September 02, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, September 02, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (33 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Saturday Puzzle September 02, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. No-brainer?	6
2A	7. Seabird that can be tufted or horned	6
3A	13. Words that might be followed by "Hear! Hear!"	6
4A	14. Pepper with a "delayed fuse"	7
5A	15. Toy that's not really a toy?	6
6A	16. Lost at strip poker	8
7A	17. It has triangular blades	5
8A	18. Susceptible to burning, in a way	4
9A	19. Hot ___	4
10A	20. Not needing to work	10
11A	23. Half a laugh	3
12A	25. Herd : buffalo :: bob : ___	5
13A	26. Good name for a gallery owner	5
14A	30. Call from a server, maybe	4
15A	32. "Oversharing alert!"	3
16A	33. Flies like flies	6
17A	34. Statement from someone you should probably respond to with skepticism	15
18A	37. Fertile Crescent feeder	6
19A	38. Most common evening for "Dateline NBC" during its three-decade run: Abbr.	3
20A	39. It has a triangular blade	4
21A	40. Like Staten Island on a New York City subway map	5
22A	41. Campus noob	5
23A	43. Abbr. on a paper tray	3
24A	44. Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2022, describing an unapologetically self-indulgent state	10
25A	47. Get high	4
26A	50. Thinks of with buyer's remorse, say	4
27A	51. Acquisition in Monopoly	5
28A	54. Snack crackers since 1921	8
29A	56. Legacy competitor	6
30A	57. Publicity, of a sort	7
31A	58. "Sure … I guess"	6
32A	59. Gives a leg up	6
33A	60. Foraged delicacies	6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. No-brainer?"

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 dead body that has been brought back to life by a supernatural force
• Words that mean the same thing: living dead, zombie spirit, zombi
• 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: ZOMBIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Seabird that can be tufted or horned"

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 any of two genera of northern seabirds having short necks and brightly colored compressed bills
• 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: PUFFIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Words that might be followed by "Hear! Hear!""

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: ATOAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Pepper with a "delayed fuse""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: SERRANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Toy that's not really a toy?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an intelligent dog with a heavy curly solid-colored coat that is usually clipped; an old breed sometimes trained as sporting dogs or as performing dogs
• Words that mean the same thing: poodle dog
• 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: POODLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Lost at strip poker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOTNAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. It has triangular blades"

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 grasslike or rushlike plant growing in wet places having solid stems, narrow grasslike leaves and spikelets of inconspicuous flowers
• 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: SEDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Susceptible to burning, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: bonny, sightly, fairly
• The opposite would be: unfairly, foul
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Hot ___"

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 state of confusion and disorderliness
• Words that mean the same thing: good deal, passel, deal
• 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: MESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Not needing to work"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SETFORLIFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Half a laugh"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus crataegus
• Words that mean the same thing: hawthorn
• 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: HAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Herd : buffalo :: bob : ___"

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 fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
• Words that mean the same thing: cachet, stamp, seal of approval
• The opposite would be: unseal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Good name for a gallery owner"

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: ARTIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Call from a server, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. "Oversharing alert!""

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: TMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Flies like flies"

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 moving crowd
• Words that mean the same thing: drove, swarm, teem
• 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: SWARMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Statement from someone you should probably respond to with skepticism"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IMNOTASCIENTIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Fertile Crescent feeder"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an asian river; a tributary of the euphrates river
• Words that mean the same thing: Tigris River
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIGRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Most common evening for "Dateline NBC" during its three-decade run: Abbr."

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 the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Friday
• 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: FRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. It has a triangular blade"

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
• 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: EPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Like Staten Island on a New York City subway map"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
• Words that mean the same thing: insert, gusset
• 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: INSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Campus noob"

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: FROSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Abbr. on a paper tray"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LTR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2022, describing an unapologetically self-indulgent state"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOBLINMODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Get high"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of rising upward into the air
• Words that mean the same thing: sailplane, hang glide, surge
• 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: SOAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Thinks of with buyer's remorse, say"

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 european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: herb of grace, regret, Ruta graveolens
• 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: RUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Acquisition in Monopoly"

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 building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
• 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: HOTEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Snack crackers since 1921"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHEEZITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Legacy competitor"

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 musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting 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: SONATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Publicity, of a sort"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIRTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. "Sure … I guess""

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: UHOKAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Gives a leg up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of giving hope or support to someone
• Words that mean the same thing: encourage, hike, further
• 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: BOOSTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Foraged delicacies"

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 various edible mushrooms of the genus morchella having a brownish spongelike cap
• Words that mean the same thing: morel
• 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: MORELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Saturday NYT Crossword September 02, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Irradiates	4
2D	2. Platte Valley people	4
3D	3. They might go to extremes	10
4D	4. One means of gaining access	5
5D	5. Much of Tonga	6
6D	6. Bastille Day saison	3
7D	7. Eponymous German bacteriologist	5
8D	8. Mantel piece	3
9D	9. Cinematic specification	9
10D	10. Phony	4
11D	11. Agnes, in Argentina	4
12D	12. Quick greetings	4
13D	14. Gets dirty	5
14D	16. Top-selling concession item at San Francisco's Oracle Park	11
15D	18. Gets in a lather	5
16D	21. Some Greek cheeses	5
17D	22. Fuss (over)	4
18D	23. The world's first Black-led republic	5
19D	24. Replying to emails, scheduling meetings, etc., informally	5
20D	27. Shocked reaction	10
21D	28. "Just the check"	5
22D	29. Perfume part	5
23D	31. "I'd do it again!"	9
24D	33. Quake	5
25D	35. Nickname that can be a diminutive of a family member	4
26D	36. Smooths, as silk	5
27D	41. Alternative to a tulip glass	5
28D	42. Holiday cheer?	6
29D	45. They may be held during the national anthem	5
30D	46. Giving sort	5
31D	47. One crossing the line	4
32D	48. Reds state	4
33D	49. Bubbly chocolate bar brand	4
34D	52. Shorthand for unnamed co-authors	4
35D	53. Macaulay's "___ of Ancient Rome"	4
36D	55. Unwanted spot, informally	3
37D	56. Grand total	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. Irradiates"

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 sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
• Words that mean the same thing: micro-cook, microwave, nuke
• 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: ZAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Platte Valley people"

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 member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Oto
• 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: OTOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. They might go to extremes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOODSWINGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. One means of gaining access"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)
• 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: BADGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Much of Tonga"

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 small island
• Words that mean the same thing: islet, isle
• 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: ISLETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Bastille Day saison"

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: ETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Eponymous German bacteriologist"

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: PETRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Mantel piece"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
• 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: URN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Cinematic specification"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FRAMERATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Phony"

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 something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
• Words that mean the same thing: forge, simulated, postiche
• 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: FAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Agnes, in Argentina"

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: INES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Quick greetings"

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 sign of assent or salutation or command
• Words that mean the same thing: nod
• 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: NODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Gets dirty"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being covered with unclean things
• Words that mean the same thing: land, dirt, ground
• The opposite would be: clean
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Top-selling concession item at San Francisco's Oracle Park"

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: GARLICFRIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Gets in a lather"

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 mass of small bubbles formed in or on a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: form bubbles, fizz, sparkle
• 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: FOAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Some Greek cheeses"

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: FETAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Fuss (over)"

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 color or pigment varying around a light grey-brown color
• Words that mean the same thing: grovel, toady, bootlick
• 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: FAWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "23. The world's first Black-led republic"

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 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
• Words that mean the same thing: Hayti, Hispaniola, Republic of Haiti
• 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: HAITI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "24. Replying to emails, scheduling meetings, etc., informally"

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: ADMIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Shocked reaction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRIPLETAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. "Just the check""

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: IMSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Perfume part"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water
• 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: ESTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. "I'd do it again!""

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: NOREGRETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Quake"

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 shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
• Words that mean the same thing: temblor, earthquake, quake
• 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: SEISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Nickname that can be a diminutive of a family member"

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 yugoslav statesman who led the resistance to german occupation during world war ii and established a communist state after the war (1892-1980)
• Words that mean the same thing: Marshal Tito, Josip Broz
• 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: TITO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Smooths, as silk"

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 metal shackles; for hands or legs
• Words that mean the same thing: iron, chains, atomic number 26
• 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: IRONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Alternative to a tulip glass"

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 high-pitched woodwind instrument; a slender tube closed at one end with finger holes on one end and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown
• Words that mean the same thing: fluting, transverse flute, flute glass
• 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: FLUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Holiday cheer?"

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: HOHOHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. They may be held during the national anthem"

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 the top edge of a vessel or other container
• Words that mean the same thing: lip, brim, rim
• 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: BRIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Giving sort"

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 person who makes a gift of property
• Words that mean the same thing: conferrer, giver, presenter
• 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: DONOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. One crossing the line"

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 someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
• Words that mean the same thing: strikebreaker, blackleg, fink
• 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: SCAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Reds state"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: Buckeye State, OH, Ohio River
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Bubbly chocolate bar brand"

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: AERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Shorthand for unnamed co-authors"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Macaulay's "___ of Ancient Rome""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• Words that mean the same thing: lay, pose, place
• 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: LAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Unwanted spot, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
• Words that mean the same thing: hickey, pimple
• 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: ZIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Grand total"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of money
• Words that mean the same thing: gist, kernel, add
• 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: SUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	77.1%
Short Answer	6	8.6%
Geography	5	7.1%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 31, 2025 at 03:50 AM

Xwordhint Crossword Answers - August 19, 2025 | Today NYT Vibez

Published on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Daily puzzle hints • Crossword clues © The New York Times

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 lover who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Today is Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints (35 clues)

1A: "1. Biting comment"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the site of an archeological exploration
• Similar words include: turn over, fag, shot
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. "No thanks""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IPASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Bottom of the food chain, say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
• Similar words include: predate, target, feed
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PREY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. That, in Spanish"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Easier to get along with"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance; - george meredith
• Similar words include: skillful, gracious, decent
• Opposite of: nasty

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NICER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Job perk that might accumulate"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty
• Similar words include: farewell, give, allow
• Opposite of: enter, disinherit

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Catchalls of the insurance industry"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLANKETPOLICIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Edgar Allan Poe writing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
• Similar words include: story, tarradiddle, taradiddle
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Reine's counterpart"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
• Similar words include: return on investment, return on invested capital
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Country that produces surprisingly little Muscat wine"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the arabian peninsula; the economy is dominated by oil
• Similar words include: Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Oman
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Uses scissors on"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (plural) hand shears for cutting sheet metal
• Similar words include: snipping, clip, nip off
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Really giving an earful"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAILINGAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Dissuade"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that try to prevent; show opposition to
• Similar words include: dissuade, discourage
• Opposite of: persuade

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Bit of body art, informally"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
• Similar words include: Thematic Apperception Test, cheapness, sleaze
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Modern ___"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: epoch, geological era, earned run average
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Paradise on earth"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a book written by sir thomas more (1516) describing the perfect society on an imaginary island
• Similar words include: Zion, Sion
• Opposite of: dystopia

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UTOPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Where you might have to exchange tickets for food"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a traveling show; having sideshows and rides and games of skill etc.
• Similar words include: fairish, bazaar, sightly
• Opposite of: unfairly, foul

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Reptile that can reach up to 10 feet in length"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MONITORLIZARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Got carried along by"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
• Similar words include: bait, rally, drive
• Opposite of: walk

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Nonexpert"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person
• Similar words include: secular, layperson
• Opposite of: clergyman

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAYMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Story extender"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Pose a question"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that inquire about
• Similar words include: enquire, require, involve
• Opposite of: obviate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Deluges with emails"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
• Similar words include: spam, junk e-mail, Spam
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Play Store purchase"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOBILEAPP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Series of steps"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway
• Similar words include: step
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Part of a pot"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. "Now I see!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Sitting on the bench, say"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Similar words include: stagnate, tick over, jobless
• Opposite of: busy, work

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Catchphrase of a classic MTV show … or a hint for the starts of 16-, 24-, 36- and 48-Across"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WELCOMETOMYCRIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Book of legends"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) a titan who was forced by zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
• Similar words include: map collection, telamon, book of maps
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATLAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Unit of engine capacity"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
• Similar words include: l, cubic decimeter, litre
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LITER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Hosp. area"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
• Similar words include: intensive care unit
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Largest loch in Scotland by volume"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
• Similar words include: cape
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Many ___ (a long time)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the natural satellite of the earth
• Similar words include: synodic month, moon, moon around
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. "___ Auto" (Volkswagen slogan)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of several small ungulate mammals of africa and asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
• Similar words include: hyrax, coney, cony
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Strategic Hints (41 clues)

1D: "1. Net worth negatives"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of owing something (especially money)
• Similar words include: debt
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEBTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Setting for the game Myst"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Netminder"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the soccer or hockey player assigned to protect the goal
• Similar words include: goalkeeper, netminder, netkeeper
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOALIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. ___ saver (printing option for a crossword)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Crabbing spot"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
• Similar words include: wharf, dock, wharfage
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Person who may have to deal with long lines"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a theatrical performer
• Similar words include: role player, histrion, player
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Color whose name comes from the Greek word for "cuttlefish""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shade of brown with a tinge of red
• Similar words include: mahogany, burnt sienna, reddish brown
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEPIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Sign of a packed house"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Praline nugget"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wood of a pecan tree
• Similar words include: pecan tree, Carya illinoensis, Carya illinoinsis
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PECAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Galoshes and umbrellas"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAINGEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Noted wearer of a fig leaf"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
• Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. What a bobbing fist indicates in American Sign Language"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an affirmative
• Opposite of: no
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Hard cap"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the greatest possible degree of something
• Similar words include: limitation, trammel, confine
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "17. Only planet in the solar system not visible to the naked eye"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (roman mythology) god of the sea; counterpart of greek poseidon
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEPTUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. 1970 classic by the Kinks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Org. concerned with life beyond Earth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Winner of four World Cups"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
• Similar words include: Italian Republic, Italia
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Like much of Utah"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• Similar words include: desiccate, desiccated, waterless
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Road crew goo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Similar words include: gob, seafarer, sea dog
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Start to attract fruit flies, perhaps"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
• Similar words include: moulder, bunkum, putrefaction
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Dance performed in Smetana's "The Bartered Bride""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that music performed for dancing the polka
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POLKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Apt name for a financial adviser?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Similar words include: individual retirement account, Provos, ire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Huge supporter"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause); --winston churchill
• Similar words include: rabid, overzealous, fiend
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FANATIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. "The kissing disease," for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acute disease characterized by fever and swollen lymph nodes and an abnormal increase of mononuclear leucocytes or monocytes in the bloodstream; not highly contagious; some believe it can be transmitted by kissing
• Similar words include: monophonic, kissing disease, infectious mononucleosis
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MONO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Quirky types"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person with an unusual or odd personality
• Similar words include: oddball, geek, eccentric person
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODDBALLS

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26D: "38. Some Gmail convos"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMS

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27D: "39. Throws in the microwave"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
• Similar words include: atomise, microwave, nuke
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZAPS

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28D: "40. Smash (into)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
• Similar words include: tup, jam, random memory
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAM

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29D: "43. Singers with a range from F3 to F5"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
• Similar words include: contralto, countertenor, alto
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALTOS

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30D: "44. Appear to be"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
• Similar words include: look, appear
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEEM

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31D: "46. City that's home to el Museo del Prado"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the capital and largest city situated centrally in spain; home of an outstanding art museum
• Similar words include: Spanish capital, capital of Spain
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MADRID

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32D: "47. ___ gel (moisture-absorbing stuff marked "Do not eat")"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a white or colorless vitreous insoluble solid (sio2); various forms occur widely in the earth's crust as quartz or cristobalite or tridymite or lechatelierite
• Similar words include: silicon oxide, silicon dioxide
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SILICA

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33D: "49. Residents of the Realm of the Four Parts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
• Similar words include: Incan, Inka, Inca
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INCAS

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34D: "50. Barbecue setting, often"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
• Similar words include: terrace
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PATIO

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35D: "51. Insta post"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a representation of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide; recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material
• Similar words include: exposure, picture, photograph
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PHOTO

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36D: "53. An eye for an I?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REBUS

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37D: "56. "Preach it!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Similar words include: Amun, Amon
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMEN

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38D: "58. Lacking color"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
• Similar words include: sick, pale, wide area network
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WAN

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39D: "59. Shorts season in Strasbourg"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETE

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40D: "60. Tree with serrated leaves"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Similar words include: elmwood, elm tree
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELM

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41D: "61. Mos. on end"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
• Similar words include: twelvemonth, yr, year
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YRS

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

76 Total Clues

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Last updated: August 19, 2025 at 03:58 AM