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

Thursday, July 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 16, 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: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Smart 4
2A 5. Sensation 5
3A 10. Acquisition on the big day 5
4A 15. "That's a good one!" 4
5A 16. Galápagos island that was home to Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his subspecies 5
6A 17. Who knows what preceded the Big Bang 5
7A 18. *Yes — three arduous ones 16
8A 21. February 14, informally 4
9A 22. Scratch that! 4
10A 23. El ___ 3
11A 24. Like novices 5
12A 26. Spoil 6
13A 28. Preceder of how, way or where 3
14A 29. *Yes — sometimes more than 1,000 9
15A 31. Patooties 5
16A 33. Little dipper? 3
17A 34. "Tout à fait!" 3
18A 35. Tire 4
19A 37. *Yes — exactly one, in common usage 12
20A 42. First line on many a form 4
21A 43. Common garnish in a chirashi bowl 3
22A 44. Had at present? 3
23A 47. Article of lab wear 5
24A 50. *No — but it does have three feet 9
25A 53. Elizabethan curse 3
26A 54. Country that las islas Canarias are part of 6
27A 57. Important blood line 5
28A 58. "___ is the proper task of life": Nietzsche 3
29A 59. Business whose rewards program gives "Stackholder Perks" 4
30A 60. Raving 4
31A 61. Question during a brainstorming session ... or of the answers to the starred clues 16
32A 67. Popular Japanese brew 5
33A 68. Alcohol, slangily 5
34A 69. Literary heroine who says "I would always rather be happy than dignified" 4
35A 70. Its capital is Sanaa 5
36A 71. Heavens 5
37A 72. Debugging component? 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Smart"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - julia child
  • Similar words include: classy, swish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Sensation"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vigorous blow
  • Similar words include: break, bash, crush
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Acquisition on the big day"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. "That's a good one!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Galápagos island that was home to Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his subspecies"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Who knows what preceded the Big Bang"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. *Yes — three arduous ones"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRONMANTRIATHLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. February 14, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Scratch that!"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: urge, spoil, itching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. El ___"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united states army's principal law enforcement agency responsible for the conduct of criminal investigations for all levels of the army anywhere in the world
  • Similar words include: Criminal Investigation Command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Like novices"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
  • Similar words include: unripe, common, gullible
  • Opposite of: ripe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "26. Spoil"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow pass (especially one between mountains)
  • Similar words include: corrupt, befoul, sully
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEFILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Preceder of how, way or where"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. *Yes — sometimes more than 1,000"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous herbivorous nonpoisonous arthropods having a cylindrical body of 20 to 100 or more segments most with two pairs of legs
  • Similar words include: milliped, millepede
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILLIPEDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Patooties"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thick end of the handle
  • Similar words include: backside, stooge, behind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUTTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Little dipper?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Similar words include: toenail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. "Tout à fait!""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Tire"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
  • Similar words include: iris, ease up, sag
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. *Yes — exactly one, in common usage"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. First line on many a form"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • Similar words include: figure, public figure, identify
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Common garnish in a chirashi bowl"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

22A: "44. Had at present?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
  • Similar words include: give, experience, throw
  • Opposite of: lack, abstain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Article of lab wear"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose coverall (coat or frock) reaching down to the ankles
  • Similar words include: gaberdine, duster, gabardine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. *No — but it does have three feet"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure or standard used for comparison
  • Similar words include: yard measure
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YARDSTICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "53. Elizabethan curse"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a common venereal disease caused by the treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)
  • Similar words include: syphilis, lues, lues venerea
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Country that las islas Canarias are part of"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
  • Similar words include: Spain, Kingdom of Spain
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Important blood line"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AORTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. "___ is the proper task of life": Nietzsche"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Similar words include: artistry, artistic production, graphics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Business whose rewards program gives "Stackholder Perks""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "60. Raving"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Question during a brainstorming session ... or of the answers to the starred clues"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOESTHISHAVELEGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Popular Japanese brew"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Alcohol, slangily"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flavorful relish or dressing or topping served as an accompaniment to food
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Literary heroine who says "I would always rather be happy than dignified""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
  • Similar words include: Lake Eyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Its capital is Sanaa"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the southwestern shores of the arabian peninsula on the indian ocean; formed in 1990
  • Similar words include: Republic of Yemen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Heavens"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies
  • Similar words include: aether, ethyl ether, quintessence
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "72. Debugging component?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Letter after upsilon 3
2D 2. Trireme tool 3
3D 3. Cleared, as snow 8
4D 4. "Messiah" composer 6
5D 5. Neuter 4
6D 6. What a big hand indicates: Abbr. 3
7D 7. Its colony can be considered one superorganism 3
8D 8. Struggle 6
9D 9. World's most populous Creole-speaking country 5
10D 10. Pretty much assured 8
11D 11. Japanese drama 3
12D 12. Feline in a 2000s meme 6
13D 13. Dub ... or rub 6
14D 14. Fast-food restaurant that sells Frostys 6
15D 19. ___-pedi 4
16D 20. Oft-injured part of the knee, for short 3
17D 24. Clock-setting std. 3
18D 25. ___ Bravo (México/Tejas border) 3
19D 26. Certain tie score 5
20D 27. Mince words? 4
21D 30. Frost piece 4
22D 32. Sound of dissatisfaction 3
23D 35. Botanist's study 5
24D 36. Told stories 4
25D 38. Business ending 3
26D 39. Roll in dough 8
27D 40. Actress/union leader Drescher 4
28D 41. Symbol of spiritual insight, in Hinduism 8
29D 45. Class ___ 3
30D 46. Music genre with "walking" bass lines 3
31D 47. Steamy occasion? 6
32D 48. Lugubrious 6
33D 49. Pioneers' prairie pullers 6
34D 50. Harangues 6
35D 51. Store 4
36D 52. Worked sufferingly 6
37D 55. "Pipe down!" 3
38D 56. Composure 5
39D 60. Attest 4
40D 62. ___-goat 3
41D 63. "Wait ... really?" 3
42D 64. One of a kind 3
43D 65. Test for future Ph.D.s 3
44D 66. Not needing anything else 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Letter after upsilon"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Trireme tool"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Cleared, as snow"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dig with or as if with a shovel
  • Similar words include: shovel
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOVELED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Messiah" composer"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prolific british baroque composer (born in germany) remembered best for his oratorio messiah (1685-1759)
  • Similar words include: George Frideric Handel, George Frederick Handel, Georg Friedrich Handel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANDEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Neuter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. What a big hand indicates: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour
  • Similar words include: Amoy, Taiwanese, Hokkianese
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Its colony can be considered one superorganism"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Struggle"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lack of agreement or harmony
  • Similar words include: discord
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. World's most populous Creole-speaking country"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in the west indies on the western part of the island of hispaniola; achieved independence from france in 1804; the poorest and most illiterate nation in the western hemisphere
  • Similar words include: Republic of Haiti, Hispaniola, Hayti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAITI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Pretty much assured"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Japanese drama"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Feline in a 2000s meme"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Dub ... or rub"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose by or as if by divine intervention
  • Similar words include: embrocate, anele, inunct
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANOINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Fast-food restaurant that sells Frostys"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. ___-pedi"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "20. Oft-injured part of the knee, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Clock-setting std."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the local time at the 0 meridian passing through greenwich, england; it is the same everywhere
  • Similar words include: Greenwich Mean Time, UT, Greenwich Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GMT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. ___ Bravo (México/Tejas border)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Certain tie score"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tie in tennis or table tennis that requires winning two successive points to win the game
  • Similar words include: dickens, two, devil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEUCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Mince words?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Frost piece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
  • Similar words include: verse form
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Sound of dissatisfaction"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Botanist's study"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that all the plant life in a particular region or period
  • Similar words include: plant life, vegetation, botany
  • Opposite of: fauna
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Told stories"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a german art song of the 19th century for voice and piano
  • Similar words include: lie in, dwell, consist
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Business ending"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heterogeneous collection of groups united in their opposition to saddam hussein's government of iraq; formed in 1992 it is comprised of sunni and shiite arabs and kurds who hope to build a new government
  • Similar words include: Iraqi National Congress
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Roll in dough"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Actress/union leader Drescher"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Symbol of spiritual insight, in Hinduism"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Class ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
  • Similar words include: routine, human activity, do
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Music genre with "walking" bass lines"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Steamy occasion?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Lugubrious"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showing a brooding ill humor; ; ; ; ; ; - bruce bliven
  • Similar words include: glowering, glum, saturnine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "49. Pioneers' prairie pullers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "50. Harangues"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Store"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring
  • Similar words include: write, keep, make unnecessary
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Worked sufferingly"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: moil, labor, dig
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. "Pipe down!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Composure"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second
  • Similar words include: cool, aplomb, assuredness
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Attest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that report or maintain
  • Similar words include: affirm, assert, say
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. ___-goat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "63. "Wait ... really?""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "64. One of a kind"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "65. Test for future Ph.D.s"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "66. Not needing anything else"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: do, circle, fix
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

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

37 Across Clues
44 Down Clues
81 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: July 16, 2026 at 05:58 AM

Thursday, October 8, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 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. One who might use they/them pronouns, informally 4
2A 5. Sensation after getting a tattoo, for some 4
3A 9. How low can they go? 5
4A 14. Meteor shower? 9
5A 16. Stay under the covers all morning, to a Brit 5
6A 17. Taps 15
7A 19. Piano exercise 5
8A 20. "It's never paid to ___ against America": Warren Buffett 3
9A 21. Place-holding letters on a schedule 3
10A 22. Browbeaten 5
11A 24. Trams 9
12A 27. In the way of 3
13A 28. Drill 4
14A 29. Time to go fast? 4
15A 30. Audacious, informally 6
16A 33. "Midnight Cowboy" con man 5
17A 36. Paws 13
18A 40. Take a hankie to, say 5
19A 41. Nora who wrote "When Harry Met Sally ..." 6
20A 43. Counterpart of Brahma and Vishnu 4
21A 46. Expand, as dough 4
22A 48. Hawaiian fish with a palindromic name 3
23A 49. Dessert 9
24A 52. Deciduous tree often found in regions dominated by conifers 5
25A 54. Just a number, they say 3
26A 55. Long-lasting birth control option, in brief 3
27A 56. Turn over 5
28A 58. Naive regal gnat 15
29A 63. Creepy 5
30A 64. It separates China and South Korea 9
31A 65. Everybody's hands 5
32A 66. Impudence 4
33A 67. Stanch 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. One who might use they/them pronouns, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Sensation after getting a tattoo, for some"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  • Similar words include: scabies, spoil, itching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. How low can they go?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult male singer with the lowest voice
  • Similar words include: bass, basso, bass voice
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Meteor shower?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnifier of images of distant objects
  • Similar words include: scope
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELESCOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Stay under the covers all morning, to a Brit"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Taps"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an argument offered in opposition to another argument
  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUNTERARGUMENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "It's never paid to ___ against America": Warren Buffett"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: reckon, wager, stake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Place-holding letters on a schedule"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Browbeaten"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that subdue, restrain, or overcome by affecting with a feeling of awe; frighten (as with threats)
  • Similar words include: overawe, cow
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Trams"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. In the way of"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Drill"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who evokes boredom
  • Similar words include: behave, brook, carry
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Time to go fast?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: Lententide, impart, loan
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Audacious, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "Midnight Cowboy" con man"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Paws"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLIPOFASWITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Take a hankie to, say"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Nora who wrote "When Harry Met Sally ...""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Counterpart of Brahma and Vishnu"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the destroyer; one of the three major divinities in the later hindu pantheon
  • Similar words include: Shiva
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Expand, as dough"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a growth in strength or number or importance
  • Similar words include: arise, originate, resurrect
  • Opposite of: descent, wane
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. Hawaiian fish with a palindromic name"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Similar words include: Yoko Ono
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Dessert"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "52. Deciduous tree often found in regions dominated by conifers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "54. Just a number, they say"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: geezerhood, historic period, get on
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Long-lasting birth control option, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus
  • Similar words include: intrauterine device
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Turn over"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become turned or set on end
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Naive regal gnat"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRINKSALLAROUND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. Creepy"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
  • Similar words include: eery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. It separates China and South Korea"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Everybody's hands"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular instance of buying or selling
  • Similar words include: bargain, divvy up, handle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Impudence"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: SAS, mouth, back talk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Stanch"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
  • Similar words include: root word, shank, bow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. And so on, in brief 3
2D 2. Hero famously "red-pilled," in film 3
3D 3. Perceived Democratic electoral bloc 8
4D 4. Matchmaker in "Fiddler on the Roof" 5
5D 5. Like many summertime coffee orders 4
6D 6. Caped fighter 6
7D 7. Professional who's busiest in Apr. 3
8D 8. Tisanes 8
9D 9. Popeye's rival 5
10D 10. Making money or becoming famous, maybe 3
11D 11. Smolder 6
12D 12. Penalty box in hockey, slangily 6
13D 13. Unbroken 6
14D 15. Hoop alternative 4
15D 18. Neighbor of Switz. 3
16D 22. Something inside or outside a wine bar? 3
17D 23. Count of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" 4
18D 25. Unpredictable 7
19D 26. Gingham or seersucker 5
20D 28. Common policy at a neighborhood BBQ 4
21D 31. Remote sensing technology that uses lasers 5
22D 32. Eponymous Belgian resort town 3
23D 34. Cringeily cute 4
24D 35. Tiny slug? 3
25D 37. Units of electric charge 8
26D 38. Spray from a plane 8
27D 39. Sharpen 4
28D 42. Start to stick? 3
29D 43. Under a parasol, say 6
30D 44. "My feelings exactly" 6
31D 45. Host Meredith of "25 Words or Less" 6
32D 47. Cézanne painted a "Pyramid" of them 6
33D 50. "Oh no!" 5
34D 51. Clear stuff in a restaurant 3
35D 52. Prefix often meaning "gas" 4
36D 53. Flakes out? 5
37D 57. Thelma and Louise, e.g. 4
38D 59. Signifier of no value, in many programming languages 3
39D 60. Grazing area 3
40D 61. First name signifier? 3
41D 62. Counterpart of a sire, on a horse farm 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. And so on, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Hero famously "red-pilled," in film"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Perceived Democratic electoral bloc"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Matchmaker in "Fiddler on the Roof""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Like many summertime coffee orders"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decorate with frosting
  • Similar words include: frost, ice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Caped fighter"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a matador or one of the supporting team during a bull fight
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Professional who's busiest in Apr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a united states state to be certified by that state
  • Similar words include: certified public accountant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Tisanes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Popeye's rival"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Making money or becoming famous, maybe"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Smolder"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be noisy with activity
  • Similar words include: boil, roll, hum
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEETHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Penalty box in hockey, slangily"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Unbroken"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged; - bacon
  • Similar words include: integral, inviolate, entire
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Hoop alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is virile and sexually active
  • Similar words include: scantling, he-man, rivet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Neighbor of Switz."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Something inside or outside a wine bar?"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Similar words include: taxi, taxicab, hack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Count of "A Series of Unfortunate Events""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Unpredictable"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liable to sudden unpredictable change
  • Similar words include: planetary, mercurial, quicksilver
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Gingham or seersucker"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
  • Similar words include: fabric, material, textile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Common policy at a neighborhood BBQ"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Remote sensing technology that uses lasers"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measuring system that detects and locates objects on the same principle as radar but uses light from a laser; a potential technology for detecting air turbulence that can affect aircraft
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIDAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Eponymous Belgian resort town"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering place, health club, watering hole
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Cringeily cute"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affectedly dainty or refined
  • Similar words include: prim, mincing, niminy-piminy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Tiny slug?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small drink
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Units of electric charge"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the english physicist and chemist who discovered electromagnetic induction (1791-1867)
  • Similar words include: Michael Faraday, Faraday
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARADAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Spray from a plane"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sharpen"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
  • Similar words include: perfect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Start to stick?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: not
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Under a parasol, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cast a shadow over
  • Similar words include: shade off, shadow, shade
  • Opposite of: unshaded
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. "My feelings exactly""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Host Meredith of "25 Words or Less""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Cézanne painted a "Pyramid" of them"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bony skeleton of the head of vertebrates
  • Similar words include: skull
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKULLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. "Oh no!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Clear stuff in a restaurant"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
  • Similar words include: double-decker, omnibus, charabanc
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Prefix often meaning "gas""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. Flakes out?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
  • Similar words include: Snow, lead by the nose, coke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Thelma and Louise, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Similar words include: chum, brother, pal up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Signifier of no value, in many programming languages"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: naught, nothing, cipher
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Grazing area"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of length of thread or yarn
  • Similar words include: pasture, ley, grazing land
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. First name signifier?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Counterpart of a sire, on a horse farm"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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

33 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

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Last updated: October 08, 2026 at 10:46 AM