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Monday, September 15, 2025

September 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (35 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

September 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

NYT Tuesday Crossword Across Clues - September 21, 2021 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. A founding member of the Avengers 4
2A 5. Primary 4
3A 9. Like many high-end watches 5
4A 14. Nurse's ___ 4
5A 15. Seaweed wrapped around sushi 4
6A 16. British pop singer Lewis 5
7A 17. Advocate for U2's frontman? 15
8A 20. Shot from a needle 5
9A 21. The "fact" that bulls get angry when they see the color red, e.g. 4
10A 22. No-win situations? 4
11A 23. Next of ___ 3
12A 25. Subject of a famous 1937 disappearance 7
13A 27. Swing of a bowler's arm? 12
14A 32. Blood-typing system 3
15A 33. Wine often served with 15-Across 4
16A 34. Accompaniment for many a hymn 5
17A 38. Gyro holder 4
18A 40. Deadly African snake 5
19A 43. Fish often served "meunière" 4
20A 44. Rudder's locale 5
21A 46. Cloud of melancholy 4
22A 48. Average fellow 3
23A 49. A little tied up at the moment? 12
24A 53. Defeat via invasion 7
25A 56. Emerson's "___ to Beauty" 3
26A 57. Give up arguing 4
27A 58. Many an opera villain 4
28A 61. Olympic great Jesse 5
29A 65. Attire for gym period? 15
30A 68. Some wedding guests 5
31A 69. Org. for seniors 4
32A 70. Largest member of the dolphin family 4
33A 71. Professional soccer player with the most goals for a single club (Barcelona) 5
34A 72. Jewish rite 4
35A 73. ___ et Chandon 4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. A founding member of the Avengers"

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 (norse mythology) god of thunder and rain and farming; pictured as wielding a hammer emblematic of the thunderbolt; identified with teutonic donar
  • 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: THOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Primary"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: prankish, implike, puckish
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Like many high-end watches"

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 the natives or inhabitants of switzerland
  • Words that mean the same thing: Swiss people
  • 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: SWISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Nurse's ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
  • Words that mean the same thing: aide-de-camp, adjutant, auxiliary
  • 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: AIDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Seaweed wrapped around sushi"

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: NORI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. British pop singer Lewis"

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: LEONA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Advocate for U2's frontman?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: PROBONOATTORNEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Shot from a needle"

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 amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
  • Words that mean the same thing: blood serum
  • 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: SERUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. The "fact" that bulls get angry when they see the color red, e.g."

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 traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
  • 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: MYTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. No-win situations?"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Words that mean the same thing: link, association, wed
  • The opposite would be: disconnect, untie
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Next of ___"

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 person having kinship with another or others
  • Words that mean the same thing: consanguineal, tribe, clan
  • 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: KIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Subject of a famous 1937 disappearance"

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 first woman aviator to fly solo nonstop across the atlantic (1928); while attempting to fly around the world she disappeared over the pacific (1898-1937)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Amelia Earhart
  • 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: EARHART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Swing of a bowler's arm?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: MOVETOSTRIKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Blood-typing system"

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 dark-skinned member of a race of people living in australia when europeans arrived
  • Words that mean the same thing: Aboriginal, Australian Aborigine, native 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: ABO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Wine often served with 15-Across"

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 reason for wanting something done
  • Words that mean the same thing: interest, saki, rice beer
  • 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: SAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Accompaniment for many a hymn"

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 fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function
  • Words that mean the same thing: pipe organ, electric organ, Hammond organ
  • 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: ORGAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Gyro holder"

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 usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: pocket bread
  • 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: PITA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Deadly African snake"

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 arboreal snake of central and southern africa whose bite is often fatal
  • 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: MAMBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. Fish often served "meunière""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the underside of footwear or a golf club
  • Words that mean the same thing: only, resole, exclusive
  • 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: SOLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Rudder's locale"

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 the rear part of a ship
  • Words that mean the same thing: severe, Isaac Stern, tooshie
  • 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: STERN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Cloud of melancholy"

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 sudden numbing dread
  • Words that mean the same thing: scare, drape, die
  • 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: PALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Average fellow"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. A little tied up at the moment?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: MOTIONDENIED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "53. Defeat via invasion"

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 too much production or more than expected
  • Words that mean the same thing: well over, infest, overflow
  • 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: OVERRUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "56. Emerson's "___ to Beauty""

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 lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • 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: ODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. Give up arguing"

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 geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
  • Words that mean the same thing: undermine, spelunk
  • 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: CAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. Many an opera villain"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the lowest part of the musical range
  • Words that mean the same thing: sea bass, bass part, basso
  • 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: BASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. Olympic great Jesse"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states athlete and black american whose success in the 1936 olympic games in berlin outraged hitler (1913-1980)
  • Words that mean the same thing: James Cleveland Owens, Robert Owen, Jesse Owens
  • 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: OWENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "65. Attire for gym period?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: CLASSACTIONSUIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "68. Some wedding guests"

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 the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
  • Words that mean the same thing: auntie, aunt, aunty
  • The opposite would be: uncle
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AUNTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "69. Org. for seniors"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
  • Words that mean the same thing: Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons
  • 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: AARP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "70. Largest member of the dolphin family"

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 predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Words that mean the same thing: Orcinus orca, grampus, killer whale
  • 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: ORCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "71. Professional soccer player with the most goals for a single club (Barcelona)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MESSI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "72. Jewish rite"

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 jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
  • Words that mean the same thing: Briss, Berith, Brith
  • 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: BRIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "73. ___ et Chandon"

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: MOET

    Great job if you got it right!

September 21, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Selects, as for a position 4
2D 2. Bring on for a position 4
3D 3. Musk, e.g. 4
4D 4. Sharp talking-to 6
5D 5. ___ Taylor, longtime name in women's fashion 3
6D 6. Chamber 4
7D 7. Unhinged, in slang 4
8D 8. Follower of pinch or switch 6
9D 9. ___-pitch 3
10D 10. Brand of caramel candy 8
11D 11. Ancient Greek region on the Aegean 5
12D 12. Mocking smile 5
13D 13. Biblical verb with "thou" 5
14D 18. Neglects to mention 5
15D 19. Tom yung goong or tom kha kai cuisine 4
16D 24. Author/activist Chomsky 4
17D 26. Classic Hollywood studio 3
18D 27. Rand McNally's business 4
19D 28. Final words? 4
20D 29. November exhortation 4
21D 30. Reggae relative 3
22D 31. Presto or allegro 5
23D 35. Berry touted as a "superfood" 4
24D 36. Gel ingredient 4
25D 37. Lawyer, for a defendant, typically 4
26D 39. Airplane passengers might battle over them 8
27D 41. Blackball 3
28D 42. Global shoe retailer 4
29D 45. Neither's partner 3
30D 47. Enticed 5
31D 50. Heavy weight for a musician to bear? 4
32D 51. How many people get around town 6
33D 52. Successor to Brown as California governor 6
34D 53. Philosopher with a "razor" 5
35D 54. Really care about 5
36D 55. Onetime Supreme Court justice Charles ___ Hughes 5
37D 59. The sun, for one 4
38D 60. Rival of Alexa 4
39D 62. Currency launched on 1/1/1999 4
40D 63. City on the French Riviera 4
41D 64. "Immediately!" 4
42D 66. Some fed. assistance 3
43D 67. Covert ___ 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. Selects, as for a position"

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 (military) signal to turn the lights out
  • Words that mean the same thing: intercept, lights-out, pink
  • 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: TAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Bring on for a position"

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 newly hired employee
  • Words that mean the same thing: rent, lease, engage
  • The opposite would be: fire
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Musk, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Words that mean the same thing: smell, olfactory perception, odour
  • 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: ODOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Sharp talking-to"

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 an act or expression of criticism and censure
  • Words that mean the same thing: call on the carpet, berate, rag
  • 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: REBUKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. ___ Taylor, longtime name in women's fashion"

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: ANN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Chamber"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
  • Words that mean the same thing: elbow room, board, way
  • 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: ROOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Unhinged, in slang"

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: CRAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Follower of pinch or switch"

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 (baseball) a ballplayer who is batting
  • Words that mean the same thing: batsman, slugger, striker
  • 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: HITTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. ___-pitch"

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: SLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Brand of caramel candy"

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: WERTHERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Ancient Greek region on the Aegean"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that region of western asia minor colonized by ancient greeks
  • 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: IONIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Mocking smile"

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 facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
  • Words that mean the same thing: leer
  • 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: SNEER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Biblical verb with "thou""

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: SAYST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Neglects to mention"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Words that mean the same thing: overlook, exclude, pretermit
  • The opposite would be: include, attend to
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OMITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Tom yung goong or tom kha kai cuisine"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Words that mean the same thing: Tai, Siamese, Central Thai
  • 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: THAI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Author/activist Chomsky"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: NOAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Classic Hollywood studio"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: RKO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Rand McNally's business"

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 diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
  • Words that mean the same thing: mathematical function, map, single-valued function
  • 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: MAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Final words?"

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

    The answer is: OBIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. November exhortation"

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 choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
  • Words that mean the same thing: right to vote, voting, suffrage
  • 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: VOTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Reggae relative"

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: SKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Presto or allegro"

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 (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
  • Words that mean the same thing: pace, pacing
  • 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: TEMPO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Berry touted as a "superfood""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GOJI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Gel ingredient"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • 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: ALOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Lawyer, for a defendant, typically"

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 condition requiring relief
  • Words that mean the same thing: demand, take, require
  • The opposite would be: obviate
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Airplane passengers might battle over them"

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 a support for the arm
  • Words that mean the same thing: armrest
  • 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: ARMRESTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Blackball"

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: shun, ostracize, censor
  • 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 28 Down: "42. Global shoe retailer"

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: ALDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Neither's partner"

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: NOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Enticed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LEDON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Heavy weight for a musician to bear?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the lowest brass wind instrument
  • Words that mean the same thing: bass horn, sousaphone
  • 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: TUBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. How many people get around town"

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: INACAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Successor to Brown as California governor"

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: NEWSOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Philosopher with a "razor""

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 english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ockham, William of Occam, William of Ockham
  • 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: OCCAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Really care about"

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 numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
  • Words that mean the same thing: measure, evaluate, economic value
  • The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VALUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Onetime Supreme Court justice Charles ___ Hughes"

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 united states anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin e (1882-1971)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sir Arthur John Evans, Arthur Evans, Herbert McLean Evans
  • 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: EVANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. The sun, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
  • Words that mean the same thing: virtuoso, principal, adept
  • 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: STAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Rival of Alexa"

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: SIRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Currency launched on 1/1/1999"

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 basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
  • 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: EURO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "63. City on the French Riviera"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
  • Words that mean the same thing: skillful, dainty, courteous
  • The opposite would be: nasty
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "64. "Immediately!""

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: STAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "66. Some fed. assistance"

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: SSI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "67. Covert ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 56 71.8%
Short Answer 10 12.8%
History 3 3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Sports 2 2.6%
Food & Drink 2 2.6%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%
Music 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.8 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 medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 14, 2025 at 08:20 PM

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Saturday, February 21, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 21, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

February 21, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Look to give nothing away? 10
2A 11. European city on the Bay of Angels 4
3A 15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly" 10
4A 16. Like some fixations 4
5A 17. It gets folded and pressed 10
6A 18. Split in two 4
7A 19. Posts on Insta 3
8A 20. The third primary chakra is located just above it 5
9A 21. Foundations of many dad jokes 4
10A 22. "Right, right, right" 4
11A 24. Yom Kippur topic 3
12A 25. Certain slip-on 6
13A 27. Merely hinted at 5
14A 29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute" 5
15A 31. Clip-on mic, for short 3
16A 32. Many great athletes play with it 4
17A 34. Architect's tool 7
18A 36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year 7
19A 39. In pieces 7
20A 40. Items of some import? 7
21A 41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry" 4
22A 42. Savory latke topping 3
23A 43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men" 5
24A 45. "Quiet, you!" 5
25A 49. Formula 1 star, e.g. 6
26A 51. Shade similar to avocado 3
27A 53. "Sick!" 4
28A 54. On a chain, say 4
29A 55. A lot of paperwork 5
30A 57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards 3
31A 58. Steps to a lively tune 4
32A 59. How low can you go? 10
33A 61. "Right now!" 4
34A 62. What roller coasters are designed to do 10
35A 63. Flat earth? 4
36A 64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Look to give nothing away?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. European city on the Bay of Angels"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southeastern france on the mediterranean; the leading resort on the french riviera
  • Similar words include: skillful, decent, gracious
  • Opposite of: nasty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Like some fixations"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: unwritten, oral exam, oral examination
  • Opposite of: anal, aboral
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. It gets folded and pressed"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tortilla that is filled with cheese and heated
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUESADILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Split in two"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cutlery used for serving and eating food
  • Similar words include: branch, crotch, forking
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Posts on Insta"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chest in which coins from the mint are held to await assay
  • Similar words include: pix chest, pyx, pyx chest
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. The third primary chakra is located just above it"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a scar where the umbilical cord was attached
  • Similar words include: omphalus, belly button, omphalos
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Foundations of many dad jokes"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous play on words
  • Similar words include: paronomasia, pun, wordplay
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Right, right, right""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Yom Kippur topic"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: drop the ball, hell, boob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Certain slip-on"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a blanket-like cloak with a hole in the center for the head
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PONCHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Merely hinted at"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that implied by or inferred from actions or statements
  • Similar words include: understood, silent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Clip-on mic, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • Similar words include: lavatory, bathroom, can
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Many great athletes play with it"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
  • Similar words include: gritstone, backbone, gumption
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Architect's tool"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gas used as a fuel
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METHANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. In pieces"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that widely separated especially in space
  • Similar words include: apart
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASUNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Items of some import?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish philosopher of common sense who opposed the ideas of david hume (1710-1796)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Reid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Savory latke topping"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

23A: "43. Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. "Quiet, you!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Formula 1 star, e.g."

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the operator of a motor vehicle
  • Similar words include: number one wood, device driver
  • Opposite of: nondriver
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Shade similar to avocado"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
  • Similar words include: pea plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. "Sick!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for marijuana
  • Similar words include: sess, pot, cola
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. On a chain, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. A lot of paperwork"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
  • Similar words include: organize, forge, variant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Steps to a lively tune"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that music in three-four time for dancing a jig
  • Similar words include: gigue, jig
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. How low can you go?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. "Right now!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. What roller coasters are designed to do"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill with sublime emotion
  • Similar words include: beatify, thrill, tickle pink
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXHILARATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Flat earth?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
  • Similar words include: table
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Item for purchase with a question mark on its side"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Smoking spot 6
2D 2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams 6
3D 3. Campaign leader, informally 6
4D 4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief 3
5D 5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán 4
6D 6. Some diner drinks 5
7D 7. They might have all the answers 10
8D 8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield" 6
9D 9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog 4
10D 10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.) 3
11D 11. Like a spoilsport 5
12D 12. Totally foolproof 8
13D 13. Many key changes take place in it 8
14D 14. Herd at Yellowstone 3
15D 21. It's a surprise, of course! 7
16D 23. Chinese symbol of prosperity 5
17D 25. Group of companions 5
18D 26. See 9-Down 4
19D 28. Followed surreptitiously 7
20D 30. Beginner's set 10
21D 33. Rack up 5
22D 35. Ruined 5
23D 36. Blend into one 4
24D 37. Free spirits? 8
25D 38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g. 8
26D 44. Big times 6
27D 46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled 6
28D 47. Defunct image editor 6
29D 48. Chile con carne cuisine 6
30D 50. Hornet genus 5
31D 52. Take a constitutional 5
32D 55. Cunning 4
33D 56. Go to the moon 4
34D 58. Play together, in a way 3
35D 59. Phase for dreamers 3
36D 60. "___ me!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Smoking spot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Mrs. John Quincy Adams"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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3D: "3. Campaign leader, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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4D: "4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mid-atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
  • Similar words include: Empire State, New York, NY
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYS

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5D: "5. "Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a title given to rulers or other important people in asian countries
  • Similar words include: caravansary, caravan inn, caravanserai
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KHAN

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6D: "6. Some diner drinks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: sodium carbonate, sal soda, washing soda
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODAS

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7D: "7. They might have all the answers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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8D: "8. Pink-furred cat in "Garfield""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rotary motion of an object around its own axis
  • Similar words include: rolling, curlicue, range
  • Opposite of: unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLL

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10D: "10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: geological era, earned run average, epoch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

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11D: "11. Like a spoilsport"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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12D: "12. Totally foolproof"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden warship of the 19th century that is plated with iron or steel armor
  • Similar words include: brassbound
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRONCLAD

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13D: "13. Many key changes take place in it"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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14D: "14. Herd at Yellowstone"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: moose, Alces alces, Cervus elaphus canadensis
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

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15D: "21. It's a surprise, of course!"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "23. Chinese symbol of prosperity"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: Ashcan School, eighter from Decatur, eight-spot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIGHT

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17D: "25. Group of companions"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary police force
  • Similar words include: posse comitatus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSSE

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18D: "26. See 9-Down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: ended, all over, complete
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

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19D: "28. Followed surreptitiously"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to lag or linger behind
  • Similar words include: chase after, tail, tag
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAILED

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20D: "30. Beginner's set"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "33. Rack up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
  • Similar words include: obtain, find, receive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INCUR

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22D: "35. Ruined"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect
  • Similar words include: loosen, undo, unmake
  • Opposite of: wrap, make
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNDID

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23D: "36. Blend into one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of rummy using two decks of cards and four jokers; jokers and deuces are wild; the object is to form groups of the same rank
  • Similar words include: flux, fuse, mix
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MELD

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24D: "37. Free spirits?"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel through adjuration or prayers
  • Similar words include: exorcize
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXORCISE

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25D: "38. Hydrogen sulfide, e.g."

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "44. Big times"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: date of reference, era, epoch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPOCHS

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27D: "46. You might hear a hiss when it's pulled"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "47. Defunct image editor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "48. Chile con carne cuisine"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "50. Hornet genus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that type genus of the vespidae: various hornets and yellow jackets
  • Similar words include: genus Vespa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VESPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Take a constitutional"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
  • Similar words include: promenade, stroll, saunter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMBLE

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32D: "55. Cunning"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: sly, dodgy, guileful
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOXY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "56. Go to the moon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of rising upward into the air
  • Similar words include: sailplane, zoom, soar upwards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOAR

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34D: "58. Play together, in a way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that preserve of crushed fruit
  • Similar words include: muddle, mess, ram
  • Opposite of: free
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAM

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35D: "59. Phase for dreamers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
  • Similar words include: paradoxical sleep, REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REM

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36D: "60. "___ me!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  • Similar words include: test, render, sample
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRY

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

36 Across Clues
36 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: February 21, 2026 at 04:50 AM

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