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Monday, September 22, 2025

October 16, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 16, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (29 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - October 16, 2020 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Graduation props? 6
2A 7. Where gowns are worn, for short 3
3A 10. Eponymous Dutch town 4
4A 14. One of a tribe of mythical warriors 6
5A 15. Showboaty home run celebrations 8
6A 17. The People's Princess, to the people 6
7A 18. Statement of readiness 8
8A 19. "Win some, lose some" 14
9A 21. Singer Bareilles 4
10A 22. Key chain? 5
11A 23. It's not merely a yen 4
12A 26. Actor in "The Office" and "The Hangover" 7
13A 31. Mentally exhilarating experience 8
14A 35. Seconds, say 4
15A 36. "It's nobody's fault" 15
16A 40. Inits. at the top of some brackets 4
17A 41. Conclusive proof provider 8
18A 42. Enormous in proportion 7
19A 46. Place to buy and sell online 4
20A 47. Jazz fan, presumably 5
21A 49. Cheek or lip 4
22A 53. "Called it!" 14
23A 58. Bygone mode of transportation 8
24A 59. Defector, perhaps 6
25A 60. What keywords are used for 8
26A 61. Starter follower 6
27A 62. Big ___ (40-Across conference) 4
28A 63. Number often seen before a plus sign 3
29A 64. Repudiate 6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Graduation props?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • Words that mean the same thing: honour, laurels, respect
  • The opposite would be: dishonor, disrespect
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HONORS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Where gowns are worn, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Words that mean the same thing: operating room, operating theater, operating theatre
  • 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: ORS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Eponymous Dutch town"

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 mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • 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: EDAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. One of a tribe of mythical warriors"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a large strong and aggressive woman
  • Words that mean the same thing: virago, Amazon River
  • 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: AMAZON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Showboaty home run celebrations"

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: BATFLIPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. The People's Princess, to the people"

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: LADYDI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Statement of readiness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: IMALLSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. "Win some, lose some""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: THEMSTHEBREAKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Singer Bareilles"

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: SARA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Key chain?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small island
  • Words that mean the same thing: isle, islet
  • 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: ISLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. It's not merely a yen"

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: pauperism, call for, postulate
  • 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 12 Across: "26. Actor in "The Office" and "The Hangover""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EDHELMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Mentally exhilarating experience"

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: HEADTRIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "35. Seconds, say"

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 english statesman who opposed henry viii's divorce from catherine of aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of utopia, the ideal state
  • Words that mean the same thing: Thomas More, Sir Thomas More, to a greater extent
  • The opposite would be: fewer, less
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "36. "It's nobody's fault""

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: ACCIDENTSHAPPEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "40. Inits. at the top of some brackets"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NCAA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "41. Conclusive proof provider"

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: ACIDTEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "42. Enormous in proportion"

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 subject to or caused by an earthquake or earth vibration
  • Words that mean the same thing: seismal
  • 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: SEISMIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "46. Place to buy and sell online"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ETSY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "47. Jazz fan, presumably"

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: UTAHN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "49. Cheek or lip"

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 impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Words that mean the same thing: back talk, sassing, Special Air Service
  • 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: SASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "53. "Called it!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: JUSTASITHOUGHT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "58. Bygone mode of transportation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that german inventor who designed and built the first rigid motorized dirigible (1838-1917)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, Graf Zeppelin
  • 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: ZEPPELIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "59. Defector, perhaps"

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 someone who leaves one country to settle in another
  • Words that mean the same thing: emigree, emigrant, outgoer
  • 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: EMIGRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "60. What keywords are used for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the activity of converting data or information into code
  • Words that mean the same thing: encryption, encode
  • The opposite would be: decode
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENCODING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "61. Starter follower"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the principal dish of a meal
  • Words that mean the same thing: main course, entranceway, entry
  • 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: ENTREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "62. Big ___ (40-Across conference)"

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 cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Words that mean the same thing: due east, E, eastern United States
  • The opposite would be: west
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "63. Number often seen before a plus sign"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that how long something has existed
  • Words that mean the same thing: long time, years, geezerhood
  • The opposite would be: rejuvenate
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "64. Repudiate"

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 prevent deliberately (as by making a will) from inheriting
  • Words that mean the same thing: repudiate, disinherit, renounce
  • The opposite would be: bequeath
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DISOWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Friday Puzzle October 16, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Shuts down 5
2D 2. City in which Malcolm X was born 5
3D 3. Former presidential candidate who wrote "Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!" 5
4D 4. The "king of kings," per a famous sonnet 10
5D 5. Nuclear fuel containers 4
6D 6. Huff 4
7D 7. Most valuable player awards? 5
8D 8. Go on tangent after tangent 6
9D 9. Didn't merely peek 6
10D 10. "We All Love ___: Celebrating the First Lady of Song" (2007 tribute) 4
11D 11. Plate, e.g. 4
12D 12. Brutes 4
13D 13. Winter hrs. in Yellowstone 3
14D 16. Peach part 5
15D 20. Used as a lair 5
16D 24. A few minutes after your Lyft arrives, say 3
17D 25. What can come before long 3
18D 27. Incompetent execs 10
19D 28. Easy pace 4
20D 29. G.I. rations, for short 4
21D 30. Text message status 4
22D 31. Prince in "Frozen" 4
23D 32. Latin "Lo!" 4
24D 33. Smoothie bar stock 4
25D 34. Group electing officers in Sept., maybe 3
26D 37. Whiff 5
27D 38. Sellout 3
28D 39. "Remove ___" (in-app come-on) 3
29D 43. Zoom call status 5
30D 44. Lago di Como locale 6
31D 45. Door or window frame 6
32D 48. Depend (on) 5
33D 50. Belligerent, in British slang 5
34D 51. Cousin of a mole 5
35D 52. Dutch painter Jan 5
36D 53. Actress Malone of the "Hunger Games" films 4
37D 54. Supermarket IDs 4
38D 55. Word before check ... or a pattern alternative to a check 4
39D 56. Opposite of disregard 4
40D 57. Hilton competitor 4
41D 58. Half of a jazz duo 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. Shuts down"

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 state of inactivity following an interruption
  • Words that mean the same thing: stoppage, stanch, arrest
  • The opposite would be: start
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HALTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. City in which Malcolm X was born"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Words that mean the same thing: Maha
  • 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: OMAHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Former presidential candidate who wrote "Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NADER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. The "king of kings," per a famous sonnet"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: OZYMANDIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Nuclear fuel containers"

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 long thin implement made of metal or wood
  • Words that mean the same thing: perch, retinal rod, rod cell
  • 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: RODS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Huff"

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 state of agitated irritation
  • 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: SNIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Most valuable player awards?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OBIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Go on tangent after tangent"

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 an aimless amble on a winding course
  • Words that mean the same thing: roll, vagabond, meander
  • 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: RAMBLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Didn't merely peek"

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 look at with fixed eyes
  • Words that mean the same thing: star, gaze, asterisk
  • 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: STARED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "We All Love ___: Celebrating the First Lady of Song" (2007 tribute)"

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

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: ELLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Plate, 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 something with a round shape resembling a flat circular plate
  • Words that mean the same thing: saucer, platter, magnetic disk
  • 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: DISK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Brutes"

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 any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
  • Words that mean the same thing: ape, aper, imitator
  • 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: APES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Winter hrs. in Yellowstone"

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 standard time in the 7th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 105th meridian west; used in the mountain states of the united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mountain Time, Mountain Standard Time
  • 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: MST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Peach part"

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 soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
  • Words that mean the same thing: soma, shape, chassis
  • 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: FLESH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Used as a lair"

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: HIDIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. A few minutes after your Lyft arrives, say"

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 system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Words that mean the same thing: explosive trace detection
  • 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: ETD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. What can come before long"

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: ERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Incompetent execs"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EMPTYSUITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Easy pace"

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 slow pace of running
  • Words that mean the same thing: canter, trot, jog
  • 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: LOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. G.I. rations, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MRES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Text message status"

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 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
  • Words that mean the same thing: send out, mail, get off
  • The opposite would be: unsent
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Prince in "Frozen""

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 imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
  • Words that mean the same thing: Han, Han dynasty
  • 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: HANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Latin "Lo!""

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: ECCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Smoothie bar stock"

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: ACAI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Group electing officers in Sept., maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Whiff"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a distinctive odor that is pleasant
  • Words that mean the same thing: smell, fragrance, odor
  • The opposite would be: deodorize, deodourise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Sellout"

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 (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Words that mean the same thing: gain, run into, arrive at
  • The opposite would be: miss
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. "Remove ___" (in-app come-on)"

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 public promotion of some product or service
  • Words that mean the same thing: advertizing, advertizement, advertisement
  • 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: ADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Zoom call status"

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 deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
  • Words that mean the same thing: damp, mute, dampen
  • 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: MUTED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Lago di Como locale"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
  • Words that mean the same thing: Italy, Italian Republic
  • 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: ITALIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Door or window frame"

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 the housing or outer covering of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: shell, case, incase
  • 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: CASING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Depend (on)"

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 joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
  • Words that mean the same thing: flexible joint
  • 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: HINGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Belligerent, in British slang"

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 (informal british usage) aggravation or aggression
  • 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: AGGRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Cousin of a mole"

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 scolding nagging bad-tempered woman
  • Words that mean the same thing: shrewmouse, termagant
  • 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: SHREW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Dutch painter Jan"

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 dutch genre painter (1626-1679)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Jan Steen
  • 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: STEEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Actress Malone of the "Hunger Games" films"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the battle in 1806 in which napoleon decisively defeated the prussians
  • Words that mean the same thing: Battle of Jena
  • 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: JENA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Supermarket IDs"

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: UPCS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "55. Word before check ... or a pattern alternative to a check"

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 point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Words that mean the same thing: spotlight, maculation, make out
  • 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: SPOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "56. Opposite of disregard"

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 paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
  • Words that mean the same thing: listen, mind, regard
  • The opposite would be: inattentiveness
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "57. Hilton competitor"

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: OMNI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "58. Half of a jazz duo"

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 the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Words that mean the same thing: Z, z, izzard
  • 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: ZEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 50 71.4%
Short Answer 8 11.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 4 5.7%
Abbreviation 2 2.9%
History 2 2.9%
Geography 2 2.9%
Sports 1 1.4%
Music 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 29
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 70
Average Answer Length 5.4 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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

Last Updated: September 21, 2025 at 09:38 PM

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 08, 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: 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. "I'm afraid not," quaintly 6
2A 7. Food brand for Fido 4
3A 11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr. 4
4A 15. Cash in 6
5A 16. Avocado dip, informally 4
6A 17. Take a risk 4
7A 18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale? 11
8A 20. Keenly interested 4
9A 21. Shakespearean "soon" 4
10A 22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"? 11
11A 24. Commotion 3
12A 25. Measure of college readiness, for short 4
13A 26. Knuckled rub to the scalp 6
14A 27. Publishing house workers: Abbr. 3
15A 28. Goal 3
16A 29. Wood-shaping hand tool 4
17A 31. Tagging symbols 3
18A 32. ___-Magnon 3
19A 33. Vegas opener? 3
20A 34. Perry of pop 4
21A 36. Opportunity for a choral understudy? 12
22A 39. Belgrade native 4
23A 40. "Beats me," in a text 3
24A 41. Caviar, essentially 3
25A 42. Miss Piggy, for one 3
26A 43. Assns. 4
27A 45. Extended comedic riff 3
28A 46. Hindi for "rule" 3
29A 49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot" 6
30A 51. Girl in Glasgow 4
31A 52. Alias initialism 3
32A 53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis? 11
33A 56. "Groovy, man" 4
34A 57. Popular flavor of bubble tea 4
35A 58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.? 11
36A 60. Volunteer's offer 4
37A 61. Hits hard 4
38A 62. Respond, as a pupil might 6
39A 63. Ending with kitchen 4
40A 64. Painter Paul 4
41A 65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "I'm afraid not," quaintly"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Food brand for Fido"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Like major-city airports, typically: Abbr."

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Cash in"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save from sins
  • Similar words include: ransom, pay off, save
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Avocado dip, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Take a risk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: make bold, defy, presume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Audience's reverent response to a symphony finale?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Keenly interested"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: zealous, greedy, devouring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Shakespearean "soon""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at another time
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. That certain je ne sais quoi in Beethoven's "Moonlight"?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Commotion"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: blaring, clamor, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Measure of college readiness, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Knuckled rub to the scalp"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Publishing house workers: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
  • Similar words include: male erecticle dysfunction, ED, explosive detection system
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Goal"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Similar words include: point, intent, direct
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Wood-shaping hand tool"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uttering in an irritated tone
  • Similar words include: rasping, wood file
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Tagging symbols"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium
  • Similar words include: At, atomic number 85, astatine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. ___-Magnon"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
  • Similar words include: cathode-ray oscilloscope, oscilloscope, scope
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Vegas opener?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
  • Similar words include: Louisiana, lanthanum, La
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Perry of pop"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Opportunity for a choral understudy?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STANZACHANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Belgrade native"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a slavic people who settled in serbia and neighboring areas in the 6th and 7th centuries
  • Similar words include: Serbian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "40. "Beats me," in a text"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Caviar, essentially"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. Miss Piggy, for one"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: inseminate, seed, sow in
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "43. Assns."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Extended comedic riff"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small piece or quantity of something
  • Similar words include: second, piece, act
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Hindi for "rule""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that british dominion over india (1757-1947)
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAJ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "49. Chant heard at the start of "Hot Hot Hot""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Girl in Glasgow"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Similar words include: young girl, lassie, jeune fille
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Alias initialism"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. When to play a note with sudden strong emphasis?"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. "Groovy, man""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Popular flavor of bubble tea"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: dasheen, Colocasia esculenta, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "58. "What's Opera, Doc?," e.g.?"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Volunteer's offer"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "61. Hits hard"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
  • Similar words include: Aries the Ram, ram, read/write memory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "62. Respond, as a pupil might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become wider
  • Similar words include: exposit, elaborate, distend
  • Opposite of: contract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "63. Ending with kitchen"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "64. Painter Paul"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that swiss painter influenced by kandinsky (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Paul Klee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KLEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "65. Key of Brahms's Symphony No. 4"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Covered passageway 6
2D 2. Meteor in a November shower 6
3D 3. Enhancing accessories 6
4D 4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films 4
5D 5. Original Super Mario Bros. console 3
6D 6. Oversight 8
7D 7. Author's representative 5
8D 8. Moon over Managua 4
9D 9. Treaty 4
10D 10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have 6
11D 11. The Gem State 5
12D 12. Find one's way 8
13D 13. Dublin college founded in 1592 7
14D 14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps 6
15D 19. Good gardening soil 4
16D 23. Traditional samurai hairstyles 8
17D 25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example 8
18D 29. Frame for a game of pool 4
19D 30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent 3
20D 32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address 3
21D 33. Dudes, in British English 4
22D 35. Big name in hardware stores 3
23D 36. Underground scurrier 8
24D 37. Half of a darting motion 3
25D 38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader 8
26D 39. One-man band, for example 7
27D 42. Sentimental sort 6
28D 44. Comment 6
29D 45. Make ___ (earn vast sums) 4
30D 46. Unit of angular measurement 6
31D 47. Like 6
32D 48. Rolling Stones frontman 6
33D 50. Absorber of UV light 5
34D 51. Charter 5
35D 54. Word with cavity or contraceptive 4
36D 55. One acting rather quiet? 4
37D 56. Savory South Asian rice cake 4
38D 59. Lower, as lights 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Covered passageway"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
  • Similar words include: colonnade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Meteor in a November shower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Enhancing accessories"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Actor Astin of the "Lord of the Rings" films"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Original Super Mario Bros. console"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: Nebraska, Ne, nor'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Oversight"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mistake resulting from neglect
  • Similar words include: deletion, skip
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMISSION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Author's representative"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: agentive role, broker, federal agent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Moon over Managua"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Treaty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written agreement between two states or sovereigns
  • Similar words include: accord, treaty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. What Saturn's moon Enceladus and Jupiter's moon Europa are both believed to have"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
  • Similar words include: ocean, sea
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. The Gem State"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Find one's way"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel on water propelled by wind or by other means
  • Similar words include: pilot, sail, voyage
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVIGATE

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13D: "13. Dublin college founded in 1592"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Similar words include: deuce-ace, tercet, III
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRINITY

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14D: "14. Apartment planter sites, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a projecting ridge on a mountain or submerged under water
  • Similar words include: shelf, ledge
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDGES

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15D: "19. Good gardening soil"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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16D: "23. Traditional samurai hairstyles"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress consisting of a decorative ribbon or bow worn in the hair
  • Similar words include: topknot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOPKNOTS

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17D: "25. Graph of y = ax2 + bx + c, for example"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plane curve formed by the intersection of a right circular cone and a plane parallel to an element of the curve
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARABOLA

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18D: "29. Frame for a game of pool"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that framework for holding objects
  • Similar words include: extort, scud, squeeze
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACK

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19D: "30. Forehead marking at the start of Lent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASH

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20D: "32. Convention bldg., in a mailing address"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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21D: "33. Dudes, in British English"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy or man
  • Similar words include: fellow, fella, cub
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADS

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22D: "35. Big name in hardware stores"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: genius, single, sensation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

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23D: "36. Underground scurrier"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "37. Half of a darting motion"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
  • Similar words include: zigzag, zag
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZIG

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25D: "38. Jean-Bertrand ___, 1990s Haitian leader"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "39. One-man band, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "42. Sentimental sort"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is weak and excessively sentimental
  • Similar words include: softy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFTIE

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28D: "44. Comment"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
  • Similar words include: observe, notice, input
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMARK

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29D: "45. Make ___ (earn vast sums)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
  • Similar words include: banking company, coin bank, rely
  • Opposite of: withdraw, mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANK

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30D: "46. Unit of angular measurement"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the unit of plane angle adopted under the systeme international d'unites; equal to the angle at the center of a circle subtended by an arc equal in length to the radius (approximately 57.295 degrees)
  • Similar words include: rad
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIAN

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31D: "47. Like"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "48. Rolling Stones frontman"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english rock star (born in 1943)
  • Similar words include: Mick Jagger, Michael Philip Jagger
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAGGER

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33D: "50. Absorber of UV light"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless gas (o3) soluble in alkalis and cold water; a strong oxidizing agent; can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OZONE

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34D: "51. Charter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that property that is leased or rented out or let
  • Similar words include: take, rental, letting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEASE

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35D: "54. Word with cavity or contraceptive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "55. One acting rather quiet?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Similar words include: dumb show, pantomime, mimer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIME

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37D: "56. Savory South Asian rice cake"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "59. Lower, as lights"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
  • Similar words include: shadowy, wispy, blind
  • Opposite of: undimmed, focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIM

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

41 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: April 08, 2026 at 05:26 AM