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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

May 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 21, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (33 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.8 letters

May 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

May 21, 2021 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Schooner feature 4
2A 5. Shock treatment, for short 5
3A 10. Subject of the 2011 Jon Roberts memoir "American Desperado," with "the" 3
4A 13. Tongue-in-cheek 4
5A 14. "So sad ..." 5
6A 15. Stamp collector's purchase 4
7A 16. Impetus behind a prank, maybe 4
8A 17. One going the distance? 10
9A 19. Refuse to talk 6
10A 21. A ton of bricks? 7
11A 22. Source of heart-shaped leaves 5
12A 23. Like water at the shallow end of a pool 9
13A 25. Name on a vintage red, white and blue cap 9
14A 27. Weighs (down) 4
15A 28. Lead-in to a crazy idea 3
16A 29. Part of an old circus act 9
17A 32. Realm of the Valkyries 9
18A 33. 2007 film with the tagline "The last man on earth is not alone" 9
19A 34. Competitor of Dick's Sporting Goods 3
20A 37. Be a rat 4
21A 39. Dish rack accessories 9
22A 41. Eel order at a sushi bar 9
23A 44. "Land sakes alive!" 5
24A 45. Severely self-disciplined sort 7
25A 46. Appear 6
26A 47. Men's grooming items 10
27A 50. "Sir" might be found at the start of it 4
28A 51. Colleen 4
29A 52. Investor's "No deal" 5
30A 53. Mario who wrote "The Godfather" 4
31A 54. 5-Across administrator 3
32A 55. Makeover result, maybe 5
33A 56. Go on and on bitterly 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. Schooner feature"

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 vertical spar for supporting sails
  • 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: MAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Shock treatment, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DEFIB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Subject of the 2011 Jon Roberts memoir "American Desperado," with "the""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a disorderly crowd of people
  • Words that mean the same thing: family, gang, pile
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Tongue-in-cheek"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: pixilated, condescending, patronizing
  • 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: ARCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. "So sad ...""

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: APITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Stamp collector's purchase"

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 sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • Words that mean the same thing: dose, loony toons, window pane
  • 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: PANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Impetus behind a prank, maybe"

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 challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Words that mean the same thing: presume, make bold, defy
  • 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: DARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. One going the distance?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone who participates in long-distance races (especially in marathons)
  • Words that mean the same thing: long-distance runner, road runner, marathon runner
  • 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: MARATHONER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Refuse to talk"

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: CLAMUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. A ton of bricks?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: LEGOSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Source of heart-shaped leaves"

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 any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • 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: ASPEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Like water at the shallow end of a pool"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: WAISTHIGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Name on a vintage red, white and blue cap"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: PEPSICOLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Weighs (down)"

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 wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
  • Words that mean the same thing: bog down, peat bog, bog
  • 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: BOGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Lead-in to a crazy idea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the chance to speak
  • Words that mean the same thing: read, state, articulate
  • 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: SAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Part of an old circus act"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man who performs feats of strength at a fair or circus
  • 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: STRONGMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Realm of the Valkyries"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NORSEMYTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. 2007 film with the tagline "The last man on earth is not alone""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: IAMLEGEND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Competitor of Dick's Sporting Goods"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: REI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Be a rat"

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 deliver by singing
  • Words that mean the same thing: babble out, tattle, whistle
  • The opposite would be: keep quiet
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Dish rack accessories"

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

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: TEATOWELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Eel order at a sushi bar"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: UNAGIROLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. "Land sakes alive!""

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: OHGEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Severely self-disciplined sort"

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 someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
  • Words that mean the same thing: spartan, ascetical, abstainer
  • 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: ASCETIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Appear"

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 come out into view, as from concealment
  • Words that mean the same thing: come out, go forth, come forth
  • 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: EMERGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Men's grooming items"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: BEARDCOMBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. "Sir" might be found at the start of it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cut of meat taken from the side and back of an animal between the ribs and the rump
  • Words that mean the same thing: lumbus
  • 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: LOIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Colleen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Words that mean the same thing: young girl, lassie, jeune fille
  • 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: LASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. Investor's "No deal""

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: IMOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Mario who wrote "The Godfather""

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: PUZO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "54. 5-Across administrator"

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: EMT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "55. Makeover result, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NEWDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "56. Go on and on bitterly"

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 expel or eject (saliva or phlegm or sputum) from the mouth
  • Words that mean the same thing: spew out, be sick, cat
  • The opposite would be: keep down
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPEW

    Great job if you got it right!

May 21, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Eccentrics 7
2D 2. Victim of a 20th-century environmental tragedy 7
3D 3. Small but full of fight 7
4D 4. Some bars returned to again and again? 6
5D 5. Conducive to mold, maybe 4
6D 6. Org. established partly in response to Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" 3
7D 7. The "Tannen" of Tannenbaum 3
8D 8. One might consist of a primo, secondo and digestivo 11
9D 9. Data base? 5
10D 10. Quarters that could be worth a lot 7
11D 11. Brownie mix add-in, often 6
12D 12. Playoff positions 6
13D 15. Muckety-muck 7
14D 18. Fig. on a driver's license 3
15D 20. Sleep aid brand 6
16D 23. Prognosis that a problem has only just begun 11
17D 24. Sunburn-soothing substance 7
18D 26. Lead-in to P or C on a PC 4
19D 30. Peer of Ibsen 4
20D 31. Where the Ring is destroyed in "The Lord of the Rings" 6
21D 32. Constant reminders? 7
22D 33. Recovering orthopedically, maybe 7
23D 34. Get back together 7
24D 35. Write à la Thomas Gray or John Donne 7
25D 36. "Ahhh" 7
26D 37. Fit to be tried 6
27D 38. Line at a clothing store 6
28D 40. Gives birth to, as puppies 6
29D 42. "___ be nice if ..." 3
30D 43. Toxic protein prepared on "Breaking Bad" 5
31D 46. "Qué es ___?" ("What's this?": Sp.) 4
32D 48. Run, like a Deere? 3
33D 49. Homie 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. Eccentrics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
  • Words that mean the same thing: harum-scarum, daredevil, swashbuckler
  • 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: MADCAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Victim of a 20th-century environmental tragedy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ARALSEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Small but full of fight"

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 full of fighting spirit
  • 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: SCRAPPY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Some bars returned to again and again?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
  • Words that mean the same thing: idea, stem, report
  • 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: THEMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Conducive to mold, maybe"

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 slight wetness
  • Words that mean the same thing: tone down, moist, break
  • 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: DAMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Org. established partly in response to Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring""

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 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!

Clue 7 Down: "7. The "Tannen" of Tannenbaum"

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 nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Words that mean the same thing: fir tree, true fir
  • 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: FIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. One might consist of a primo, secondo and digestivo"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: ITALIANMEAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Data base?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a sequence of 8 bits (enough to represent one character of alphanumeric data) processed as a single unit of information
  • Words that mean the same thing: byte
  • 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: BYTES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Quarters that could be worth a lot"

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 (astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
  • Words that mean the same thing: mansion house, sign, manse
  • 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: MANSION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Brownie mix add-in, often"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: ONEEGG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Playoff positions"

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 a job in an organization
  • Words that mean the same thing: built in bed, moor, billet
  • 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: BERTHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Muckety-muck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: POOHBAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Fig. on a driver's license"

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

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: HGT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Sleep aid brand"

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: UNISOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Prognosis that a problem has only just begun"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: WORSETOCOME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Sunburn-soothing substance"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ALOEGEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Lead-in to P or C on a PC"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: CTRL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Peer of Ibsen"

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: GYNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Where the Ring is destroyed in "The Lord of the Rings""

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: MTDOOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Constant reminders?"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Recovering orthopedically, maybe"

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: INACAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Get back together"

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 organize anew, as after a setback
  • Words that mean the same thing: reorganise, reorganize
  • 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: REGROUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Write à la Thomas Gray or John Donne"

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 compose an elegy
  • Words that mean the same thing: elegise
  • 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: ELEGIZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. "Ahhh""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ISEENOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Fit to be tried"

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: SUABLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Line at a clothing store"

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: INSEAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Gives birth to, as puppies"

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 young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
  • Words that mean the same thing: pup, whelp
  • 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: WHELPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. "___ be nice if ...""

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: ITD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Toxic protein prepared on "Breaking Bad""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a toxic protein extracted from castor beans; used as a chemical reagent; can be used as a bioweapon
  • Words that mean the same thing: ricin toxin
  • 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: RICIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. "Qué es ___?" ("What's this?": Sp.)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ESTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Run, like a Deere?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Words that mean the same thing: pout, mop, haymow
  • 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: MOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Homie"

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 partially opened flower
  • 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: BUD

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 51 77.3%
Short Answer 7 10.6%
History 2 3.0%
Abbreviation 1 1.5%
Movies/Film 1 1.5%
Sports 1 1.5%
Food & Drink 1 1.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.5%
Geography 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 33
Total Clues 66
Average Answer Length 5.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 11 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

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 17, 2025 at 11:16 AM

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Saturday, February 14, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 14, 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

February 14, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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. It's made with two fingers 9
2A 10. They're often taken in December 11
3A 12. Features of many romantic dramas 13
4A 14. "Follow me" 4
5A 15. Heart test, for short 3
6A 16. Subject of study 4
7A 18. Go heavy at the buffet, say 6
8A 21. Kind of car on a long-distance train 6
9A 23. The W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards 3
10A 24. Requirement of some dress codes 7
11A 28. Tree of life, in Norse mythology 3
12A 29. Tire meas. 3
13A 30. Intimate footage 7
14A 31. Meadow 3
15A 32. Arrive suddenly and from a distance, metaphorically 11
16A 35. Big drink 4
17A 37. Unlikeable sorts 5
18A 38. Like a nepo baby's life, perhaps 4
19A 41. Things peddled 5
20A 43. B.C. winter hrs. 3
21A 44. Arizona State city 5
22A 45. Where Excalibur was forged 6
23A 47. North African fortress 6
24A 48. Access, as a profitable enterprise 7
25A 50. Potpourri bags 7
26A 51. Ones no longer in office? 13
27A 53. One of the "Golden Girls" of the 2024 Summer Olympics 11
28A 54. Puts one's money on the line 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. It's made with two fingers"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEACESIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. They're often taken in December"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SANTAPHOTOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Features of many romantic dramas"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOVETRIANGLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "Follow me""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
  • Similar words include: number, get along, arrive
  • Opposite of: leave, go
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Heart test, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
  • Similar words include: EKG, electrocardiogram, cardiogram
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Subject of study"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: sphere, arena, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Go heavy at the buffet, say"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOADUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Kind of car on a long-distance train"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of eating dinner
  • Similar words include: din, dine, boom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. The W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "24. Requirement of some dress codes"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm
  • Similar words include: sleeve, arm
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEEVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Tree of life, in Norse mythology"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Tire meas."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure
  • Similar words include: pounds per square inch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Intimate footage"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXTAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Meadow"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
  • Similar words include: ley, grazing land, pasture
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Arrive suddenly and from a distance, metaphorically"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARACHUTEIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Big drink"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Similar words include: slog, draft, draught
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Unlikeable sorts"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used in the practice of a vocation
  • Similar words include: tool, creature, prick
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Like a nepo baby's life, perhaps"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Things peddled"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: `silverware', `software'
  • Similar words include: war, consume, waste
  • Opposite of: make peace
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. B.C. winter hrs."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 8th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the united states
  • Similar words include: Pacific Standard Time, Pacific Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Arizona State city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEMPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Where Excalibur was forged"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. North African fortress"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an older or native quarter of many cities in northern africa; the quarter in which the citadel is located
  • Similar words include: kasbah
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASBAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Access, as a profitable enterprise"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GETINON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Potpourri bags"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small soft bag containing perfumed powder; used to perfume items in a drawer or chest
  • Similar words include: sachet
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACHETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Ones no longer in office?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMOTEWORKERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. One of the "Golden Girls" of the 2024 Summer Olympics"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIMONEBILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Puts one's money on the line"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKESABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Smoothed over, in a way 5
2D 2. Suffix with benz- 3
3D 3. QB stat: Abbr. 3
4D 4. Attention to detail 4
5D 5. "Totally awesome!" 4
6D 6. Screw or nail, to a Brit 4
7D 7. It's charged 3
8D 8. Texter's ta-ta 3
9D 9. "Oppenheimer" director 5
10D 10. Antagonists in 2013's "Captain Phillips" 13
11D 11. One-of-a-kind figures 13
12D 12. Takes badly? 5
13D 13. Faculty 5
14D 14. Show appreciation, in a way 4
15D 17. Honorific meaning "elder brother" 4
16D 19. Losing team in the "Miracle on Ice" 4
17D 20. Fold 5
18D 21. Govt. divisions 5
19D 22. "That's clear now" 4
20D 25. Many a private investigator 5
21D 26. Community spirit 5
22D 27. Gymnastics event 5
23D 33. Minor issue? 8
24D 34. Greenland expanse 8
25D 35. Stylish confidence 4
26D 36. Show indecision 5
27D 39. Short rows 5
28D 40. Nervous laughs 4
29D 42. County next to Napa 6
30D 44. Take on, or take down 6
31D 46. Violating the rules 5
32D 47. Beer brand from Trinidad and Tobago 5
33D 49. Goose named for its call 4
34D 50. Buckwheat noodle 4
35D 52. Maryland governor Moore 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Smoothed over, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cover with a material such as stone or concrete to make suitable for vehicle traffic
  • Similar words include: pave
  • Opposite of: unpaved
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Suffix with benz-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between northeast and east
  • Similar words include: east northeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. QB stat: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Attention to detail"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
  • Similar words include: tending, fear, upkeep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Totally awesome!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
  • Similar words include: epic poem, heroic, heroic poem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Screw or nail, to a Brit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong coarse tobacco that has been shredded
  • Similar words include: fuck, piece of tail, nookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. It's charged"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Texter's ta-ta"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GTG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Oppenheimer" director"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOLAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Antagonists in 2013's "Captain Phillips""

13 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOMALIPIRATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One-of-a-kind figures"

13 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERIALNUMBERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Takes badly?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goods or money obtained illegally
  • Similar words include: pillage, clams, dinero
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Faculty"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general conscious awareness
  • Similar words include: good sense, feel, smell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Show appreciation, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden very loud noise
  • Similar words include: clack, applaud, gonorrhoea
  • Opposite of: boo
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Honorific meaning "elder brother""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that title for a civil or military leader (especially in turkey)
  • Similar words include: Aga
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "19. Losing team in the "Miracle on Ice""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Russia, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Soviet Union
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "20. Fold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
  • Similar words include: ruffle, plait, plicate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "21. Govt. divisions"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "22. "That's clear now""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "25. Many a private investigator"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXCOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "26. Community spirit"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETHOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "27. Gymnastics event"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a burial chamber (usually underground)
  • Similar words include: overleap, burial vault, hurdle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAULT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Minor issue?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGELIMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Greenland expanse"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICESHEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Stylish confidence"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that valuable goods
  • Similar words include: sag, pillage, droop
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Show indecision"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who communicates by waving
  • Similar words include: fluctuate, flicker, flitter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Short rows"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quarrel about petty points
  • Similar words include: bicker, fuss, bickering
  • Opposite of: boo
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Nervous laughs"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. County next to Napa"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONOMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Take on, or take down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the person who plays that position on a football team
  • Similar words include: take on, rigging, fishing rig
  • Opposite of: unharness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACKLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Violating the rules"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Beer brand from Trinidad and Tobago"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an american indian peoples of northeastern south america and the lesser antilles
  • Similar words include: Carib Indian, Caribbean language
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Goose named for its call"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Buckwheat noodle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Maryland governor Moore"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WES

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

28 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
63 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: February 14, 2026 at 04:55 AM

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