January 18, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Tuesday NYT Crossword January 18, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "I feel pretty, ___ pretty" ("West Side Story" lyric)	4
2A	5. Spray lightly	4
3A	9. Sore from exercise, say	4
4A	13. Chicken or duck	4
5A	14. Artificial feature in New York's Central Park	4
6A	15. Oak or beech	4
7A	16. Possible requirements for joining a tattoo club?	14
8A	19. Zero	4
9A	20. It's "the word"	3
10A	21. Not great, as chances	4
11A	23. Material easily mistaken for aluminum	3
12A	24. A healthy person regularly calling in sick, e.g.?	11
13A	28. Drifting sheet	7
14A	30. Italian author Umberto	3
15A	31. Lil ___ X	3
16A	32. Give up	4
17A	33. Point	3
18A	35. Italian author Ferrante	5
19A	37. What a nervous public speaker sounds like?	9
20A	41. As an ___ (parenthetically)	5
21A	44. Outdoor "carpet"	3
22A	45. Intro to girl	4
23A	49. Word in a "Batman" balloon	3
24A	50. Org. that creates the G.R.E.	3
25A	53. "Carrying the Banner" musical	7
26A	55. Preceded in commenting on an adorable kitten photo, say?	11
27A	58. Megan Thee Stallion genre	3
28A	59. Annual festival in Austin, Tex.	4
29A	60. Sigma/upsilon go-between	3
30A	61. Tabloid twosome	4
31A	63. Lucy's empty-booth sign in "Peanuts" ... or a hint to 16-, 24-, 37- and 55-Across	14
32A	68. Uncommon	4
33A	69. Single-serve coffee holder	4
34A	70. Cannabis strain named for its regional origin	4
35A	71. Yemeni port	4
36A	72. Prop for a tilting bookcase, say	4
37A	73. Dog command	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. "I feel pretty, ___ pretty" ("West Side Story" lyric)"

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: OHSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Spray lightly"

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 thin fog with condensation near the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: mist over, befog, fog
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Sore from exercise, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that causing a dull and steady pain
• Words that mean the same thing: aching
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Chicken or duck"

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 domesticated gallinaceous bird thought to be descended from the red jungle fowl
• Words that mean the same thing: domestic fowl, bird, poultry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Artificial feature in New York's Central Park"

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 body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Oak or beech"

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 tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
• Words that mean the same thing: shoetree, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, corner
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Possible requirements for joining a tattoo club?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TWOINKMINIMUMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Zero"

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 canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. It's "the word""

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 informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: silent, florist's chrysanthemum, Dendranthema grandifloruom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Not great, as chances"

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 take off weight
• Words that mean the same thing: thin, melt off, slender
• The opposite would be: gain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Material easily mistaken for aluminum"

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 silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
• Words that mean the same thing: can, cannister, put up
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. A healthy person regularly calling in sick, e.g.?"

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: ILLPRACTICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Drifting sheet"

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: ICEFLOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Italian author Umberto"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Lil ___ X"

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 silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 11, sodium, Na
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Give up"

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 give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
• Words that mean the same thing: deliver, grant, concede
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Point"

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 anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Words that mean the same thing: take, train, heading
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Italian author Ferrante"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. What a nervous public speaker sounds like?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: UMMACHINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. As an ___ (parenthetically)"

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 line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
• Words that mean the same thing: away, parenthesis, excursus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Outdoor "carpet""

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 surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
• Words that mean the same thing: superoxide dismutase, greensward, bugger
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Intro to girl"

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: ATTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. Word in a "Batman" balloon"

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 person who surrenders to (or is taken by) the enemy in time of war
• Words that mean the same thing: prisoner of war
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Org. that creates the G.R.E."

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: ETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "53. "Carrying the Banner" musical"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEWSIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "55. Preceded in commenting on an adorable kitten photo, say?"

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: BEATTOTHEAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. Megan Thee Stallion genre"

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 reproach for some lapse or misdeed
• Words that mean the same thing: rap music, knock, blame
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Annual festival in Austin, Tex."

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: SXSW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Sigma/upsilon go-between"

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 the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Tabloid twosome"

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 distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
• Words that mean the same thing: detail, particular, token
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Lucy's empty-booth sign in "Peanuts" ... or a hint to 16-, 24-, 37- and 55-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THEDOCTORISOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. Uncommon"

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 not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
• Words that mean the same thing: rarified, uncommon, rarefied
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Single-serve coffee holder"

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: KCUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Cannabis strain named for its regional origin"

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: KUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Yemeni port"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "72. Prop for a tilting bookcase, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thin wedge of material (wood or metal or stone) for driving into crevices
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "73. Dog command"

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 continuing or remaining in a place or state
• Words that mean the same thing: stick, persist, stay on
• The opposite would be: depart, change
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAY

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - January 18, 2022 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Frequently, in poetry	3
2D	2. "Isn't that special!"	7
3D	3. Reacted to a dreamboat, maybe	7
4D	4. Lena or Ken of film and TV	4
5D	5. Reform leader memorialized in the Stone of Hope, for short	3
6D	6. Billie Eilish's "Therefore ___"	3
7D	7. Economize	5
8D	8. Academic job security	6
9D	9. Cash-out spot?	3
10D	10. It may be found above the mantle	5
11D	11. The difference between a mini and a midi	7
12D	12. Confident shout from an optimist	7
13D	17. Singer Young or Diamond	4
14D	18. Apple offering	4
15D	22. High, flat land feature	4
16D	23. Idiosyncrasy	3
17D	25. Good dirt	4
18D	26. "Star Wars" princess-turned-general	4
19D	27. Ethan or Joel of filmmaking	4
20D	29. "Family ___"	4
21D	34. Hosts, informally	3
22D	36. Grassy expanses	4
23D	38. Come face to face	4
24D	39. Sharpen	4
25D	40. "What's the big ___?"	4
26D	41. Transmissions triggering manhunts, for short	4
27D	42. Really overdoing it, in slang	7
28D	43. "They conned me!"	7
29D	46. Exhaust	7
30D	47. Olympic group with a red, white and blue insignia	7
31D	48. Cleopatra's snake	3
32D	51. Pet transported in a bike basket amid a whirlwind	4
33D	52. Library area	6
34D	54. Event with V-E Day and V-J Day	4
35D	56. Quaint contraction	5
36D	57. Rabbit holder	5
37D	62. Wordless admonishments	4
38D	64. Family room	3
39D	65. Paris accord?	3
40D	66. Dashboard reading, for short	3
41D	67. "Hallowed be ___ name"	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. Frequently, in poetry"

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 many times at short intervals
• Words that mean the same thing: frequently, ofttimes, oftentimes
• The opposite would be: infrequently, rarely
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Isn't that special!""

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: HOWNICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Reacted to a dreamboat, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that pass out from weakness, physical or emotional distress due to a loss of blood supply to the brain
• Words that mean the same thing: pass out, swoon, conk
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWOONED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Lena or Ken of film and TV"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: OLIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Reform leader memorialized in the Stone of Hope, for short"

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: MLK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Billie Eilish's "Therefore ___""

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: IAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Economize"

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 work hastily or carelessly; deal with inadequately and superficially
• Words that mean the same thing: scrimp, scant, stint
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKIMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Academic job security"

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 the term during which some position is held
• Words that mean the same thing: land tenure, term of office, incumbency
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TENURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Cash-out spot?"

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 unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Words that mean the same thing: asynchronous transfer mode, cash dispenser, cash machine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. It may be found above the mantle"

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 outer layer of the earth
• Words that mean the same thing: Earth's crust, freshness, encrustation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. The difference between a mini and a midi"

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 the line formed by the lower edge of a skirt or coat
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEMLINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Confident shout from an optimist"

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: YESICAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "17. Singer Young or Diamond"

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: NEIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Apple offering"

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: IMAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. High, flat land feature"

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 flat tableland with steep edges
• Words that mean the same thing: table
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Idiosyncrasy"

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 local and habitual twitching especially in the face
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Good dirt"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. "Star Wars" princess-turned-general"

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: LEIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Ethan or Joel of filmmaking"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: COEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. "Family ___""

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

  The answer is: FEUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Hosts, 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 one million periods per second
• Words that mean the same thing: megacycle, MHz, Mc
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Grassy expanses"

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 unit of length of thread or yarn
• Words that mean the same thing: pasture, grazing land, lea
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Come face to face"

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 meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
• Words that mean the same thing: fulfil, run across, receive
• The opposite would be: diverge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Sharpen"

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 whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
• Words that mean the same thing: perfect
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. "What's the big ___?""

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 content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, thought, theme
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Transmissions triggering manhunts, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: APBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Really overdoing it, in slang"

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: SOEXTRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. "They conned me!""

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: IWASHAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Exhaust"

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: TIREOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Olympic group with a red, white and blue insignia"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: TEAMUSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Cleopatra's snake"

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 of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
• Words that mean the same thing: Egyptian cobra, asp viper, Naja haje
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Pet transported in a bike basket amid a whirlwind"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: TOTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Library area"

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 large number or amount
• Words that mean the same thing: slew, peck, oodles
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STACKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Event with V-E Day and V-J Day"

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: WWII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Quaint contraction"

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: TWERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Rabbit holder"

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 cage (usually made of wood and wire mesh) for small animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hut, shack, shanty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUTCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. Wordless admonishments"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut, tsk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "64. Family room"

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 the habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideout, lair, hideaway
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "65. Paris accord?"

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: OUI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "66. Dashboard reading, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: revolutions per minute, rev
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "67. "Hallowed be ___ name""

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: THY

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	47	60.3%
Short Answer	18	23.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.1%
Abbreviation	3	3.8%
Movies/Film	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%
Music	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 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: September 12, 2025 at 11:38 AM

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 28, 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 (33 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Sore	4
2A	5. Nail polish brand	3
3A	8. Some cantina fare	5
4A	13. "Hip hip hooray!," e.g.	5
5A	15. Sink-or-swim competition?	9
6A	17. Handles a few unresolved issues	15
7A	19. Like tears	6
8A	20. Site to build on	3
9A	21. Gossip, slangily	3
10A	22. Build on	5
11A	24. Welcome at the door, say	5
12A	27. Linguist's concern	7
13A	30. Serious in manner	5
14A	31. Bagel topping	3
15A	32. Not perfect, but acceptable	11
16A	36. Bickering	4
17A	38. Blade that's pulled	3
18A	39. Casual farewell often used outside its language of origin	4
19A	40. Station set up in a kitchen	11
20A	45. Bit of intel	3
21A	46. Coins of Cuba	5
22A	47. Ingredients in some tropical smoothies	7
23A	49. Foreign Service assignments	5
24A	50. Madrid mister	5
25A	51. Church seat	3
26A	52. Promise to pay	3
27A	54. Journalist, informally	6
28A	58. Like children, ideally, in an old adage ... or a hint to a four-letter word hidden in 17-, 32- and 40-Across	15
29A	62. Rigorous	9
30A	63. Astronomer Carl	5
31A	64. Irritable	5
32A	65. [As written]	3
33A	66. Civil rights activist Parks	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sore"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that causing a dull and steady pain
• Similar words include: aching
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Nail polish brand"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Some cantina fare"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Similar words include: greaser, wetback, taco
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TACOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Hip hip hooray!," e.g."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cry or shout of approval
• Similar words include: sunshine, barrack, jolly up
• Opposite of: complain, dishearten

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Sink-or-swim competition?"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WATERPOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Handles a few unresolved issues"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIESUPLOOSEENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Like tears"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and distilled water
• Similar words include: saline solution
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Site to build on"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
• Similar words include: quite a little, sight, band
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Gossip, slangily"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Similar words include: Camellia sinensis, tea leaf, teatime
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Build on"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADDTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Welcome at the door, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASKIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Linguist's concern"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the branch of linguistics that deals with syntax and morphology (and sometimes also deals with semantics)
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GRAMMAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Serious in manner"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the rear part of a ship
• Similar words include: posterior, unforgiving, exacting
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Bagel topping"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Similar words include: liquid oxygen
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Not perfect, but acceptable"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLOSEENOUGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "36. Bickering"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Blade that's pulled"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Casual farewell often used outside its language of origin"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Similar words include: aloha
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Station set up in a kitchen"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MISEENPLACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Bit of intel"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
• Similar words include: steer, bakshish, summit
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Coins of Cuba"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the basic unit of money in uruguay; equal to 100 centesimos
• Similar words include: Uruguayan peso, Dominican peso, Mexican peso
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PESOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Ingredients in some tropical smoothies"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tropical american shrub or small tree having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves and large oblong yellow fruit
• Similar words include: papaya, Carica papaya, papaya tree
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAPAYAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "49. Foreign Service assignments"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand
• Similar words include: station, military post, billet
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POSTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Madrid mister"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a man; similar to the english `mr' or `sir'
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Church seat"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation
• Similar words include: church bench
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Promise to pay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Journalist, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that french playwright (1791-1861)
• Similar words include: penman, scrivener, scriber
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCRIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Like children, ideally, in an old adage ... or a hint to a four-letter word hidden in 17-, 32- and 40-Across"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEENANDNOTHEARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Rigorous"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
• Similar words include: tight, rigorous
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRINGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Astronomer Carl"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAGAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Irritable"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that easily irritated or annoyed
• Similar words include: cranky, nettlesome, irritable
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TESTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. [As written]"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that urge to attack someone
• Similar words include: set
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Civil rights activist Parks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses
• Similar words include: genus Rosa
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Play parts	4
2D	2. Kind of seed or pet	4
3D	3. Sometimes-raised part of a shoe	4
4D	4. Emphatic confirmation	6
5D	5. Nocturnal hooter	3
6D	6. Painter Veronese	5
7D	7. Langston Hughes poem	4
8D	8. Due + 1	3
9D	9. Mimic	3
10D	10. Script supervisor's concern	10
11D	11. ___ days	5
12D	12. Slugger Sammy	4
13D	14. "Raising Hell" rap trio	6
14D	16. Council ___ (British equivalent of a housing project)	6
15D	18. Part of a piano or loom	5
16D	23. Boots on the ground	6
17D	25. Rep.'s counterpart	3
18D	26. Ray of McDonald's	4
19D	27. Genre for Ziggy Stardust, informally	4
20D	28. Naan alternative	4
21D	29. Coalition that opposed the Allies in W.W. II	10
22D	30. Mexican wrap	6
23D	33. Kid-lit girl with a blueberry pail	3
24D	34. Greek goddess of the earth	4
25D	35. Brewing need	4
26D	37. They help you drive farther	4
27D	41. Ballpark fig.	3
28D	42. Snooping (around)	6
29D	43. "___ thou not minister to a mind diseased ...?": Macbeth	5
30D	44. Significant periods	6
31D	48. Overdue debt	6
32D	49. Golfer Calvin or QB Rodney	5
33D	50. Islam's largest branch	5
34D	51. Alternative to a tap on the shoulder	4
35D	53. Works of praise	4
36D	55. "Othello" villain	4
37D	56. Some supports	4
38D	57. ___ Lewis, the "Grande Dame of Southern Cooking"	4
39D	59. Minor complaint	3
40D	60. Unspecified amount	3
41D	61. Not Rx	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Play parts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
• Similar words include: play, pretend, deed
• Opposite of: refrain

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Kind of seed or pet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Sometimes-raised part of a shoe"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
• Similar words include: bounder, reheel, hound
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Emphatic confirmation"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YESIAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nocturnal hooter"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Similar words include: bird of night, bird of Minerva, hooter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Painter Veronese"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Langston Hughes poem"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Due + 1"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Mimic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Similar words include: copycat, imitator, caricature
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Script supervisor's concern"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that uninterrupted connection or union
• Similar words include: persistence
• Opposite of: discontinuity

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CONTINUITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. ___ days"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Slugger Sammy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. "Raising Hell" rap trio"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUNDMC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Council ___ (British equivalent of a housing project)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
• Similar words include: land, the three estates, demesne
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESTATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Part of a piano or loom"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sustained bass note
• Similar words include: foot lever, cycle, wheel
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEDAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Boots on the ground"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that soldiers collectively
• Similar words include: scout troop, scout group, military personnel
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TROOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Rep.'s counterpart"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of japan and indonesia and cambodia; equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Ray of McDonald's"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KROC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Genre for Ziggy Stardust, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Naan alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Coalition that opposed the Allies in W.W. II"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AXISPOWERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Mexican wrap"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long brightly colored shawl; worn mainly by mexican men
• Similar words include: sarape
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SERAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Kid-lit girl with a blueberry pail"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Greek goddess of the earth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
• Similar words include: Gaea, Ge
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GAIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Brewing need"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes; the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer
• Similar words include: skip, hop-skip, hop
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. They help you drive farther"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: golf tee, football tee, tee up
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Ballpark fig."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
• Similar words include: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard Time
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Snooping (around)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that search or inquire in a meddlesome way
• Similar words include: horn in, intrude, nuzzle
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOSING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. "___ thou not minister to a mind diseased ...?": Macbeth"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CANST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Significant periods"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: date of reference, era, epoch
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EPOCHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Overdue debt"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARREAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Golfer Calvin or QB Rodney"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PEETE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Islam's largest branch"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of the branch of islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to muhammad
• Similar words include: Sunnite, Sunni Muslim, Sunni Islam
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUNNI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Alternative to a tap on the shoulder"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Works of praise"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• Similar words include: ode
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. "Othello" villain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IAGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Some supports"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere, bra
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. ___ Lewis, the "Grande Dame of Southern Cooking""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Minor complaint"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Unspecified amount"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
• Similar words include: whatsoever, whatever
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. Not Rx"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (of securities) not traded on a stock exchange
• Similar words include: over-the-counter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

33 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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

Last updated: April 28, 2026 at 06:18 AM