May 16, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Tuesday Crossword Across Clues - May 16, 2023 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Ripped" muscles	3
2A	4. Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, informally	7
3A	11. High-chair wear	3
4A	14. Poet who quoth "Nevermore"	3
5A	15. Big opportunity for scoring in hockey	7
6A	16. Green: Prefix	3
7A	17. Casualness … even though 18-Across doesn't mean urgency	11
8A	19. Farm bales	3
9A	20. [Puh-lease!]	7
10A	21. Wyoming range	6
11A	23. Texas city where Dr Pepper was invented	4
12A	24. Lazy … even though 26-Across doesn't mean active	8
13A	27. Formed	6
14A	30. Bruins legend Bobby	3
15A	31. Egotist's concern	4
16A	33. First Black Disney princess	5
17A	35. Actress Fisher of "Eighth Grade"	5
18A	36. Flustered … even though 39-Across doesn't mean poised	15
19A	41. Edible that's been squirreled away?	5
20A	42. Gets up	5
21A	43. First thing a waiter brings to the table, usually	4
22A	44. Dads	3
23A	45. Gossipy types	6
24A	50. Wrong name … even though 51-Across doesn't mean the right name	8
25A	53. Actress Elisabeth of "Leaving Las Vegas"	4
26A	54. Tex-Mex snacks named after their inventor, Ignacio Anaya	6
27A	55. "Don't wait!"	7
28A	58. Letters before a criminal's alias, maybe	3
29A	59. Not yet discovered … even though 60-Across doesn't mean discovered	11
30A	62. The "p" of m.p.g.	3
31A	63. Sushi wrapper	7
32A	64. Medium for van Gogh	3
33A	65. You ___ here (words on a mall map)	3
34A	66. Che Guevara's given name	7
35A	67. Understand	3

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. "Ripped" muscles"

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 any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
• Words that mean the same thing: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, Artium Baccalaurens, Av
• 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: ABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a party of people assembled to promote sociability and communal activity
• Words that mean the same thing: social, sociable, mixer
• 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: SOCIALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. High-chair wear"

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 top part of an apron; covering the chest
• Words that mean the same thing: tipple
• 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: BIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Poet who quoth "Nevermore""

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 united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
• Words that mean the same thing: Edgar Allan Poe
• 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: POE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Big opportunity for scoring in hockey"

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: OPENNET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Green: Prefix"

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: ECO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Casualness … even though 18-Across doesn't mean urgency"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care; a casual lack of concern
• Words that mean the same thing: unconcern, indifference
• 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: NONCHALANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Farm bales"

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 grass mowed and cured for use as fodder
• 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: HAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. [Puh-lease!]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EYEROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Wyoming range"

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 member of the large western branch of sioux people which was made up of several groups that lived on the plains
• Words that mean the same thing: Teton Dakota, Lakota, Teton Sioux
• 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: TETONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Texas city where Dr Pepper was invented"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city in east central texas
• 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: WACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lazy … even though 26-Across doesn't mean active"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that disinclined to work or exertion
• Words that mean the same thing: faineant, work-shy, slothful
• 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: INDOLENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Formed"

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 shape or influence; give direction to
• Words that mean the same thing: molded, work, mold
• 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: SHAPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Bruins legend Bobby"

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 canadian hockey player (born 1948)
• Words that mean the same thing: Bobby Orr, Robert Orr
• 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: ORR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Egotist's concern"

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 your consciousness of your own identity
• Words that mean the same thing: ego
• 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: SELF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. First Black Disney princess"

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: TIANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Actress Fisher of "Eighth Grade""

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

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: ELSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Flustered … even though 39-Across doesn't mean poised"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to be confused emotionally
• Words that mean the same thing: bewilder, fox, bemuse
• 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: DISCOMBOBULATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Edible that's been squirreled away?"

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 fruit of the oak tree: a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base
• 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: ACORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Gets up"

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 growth in strength or number or importance
• Words that mean the same thing: cost increase, wage hike, originate
• The opposite would be: turn in, sit down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RISES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. First thing a waiter brings to the table, usually"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Words that mean the same thing: fare, computer menu, bill of fare
• 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: MENU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Dads"

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 (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
• Words that mean the same thing: daddy, atomic number 91, public address system
• 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: PAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Gossipy types"

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 (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
• Words that mean the same thing: yenta
• 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: YENTAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Wrong name … even though 51-Across doesn't mean the right name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an incorrect or unsuitable name
• 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: MISNOMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "53. Actress Elisabeth of "Leaving Las Vegas""

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

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: SHUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Tex-Mex snacks named after their inventor, Ignacio Anaya"

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 tortilla chip topped with cheese and chili-pepper and broiled
• Words that mean the same thing: nacho
• 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: NACHOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. "Don't wait!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACTFAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. Letters before a criminal's alias, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Not yet discovered … even though 60-Across doesn't mean discovered"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (usually used with `to') occurring or existing without the knowledge of
• Words that mean the same thing: unbeknown
• 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: UNBEKNOWNST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. The "p" of m.p.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Sushi wrapper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that plant growing in the sea, especially marine algae
• 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: SEAWEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Medium for van Gogh"

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 slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
• Words that mean the same thing: crude, rock oil, vegetable oil
• 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: OIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. You ___ here (words on a mall map)"

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 unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: constitute, exist, equal
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Che Guevara's given name"

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: ERNESTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Understand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Words that mean the same thing: catch, go steady, visit
• 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: SEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 16, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Big name in nonprofit journalism	6
2D	2. "In your face!"	6
3D	3. ___ Falls Convention (milestone in the women's suffrage movement)	6
4D	4. Neighborhood in N.Y.C. and London	4
5D	5. Fiery gem	4
6D	6. Large stringed instruments	5
7D	7. Once ___ blue moon	3
8D	8. Advice columnist Landers	3
9D	9. Podium speaker	6
10D	10. "Stainless" metal	5
11D	11. "Tell me what you really think"	8
12D	12. "Gotta tell you …"	8
13D	13. Lost ___ ("Peter Pan" group)	4
14D	18. Photo editing command	4
15D	22. Maker of Models S, X and Y	5
16D	25. Result of complete sound cancellation	7
17D	26. Dribs and ___	5
18D	28. School near Windsor Castle	4
19D	29. De-lighted?	3
20D	32. Cooked for	3
21D	34. Biblical patriarch who had "ha" added to his name when he was 99 years old	5
22D	35. Otherwise	4
23D	36. Reservoir producer	3
24D	37. Feature of many modern refrigerators	8
25D	38. Big name in electric toothbrushes	8
26D	39. Prospective sweetheart, say	5
27D	40. Driver's one-eighty	3
28D	44. Mike with the 2015 hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza"	6
29D	46. [Warning: Explicit content!]	4
30D	47. Marvel supervillain	6
31D	48. Dweller Down Under	6
32D	49. Agree out of court	6
33D	51. "Don't waste your time"	5
34D	52. Zen garden tools	5
35D	54. California wine valley	4
36D	56. Tech site since 1994	4
37D	57. Heading on a list of errands	4
38D	60. Prohibition	3
39D	61. She that may be sheared	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. Big name in nonprofit journalism"

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: APNEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "In your face!""

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: BOOYAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. ___ Falls Convention (milestone in the women's suffrage movement)"

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 roman statesman and philosopher who was an advisor to nero; his nine extant tragedies are modeled on greek tragedies (circa 4 bc - 65 ad)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lucius Annaeus Seneca
• 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: SENECA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Neighborhood in N.Y.C. and London"

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 district in southwestern manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
• Words that mean the same thing: South of Houston
• 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: SOHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Fiery gem"

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 translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
• 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: OPAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Large stringed instruments"

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: CELLI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Once ___ blue moon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Advice columnist Landers"

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: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Podium speaker"

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 someone who reads the lessons in a church service; someone ordained in a minor order of the roman catholic church
• Words that mean the same thing: lecturer, reader
• 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: LECTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "Stainless" metal"

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 alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
• Words that mean the same thing: sword, blade, brand
• 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: STEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Tell me what you really think""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: BEHONEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "Gotta tell you …""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICANTLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Lost ___ ("Peter Pan" group)"

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

  The answer is: BOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Photo editing command"

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 yield from plants in a single growing season
• Words that mean the same thing: graze, work, harvest
• 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: CROP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Maker of Models S, X and Y"

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 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 16 Down: "25. Result of complete sound cancellation"

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: NONOISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Dribs and ___"

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 dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
• Words that mean the same thing: olive drab, drab
• 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: DRABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. School near Windsor Castle"

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: ETON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. De-lighted?"

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 switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
• Words that mean the same thing: dip, dull, subdued
• The opposite would be: undimmed, focus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Cooked for"

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 any federal law-enforcement officer
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Reserve System, fertilize, course
• The opposite would be: starve
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Biblical patriarch who had "ha" added to his name when he was 99 years old"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABRAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Otherwise"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Reservoir producer"

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 barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: dam up, dike, decameter
• 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: DAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Feature of many modern refrigerators"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICEMAKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Big name in electric toothbrushes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SONICARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Prospective sweetheart, say"

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 leather that has had its grain pattern accentuated
• Words that mean the same thing: calf love, press, infatuation
• 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: CRUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Driver's one-eighty"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Mike with the 2015 hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza""

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: POSNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. [Warning: Explicit content!]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NSFW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Marvel supervillain"

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: THANOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Dweller Down Under"

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 native or inhabitant of australia
• Words that mean the same thing: Australian
• 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: AUSSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Agree out of court"

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 long wooden bench with a back
• Words that mean the same thing: ensconce, square off, reconcile
• The opposite would be: float
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SETTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. "Don't waste your time""

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: NOUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Zen garden tools"

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 dissolute man in fashionable society
• Words that mean the same thing: glance over, pitch, roue
• 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: RAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. California wine valley"

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 plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east asia
• Words that mean the same thing: celery cabbage, Chinese cabbage, pe-tsai
• 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: NAPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Tech site since 1994"

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: CNET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Heading on a list of errands"

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: TODO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Prohibition"

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 decree that prohibits something
• Words that mean the same thing: censor, banish, proscription
• 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: BAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. She that may be sheared"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• 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: EWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	66.2%
Short Answer	19	25.7%
Geography	2	2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.7%
History	2	2.7%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 02, 2025 at 10:43 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 09, 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 (31 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (37 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. Mensches	9
2A	10. "Super Dry" brewer	5
3A	15. Visual aid with a three-dimensional aspect	9
4A	16. Persona non grata	5
5A	17. By an even stronger argument, at law	9
6A	18. Stars to gaze up at	5
7A	19. Not mad	4
8A	20. Squishy projectile	8
9A	22. Cackling carnivores	6
10A	25. World's third-largest river by discharge, after the Amazon and the Congo	7
11A	27. Miserly sorts, informally	8
12A	30. Rift	3
13A	31. Like a certain artery	8
14A	32. Mango leftovers	4
15A	33. The astronomer Tycho Brahe, for one	4
16A	34. Org. concerned with screenings	3
17A	35. Wine leftovers	4
18A	36. ___ Kar-wai, acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker behind 1994's "Chungking Express"	4
19A	37. Hounds that can run up to 35 m.p.h.	8
20A	39. It's mine, all mine!	3
21A	40. NPR program since 1987	8
22A	41. Two aces, say	7
23A	43. Kind of roll	6
24A	47. Comfortable	8
25A	50. "Do I ___ to eat a peach?": T.S. Eliot	4
26A	51. Record of the year?	5
27A	52. Drawing on another's life	9
28A	55. Handle	5
29A	56. Much-anticipated rivalry game in soccer's La Liga	9
30A	57. Hidden element of FedEx's logo	5
31A	58. Extremely difficult and ultimately futile	9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Mensches"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLASSACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. "Super Dry" brewer"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASAHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Visual aid with a three-dimensional aspect"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RELIEFMAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Persona non grata"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person afflicted with leprosy
• Similar words include: lazar
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. By an even stronger argument, at law"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFORTIORI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Stars to gaze up at"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a material effigy that is worshipped
• Similar words include: matinee idol, perfection, idol
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Not mad"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
• Similar words include: reasonable
• Opposite of: insane

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Squishy projectile"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NERFBALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Cackling carnivores"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
• Similar words include: hyena, hyaena
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HYENAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. World's third-largest river by discharge, after the Amazon and the Congo"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a south american river 1,500 miles long; flows into the south atlantic
• Similar words include: Orinoco River
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORINOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Miserly sorts, informally"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a selfish person who is unwilling to give or spend
• Similar words include: niggard, scrooge, churl
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCROOGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. Rift"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
• Similar words include: spread, break, col
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Like a certain artery"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that obstruction of blood flow in a coronary artery by a blood clot (thrombus)
• Similar words include: coronary thrombosis
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CORONARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "32. Mango leftovers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
• Similar words include: quarry, cavity, pit
• Opposite of: Heaven

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. The astronomer Tycho Brahe, for one"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of denmark
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Org. concerned with screenings"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
• Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Wine leftovers"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
• Similar words include: Spike Lee, Gypsy Rose Lee, Henry Lee
• Opposite of: windward

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. ___ Kar-wai, acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker behind 1994's "Chungking Express""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Hounds that can run up to 35 m.p.h."

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that small slender dog of greyhound type developed in england
• Similar words include: whippet
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHIPPETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. It's mine, all mine!"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Similar words include: self, egotism, self-importance
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. NPR program since 1987"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRESHAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Two aces, say"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOPPAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Kind of roll"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the title of the holy roman emperors or the emperors of austria or of germany until 1918
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KAISER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Comfortable"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WELLTODO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. "Do I ___ to eat a peach?": T.S. Eliot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
• Similar words include: defy, presume, daring
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Record of the year?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANNAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Drawing on another's life"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that relating to or caused by parasites
• Similar words include: parasitical, bloodsucking, epenthetic
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARASITIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Handle"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Much-anticipated rivalry game in soccer's La Liga"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELCLASICO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Hidden element of FedEx's logo"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mark to indicate a direction or relation
• Similar words include: pointer
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Extremely difficult and ultimately futile"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of or relating to sisyphus
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SISYPHEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Hit the hay hard	5
2D	2. Morgan ___, sorceress in King Arthur stories	5
3D	3. Not having company	5
4D	4. What Odysseus' crew waxed on about?	9
5D	5. Mahjong grouping	3
6D	6. Org. concerned with screenings	3
7D	7. "Really?!"	4
8D	8. Zero out, in a way	4
9D	9. Device geared to draw rotationally symmetrical shapes	10
10D	10. Accounts for checking?	6
11D	11. Compact, maybe	5
12D	12. "My mistake"	9
13D	13. Some Navy aircraft during W.W. II	8
14D	14. Org. requiring crypto disclosures beginning in 2025	3
15D	21. Glenn who co-founded the Eagles	4
16D	23. A lot of lot	4
17D	24. Broadway show inits.	3
18D	26. Psy-___	3
19D	28. Near failure, colloquially	10
20D	29. Fertile place	5
21D	31. Swiss Army knife component	9
22D	32. Aid for someone studying a culture	9
23D	33. One who regularly takes a best friend out?	8
24D	35. Princess who says "Governor Tarkin! I should have expected to find you holding Vader's leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board"	4
25D	36. Like some noodles and martinis	3
26D	37. Habeas corpus, e.g.	4
27D	38. Cricket's Men in Green, on scoreboards	3
28D	40. Dormant	6
29D	42. Student of Socrates	5
30D	44. "Gymnopédies" composer	5
31D	45. Jong who wrote "Fear of Flying"	5
32D	46. Scouting trip	5
33D	48. Artist with an absurdist humor book all about his mustache	4
34D	49. Sauron's soldiers in "The Lord of the Rings"	4
35D	51. ___ team	3
36D	53. Gymnast Raisman	3
37D	54. Enervate	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Hit the hay hard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loud resonant repeating noise
• Similar words include: collapse, doss down, ram
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Morgan ___, sorceress in King Arthur stories"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEFAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Not having company"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that isolated from others
• Similar words include: exclusively, lonely, solitary
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. What Odysseus' crew waxed on about?"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIRENSONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Mahjong grouping"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
• Similar words include: limit, go under, determine
• Opposite of: rise

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Org. concerned with screenings"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "Really?!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Zero out, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an adjustment made for the weight of the packaging in order to determine the net weight of the goods
• Similar words include: darnel, bearded darnel, Lolium temulentum
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Device geared to draw rotationally symmetrical shapes"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a measuring instrument for recording the depth and rapidity of breathing movements
• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPIROGRAPH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Accounts for checking?"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
• Similar words include: self-justification, alibi, excuse
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALIBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Compact, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a car that is closed and that has front and rear seats and two or four doors
• Similar words include: sedan chair, saloon
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEDAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "My mistake""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
• Similar words include: apology, excuse, apologia
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APOLOGIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Some Navy aircraft during W.W. II"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a malicious woman with a fierce temper
• Similar words include: vixen, harpy, hellcat
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HELLCATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Org. requiring crypto disclosures beginning in 2025"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
• Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Glenn who co-founded the Eagles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (norse mythology) god of earth's fertility and peace and prosperity; son of njorth and brother of freya; originally of the vanir; later with the aesir
• Similar words include: Freyr
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FREY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. A lot of lot"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
• Similar words include: Akko, Akka, Accho
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACRE

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17D: "24. Broadway show inits."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SRO

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18D: "26. Psy-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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

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19D: "28. Near failure, colloquially"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONTHEROPES

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20D: "29. Fertile place"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Similar words include: haven
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OASIS

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21D: "31. Swiss Army knife component"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CANOPENER

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22D: "32. Aid for someone studying a culture"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PETRIDISH

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23D: "33. One who regularly takes a best friend out?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOGOWNER

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24D: "35. Princess who says "Governor Tarkin! I should have expected to find you holding Vader's leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEIA

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25D: "36. Like some noodles and martinis"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wetness caused by water
• Similar words include: besotted, pie-eyed, soaked
• Opposite of: dry

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WET

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26D: "37. Habeas corpus, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (law) a legal document issued by a court or judicial officer
• Similar words include: judicial writ
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WRIT

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27D: "38. Cricket's Men in Green, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAK

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28D: "40. Dormant"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cultivated land that is not seeded for one or more growing seasons
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FALLOW

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29D: "42. Student of Socrates"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that ancient athenian philosopher; pupil of socrates; teacher of aristotle (428-347 bc)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLATO

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30D: "44. "Gymnopédies" composer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that french composer noted for his experimentalism and rejection of romanticism (1866-1925)
• Similar words include: Erik Satie, Erik Alfred Leslie Satie
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SATIE

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31D: "45. Jong who wrote "Fear of Flying""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any plant of the genus erica
• Similar words include: true heath
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERICA

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32D: "46. Scouting trip"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RECON

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33D: "48. Artist with an absurdist humor book all about his mustache"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
• Similar words include: Salvador Dali
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DALI

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34D: "49. Sauron's soldiers in "The Lord of the Rings""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORCS

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35D: "51. ___ team"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASA

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36D: "53. Gymnast Raisman"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALY

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37D: "54. Enervate"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
• Similar words include: muggins, run down, tire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAP

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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

31 Across Clues

37 Down Clues

68 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 09, 2026 at 10:45 AM