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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query gamey. Sort by date Show all posts

Monday, July 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 13, 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: 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. Similar (to) 4
2A 5. Taters 5
3A 10. Whole bunch 4
4A 14. Titillating 4
5A 15. Over-the-top enthusiasm 5
6A 16. Ice cream holder 4
7A 17. Meccano offering for budding builders 10
8A 19. Taj Mahal city 4
9A 20. Catch red-handed 3
10A 21. Fairy tale fiend 4
11A 22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes 5
12A 23. Ring-shaped coral reef 5
13A 25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud 9
14A 28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover 7
15A 30. Crimebuster 3
16A 31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto" 3
17A 32. Suffix with lemon or orange 3
18A 33. "Of course!" 3
19A 34. Relieves (of) 4
20A 35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier 11
21A 38. "Deadly" transgressions 4
22A 40. Structure for hydroelectric power 3
23A 41. Hypotheticals 3
24A 42. PC exit key 3
25A 43. No-good dog 3
26A 44. Watches on Hulu, say 7
27A 48. Small aircraft for short flights 9
28A 51. Beauty maven Lauder 5
29A 52. Three-note chord 5
30A 53. Christmas Eve service 4
31A 55. Laudatory verse 3
32A 56. Not as much 4
33A 57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across? 10
34A 60. Polish for publishing 4
35A 61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh 5
36A 62. "Begone!" 4
37A 63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe 4
38A 64. Water or rust, chemically 5
39A 65. One who saves the day 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Similar (to)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that similar in quality or character
  • Similar words include: blood-related, consanguineal, cognate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Taters"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: white potato, potato, Irish potato
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Whole bunch"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: plenty, hatful, veer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Titillating"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full of zest or vigor
  • Similar words include: rich, full-bodied, gamey
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Over-the-top enthusiasm"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
  • Similar words include: manic disorder, passion, cacoethes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Ice cream holder"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any cone-shaped artifact
  • Similar words include: conoid, retinal cone, strobile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Meccano offering for budding builders"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERECTORSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Taj Mahal city"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in northern india; former capital of the mogul empire; site of the taj mahal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Catch red-handed"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tag the base runner to get him out
  • Similar words include: nail, apprehend, collar
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Fairy tale fiend"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: monster, fiend, demon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Similar words include: Inka, Incan, Inca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Ring-shaped coral reef"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
  • Similar words include: aphrodisiac, sexy, aphrodisiacal
  • Opposite of: anaphrodisiac, unsexy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXIEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Crimebuster"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
  • Similar words include: copper, fuzz, thieve
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a logarithmic unit of sound intensity equal to 10 decibels
  • Similar words include: B
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Suffix with lemon or orange"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Similar words include: fruit drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "33. "Of course!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Relieves (of)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relieve from
  • Similar words include: free, disembarrass, rid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. "Deadly" transgressions"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: goof, Sin, boob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Structure for hydroelectric power"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
  • Similar words include: decameter, dyke, dam up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Hypotheticals"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. PC exit key"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. No-good dog"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
  • Similar words include: mongrel, mutt
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Watches on Hulu, say"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
  • Similar words include: well out, current, pelt
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Small aircraft for short flights"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an airplane with an external propeller that is driven by a turbojet engine
  • Similar words include: propjet, turbo-propeller plane
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TURBOPROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Beauty maven Lauder"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "52. Three-note chord"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: tierce, leash, three
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "53. Christmas Eve service"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
  • Similar words include: plenty, hatful, slew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Laudatory verse"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Not as much"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
  • Similar words include: to a lesser extent
  • Opposite of: more
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artifact designed to be played with
  • Similar words include: toy, plaything
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAYTHINGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Polish for publishing"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: delete, blue-pencil, redact
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
  • Similar words include: love, dear, dearest
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. "Begone!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Similar words include: take to the woods, break away, scarper
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
  • Similar words include: dot, sexually transmitted disease, dosage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "64. Water or rust, chemically"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any compound of oxygen with another element or a radical
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OXIDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "65. One who saves the day"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
  • Similar words include: zep, Cuban sandwich, hero sandwich
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large venues 6
2D 2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks 6
3D 3. Refrigerator, quaintly 6
4D 4. Home of the Empire State Bldg. 3
5D 5. Unhealthy haze 4
6D 6. Mimic 6
7D 7. Indy racer Al or Bobby 5
8D 8. Yahtzee cube 3
9D 9. Was successful in musical chairs 3
10D 10. Minimal 5
11D 11. Woodsy abode 8
12D 12. Furious 7
13D 13. Sneaky types 7
14D 18. Ohio port on Lake Erie 6
15D 22. Co. with a lot of connections? 3
16D 24. Tall tale tellers 5
17D 26. Taiwanese computer giant 4
18D 27. Went ballistic 6
19D 29. Humorous parody 6
20D 33. "Dee-lish!" 3
21D 34. Expands, as dough with yeast 5
22D 35. Experiencing great difficulty 8
23D 36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys 4
24D 37. With a clean slate 6
25D 38. Avoided a trial, say 7
26D 39. Emphatic affirmative 7
27D 43. Common fish-and-chips fish 3
28D 44. Fixed at the vet 6
29D 45. Immediately 6
30D 46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College 6
31D 47. Looks after 6
32D 49. Sew loosely 5
33D 50. Saudi neighbor 5
34D 54. Eyelid affliction 4
35D 57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles 3
36D 58. Salmon on a bagel 3
37D 59. Suffix with bull or bear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large venues"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular environment or walk of life
  • Similar words include: arena, stadium, sphere
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARENAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a traditional japanese system of unarmed combat; sharp blows and kicks are given to pressure-sensitive points on the body of the opponent
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Refrigerator, quaintly"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that white goods in which food can be stored at low temperatures
  • Similar words include: refrigerator
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICEBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Home of the Empire State Bldg."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Unhealthy haze"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Mimic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Indy racer Al or Bobby"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Yahtzee cube"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: decease, break, break down
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Was successful in musical chairs"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: model, sit down, Sabbatum
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Minimal"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
  • Similar words include: light, skimp, stint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Woodsy abode"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Furious"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into a rage; make violently angry
  • Similar words include: enrage, infuriated, angered
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRAGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sneaky types"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as treacherous or sneaky
  • Similar words include: weasel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEASELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Ohio port on Lake Erie"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an industrial city in northwestern ohio on lake erie
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLEDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Co. with a lot of connections?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Tall tale tellers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • Similar words include: prevaricator, liar
  • Opposite of: square shooter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Taiwanese computer giant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
  • Similar words include: genus Acer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Went ballistic"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Humorous parody"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
  • Similar words include: parody, mockery, put-on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENDUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. "Dee-lish!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Expands, as dough with yeast"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a growth in strength or number or importance
  • Similar words include: raise, wage increase, rising
  • Opposite of: turn in, descent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Experiencing great difficulty"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. With a clean slate"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that again but in a new or different way
  • Similar words include: anew
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRESH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Avoided a trial, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
  • Similar words include: locate, reconcile, settle
  • Opposite of: float, unsettled
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETTLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Emphatic affirmative"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Common fish-and-chips fish"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: put on, codfish, tantalise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Fixed at the vet"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, spay, castrate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Immediately"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Looks after"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Sew loosely"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  • Similar words include: batter, basting stitch, tack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Saudi neighbor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of oman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Eyelid affliction"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: hordeolum, sty, eye infection
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Salmon on a bagel"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
  • Similar words include: liquid oxygen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Suffix with bull or bear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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
37 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 13, 2026 at 06:35 AM

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

27424 Wed Dec 11, 2024 NYT Kathy Bloomer and Jeff Chen

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 11, 2024

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

New York Times, Wednesday, December 11, 2024
New York Times, Wednesday, December 11, 2024


Across Clues with Answers:
  • The clue is 1. Field for a Fortnite pro. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESPORTS


  • The clue is 8. "Wheels". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: VEHICLE

    Possible Answer : fomite, vehicle


  • The clue is 15. Actress who said "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MAEWEST


  • The clue is 16. Attendee who's not on the guest list. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CRASHER

    Possible Answer : crasher, gatecrasher, unwelcome_guest


  • The clue is 17. Took advantage of a situation, so to speak. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MADEHAY


  • The clue is 18. Presented to, as for approval. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RANPAST


  • The clue is 19. Tolerate. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ABIDE

    Possible Answer : support, brook, stay, bide, digest, put_up, abide, stick_out, bear, tolerate, stomach, suffer, endure, stand


  • The clue is 20. Pride : lion :: gaggle : ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GOOSE

    Possible Answer : jackass, goof, twat, bozo, goose, goofball, fathead, zany, cuckoo


  • The clue is 21. Like some nerves and strings. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TAUT

    Possible Answer : taut, tight


  • The clue is 24. Come clean, with "up". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FESS

    Possible Answer : fess, fesse, Fez, Fes


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

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

    The answer: PRIORTO


  • The clue is 29. Takes back to the lab, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RETESTS


  • The clue is 33. Seemingly forever. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EON

    Possible Answer : eon, aeon


  • The clue is 34. The N.H.L.'s Kraken, on scoreboards. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SEA

    Possible Answer : sea, ocean


  • The clue is 35. Billionaire philanthropist Broad. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ELI


  • The clue is 36. "Now I get it!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AHA


  • The clue is 37. Smiling Face With Sunglasses, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EMOJI


  • The clue is 39. Fresno-to-San Diego dir.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SSE

    Possible Answer : sou'-sou'-east, SSE, south_southeast


  • The clue is 41. 1-Across competitor. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GAMER

    Possible Answer : spirited, halting, spunky, game, gamey, halt, gimpy, gamy, gritty, lame, crippled, mettlesome


  • The clue is 43. October Revolution leader. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LENIN

    Possible Answer : Lenin, Vladimir_Ilyich_Ulyanov, Vladimir_Ilich_Ulyanov, Vladimir_Lenin, Vladimir_Ilich_Lenin, Vladimir_Ilyich_Lenin, Nikolai_Lenin


  • The clue is 44. "___ death do us part". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TIL


  • The clue is 45. Villainous animal in "The Lion King". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HYENA

    Possible Answer : hyena, hyaena


  • The clue is 46. One might be good, bad or rotten. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EGG

    Possible Answer : orchis, bollock, nut, testicle, testis, ball, eggs, ballock, egg


  • The clue is 47. Japan's ___ Period (1603-1868). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EDO

    Possible Answer : capital_of_Japan, Tokio, Edo, Japanese_capital, Tokyo, Yeddo, Yedo


  • The clue is 48. Business card abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TEL


  • The clue is 49. Insult, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DISS

    Possible Answer : diss, affront, insult, Orcus, Dis


  • The clue is 51. Keto diet no-no. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BREAD

    Possible Answer : lucre, boodle, wampum, kale, simoleons, shekels, sugar, lettuce, cabbage, dinero, pelf, loot, scratch, clams, gelt, breadstuff, moolah, dough, staff_of_life, lolly, bread


  • The clue is 53. Poetry contest. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SLAM

    Possible Answer : gibe, jibe, bang, shaft, mosh, slam_dance, flap_down, dig, sweep, slam, barb, thrash, shot


  • The clue is 56. Part of I.P.A.. 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 57. Beaucoup. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ALOADOF


  • The clue is 59. Hosp. ward. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ICU

    Possible Answer : intensive_care_unit, ICU


  • The clue is 60. Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MINISUV


  • The clue is 62. Wins the heart of. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENAMORS

    Possible Answer : enamor, fascinate, beguile, trance, enchant, bewitch, catch, enamour, captivate, charm, capture, becharm, entrance


  • The clue is 64. Diversion. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PASTIME

    Possible Answer : pastime, pursuit, interest


  • The clue is 65. Repositions, as tires. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ROTATES

    Possible Answer : go_around, circumvolve, rotate, splay, spread_out, turn_out, revolve


  • The clue is 66. Assault with sound. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DEAFEN

    Possible Answer : deaf, deafen


  • The clue is 67. Equipment for an angioplasty. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STENTS

    Possible Answer : stent


Down Clues and Answers:
  • The clue is 1. Jane Austen heroine. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EMMA

  • The clue is 2. Car stolen by Jerry's mechanic on an episode of "Seinfeld". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAAB

  • The clue is 3. Spa treatment, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PEDI

  • The clue is 4. Had because of. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OWEDTO

  • The clue is 5. Doing a musical read-through. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: REHEARSING

    Possible Answer: practise, rehearse, practice

  • The clue is 6. Carry-on checkers, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TSA

    Possible Answer: Transportation_Security_Administration, TSA

  • The clue is 7. Place to muck about?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STY

    Possible Answer: sty, hordeolum, pigpen, eye_infection, stye, pigsty

  • The clue is 8. Old TV hookup. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: VCR

    Possible Answer: VCR, videocassette_recorder

  • The clue is 9. Detergent in a red bottle. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERA

    Possible Answer: ERA, geological_era, epoch, earned_run_average, era

  • The clue is 10. Waits patiently. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: HANGSTIGHT

  • The clue is 11. "Guess so," folksily. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ISPOSE

  • The clue is 12. Elaine who served in two presidential cabinets. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CHAO

  • The clue is 13. Not as much. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LESS

    Possible Answer: less, to_a_lesser_extent

    Possible Opposite Answer : more

  • The clue is 14. Art Deco icon. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERTE

  • The clue is 22. Salt Lake Valley people. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UTE

    Possible Answer: Ute

  • The clue is 23. Appliance with a door and a crumb tray. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TOASTEROVEN

  • The clue is 24. Moochers. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FREELOADERS

    Possible Answer: freeloader

  • The clue is 25. ___ sauce (Japanese condiment). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EEL

    Possible Answer: eel

  • The clue is 26. Source of zest. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PEEL

    Possible Answer: uncase, strip, pare, disrobe, undress, discase, Sir_Robert_Peel, Peel, unclothe, flake, strip_down, skin, Robert_Peel, peel, peel_off, flake_off

    Possible Opposite Answer : dress

  • The clue is 27. Variety of cooking apple. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ROME

    Possible Answer: capital_of_Italy, Roma, Rome, Italian_capital, Eternal_City

  • The clue is 28. Description of this puzzle's circled letters, and a clue to what they spell. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: INONESENSE

  • The clue is 30. Actor who narrates "The Big Lebowski". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: SAMELLIOTT

  • The clue is 31. Now's partner. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: THEN

    Possible Answer: then, and_so, so, and_then

  • The clue is 32. ___ Lee. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SARA

  • The clue is 38. Irish dances. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: JIGS

    Possible Answer: gigue, jig

  • The clue is 40. Half of a cassette. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SIDEA

  • The clue is 42. Yes votes. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AYES

  • The clue is 49. Mildly wet. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DAMP

    Possible Answer: break, deaden, dampish, dampen, weaken, tone_down, moistness, dull, dampness, moist, mute, muffle, soften, damp

  • The clue is 50. Epic work that begins "Sing, goddess, of the anger of Achilles". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ILIAD

    Possible Answer: Iliad

  • The clue is 51. Judy who wrote "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BLUME

  • The clue is 52. ___-call list. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DONOT

  • The clue is 54. Back 40 makeup. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ACRES

    Possible Answer: acre, Acre, Akko, demesne, Accho, acres, estate, Akka, land, landed_estate

  • The clue is 55. Tousle, as hair. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MUSS

    Possible Answer: mess, genus_Mus, messiness, Mus, mussiness, tussle, muss

  • The clue is 57. "Like that's ever going to happen". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASIF

  • The clue is 58. It may be tempted. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FATE

    Possible Answer: doom, destine, circumstances, fate, designate, destiny, luck, fortune, lot, portion

  • The clue is 61. Call ___ night. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ITA

  • The clue is 63. Homo sapiens. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MAN

    Possible Answer: military_man, humanity, military_personnel, humankind, gentleman's_gentleman, world, serviceman, valet_de_chambre, human_beings, human, valet, gentleman, homo, humans, man, Man, Isle_of_Man, human_race, adult_male, human_being, mankind, piece

    Possible Opposite Answer : woman, civilian