June 05, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (36 clues)
• Down Clues (42 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, June 05, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (36 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword June 05, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Allergy trigger in an attic	4
2A	5. Grand ___ (tennis coup)	4
3A	9. Surrounded by	4
4A	13. Not falling for	4
5A	14. Hilo "hello"	5
6A	15. Lucky find for a prospector	4
7A	16. Eating utensil with a serrated edge	15
8A	19. Hard-to-tame hair	3
9A	20. ___ Vegas, Nev.	3
10A	21. Bugs Bunny or SpongeBob SquarePants, informally	4
11A	22. 100% behind	6
12A	24. Small songbird	4
13A	26. Record's speed, for short	3
14A	29. Bit of ballet choreography	4
15A	30. "The ___ is cast"	3
16A	31. Bullfight bull	4
17A	32. Catholic academy like Gonzaga or Xavier	12
18A	36. Sender of a Candygram	7
19A	39. Georgia who painted "Cow's Skull With Calico Roses"	7
20A	40. "Stop dragging your feet!"	12
21A	42. Bone next to the radius	4
22A	43. Silent greeting	3
23A	44. Flippant freshness	4
24A	47. Ctrl-___-Del	3
25A	48. Point-and-shoot camera setting	4
26A	50. Lamb Chop or Miss Piggy	6
27A	52. Magical item in "Aladdin"	4
28A	54. It's usually two or three in miniature golf	3
29A	55. Decorate, as a cake	3
30A	56. "Let this be our little secret" … or a hint to letter sequences hidden in 16-, 32- and 40-Across	15
31A	61. Lead-in to disappointing news	4
32A	62. Church instrument	5
33A	63. Line made by a comb	4
34A	64. "Variety is the spice of ___"	4
35A	65. Pesters to no end	4
36A	66. Some pub pints	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. Allergy trigger in an attic"

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 fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air
• Words that mean the same thing: rubble, scatter, sprinkle
• 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: DUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Grand ___ (tennis coup)"

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 winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
• Words that mean the same thing: mosh, shot, slam dance
• 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: SLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Surrounded by"

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 4 Across: "13. Not falling for"

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: ONTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Hilo "hello""

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 acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Words that mean the same thing: ciao
• 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: ALOHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Lucky find for a prospector"

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 deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
• Words that mean the same thing: load
• 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: LODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Eating utensil with a serrated edge"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GRAPEFRUITSPOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Hard-to-tame hair"

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 cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
• Words that mean the same thing: swab, wipe up, mop 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: MOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. ___ Vegas, Nev."

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 white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
• Words that mean the same thing: La, lah, Louisiana
• 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: LAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Bugs Bunny or SpongeBob SquarePants, informally"

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 a film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
• Words that mean the same thing: animated cartoon, cartoon
• 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: TOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. 100% behind"

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: ALLFOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Small songbird"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english architect who designed more than fifty london churches (1632-1723)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sir Christopher Wren, jenny wren
• 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: WREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Record's speed, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: rev, revolutions per minute
• 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: RPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Bit of ballet choreography"

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 light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
• Words that mean the same thing: spring, jump, bound
• 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: LEAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. "The ___ is cast""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Bullfight bull"

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: TORO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Catholic academy like Gonzaga or Xavier"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: JESUITSCHOOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Sender of a Candygram"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: supporter, protagonist, adorer
• 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: ADMIRER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Georgia who painted "Cow's Skull With Calico Roses""

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: OKEEFFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. "Stop dragging your feet!""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: QUITSTALLING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Bone next to the radius"

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 the inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
• Words that mean the same thing: elbow bone
• 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: ULNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Silent greeting"

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 sign of assent or salutation or command
• 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: NOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Flippant freshness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
• Words that mean the same thing: Special Air Service, lip, SAS
• 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: SASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Ctrl-___-Del"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: altitude, elevation, EL
• 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: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Point-and-shoot camera setting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
• Words that mean the same thing: car, automobile, motorcar
• 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: AUTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Lamb Chop or Miss Piggy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small figure of a person operated from above with strings by a puppeteer
• Words that mean the same thing: marionette, creature, tool
• 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: PUPPET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Magical item in "Aladdin""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artificial source of visible illumination
• 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: LAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. It's usually two or three in miniature golf"

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 (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
• Words that mean the same thing: equation, equality, equivalence
• 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: PAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Decorate, as a cake"

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 water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: methamphetamine, sparkler, Methedrine
• 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: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. "Let this be our little secret" … or a hint to letter sequences hidden in 16-, 32- and 40-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KEEPITBETWEENUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Lead-in to disappointing news"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: ala, unluckily, unfortunately
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Church instrument"

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 fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function
• Words that mean the same thing: harmonium, Hammond organ, electric organ
• 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: ORGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Line made by a comb"

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 something determined in relation to something that includes it
• Words that mean the same thing: section, percentage, set forth
• The opposite would be: wholly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. "Variety is the spice of ___""

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 a characteristic state or mode of living
• Words that mean the same thing: lifetime, sprightliness, life story
• 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: LIFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. Pesters to no end"

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 someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
• Words that mean the same thing: scolder, peck, common scold
• 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: NAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Some pub pints"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• Words that mean the same thing: ale
• 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: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Monday Crossword Down Clues - June 05, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Religious doctrine	5
2D	2. Prepare for use, as a Slip 'N Slide	6
3D	3. Alternative to a paper clip	6
4D	4. T-shirt or jacket	3
5D	5. Pro photography purchases, in brief	4
6D	6. Ferrigno who played the Hulk on old TV	3
7D	7. Sushi bar tuna variety	3
8D	8. Nonglossy, as a photo	5
9D	9. Iams competitor	4
10D	10. Car option with tinted glass	8
11D	11. Declaration delivered (or not) in a "Love Is Blind" finale	3
12D	12. Cub Scout group	3
13D	14. At a distance	4
14D	17. They may appear before a justice of the peace	7
15D	18. Prodigal ___	3
16D	23. Sizzling Tex-Mex serving	6
17D	24. Nintendo debut of 2006	3
18D	25. Like old jokes, again and again	6
19D	27. Grad student's adviser	4
20D	28. Burrowing animal	4
21D	30. 13-time N.B.A. All-Star Kevin	6
22D	31. What to "mind" when exiting a train in London	6
23D	33. Adjust, as a thermostat	3
24D	34. Go on a black diamond run, e.g.	3
25D	35. Official reprimand	7
26D	36. Blue shade	4
27D	37. Not sharp	4
28D	38. Mojito garnish	8
29D	41. Elton's john?	3
30D	45. ___ Tap (mockumentary rock band)	6
31D	46. Password-protected, say	6
32D	48. French friend	3
33D	49. Supermodel Kate	5
34D	50. Chess piece not allowed to move backward	4
35D	51. Trial runs	5
36D	53. Semicircular building recess	4
37D	54. K-12 fund-raising grps.	4
38D	56. Carrier to Seoul, in brief	3
39D	57. Manning of football	3
40D	58. Built-in feature of some camisoles	3
41D	59. Poached component of the dish shakshuka	3
42D	60. Clean Air Act enforcer, for short	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. Religious doctrine"

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 religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
• Words that mean the same thing: tenet
• 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: DOGMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Prepare for use, as a Slip 'N Slide"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that reverse the winding or twisting of
• Words that mean the same thing: unwind, unfurl, wind off
• The opposite would be: wind, roll up
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Alternative to a paper clip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
• Words that mean the same thing: raw material, staple fiber, staple fibre
• The opposite would be: unstaple
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. T-shirt or jacket"

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: lead, elevation, spinning top
• 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 5 Down: "5. Pro photography purchases, in brief"

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: SLRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Ferrigno who played the Hulk on old TV"

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: LOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Sushi bar tuna variety"

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: AHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Nonglossy, as a photo"

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: matte up, lustrelessness, mat 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 9 Down: "9. Iams competitor"

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: ALPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Car option with tinted glass"

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: MOONROOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Declaration delivered (or not) in a "Love Is Blind" finale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
• 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: IDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Cub Scout group"

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 habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideout, lair, hideaway
• 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: DEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. At a distance"

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 14 Down: "17. They may appear before a justice of the peace"

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: ELOPERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Prodigal ___"

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 male human offspring
• Words that mean the same thing: Logos, boy, Word
• The opposite would be: daughter, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Sizzling Tex-Mex serving"

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: FAJITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Nintendo debut of 2006"

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: WII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Like old jokes, again and again"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that render verbally,
• Words that mean the same thing: retell, restate, ingeminate
• 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: RETOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Grad student's adviser"

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 someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
• Words that mean the same thing: professor
• 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: PROF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Burrowing animal"

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 the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams; the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Words that mean the same thing: groyne, breakwater, counterspy
• 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: MOLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. 13-time N.B.A. All-Star Kevin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states historian (1885-1981)
• Words that mean the same thing: William James Durant, Will Durant
• 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: DURANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. What to "mind" when exiting a train in London"

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: THEGAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Adjust, as a thermostat"

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 group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
• Words that mean the same thing: placed, sic, coiffe
• The opposite would be: rise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Go on a black diamond run, 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 narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
• 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: SKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Official reprimand"

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 harsh criticism or disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: excommunication, criminate, reprimand
• 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: CENSURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Blue shade"

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 shade of blue tinged with green
• Words that mean the same thing: cobalt blue, aquamarine, greenish blue
• 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: AQUA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "37. Not sharp"

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 make dull in appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: sluggish, muffle, muffled
• The opposite would be: lively, sharp
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "38. Mojito garnish"

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: MINTLEAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Elton's john?"

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 toilet in britain
• Words that mean the same thing: water closet, W.C., closet
• 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: LOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. ___ Tap (mockumentary rock band)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that anesthesia of the lower half of the body; caused by injury to the spinal cord or by injecting an anesthetic beneath the arachnoid membrane that surrounds the spinal cord
• Words that mean the same thing: spinal anaesthesia, spinal anesthesia
• 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: SPINAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Password-protected, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that get by special effort
• Words that mean the same thing: procure, fix, batten
• The opposite would be: unfasten, insecure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SECURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. French friend"

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 33 Down: "49. Supermodel Kate"

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: UPTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Chess piece not allowed to move backward"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an article deposited as security
• Words that mean the same thing: cat's-paw, soak, hock
• 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: PAWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. Trial runs"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: mental test, prove, examination
• 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: TESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Semicircular building recess"

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 domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
• Words that mean the same thing: apsis
• 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: APSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. K-12 fund-raising grps."

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: PTAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Carrier to Seoul, 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: KAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Manning of football"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "58. Built-in feature of some camisoles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Words that mean the same thing: bandeau, brassiere
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "59. Poached component of the dish shakshuka"

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

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: testis, orchis, eggs
• 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!

Clue 42 Down: "60. Clean Air Act enforcer, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
• Words that mean the same thing: Environmental Protection Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	64.1%
Short Answer	21	26.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
History	2	2.6%
Music	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	36
Down Clues	42
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, 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: September 01, 2025 at 11:18 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 07, 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 (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (37 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. What suggests that relief is at hand?	10
2A	11. Some	4
3A	15. "News to me"	10
4A	16. Shankar who co-composed the score for 1982's "Gandhi"	4
5A	17. "Well, now everyone will know"	15
6A	19. Family nickname	3
7A	20. Spot for a light punishment	5
8A	21. Eponym of U.S. track and field's Male Athlete of the Year Award	5
9A	22. Member of the World Cup's "Tartan Army" fan base	4
10A	23. Acronymic weapon	5
11A	25. Tree whose name has multiple pronunciations	5
12A	27. Laugh, laugh, laugh	8
13A	30. Geneticist's finding	5
14A	31. Wasteful government spending, informally	4
15A	32. Big name in sandals	4
16A	33. "It's ___ or nothin'!" (classic kids' commercial slogan)	4
17A	34. Many of the characters in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"	5
18A	35. Word with block or platform	4
19A	36. Tangy hybrid	4
20A	37. Gobsmacks	4
21A	38. Elephant mascot of the Alabama Crimson Tide	5
22A	39. Elf, say	8
23A	41. They may be covered	5
24A	42. Opportunity on Mars, say	5
25A	43. Piece of ice in the drink?	4
26A	44. Name of "the other reindeer" in a common Christmas mondegreen	5
27A	46. Waffle patterns	5
28A	48. Where baked Alaska is believed to have been invented, oddly enough: Abbr.	3
29A	51. Field you make tracks in	15
30A	54. Blue rasp-"brr!"-y treat?	4
31A	55. Flying nuisance	10
32A	56. Besmirches	4
33A	57. What someone might get quickly around lunchtime	10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. What suggests that relief is at hand?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRESSBALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Some"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. "News to me""

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IHADNOIDEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Shankar who co-composed the score for 1982's "Gandhi""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAVI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. "Well, now everyone will know""

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CATSOUTOFTHEBAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Family nickname"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
• Similar words include: te, sister, International System
• Opposite of: brother

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Spot for a light punishment"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
• Similar words include: radiocarpal joint, carpus, articulatio radiocarpea
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WRIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Eponym of U.S. track and field's Male Athlete of the Year Award"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states athlete and black american whose success in the 1936 olympic games in berlin outraged hitler (1913-1980)
• Similar words include: Owen, Robert Owen, Sir Richard Owen
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Member of the World Cup's "Tartan Army" fan base"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of scotland
• Similar words include: Scotsman, Scotchman
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Acronymic weapon"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TASER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "25. Tree whose name has multiple pronunciations"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wood of a pecan tree
• Similar words include: Carya illinoensis, pecan tree, Carya illinoinsis
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PECAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Laugh, laugh, laugh"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BUSTAGUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Geneticist's finding"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRAIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Wasteful government spending, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that meat from a domestic hog or pig
• Similar words include: pork barrel, porc
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Big name in sandals"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "It's ___ or nothin'!" (classic kids' commercial slogan)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NERF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Many of the characters in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
• Similar words include: animated cartoon, toon, cartoon
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Word with block or platform"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
• Similar words include: dog, bounder, cad
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Tangy hybrid"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin
• Similar words include: ugli fruit, tangelo
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UGLI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Gobsmacks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
• Similar words include: awe, veneration, fear
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Elephant mascot of the Alabama Crimson Tide"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIGAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Elf, say"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOYMAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. They may be covered"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a short musical composition with words
• Similar words include: vocal, strain, birdsong
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SONGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Opportunity on Mars, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who leads a wandering unsettled life
• Similar words include: bird of passage, roamer, scouter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Piece of ice in the drink?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large mass of ice floating at sea; usually broken off of a polar glacier
• Similar words include: iceberg, Alban Berg
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BERG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Name of "the other reindeer" in a common Christmas mondegreen"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
• Similar words include: Olea europaea, European olive tree
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "46. Waffle patterns"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines
• Similar words include: power grid, power system, control grid
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "48. Where baked Alaska is believed to have been invented, oddly enough: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. Field you make tracks in"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MUSICPRODUCTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Blue rasp-"brr!"-y treat?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Flying nuisance"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GATECHANGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Besmirches"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Similar words include: gob, seafarer, mariner
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. What someone might get quickly around lunchtime"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABITETOEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Sets (on)	4
2D	2. Cuisine with the #1 dish in a CNN "World's 50 Best Foods" poll	4
3D	3. Intruders in urban trash cans	4
4D	4. Ones who might cut the line, in brief?	3
5D	5. Ski slope vehicle	7
6D	6. Lose affection for	6
7D	7. Wiped out, in slang	5
8D	8. Fusses	4
9D	9. No-nos at some highway intersections	9
10D	10. Trap neighbor	3
11D	11. Relationship-defining question	11
12D	12. Bejeweled target of a heist in "Ocean's Twelve"	10
13D	13. McMullin of Utah politics	4
14D	14. Features of some early presidential portraits	4
15D	18. Whole lot	4
16D	22. Films in which many stars might appear	11
17D	24. Grills, say	4
18D	25. Competitor of Rao's	5
19D	26. One likely to be "healthy, wealthy and wise," per Benjamin Franklin	10
20D	27. Vocal critic	5
21D	28. Iris settings	5
22D	29. Lofty	4
23D	30. Bit of threaded hardware	4
24D	31. Attempt to seize control	9
25D	34. Perspective	4
26D	38. One dish commonly in the 12-dish Sviata Vecheria, a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner	7
27D	40. Faire ___ (get by with, in French)	4
28D	41. Charm	6
29D	43. European fixture	5
30D	44. Skip over	4
31D	45. Title boy in a 2021 Pixar film	4
32D	47. Word that comes from Sanskrit for "bread"	4
33D	48. Score somewhat akin to an A-	4
34D	49. Flexible practice?	4
35D	50. Website associated with the domain www.news.com	4
36D	52. Tour org.	3
37D	53. Fields Medal winner Terence	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Sets (on)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that urge to attack someone
• Similar words include: set, sic
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SICS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Cuisine with the #1 dish in a CNN "World's 50 Best Foods" poll"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
• Similar words include: Tai, Central Thai, Siamese
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Intruders in urban trash cans"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Similar words include: crumb, stinker, betray
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Ones who might cut the line, in brief?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
• Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Ski slope vehicle"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNOWCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Lose affection for"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOURON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Wiped out, in slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BITIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Fusses"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. No-nos at some highway intersections"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEFTTURNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Trap neighbor"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
• Similar words include: latissimus dorsi
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Relationship-defining question"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AREWEATHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Bejeweled target of a heist in "Ocean's Twelve""

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FABERGEEGG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. McMullin of Utah politics"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Features of some early presidential portraits"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that hairpiece covering the head and made of real or synthetic hair
• Similar words include: wig, wigging
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Whole lot"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
• Similar words include: innkeeper, master of ceremonies, boniface
• Opposite of: parasite

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Films in which many stars might appear"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCIFIMOVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Grills, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that inquire about
• Similar words include: take, necessitate, enquire
• Opposite of: obviate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Competitor of Rao's"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PREGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. One likely to be "healthy, wealthy and wise," per Benjamin Franklin"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARLYRISER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Vocal critic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOOER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Iris settings"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the part of the eye that contains the iris and ciliary body and choroid
• Similar words include: uvea
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UVEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Lofty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a garment size for a tall person
• Similar words include: improbable, marvellous, grandiloquent
• Opposite of: short

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Bit of threaded hardware"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TNUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Attempt to seize control"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POWERGRAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Perspective"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
• Similar words include: select, choose, film
• Opposite of: give, refuse

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. One dish commonly in the 12-dish Sviata Vecheria, a traditional Ukrainian Christmas dinner"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a russian or polish soup usually containing beet juice as a foundation
• Similar words include: borsht, bortsch, borsh
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BORSCHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Faire ___ (get by with, in French)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AVEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Charm"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that induce to have sex
• Similar words include: score, make
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEDUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. European fixture"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a basin for washing genitals and anal area
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIDET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Skip over"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Similar words include: leave out, exclude, drop
• Opposite of: include, attend to

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Title boy in a 2021 Pixar film"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LUCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Word that comes from Sanskrit for "bread""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Score somewhat akin to an A-"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
• Similar words include: ix, Nina from Carolina, niner
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Flexible practice?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YOGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Website associated with the domain www.news.com"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CNET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Tour org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. Fields Medal winner Terence"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an adherent of any branch of taoism
• Similar words include: Taoist
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAO

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

33 Across Clues

37 Down Clues

70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

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

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: August 07, 2026 at 05:09 AM