May 21, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (43 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (35 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 21, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Hit a serve past	4
2A	5. Ballet dancer's bend	4
3A	9. Lightens (up)	5
4A	14. Word after golden or slide	4
5A	15. Often-discarded part of a fruit	4
6A	16. Canonized person	5
7A	17. Cheat sheets	9
8A	19. Post-panel sesh	5
9A	20. Male cat	3
10A	21. Big name in public opinion research	3
11A	23. It might be poked	3
12A	24. Cry of disgust that sounds like 24-Down	3
13A	27. Fruit also known as calabash	11
14A	31. "Yeah, I suppose"	7
15A	33. Soup kitchen utensils	6
16A	34. Stare open-mouthed	4
17A	35. Target, as a wide receiver	6
18A	38. Outbuilding for many a historic home	13
19A	43. Millennial's successor, informally	6
20A	44. Tennis do-overs	4
21A	46. "That's pretty nifty!"	6
22A	49. Fashion house whose logo features Medusa	7
23A	52. Counterpart to a landline	11
24A	55. Appreciative text	3
25A	56. Schedule abbr.	3
26A	57. Middle name for Alec Baldwin and Carly Jepsen	3
27A	58. Go the other way	3
28A	60. Indian royals	5
29A	63. Make safer, in a way ... or what the starts of 17-, 27-, 38- and 52-Across might be?	9
30A	68. Pageant topper	5
31A	69. Often-discarded part of a fruit	4
32A	70. Inactive	4
33A	71. One-___ bandit	5
34A	72. Biblical pronoun	4
35A	73. Nonnegotiable thing	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Hit a serve past"

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 succeed at easily
• Words that mean the same thing: sweep through, breeze through, nail
• 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: ACED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Ballet dancer's bend"

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: PLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Lightens (up)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
• Words that mean the same thing: comfort, informality, allay
• The opposite would be: difficulty
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Word after golden or slide"

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 principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: ruler, predominate, harness
• 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: RULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Often-discarded part of a fruit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
• 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: RIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Canonized person"

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 person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
• Words that mean the same thing: canonize, ideal, enshrine
• 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: SAINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Cheat sheets"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: CRIBNOTES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Post-panel sesh"

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: QANDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Male cat"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to whites
• Words that mean the same thing: tomcat, Uncle Tom, gobbler
• 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: TOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Big name in public opinion research"

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 long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation
• Words that mean the same thing: church bench
• 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: PEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. It might be poked"

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 activities that are enjoyable or amusing
• Words that mean the same thing: playfulness, merriment, play
• 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: FUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Cry of disgust that sounds like 24-Down"

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: UGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Fruit also known as calabash"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: BOTTLEGOURD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. "Yeah, I suppose""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GUESSSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Soup kitchen utensils"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle; frequently used to transfer liquids from one container to another
• Words that mean the same thing: lade, laden, ladle
• 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: LADLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Stare open-mouthed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an expression of openmouthed astonishment
• Words that mean the same thing: goggle, yawn, gawp
• 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: GAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Target, as a wide receiver"

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: PASSTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Outbuilding for many a historic home"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: CARRIAGEHOUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. Millennial's successor, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GENZER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Tennis do-overs"

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 brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Words that mean the same thing: permit, Army of the Righteous, have
• The opposite would be: prevent, forbid
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. "That's pretty nifty!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHNEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "49. Fashion house whose logo features Medusa"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that italian fashion designer (1946-1997)
• Words that mean the same thing: Gianni Versace
• 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: VERSACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "52. Counterpart to a landline"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: MOBILEPHONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "55. Appreciative text"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "56. Schedule abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
• 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: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. Middle name for Alec Baldwin and Carly Jepsen"

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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. Go the other way"

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 an angular shape characterized by sharp turns in alternating directions
• Words that mean the same thing: zig, zigzag
• 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: ZAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. Indian royals"

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 prince or king in india
• Words that mean the same thing: rajah, raja, Raja
• 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: RAJAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "63. Make safer, in a way ... or what the starts of 17-, 27-, 38- and 52-Across might be?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert 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: BABYPROOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "68. Pageant topper"

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 jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
• 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: TIARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "69. Often-discarded part of a fruit"

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 (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
• Words that mean the same thing: shank, stem turn, root
• 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: STEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "70. Inactive"

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 the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: slug, light, groundless
• The opposite would be: busy, work
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "71. One-___ bandit"

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 prepare oneself for a military confrontation
• Words that mean the same thing: gird, arm, fortify
• The opposite would be: unarmed, disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "72. Biblical pronoun"

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: THEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "73. Nonnegotiable thing"

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: pauperization, call for, pauperism
• 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!

May 21, 2024 Tuesday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Airplane's path on a flight map, often	3
2D	2. Junkyard dog	3
3D	3. Roth of "Inglourious Basterds"	3
4D	4. Red scare?	4
5D	5. Sneak previews	6
6D	6. Happening, in modern parlance	3
7D	7. Bumbling	5
8D	8. Old car make named for Henry Ford's son	5
9D	9. Abbr. on a lawyer's business card	3
10D	10. Highly rated, as a bond	3
11D	11. Iniquitous	6
12D	12. Stick it out	6
13D	13. Array at a farmer's market	6
14D	18. Noggins	4
15D	22. Language in which "w" can be a vowel	5
16D	24. Australian boot brand	3
17D	25. Green dip, familiarly	4
18D	26. Purifying filter acronym	4
19D	28. November birthstone	5
20D	29. One purring in Peru	4
21D	30. Nonalcoholic beer brand	6
22D	32. Composer Rachmaninoff	6
23D	36. Ripen	3
24D	37. Kind of motor used in robotics	5
25D	39. Down-to-earth	4
26D	40. Lead-in to mingle or mezzo	5
27D	41. Ticket assignment	4
28D	42. Cut quite a figure?	4
29D	45. Something a prenatal ultrasound can determine	3
30D	46. Mafia code of silence	6
31D	47. Windbag's output	6
32D	48. Classic video game with the catchphrase "He's on fire!"	6
33D	50. Biological catalyst	6
34D	51. Collect what's been sown	4
35D	53. "Blue Ribbon" brewer	5
36D	54. Toffee bar brand since 1928	5
37D	59. Beam	4
38D	61. "What ___ the odds?"	3
39D	62. Down in the dumps	3
40D	64. Wax producer	3
41D	65. Shelley's "To a Skylark," for one	3
42D	66. World Cup chant	3
43D	67. Put quarters in, as a meter	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. Airplane's path on a flight map, often"

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 electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
• Words that mean the same thing: spark, electric arc, curve
• 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: ARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Junkyard dog"

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 an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
• Words that mean the same thing: mutt, mongrel
• 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: CUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Roth of "Inglourious Basterds""

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Red scare?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of owing something (especially money)
• 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: DEBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Sneak previews"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PROMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Happening, in modern parlance"

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 humanistic study of a body of literature
• Words that mean the same thing: fall, alight, light
• The opposite would be: extinguish, unlighted
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Bumbling"

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 not elegant or graceful in expression
• Words that mean the same thing: cumbersome, ill-chosen, feckless
• 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: INEPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Old car make named for Henry Ford's son"

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: EDSEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Abbr. on a lawyer's business card"

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 title of respect for a member of the english gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
• Words that mean the same thing: Esquire
• 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: ESQ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Highly rated, as a bond"

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 an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
• Words that mean the same thing: abdominal aortic aneurysm
• 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: AAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Iniquitous"

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 characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin
• Words that mean the same thing: wicked, extraordinary, ungodly
• 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: SINFUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Stick it out"

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 put up with something or somebody unpleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: support, abide, tolerate
• The opposite would be: enjoy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Array at a farmer's market"

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 support or foundation
• Words that mean the same thing: stall, support, resist
• The opposite would be: yield, sit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STANDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Noggins"

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 informal term for an upper-class or wealthy person
• Words that mean the same thing: toff, nob
• 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: NOBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Language in which "w" can be a vowel"

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 native or resident of wales
• Words that mean the same thing: welch, Cymric, Cambrian
• 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: WELSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Australian boot brand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UGG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Green dip, familiarly"

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: GUAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Purifying filter acronym"

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: HEPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. November birthstone"

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 yellow quartz
• Words that mean the same thing: tan, false topaz, common topaz
• 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: TOPAZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. One purring in Peru"

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: GATO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Nonalcoholic beer brand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODOULS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Composer Rachmaninoff"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium 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: SERGEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Ripen"

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 how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: years, long time, get on
• 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 24 Down: "37. Kind of motor used in robotics"

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 control system that converts a small mechanical motion into one requiring much greater power; may include a negative feedback system
• Words that mean the same thing: servosystem, servomechanism, servomechanical
• 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: SERVO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Down-to-earth"

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 rational or irrational number
• Words that mean the same thing: real number, existent, genuine
• The opposite would be: unreal, insubstantial
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Lead-in to mingle or mezzo"

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 place in a grave or tomb
• Words that mean the same thing: entomb, lay to rest, bury
• 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: INTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Ticket assignment"

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 space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
• Words that mean the same thing: tush, fundament, backside
• 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: SEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Cut quite a figure?"

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 make an etching of
• Words that mean the same thing: engrave
• 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: ETCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Something a prenatal ultrasound can determine"

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 activities associated with sexual intercourse
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual urge, turn on, arouse
• 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: SEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Mafia code of silence"

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 code of silence practiced by the mafia; a refusal to give evidence to the police about criminal activities
• 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: OMERTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Windbag's output"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HOTAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Classic video game with the catchphrase "He's on fire!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NBAJAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Biological catalyst"

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 any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
• 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: ENZYME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Collect what's been sown"

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 gather, as of natural products
• Words that mean the same thing: draw, harvest, glean
• 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: REAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. "Blue Ribbon" brewer"

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: PABST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Toffee bar brand since 1928"

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 low evergreen shrub of the family ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
• Words that mean the same thing: heathland
• 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: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Beam"

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 facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: smiling, grinning, smile
• 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: GRIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. "What ___ the odds?""

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

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Down in the dumps"

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 experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness; ; - christina rossetti
• Words that mean the same thing: lamentable, sorry, distressing
• The opposite would be: glad
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "64. Wax producer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• 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: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "65. Shelley's "To a Skylark," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "66. World Cup chant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "67. Put quarters in, as a meter"

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

  The answer is: FED

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	65.4%
Short Answer	21	26.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Music	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	43
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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: August 25, 2025 at 03:23 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 18, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (34 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Unite, with "up"	4
2A	5. Many an extra in the "Lord of the Rings" movies	3
3A	8. Like fondue, traditionally	5
4A	13. Nairobi-based collection of NGOs	5
5A	15. Restriction on how much one can serve	9
6A	17. Conductor's reference	5
7A	18. Opportunity to compare notes, perhaps	9
8A	19. Very traditional sort	6
9A	21. Khloe, Kim or Kourtney, familiarly	3
10A	22. Jennifer who won a Pulitzer for "A Visit From the Goon Squad"	4
11A	23. Concerning	4
12A	24. Weight	4
13A	26. Orange video game character who appears in "Wreck-It Ralph"	5
14A	27. Retailer with mountains in its logo	3
15A	28. Persuade, as on a course of action	4
16A	29. Shade	3
17A	30. Smartphone feature that debuted worldwide in 2011	13
18A	34. Hot	6
19A	35. Kind of acid partly responsible for sourdough's tang	6
20A	37. "Sorry, that's way above my pay grade"	13
21A	40. Black ___	3
22A	41. Line holders	4
23A	42. Brilliant example	3
24A	43. Digs up by the roots	5
25A	46. Cry at the end of a countdown	4
26A	47. Dead center?	4
27A	48. Song whose titular subject has a "dark brown voice"	4
28A	49. Mesh	3
29A	50. One side of many a transaction	6
30A	52. Backs up on its own, say	9
31A	55. Titular animated dog of children's TV	5
32A	56. Go down swinging, perhaps	9
33A	57. What might add a bit of flavor to a salsa?	5
34A	58. Company bought by Tempur-Pedic in 2012	5
35A	59. W.W. II-era occupation for baseball's Moe Berg, following his playing career	3
36A	60. Rides	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Unite, with "up""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
• Similar words include: squad, team up
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Many an extra in the "Lord of the Rings" movies"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Similar words include: extremely low frequency, brownie, pixy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Like fondue, traditionally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the natives or inhabitants of switzerland
• Similar words include: Swiss people
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SWISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Nairobi-based collection of NGOs"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OXFAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Restriction on how much one can serve"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TERMLIMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Conductor's reference"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
• Similar words include: hit, musical score, sexual conquest
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Opportunity to compare notes, perhaps"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STUDYDATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Very traditional sort"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who insists on great precision and correctness (especially in the use of words)
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PURIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Khloe, Kim or Kourtney, familiarly"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
• Similar words include: te, atomic number 14, sister
• Opposite of: brother

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Jennifer who won a Pulitzer for "A Visit From the Goon Squad""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Concerning"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Weight"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the property of being large in mass
• Similar words include: ponderousness, ponderosity, heave up
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Orange video game character who appears in "Wreck-It Ralph""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QBERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Retailer with mountains in its logo"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Persuade, as on a course of action"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the activity of persuading someone to buy
• Similar words include: deal, trade, betray
• Opposite of: buy

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Shade"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
• Similar words include: imbue, chromaticity
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Smartphone feature that debuted worldwide in 2011"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMOJIKEYBOARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Hot"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an erotic person
• Similar words include: titillating
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EROTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Kind of acid partly responsible for sourdough's tang"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LACTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. "Sorry, that's way above my pay grade""

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IJUSTWORKHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Black ___"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Line holders"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long thin implement made of metal or wood
• Similar words include: retinal rod, pole, rod
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Brilliant example"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
• Similar words include: stone, precious stone, gemstone
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Digs up by the roots"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal terms for a meal
• Similar words include: mooch, eats, bum
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRUBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Cry at the end of a countdown"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an instance or single occasion for some event
• Similar words include: clock time, clock, sentence
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Dead center?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
• Similar words include: grave
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Song whose titular subject has a "dark brown voice""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Mesh"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a display of bad temper
• Similar words include: agree, fit out, primed
• Opposite of: disagree, unfit

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "50. One side of many a transaction"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
• Similar words include: principal, trader, monger
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEALER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "52. Backs up on its own, say"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AUTOSAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Titular animated dog of children's TV"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLUEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Go down swinging, perhaps"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an out resulting from the batter getting three strikes
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRIKEOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. What might add a bit of flavor to a salsa?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small drum; played with the hands
• Similar words include: Tragelaphus eurycerus, bongo drum, Boocercus eurycerus
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BONGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "58. Company bought by Tempur-Pedic in 2012"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "59. W.W. II-era occupation for baseball's Moe Berg, following his playing career"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
• Similar words include: stag, spot, snoop
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "60. Rides"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
• Similar words include: scold, plug, hen-peck
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Left	7
2D	2. "Um ... what?!"	8
3D	3. With even stronger reasoning, in law	9
4D	4. Super man?	5
5D	5. Quite a few characters in 2025's "Elio," for short	3
6D	6. Unleashes	7
7D	7. Results of one's labors, so to speak	5
8D	8. Shrewd	3
9D	9. You might give this to someone you want to avoid	9
10D	10. Outward appearance	5
11D	11. Instrument that's held at about a 45-degree angle from the player's body	5
12D	12. Inner tube?	5
13D	14. "Bonjour, ___ amis!"	3
14D	16. Figures listed on Zocdoc, for short	3
15D	20. Gustav Klimt masterpiece	7
16D	25. Choose	5
17D	26. Charlatans	6
18D	28. Exercises with a "butterfly" variation, in which the soles of one's feet are pressed together	6
19D	29. Overtook?	7
20D	31. Cosmetic additive that comes from the Southwest	9
21D	32. Flowering period	5
22D	33. Actor who plays the title role on TV's "Andor"	9
23D	36. Classic Easter treat	8
24D	38. Report	7
25D	39. Items frozen in cryopreservation	7
26D	43. Flute, for one	5
27D	44. Way	5
28D	45. Prefix with marathon	5
29D	46. Bygone recorders	5
30D	47. Grabber	5
31D	49. Race of supernatural spirits	3
32D	51. Fall back	3
33D	53. You might look up to this	3
34D	54. Unpleasant digs	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Left"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOSPARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Um ... what?!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXCUSEME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. With even stronger reasoning, in law"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AFORTIORI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Super man?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MARIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Quite a few characters in 2025's "Elio," for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Unleashes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LETSFLY

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7D: "7. Results of one's labors, so to speak"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
• Similar words include: yield
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FRUIT

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8D: "8. Shrewd"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: guileful, slick, dodgy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLY

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9D: "9. You might give this to someone you want to avoid"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WIDEBERTH

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10D: "10. Outward appearance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an iconic mental representation
• Similar words include: visualise, paradigm, ikon
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMAGE

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11D: "11. Instrument that's held at about a 45-degree angle from the player's body"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SITAR

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12D: "12. Inner tube?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STENT

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13D: "14. "Bonjour, ___ amis!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state in new england
• Similar words include: ME, Pine Tree State, Maine
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MES

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14D: "16. Figures listed on Zocdoc, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (md is the current symbol for mendelevium but mv was formerly the symbol)
• Similar words include: Dr., Md, physician
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MDS

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15D: "20. Gustav Klimt masterpiece"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THEKISS

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16D: "25. Choose"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an exclusive group of people
• Similar words include: elite, chosen
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELECT

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17D: "26. Charlatans"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice
• Similar words include: quack
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: QUACKS

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18D: "28. Exercises with a "butterfly" variation, in which the soles of one's feet are pressed together"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SITUPS

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19D: "29. Overtook?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that save up as for future use
• Similar words include: collect, hoard, stash
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOARDED

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20D: "31. Cosmetic additive that comes from the Southwest"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JOJOBAOIL

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21D: "32. Flowering period"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the organic process of bearing flowers
• Similar words include: heyday, rosiness, bloom of youth
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLOOM

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22D: "33. Actor who plays the title role on TV's "Andor""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIEGOLUNA

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23D: "36. Classic Easter treat"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CREMEEGG

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24D: "38. Report"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WRITEUP

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25D: "39. Items frozen in cryopreservation"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium
• Similar words include: embryo, fertilized egg, conceptus
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMBRYOS

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26D: "43. Flute, for one"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
• Similar words include: drinking glass, meth, deoxyephedrine
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLASS

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27D: "44. Way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an established line of travel or access
• Similar words include: itinerary, road, path
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROUTE

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28D: "45. Prefix with marathon"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
• Similar words include: radical, extremist
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ULTRA

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29D: "46. Bygone recorders"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIVOS

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30D: "47. Grabber"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of prey
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TALON

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31D: "49. Race of supernatural spirits"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a device consisting of a container of fuel and two explosive charges; the first charge bursts open the fuel container at a predetermined height and spreads the fuel in a cloud that mixes with atmospheric oxygen; the second charge detonates the cloud which creates an enormous blast wave and incinerates whatever is below
• Similar words include: fuel-air explosive
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FAE

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32D: "51. Fall back"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
• Similar words include: ebbing, ebb out, wane
• Opposite of: tide

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EBB

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33D: "53. You might look up to this"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
• Similar words include: flip, toss, pitch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKY

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34D: "54. Unpleasant digs"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Similar words include: stye, pigsty, eye infection
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues

34 Down Clues

70 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 18, 2026 at 05:39 AM