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Sunday, September 21, 2025

October 28, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 81 (37 Across, 44 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Wednesday Puzzle October 28, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. With 21-, 30-, 49-, 61- and 74-Across, end of a Carrie Bradshaw quote that starts "Men in their 40s are like the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle ..." 6
2A 7. At most 4
3A 11. Peter the Great, for one 4
4A 15. Take out 6
5A 16. Orchestra tuner 4
6A 17. Smart, in a way 4
7A 18. Turkish inn 6
8A 19. Frequent "S.N.L." role for Beck Bennett 9
9A 21. Part 2 of the quote 14
10A 23. Category in pitching's Triple Crown, in brief 3
11A 24. Exam for a wannabe A.D.A. 4
12A 25. Piolet, e.g. 5
13A 28. Surveying unit 4
14A 30. Part 3 10
15A 34. Like two-thirds of Fibonacci numbers 3
16A 36. Microwaves 4
17A 37. Flatow of public radio 3
18A 38. Major-league manager Kapler 4
19A 41. Do some lexicography 6
20A 44. Sicken with sweetness 4
21A 45. A barb might cause it to deflate 3
22A 46. When to take a foliage tour 4
23A 47. Liberty Mutual commercial mascot 3
24A 49. Part 4 10
25A 53. Sounds at pounds 4
26A 56. "Same" 5
27A 57. Senate rebuke 4
28A 59. Black ___ 3
29A 61. Part 5 14
30A 66. Casual ristorante 9
31A 68. U.S. Navy builder 6
32A 69. Ticked off 4
33A 70. Dolly's last name in "Hello, Dolly!" 4
34A 71. Whispered name in "The Raven" 6
35A 72. Sue Monk ___, author of "The Secret Life of Bees" 4
36A 73. Pull a fast one on 4
37A 74. End of the quote 6

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. With 21-, 30-, 49-, 61- and 74-Across, end of a Carrie Bradshaw quote that starts "Men in their 40s are like the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle ...""

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 not to be trusted; - james agee
  • Words that mean the same thing: foxy, cunning, dodgy
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRICKY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. At most"

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 upper part of anything
  • Words that mean the same thing: pass, big top, 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: TOPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Peter the Great, for one"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Words that mean the same thing: tzar, czar
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TSAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Take out"

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 degree of figurative distance or separation; or
  • Words that mean the same thing: take out, absent, slay
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REMOVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Orchestra tuner"

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Smart, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: injury, smart, injure
  • The opposite would be: be well
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HURT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Turkish inn"

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

    The answer is: IMARET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Frequent "S.N.L." role for Beck Bennett"

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: MIKEPENCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Part 2 of the quote"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: COMPLICATEDAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Category in pitching's Triple Crown, in brief"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Words that mean the same thing: epoch, earned run average, geological era
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Exam for a wannabe A.D.A."

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: LSAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Piolet, e.g."

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: ICEAX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Surveying unit"

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 unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Words that mean the same thing: Akka, Akko, Accho
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Part 3"

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: YOURENEVER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. Like two-thirds of Fibonacci numbers"

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 not divisible by two
  • Words that mean the same thing: remaining, unmated, curious
  • The opposite would be: even
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ODD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. Microwaves"

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 sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
  • Words that mean the same thing: vaporize, atomise, microwave
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Flatow of public radio"

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 militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Words that mean the same thing: anger, individual retirement account, ire
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Major-league manager Kapler"

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: GABE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Do some lexicography"

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 determine the essential quality of
  • Words that mean the same thing: determine, delineate, delimit
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEFINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Sicken with sweetness"

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 supply or feed to surfeit
  • Words that mean the same thing: surfeit, pall
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLOY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. A barb might cause it to deflate"

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Words that mean the same thing: self, self-importance, egotism
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. When to take a foliage tour"

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 the season when the leaves fall from the trees
  • Words that mean the same thing: dusk, pass, autumn
  • The opposite would be: rise, ascent
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Liberty Mutual commercial mascot"

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 any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Words that mean the same thing: electromagnetic unit, Dromaius novaehollandiae, Emu novaehollandiae
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EMU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Part 4"

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: REALLYSURE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "53. Sounds at pounds"

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: ARFS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. "Same""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: METOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Senate rebuke"

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: ETTU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Black ___"

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 (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Part 5"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: YOUGOTTHERIGHT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "66. Casual ristorante"

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: TRATTORIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "68. U.S. Navy builder"

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: SEABEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "69. Ticked off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an open skin infection
  • Words that mean the same thing: mad, tender, raw
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "70. Dolly's last name in "Hello, Dolly!""

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 (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
  • Words that mean the same thing: Saint Matthew the Apostle, St. Matthew the Apostle, Matthew
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEVI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "71. Whispered name in "The Raven""

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: LENORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "72. Sue Monk ___, author of "The Secret Life of Bees""

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 scottish sea captain who was hired to protect british shipping in the indian ocean and then was accused of piracy and hanged (1645-1701)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Captain Kidd, William Kidd
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KIDD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "73. Pull a fast one on"

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 person who lacks good judgment
  • Words that mean the same thing: befool, put one over, saphead
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FOOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "74. End of the quote"

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 statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
  • Words that mean the same thing: resolution, reply, solvent
  • The opposite would be: question
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANSWER

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - October 28, 2020 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Very short time 5
2D 2. Suckerfish that attaches itself to sharks 6
3D 3. Line in an old series of Apple commercials 6
4D 4. N.Y.S.E. listing: Abbr. 4
5D 5. Was verklempt from pride 7
6D 6. What members of the Church of the SubGenius parody religion claim to be descended from 5
7D 7. First Campbell's Soup flavor, introduced in 1895 6
8D 8. Piece that often includes a D.O.B. 4
9D 9. Raw fish dish 4
10D 10. Start of an idea 4
11D 11. From that place 6
12D 12. Arizona State University mascot 8
13D 13. Compass creation 3
14D 14. GPS calculation: Abbr. 3
15D 20. Careful effort 5
16D 22. Coral reef 3
17D 26. Sleekly designed, for short 4
18D 27. See through? 4
19D 29. Good eggs? 3
20D 31. Rap's Lil ___ Vert 3
21D 32. Saw print 3
22D 33. Modern pentathlon event 4
23D 35. It's called "le jour J" in France 4
24D 38. Start of an idea 4
25D 39. Palindromist Jon of "Sit on a Potato Pan, Otis!" 4
26D 40. Shipbuilding place 8
27D 42. Chicago transports 3
28D 43. Winter malady 3
29D 44. Mongrel 3
30D 46. Openly disregard 5
31D 48. "Rent" role for Idina Menzel 7
32D 50. Plundered 6
33D 51. Go (for) 6
34D 52. Biblical verb ending 3
35D 54. Rare weather phenomenon that's white, unlike its colorful cousin 6
36D 55. Area of expertise 6
37D 58. One of the subjects of the book "War of the Currents" 5
38D 60. Helm 5
39D 62. Driving test, of a sort 4
40D 63. Cookie with creme 4
41D 64. DVR brand 4
42D 65. Johns, to Scots 4
43D 66. Disapproving sound 3
44D 67. Lyon king 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. Very short time"

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 very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
  • Words that mean the same thing: split second, flash, wink
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Suckerfish that attaches itself to sharks"

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 marine fishes with a flattened elongated body and a sucking disk on the head for attaching to large fish or moving objects
  • Words that mean the same thing: suckerfish, sucking fish
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REMORA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Line in an old series of Apple commercials"

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: IMAMAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. N.Y.S.E. listing: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state
  • Words that mean the same thing: corporation
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CORP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Was verklempt from pride"

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: KVELLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. What members of the Church of the SubGenius parody religion claim to be descended from"

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 large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Words that mean the same thing: yeti, abominable snowman
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YETIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. First Campbell's Soup flavor, introduced in 1895"

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 mildly acid red or yellow pulpy fruit eaten as a vegetable
  • Words that mean the same thing: love apple, Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato plant
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOMATO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Piece that often includes a D.O.B."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
  • Words that mean the same thing: obituary, necrology
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Raw fish dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that tall coarse perennial american herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous
  • Words that mean the same thing: jabbing, horn in, jab
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Start of an idea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small hard fruit
  • Words that mean the same thing: seminal fluid, ejaculate, come
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. From that place"

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 from that place or from there
  • Words that mean the same thing: thus, hence, therefore
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THENCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Arizona State University mascot"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard 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: SUNDEVIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Compass creation"

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 electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Words that mean the same thing: discharge, electric discharge, spark
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. GPS calculation: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: RTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Careful effort"

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 effortful attempt to attain a goal
  • Words that mean the same thing: annoyance, hurt, ail
  • The opposite would be: pleasure
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Coral reef"

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 coral reef off the southern coast of florida
  • Words that mean the same thing: Florida key, key
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Sleekly designed, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AERO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. See through?"

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: XRAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Good eggs?"

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 fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Words that mean the same thing: hard roe
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Rap's Lil ___ Vert"

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 type of submachine gun that is designed and manufactured in israel
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UZI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Saw print"

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 move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Words that mean the same thing: consort, pass, scarper
  • The opposite would be: malfunction, idle
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Modern pentathlon event"

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EPEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. It's called "le jour J" in France"

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: DDAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Start of an idea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that anything that provides inspiration for later work
  • Words that mean the same thing: bug, source, seed
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GERM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Palindromist Jon of "Sit on a Potato Pan, Otis!""

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 united states novelist (1909-1955)
  • Words that mean the same thing: James Agee
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Shipbuilding place"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a place where boats are built or maintained or stored
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOATYARD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Chicago transports"

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

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

    The answer is: ELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Winter malady"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
  • Words that mean the same thing: influenza, grippe
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FLU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Mongrel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
  • Words that mean the same thing: mongrel, mutt
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Openly disregard"

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 treat with contemptuous disregard
  • Words that mean the same thing: barrack, jeer, gibe
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FLOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. "Rent" role for Idina Menzel"

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: MAUREEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Plundered"

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 take illegally; of intellectual property
  • Words that mean the same thing: pillaged, plunder, ransack
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOOTED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Go (for)"

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 the selling of goods to consumers; usually in small quantities and not for resale
  • The opposite would be: wholesale
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RETAIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Biblical verb ending"

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: ETH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Rare weather phenomenon that's white, unlike its colorful cousin"

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: FOGBOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Area of expertise"

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 particular environment or walk of life
  • Words that mean the same thing: firmament, celestial sphere, arena
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPHERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. One of the subjects of the book "War of the Currents""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Words that mean the same thing: Nikola Tesla
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TESLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Helm"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an indication of potential opportunity
  • Words that mean the same thing: confidential information, manoeuvre, guide
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Driving test, of a sort"

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 game played on a large open course with 9 or 18 holes; the object is use as few strokes as possible in playing all the holes
  • Words that mean the same thing: golf game
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOLF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "63. Cookie with creme"

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 chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OREO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "64. DVR brand"

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: TIVO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "65. Johns, to Scots"

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: IANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "66. Disapproving sound"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TSK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 44 Down: "67. Lyon king"

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 (corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
  • Words that mean the same thing: return on investment, return on invested capital
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROI

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 54 66.7%
Short Answer 16 19.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 4 4.9%
Abbreviation 3 3.7%
Food & Drink 1 1.2%
Geography 1 1.2%
Sports 1 1.2%
History 1 1.2%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 44
Total Clues 81
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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 21, 2025 at 04:42 PM

Monday, September 29, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 29, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: 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. Division of a bowling game 5
2A 6. Roomba target 4
3A 10. See 70-Across 4
4A 14. Touch-and-go 5
5A 15. Opening stake 4
6A 16. Awestruck 4
7A 17. Words of empathy 5
8A 18. Bog down 4
9A 19. Caramel-filled candy 4
10A 20. Fast-food alternative to a nugget 13
11A 23. Hyphenated brand of fruit-flavored drinks 3
12A 24. Pie ___ mode 3
13A 25. 3, 4 or 5, for a golf hole 3
14A 28. Headwear usually worn metaphorically 11
15A 35. Free souvenirs 4
16A 37. Yoko to whom the 1971 song "Oh Yoko!" is dedicated 3
17A 38. Homes for Plains tribes 6
18A 39. "Feel me?" 5
19A 41. Walgreens rival 3
20A 43. A dance or a dip 5
21A 44. Egyptian god of the underworld 6
22A 46. Hunky-dory 3
23A 48. Schedule opening 4
24A 49. Coach of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant 11
25A 52. Photo ___ (media events) 3
26A 53. Fertilization targets 3
27A 54. Without precedent 3
28A 56. Hallmark products … or a hint to what to find in the circled squares 13
29A 63. Longtime film rating org. 4
30A 65. Encouraging start? 4
31A 66. Secure with ropes 5
32A 67. Seeming eternities 4
33A 68. Fertile soil 4
34A 69. Vegan skin products brand 5
35A 70. With 10-Across, alternative to a fist bump 4
36A 71. Singer Lovett 4
37A 72. Send to a specialist, say 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Division of a bowling game"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the framework for a pair of eyeglasses
  • Similar words include: set up, draw up, build
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Roomba target"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air
  • Similar words include: dot, debris, detritus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. See 70-Across"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
  • Similar words include: pentad, cinque, v
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Touch-and-go"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of uncertain outcome; especially fraught with risk; - new yorker
  • Similar words include: dodgy, chanceful, chancy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DICEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Opening stake"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Awestruck"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that highly excited
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Words of empathy"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Bog down"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
  • Similar words include: slack, muck up, quag
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. Caramel-filled candy"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Fast-food alternative to a nugget"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Hyphenated brand of fruit-flavored drinks"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Pie ___ mode"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. 3, 4 or 5, for a golf hole"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Similar words include: equivalence, equation, equality
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Headwear usually worn metaphorically"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. Free souvenirs"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. Yoko to whom the 1971 song "Oh Yoko!" is dedicated"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Homes for Plains tribes"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native american tent; usually of conical shape
  • Similar words include: teepee, tepee, tipi
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEPEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. "Feel me?""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Walgreens rival"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a summary of your academic and work history
  • Similar words include: CV, resume, curriculum vitae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CVS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. A dance or a dip"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili peppers to accompany mexican foods
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Egyptian god of the underworld"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead; husband and brother of isis; father of horus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSIRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Hunky-dory"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Schedule opening"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
  • Similar words include: expansion slot, one-armed bandit, time slot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Coach of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Photo ___ (media events)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Fertilization targets"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Similar words include: ovum, egg cell
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Without precedent"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
  • Similar words include: young, fresh, freshly
  • Opposite of: old, worn
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Hallmark products … or a hint to what to find in the circled squares"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Longtime film rating org."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Encouraging start?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. Secure with ropes"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Seeming eternities"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longest division of geological time
  • Similar words include: eon, aeon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Fertile soil"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Vegan skin products brand"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. With 10-Across, alternative to a fist bump"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lofty level or position or degree
  • Similar words include: gamey, high school, high up
  • Opposite of: low spirits, low
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Singer Lovett"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "72. Send to a specialist, say"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make reference to
  • Similar words include: consult, touch on, look up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bank-backing grp. since 1933 4
2D 2. Very well-off 4
3D 3. Berry that's a "superfood" 4
4D 4. Purchased souvenirs, informally 5
5D 5. Makeup set containing shadow and mascara 6
6D 6. "Shucks!," only stronger 4
7D 7. Condo, e.g. 4
8D 8. Run out of clothes? 6
9D 9. "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" genre 7
10D 10. Uber cost 4
11D 11. Composer Stravinsky 4
12D 12. Button on a remote: Abbr. 3
13D 13. Id's counterpart 3
14D 21. Amazon speaker 4
15D 22. Copenhageners, e.g. 5
16D 25. Military mind game, for short 5
17D 26. Covered with water 5
18D 27. Diameters halved 5
19D 29. Popular business magazine 3
20D 30. Tennis star Djokovic 5
21D 31. 4.0s are excellent ones 4
22D 32. Stringed instrument that's often as tall as its seated musician 5
23D 33. Man of morals 5
24D 34. Exams for H.S. sophs. and jrs. 5
25D 36. "You go, ___!" 4
26D 40. Soldier who can stand at attention indefinitely 5
27D 42. Castaway's call for help 3
28D 45. Loss-prevention command 7
29D 47. Donkey ___ (game) 4
30D 50. Laser pointer or rubber mouse 6
31D 51. Sweet drink 6
32D 55. Voluntarily relinquish, as a right 5
33D 56. Jets or Sharks not found in the N.H.L. 4
34D 57. Reckless 4
35D 58. Slanted type: Abbr. 4
36D 59. Word after pen, pet or proper 4
37D 60. Endangered underwater ecosystem 4
38D 61. Bro 4
39D 62. Trade punches 4
40D 63. Unimpressed reaction 3
41D 64. Luau paste 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bank-backing grp. since 1933"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federally sponsored corporation that insures accounts in national banks and other qualified institutions
  • Similar words include: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Very well-off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have possessions and wealth (considered as a group)
  • Similar words include: fat, deep, plenteous
  • Opposite of: poor people, poor
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RICH

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3D: "3. Berry that's a "superfood""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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4D: "4. Purchased souvenirs, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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5D: "5. Makeup set containing shadow and mascara"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Shucks!," only stronger"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something of little value
  • Similar words include: blasted, tinker's dam, bedamn
  • Opposite of: bless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Condo, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
  • Similar words include: social unit, building block, whole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Run out of clothes?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unbroken series of events
  • Similar words include: mottle, stripe, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" genre"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Uber cost"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agenda of things to do
  • Similar words include: come, get along, do
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Composer Stravinsky"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Button on a remote: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. Id's counterpart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self, self-importance, egotism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "21. Amazon speaker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: resound, reverberate, replication
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Copenhageners, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of denmark
  • Similar words include: Dane
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Military mind game, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that military actions designed to influence the perceptions and attitudes of individuals, groups, and foreign governments
  • Similar words include: psychological operation
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSYOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Covered with water"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that covered with water
  • Similar words include: afloat, overflowing, inundated
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Diameters halved"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere
  • Similar words include: spoke, r, wheel spoke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADII

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Popular business magazine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to saddam hussein's government of iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of sunni and shiite arabs and kurds who hope to build a new government
  • Similar words include: Iraqi National Congress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Tennis star Djokovic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. 4.0s are excellent ones"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
  • Similar words include: grade point average, GPA
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Stringed instrument that's often as tall as its seated musician"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large stringed instrument; seated player holds it upright while playing
  • Similar words include: violoncello
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CELLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Man of morals"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AESOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Exams for H.S. sophs. and jrs."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. "You go, ___!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: female child, daughter, young woman
  • Opposite of: boy, son
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Soldier who can stand at attention indefinitely"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Castaway's call for help"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: so, sol, soh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Loss-prevention command"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Donkey ___ (game)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Laser pointer or rubber mouse"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Sweet drink"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet liquid secretion that is attractive to pollinators
  • Similar words include: ambrosia
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NECTAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. Voluntarily relinquish, as a right"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do without or cease to hold or adhere to
  • Similar words include: relinquish, forgo, forego
  • Opposite of: claim
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Jets or Sharks not found in the N.H.L."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an association of criminals
  • Similar words include: crowd, bunch, mob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "57. Reckless"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: heady, foolhardy, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "58. Slanted type: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "59. Word after pen, pet or proper"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: epithet, nominate, refer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Endangered underwater ecosystem"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
  • Similar words include: Witwatersrand, Rand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. Bro"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal form of address for a man
  • Similar words include: beau, sheik, buster
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Trade punches"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable
  • Similar words include: sparring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Unimpressed reaction"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Luau paste"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 29, 2025 at 03:49 AM