Atlantic Crossword Logo

The Atlantic Crossword Answers & Hints - Solve Today's Grid

Across

  • A tartine is a French term for an open-face sandwich, typically consisting of a slice of bread topped with spreads or ingredients like cheese, meats, or vegetables. The clue specifies "open-face sandwich variety," directly describing a tartine, making it the correct answer.

  • The clue "This isn't a joke!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "I mean it" is a common expression used to emphasize seriousness or confirm that something is not a joke. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of the clue, making IMEANIT the correct answer.

  • Gaskets are seals made of materials like rubber or silicone used to fill the space between two surfaces, preventing leakage of liquids or gases. The clue refers to physical items designed to stop leaks, and gaskets are commonly used in plumbing, engines, and other machinery to serve this purpose.

  • The clue "Definitely not a booster" hints at someone who is the opposite of supportive or encouraging. A "booster" promotes or uplifts, so someone "definitely not" that would be a detractor or critic. A common term for such a person is "HATER," someone who expresses dislike or negativity.

  • The answer "TRAITOR" aligns perfectly with Olivia Rodrigo's song and its lyrics, "You betrayed me...". A traitor is someone who betrays trust or loyalty, directly correlating with the theme of betrayal expressed in the song. It's a titular reference from her 2021 album SOUR.

  • The clue "Spot where a stud might hang out?" includes a pun. A "stud" is often a type of earring, and the "spot" where it "hangs out" is the ear. The playful phrasing directs you to think about where a stud earring is typically worn, making the answer "EAR."

  • The clue "Letters before a hot take, maybe" suggests an abbreviation often used to preface opinions or personal takes. "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," a common way to introduce subjective statements or "hot takes" online or in conversation, aligning perfectly with the clue's intent.

  • The answer is NET because in tennis, the net is the physical barrier dividing the court into two sides. In doubles, it separates each pair of players into opposing teams, creating the "division" referenced in the clue. This aligns literally with the sport's setup.

  • The answer is AGE because "old age" is a common phrase referring to the later stages of life, and "age-old" is an expression meaning something very ancient or timeless. AGE fits naturally both before and after "old," making it the correct solution.

Down

  • The clue "Make a right turn?" features a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Right" can mean correct or proper, and "turn" suggests adjusting. To "TIGHTEN" something is to make it right or secure by twisting, effectively completing the wordplay with a clever pun.

  • The solution is AMAARAE because Amaarae is a Ghanaian-American singer known for her hit song "Sad Girlz Luv Money." The clue directly references the artist of this popular track, making AMAARAE the correct answer.

  • The phrase "Go back to square one" means to begin again after a setback, starting over completely. The answer RESTART directly captures this meaning, as it signifies starting anew, returning to the initial stage or point, perfectly aligning with the clue's intention.

  • The answer is TAKEI because George Takei, famous for his role as Sulu in Star Trek, wrote an autobiography titled To the Stars. The title aligns with his connection to the space-themed Star Trek series, making him the fitting actor for this clue.

  • The clue "Moving impulse, at times?" uses wordplay. "Inertia" describes the tendency of an object to resist changes in motion, a "moving impulse." The pun lies in "at times," suggesting inertia resists movement or causes continued motion, depending on perspective. It’s a clever physics-based double meaning.

  • The answer "NIT" refers to a small, insignificant fault or criticism. The term originates from nitpicking, which involves focusing on minor, trivial issues. In the context of "Small shortcoming," "NIT" effectively matches the sense of something minor or inconsequential.

  • ETS stands for Educational Testing Service, an organization that partners with the College Board to develop and administer standardized tests like the SAT and AP exams. Their collaboration supports creating and managing assessments for educational advancement, aligning with the goal of aiding students' academic progress.

  • The clue "!!!! 😱" uses exaggerated punctuation and an emoji to convey shock or amazement. This suggests an exclamatory reaction. "OMG" (Oh My God) is a common, concise expression used to convey surprise or astonishment, perfectly fitting the tone of the clue.

  • The clue "Caviar, e.g." refers to what caviar fundamentally is—fish eggs. ROE, which means fish eggs, is the general term for this. Since caviar is a specific type of roe (often from sturgeon), "e.g." signals an example of the broader category. Hence, the answer is ROE.

Rate This Solver

View Most Recent Puzzle

Stuck on today’s Atlantic Crossword? Reveal letters one by one, unlock full answers, or dig into clue explanations, all at your own pace. Whether you're here for a hint or the whole solution, we've got your back.

The Atlantic Crossword Archive

Today’s The Atlantic Crossword Highlights

This Wednesday puzzle is a fun mix of clever wordplay and pop-culture curveballs. I loved how it blended everyday objects with surprising trivia, one moment you’re tightening a simple clue, the next you’re pausing to recall a singer or a sci-fi legend’s memoir. A couple of entries definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone (hello, global music and French cuisine), but that made the solve all the more satisfying. Playful, modern, and just tricky enough, great midweek workout!

Here’s what caught our attention today:

How to Use the Lady Puzzle Pro Solver

  • Start with the Grid: The puzzle appears with all letters hidden behind question marks.
  • Reveal What You Need: Click any square to reveal that letter—or uncover the full puzzle at once.
  • Browse Clues Below: Scroll down to see all across and down clues listed in order.
  • Get Answers & Explanations: Reveal the answer to any clue individually and view a clear explanation.

Solve at Your Own Pace: Use as little or as much help as you need—it's your solving journey.

The Atlantic Crossword: Everything You Need to Know

A Daily Puzzle for Every Solver

The Atlantic Crossword is a daily digital crossword designed to challenge and delight solvers of all levels. It was launched in 2018 and has since become a standout offering among modern crosswords, with fresh clues and clever themes.

Weekday Progression: From Easy to Tricky

  • Monday to Friday: The puzzle starts small on Monday and increases in size and difficulty throughout the week.
  • Sunday Edition: A larger, more challenging puzzle appears every Sunday, constructed by a rotating cast of skilled puzzle makers.

Where to Play

You can access the crossword directly on The Atlantic’s website or via their mobile app.

Social Play Feature

Want to solve with friends? The Atlantic Crossword includes a Social Play option that lets you invite others to collaborate in real time, perfect for puzzling together from afar.

Free and Subscriber-Only Access

Most daily puzzles are free to play. However, some bonus content, like archives and special puzzles, may be reserved for Atlantic subscribers.

Part of a Growing Puzzle Lineup

The crossword is just one part of The Atlantic’s puzzle suite. Other original games include:

  • Bracket City: The Atlantic’s fan-favorite game, where you solve nested clues to uncover events from that day in history. Need help solving the clues? Try our Bracket City Answers and Hints.
  • Stacks: A fresh take on wordplay and strategy, where you sort layered word tiles into tidy stacks. Stuck on today’s set? Use our Stacks Solver.
  • Fluxis: A daily blend of language and logic, where the goal is to uncover a secret pattern. Try our Fluxis Solver!
  • Caleb’s Inferno: A monthly, high-difficulty puzzle from Caleb Madison that challenges even elite solvers.

The Atlantic Puzzle Companions

Today's NYT Puzzle Guides by LadyPuzzle Pro

Daily Challenges Beyond NYT Games