring of flowers	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Distance from end to end"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the complete duration of something
• Similar words include: distich, duet, yoke
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KALESALAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Residents of Tirana"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of albania
• Similar words include: Albanian
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALBANIANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Oh, that stupid little punk ...""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONOFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Wall Street debut, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
• Similar words include: initial public offering, initial offering
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Toy brand with foam ammo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NERF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRAIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Devours"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EATSUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Fuss and flurry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rapid active commotion
• Similar words include: stir, flurry, fuss
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Many a Starbucks employee"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BARISTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Highlights of a 15-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
• Similar words include: aria
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Smartphone video effect"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLOMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Film composer Zimmer"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Similar words include: Han dynasty, Han
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Boot out of Europe?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
• Similar words include: Italia, Italian Republic
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: teeing ground, golf tee, tee up
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. ___ Major"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: URSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Fill fully"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fill to satisfaction
• Similar words include: replete, satiate, fill
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. "Uh-uh""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Material for a roof repair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Similar words include: mariner, Jack-tar, pitch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Mars, but not Earth"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
• Similar words include: immortal, deity, divinity
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. Tough-but-loving fathers, informally"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAPABEARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. "Don't be so weird!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACTNORMAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Equipped with footwear"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that furnish with shoes
• Similar words include: shodden, calced, shoe
• Opposite of: discalced, unshod

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Sandwiches often on toasted bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
• Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, BLT
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Proof-ending inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a relativistic quantum theory of the electromagnetic interactions of photons and electrons and muons
• Similar words include: quantum electrodynamics
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Troop group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Similar words include: building block, unit of measurement, whole
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Aural ailment"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an ache localized in the middle or inner ear
• Similar words include: otalgia
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Standard option on a rideshare app"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UBERX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "48. Shaggy head of hair"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
• Similar words include: swab, swob, mow
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Get some Z's"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
• Similar words include: forty winks, doze, short sleep
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNOOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Least risky"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that free from danger or the risk of harm
• Similar words include: good, dependable, safe
• Opposite of: dangerous, out

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states physicist (born in austria) who proposed the exclusion principle (thus providing a theoretical basis for the periodic table) (1900-1958)
• Similar words include: Wolfgang Pauli
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAULI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Blunder"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
• Similar words include: mistake, wrongdoing, erroneous belief
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Front part of a stage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a garment of cloth or leather or plastic that is tied about the waist and worn to protect your clothing
• Similar words include: proscenium, forestage
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Barbecue side dish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that basically shredded cabbage
• Similar words include: coleslaw
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Material in a classical timepiece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
• Similar words include: moxie, sandpaper, grit
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Sneak a peek at"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that catch sight of
• Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Suckered"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
• Similar words include: let, birth, make
• Opposite of: refuse, lack

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Ring of flowers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Similar words include: chaplet, coronal, leu
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEI

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

39 Across Clues

39 Down Clues

78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: February 17, 2026 at 05:08 AM