27409 Mon Nov 25, 2024 NYT by Dena R. Witkes

Across Clues :

1. Spongy scrubber, 6. He-Man's twin sister, 11. 72, on many golf courses, 14. Harsh on the nose, 15. Capital of Vietnam, 16. "I'll take that as ___", 17. *Corporate investor, 19. Boxer's stat, for short, 20. Problem with an old sock, 21. Wows, 22. Cancels plans at the last minute, 24. Corn ___ (fall festival attraction), 26. Birthstone for a January baby, 27. *Difficult to wrangle, per an idiom, 32. Delta Center in Salt Lake City or United Center in Chicago, 33. Sch. with campuses in Boston and Worcester, 34. Implore, 35. Cleaned up after a haircut, 37. Pie ___ mode, 40. Really bothered, 42. Prepared to throw a dart, 44. *Advice to someone seeking happiness, 49. Crater Lake's state, 50. 100 centavos, 51. Harvard, to Yale, 52. Alan of "Marriage Story", 54. Dog docs, 58. Miss Piggy's pronoun, 59. Modern networking aid, as suggested by the starts of the answers to the starred clues, 62. Ginger ___, 63. One of 10 in a decathlon, 64. Roller coasters and log flumes, 65. Went first, 66. "Tell me if this needs salt", 67. Tuck away for safekeeping

Down Clues :

1. Mascara target, 2. Seis + dos, 3. ___ arguments, section of a Supreme Court case, 4. Members of New York's Bravest, e.g., 5. Suffix with Gator or hater, 6. Brief rainstorm, 7. Fit as a fiddle, 8. Bread loaf butts, 9. ___ v. Wade, 10. Inflatable auto safety devices, 11. Green coating on a statue, 12. Piece of jewelry that might complement a toe ring, 13. Perches in a coop, 18. Foggy mental state, 23. Rainbows and parentheses, shapewise, 25. "It all makes sense now!", 26. Pesky insect, 27. Hands-on science class, 28. Fury, 29. Brewery barrel, 30. As a result of, 31. Pesky kid, 35. Stitched up, 36. "Get out of my ___!", 37. Friend, en français, 38. Paul for whom a guitar is named, 39. Content between songs on Spotify, 40. Bit of pond scum, 41. One might include a hammer, wrench and screwdriver, 42. Components of a six-pack, 43. "Big fan!", 44. Like a black-tie wedding, 45. State bird of Maryland, 46. Imposed, as a tax, 47. Make more modern, 48. Unlike a figment of the imagination, 52. Las Vegas A's, 53. Jacket fuzz, 55. Icelandic literary saga, 56. No-win/no-lose situations, 57. Girl Scout's accessory, 60. Eggs at an I.V.F. clinic, 61. "The Marvelous ___ Maisel"

Break down the NYT Crosswords: November 25, 2024

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

New York Times, Monday, November 25, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Spongy scrubber. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOOFA

  Possible Answer : loofah, loufah_sponge, luffa, loofa




• The clue is 6. He-Man's twin sister. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHERA




• The clue is 11. 72, on many golf courses. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PAR

  Possible Answer : par, equality, equivalence, equation




• The clue is 14. Harsh on the nose. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACRID

  Possible Answer : pungent, acid, sulphurous, virulent, acerbic, caustic, vitriolic, bitter, blistering, acerb, acrid, sulfurous




• The clue is 15. Capital of Vietnam. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HANOI

  Possible Answer : capital_of_Vietnam, Hanoi




• The clue is 16. "I'll take that as ___". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANO

  Possible Answer : Fatah_Revolutionary_Council, Abu_Nidal_Organization, Revolutionary_Organization_of_Socialist_Muslims, Black_September, ANO, Fatah-RC, Arab_Revolutionary_Brigades




• The clue is 17. *Corporate investor. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: SHAREHOLDER

  Possible Answer : stockholder, shareholder, shareowner




• The clue is 19. Boxer's stat, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TKO

  Possible Answer : TKO, technical_knockout




• The clue is 20. Problem with an old sock. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOLE

  Possible Answer : mess, hole, pickle, maw, gob, jam, golf_hole, yap, cakehole, hole_out, hollow, kettle_of_fish, trap, muddle, fix




• The clue is 21. Wows. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AWES

  Possible Answer : fear, awe, veneration, reverence




• The clue is 22. Cancels plans at the last minute. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BAILS

  Possible Answer : bail_bond, bond, bail




• The clue is 24. Corn ___ (fall festival attraction). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAZE

  Possible Answer : labyrinth, snarl, maze, tangle




• The clue is 26. Birthstone for a January baby. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GARNET

  Possible Answer : garnet




• The clue is 27. *Difficult to wrangle, per an idiom. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LIKEHERDINGCATS




• The clue is 32. Delta Center in Salt Lake City or United Center in Chicago. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARENA

  Possible Answer : field, orbit, arena, area, stadium, bowl, domain, scene_of_action, sphere, sports_stadium




• The clue is 33. Sch. with campuses in Boston and Worcester. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UMASS




• The clue is 34. Implore. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BEG

  Possible Answer : implore, tap, beg, pray, solicit




• The clue is 35. Cleaned up after a haircut. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SWEPT

  Possible Answer : sweep_up, span, swing, drag, drag_in, swing_out, tangle, embroil, sail, brush, cross, swept, traverse, sweep, broom

  Possible Opposite Answer : unswept




• The clue is 37. Pie ___ mode. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALA

  Possible Answer : ala




• The clue is 40. Really bothered. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATEAT




• The clue is 42. Prepared to throw a dart. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AIMED

  Possible Answer : purport, get, take, purpose, direct, train, aim, aspire, shoot_for, calculate, target, drive, propose, take_aim, draw_a_bead_on, point, place




• The clue is 44. *Advice to someone seeking happiness. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FOLLOWYOURBLISS




• The clue is 49. Crater Lake's state. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OREGON

  Possible Answer : OR, Oregon, Beaver_State




• The clue is 50. 100 centavos. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PESO

  Possible Answer : Guinea-Bissau_peso, Cuban_peso, Colombian_peso, Chilean_peso, Philippine_peso, Mexican_peso, peso, Uruguayan_peso, Dominican_peso




• The clue is 51. Harvard, to Yale. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RIVAL

  Possible Answer : challenger, contender, rival, competition, touch, match, equal, competitor




• The clue is 52. Alan of "Marriage Story". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALDA




• The clue is 54. Dog docs. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: VETS

  Possible Answer : ex-serviceman, veterinarian, veteran, veterinary_surgeon, vet, veterinary




• The clue is 58. Miss Piggy's pronoun. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MOI




• The clue is 59. Modern networking aid, as suggested by the starts of the answers to the starred clues. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: SOCIALMEDIA




• The clue is 62. Ginger ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALE

  Possible Answer : ale




• The clue is 63. One of 10 in a decathlon. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EVENT

  Possible Answer : result, effect, outcome, case, upshot, event, consequence, issue




• The clue is 64. Roller coasters and log flumes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RIDES

  Possible Answer : hinge_upon, bait, turn_on, depend_on, taunt, mount, cod, rag, ride, tantalise, hinge_on, drive, razz, depend_upon, disembarrass, twit, tease, free, rally, devolve_on, sit, rid, tantalize

  Possible Opposite Answer : walk




• The clue is 65. Went first. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LED

  Possible Answer : run, lead, moderate, guide, result, contribute, direct, leave, LED, precede, top, head, extend, light-emitting_diode, go, conduct, take, conduce, pass, chair

  Possible Opposite Answer : follow




• The clue is 66. "Tell me if this needs salt". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TASTE

  Possible Answer : tasting, preference, penchant, appreciation, gustation, sense_of_taste, taste, gustatory_modality, mouthful, sample, try_out, discernment, savor, predilection, smack, gustatory_perception, taste_perception, taste_sensation, gustatory_sensation, savour, try, perceptiveness




• The clue is 67. Tuck away for safekeeping. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STASH

  Possible Answer : hoard, lay_away, stash, cache, hive_up, squirrel_away

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Mascara target. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LASH

  Possible Answer: thong, trounce, eyelash, strap, flog, lather, cilium, whiplash, slash, lash, whip, welt

  Possible Opposite Answer : unlash

• The clue is 2. Seis + dos. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OCHO

• The clue is 3. ___ arguments, section of a Supreme Court case. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORAL

  Possible Answer: viva_voce, oral_exam, oral, unwritten, oral_examination, viva

  Possible Opposite Answer : anal, aboral

• The clue is 4. Members of New York's Bravest, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FIREMEN

  Possible Answer: fire_fighter, relief_pitcher, fire-eater, firefighter, stoker, reliever, fireman

• The clue is 5. Suffix with Gator or hater. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ADE

  Possible Answer: ade, fruit_drink

• The clue is 6. Brief rainstorm. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHOWER

  Possible Answer: exhibitioner, shower, shower_down, cascade, rain_shower, exhibitor, shower_bath, lavish

• The clue is 7. Fit as a fiddle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HALE

  Possible Answer: coerce, George_Ellery_Hale, Nathan_Hale, Edward_Everett_Hale, haul, drag, Hale, whole, cart, pressure, squeeze, force, hale

• The clue is 8. Bread loaf butts. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ENDS

  Possible Answer: remnant, stop, finish, ending, final_stage, goal, terminate, cease, end, last, destruction, remainder, closing, oddment, close, death, conclusion, terminal

  Possible Opposite Answer : begin, beginning

• The clue is 9. ___ v. Wade. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROE

  Possible Answer: roe, hard_roe

• The clue is 10. Inflatable auto safety devices. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AIRBAGS

• The clue is 11. Green coating on a statue. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PATINA

  Possible Answer: patina

• The clue is 12. Piece of jewelry that might complement a toe ring. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANKLET

  Possible Answer: bobbysocks, anklet, bobbysock, anklets, ankle_bracelet

• The clue is 13. Perches in a coop. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROOSTS

  Possible Answer: roost, perch, rest

• The clue is 18. Foggy mental state. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAZE

  Possible Answer: fog, daze, haze

• The clue is 23. Rainbows and parentheses, shapewise. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARCS

  Possible Answer: curve, electric_arc, electric_discharge, arch, discharge, arc, spark, bow

• The clue is 25. "It all makes sense now!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHA

• The clue is 26. Pesky insect. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GNAT

  Possible Answer: gnat

• The clue is 27. Hands-on science class. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAB

  Possible Answer: science_laboratory, research_lab, science_lab, research_laboratory, laboratory, lab

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

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

  The answer: IRE

  Possible Answer: ira, anger, choler, ire, wrath

• The clue is 29. Brewery barrel. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KEG

  Possible Answer: kegful, keg

• The clue is 30. As a result of. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DUETO

• The clue is 31. Pesky kid. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IMP

  Possible Answer: brownie, hob, scamp, pixie, scallywag, rapscallion, scalawag, pixy, gremlin, imp, elf, rascal, monkey

• The clue is 35. Stitched up. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SEWN

  Possible Answer: tailor-make, sewn, stitch, stitched, tailor, sewed, run_up, sew, sew_together

• The clue is 36. "Get out of my ___!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WAY

  Possible Answer: direction, right_smart, room, elbow_room, mode, style, fashion, path, manner, means, agency, way_of_life, way

• The clue is 37. Friend, en français. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMI

• The clue is 38. Paul for whom a guitar is named. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LES

  Possible Answer: lupus_erythematosus, LE

• The clue is 39. Content between songs on Spotify. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ADS

  Possible Answer: advertising, advertizing, advert, advertisement, advertizement, ad

• The clue is 40. Bit of pond scum. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALGA

  Possible Answer: algae, alga

• The clue is 41. One might include a hammer, wrench and screwdriver. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOOLSET

• The clue is 42. Components of a six-pack. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABS

  Possible Answer: abdominal, group_AB, Av, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, Ab, ab, type_AB, BA, Bachelor_of_Arts, Artium_Baccalaurens, ABS, AB, abdominal_muscle

• The clue is 43. "Big fan!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ILOVEIT

• The clue is 44. Like a black-tie wedding. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FORMAL

  Possible Answer: formal, conventional, stately, dinner_dress, evening_gown, schematic, dinner_gown, ball, courtly

  Possible Opposite Answer : informal

• The clue is 45. State bird of Maryland. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORIOLE

  Possible Answer: Old_World_oriole, American_oriole, New_World_oriole, oriole

• The clue is 46. Imposed, as a tax. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEVIED

  Possible Answer: raise, impose, recruit, levy

• The clue is 47. Make more modern. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UPDATE

  Possible Answer: update

• The clue is 48. Unlike a figment of the imagination. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REAL

  Possible Answer: literal, rattling, tangible, veridical, substantial, really, actual, real_number, very, real, genuine, existent, material

  Possible Opposite Answer : insubstantial, unreal, nominal

• The clue is 52. Las Vegas A's. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACES

  Possible Answer: virtuoso, Allied_Command_Europe, whizz, ace, hotshot, sensation, whiz, adept, nail, superstar, wiz, star, I, sweep_through, ACE, breeze_through, single, champion, 1, angiotensin_converting_enzyme, maven, sail_through, mavin, angiotensin-converting_enzyme, unity, wizard, one, genius, pass_with_flying_colors

• The clue is 53. Jacket fuzz. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LINT

  Possible Answer: lint

• The clue is 55. Icelandic literary saga. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EDDA

  Possible Answer: dasheen, edda, taro_root, cocoyam, taro, Edda

• The clue is 56. No-win/no-lose situations. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIES

  Possible Answer: tie-up, sleeper, affiliation, marry, link_up, splice, connect, link, wed, draw, railroad_tie, necktie, crosstie, tie, bind, tie-in, bond, tie_beam, linkup, standoff, association, attach

  Possible Opposite Answer : untie, disconnect

• The clue is 57. Girl Scout's accessory. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SASH

  Possible Answer: waistcloth, waistband, cincture, sash, window_sash, girdle

• The clue is 60. Eggs at an I.V.F. clinic. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OVA

  Possible Answer: egg_cell, ovum

• The clue is 61. "The Marvelous ___ Maisel". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MRS

  Possible Answer: Mrs, Mr, Mr., Mister, Mrs.

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (39 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (28 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Concealer for the face"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Bring in"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Purple bubble tea flavor"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Short sidekick?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASST

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LINDT

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13A: "22. Dub over?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RENAME

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14A: "24. Cuatro y dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEIS

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15A: "26. Business magnate Condé"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAST

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16A: "28. Promising places?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALTARS

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17A: "32. Ferry or wherry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOAT

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18A: "35. Start of an incantation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABRA

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19A: "37. Pastoral sound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOO

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

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INFINITESCROLL

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21A: "42. Inspired stuff"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIR

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22A: "43. Pro device"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPAD

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23A: "44. ___ out a win"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EKED

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24A: "45. Bond alternatives"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOCKS

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAID

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOP

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27A: "52. Scenes on Black Friday"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CROWDS

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

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLSON

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29A: "59. Pawn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOW

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31A: "62. Female antelopes"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Woodsy scent"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Central Plains people"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Losing streak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Cheeky"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

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

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "21. Purple shade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LILAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "29. One way to run"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "31. On board, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "32. Pollster's concern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "39. Canon competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIKON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "40. ___ facto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "41. Makeover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOSEDSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "48. Digital security credential"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACCESSKEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "49. Get to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PHONEAPPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHITEBEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DONORCARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "55. Perfect place"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWEETSPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODDSMAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOOKALIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEMICOLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPENSEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "63. Absolute train wrecks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOTMESSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPARTIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues

28 Down Clues

67 Total Clues

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