EPCOT is the solution because Spaceship Earth is the iconic geodesic sphere located within EPCOT, a theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. EPCOT stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" and is known for its futuristic and educational attractions, with Spaceship Earth being its centerpiece.
6Kimono sashOBI???✨ See Why
An "obi" is a traditional sash worn with a kimono, a Japanese garment. The clue directly refers to this cultural attire, making "OBI" the correct answer. It ties around the waist, serving both a decorative and functional purpose in securing the kimono.
9To dateSOFAR?????✨ See Why
The clue "To date" refers to the phrase meaning "up until now." The answer "SOFAR" can be read as "so far," which is a common way to express "up until this point" or "to date." It's a straightforward interpretation of the phrasing.
14NAOMI?????✨ See Why
The answer is NAOMI because Naomi Novik is the author of the "Scholomance" trilogy, a popular fantasy book series. The clue directly references the author's full name, and "Novik" is her last name, making NAOMI the correct first name to complete the clue.
15KiddieTOT???✨ See Why
The clue "Kiddie" refers to a young child. TOT is a common, informal term for a small child or toddler, making it the fitting answer. It's a concise synonym directly connecting to the clue's meaning.
16CherishADORE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Cherish" and the answer "ADORE" are synonyms. To cherish someone or something means to hold them dear, deeply love, or have great affection for them, aligning closely with the meaning of "adore." Both involve a deep level of care and admiration.
17Direction toward the very top of the worldTRUENORTH?????????✨ See Why
The "very top of the world" refers to the North Pole, which aligns with true geographic north. "True North" is the precise direction along Earth's surface leading to the North Pole, making it a fitting and literal answer to the clue's description of direction.
19Testify (for)VOUCH?????✨ See Why
The answer "VOUCH" fits the clue "Testify (for)" because to "vouch" means to assert or confirm something as true, typically based on personal experience or knowledge. It aligns with the idea of testifying or supporting the credibility of someone or something.
20"Game of Thrones" actress DianaRIGG????✨ See Why
The answer is RIGG because Diana Rigg was a renowned actress who portrayed the formidable Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones. Her iconic performance as the "Queen of Thorns" made her a standout character in the series, fitting the clue perfectly.
21Appropriate for all gamersRATEDE??????✨ See Why
The solution "RATEDE" refers to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for video games. A "Rated E" game is classified as suitable for "Everyone," meaning it is appropriate for all gamers, regardless of age. The clue plays on this rating label as a universal standard.
23West Coast team, on scoreboardsLAA???✨ See Why
The solution "LAA" refers to the Los Angeles Angels, a Major League Baseball team based on the West Coast. On scoreboards, teams are often abbreviated, and "LAA" is the standard abbreviation for the Angels, distinguishing them from other teams in Los Angeles like the Dodgers.
24Characteristic of a fork in the roadYSHAPE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Characteristic of a fork in the road" refers to the physical appearance of a fork in a road system. A fork splits into two diverging paths, resembling the shape of the letter "Y." Hence, the answer "YSHAPE" directly describes that characteristic.
26MargarineOLEO????✨ See Why
The answer is OLEO because it's a common, older term for margarine, a butter substitute made from vegetable oils. The word has been widely used in crosswords due to its short length and vowel-rich composition, making it a frequent and fitting clue for margarine.
27Minnesotan trio?ENS???✨ See Why
The clue "Minnesotan trio?" plays on wordplay, suggested by the question mark. The answer ENS comes from the three Ns in Minnesotan- "trio" of Ns, spelled out as ENS.
28Armenia, e.g., until 1991: Abbr.SSR???✨ See Why
The answer "SSR" stands for Soviet Socialist Republic. Armenia was part of the Soviet Union as the Armenian SSR until 1991, when it gained independence after the Soviet Union's dissolution. The abbreviation fits the clue’s focus on Armenia's political status before 1991.
29Snack whose name translates as "breaded"EMPANADA????????✨ See Why
The answer is EMPANADA, a traditional snack in Spanish-speaking countries. The word "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning "to bread" or "to coat in bread." This matches the clue's indication that the snack's name translates as "breaded," referring to its pastry crust encasing the filling.
31"Star Wars" heroineREY???✨ See Why
The answer is REY because she is the main heroine of the recent "Star Wars" sequel trilogy (Episodes VII-IX). Rey is a central character portrayed as a resilient scavenger turned Jedi, playing a pivotal role in the Resistance's fight against the First Order.
33Shape of the Stade de FranceOVAL????✨ See Why
The Stade de France, a national stadium in France, features an oval-shaped design for its structure and seating arrangement. "Shape" in the clue directly refers to its architectural form, making "OVAL" the correct answer. It describes the physical appearance of the stadium.
35Ctrl-Alt-___DEL???✨ See Why
The answer, DEL, refers to the "Ctrl-Alt-Del" keyboard combination often used in Windows systems to access the task manager or restart a computer. It's a popularly recognized sequence, making DEL the natural completion of the clue "Ctrl-Alt-___".
36Break a sweatPERSPIRE????????✨ See Why
The phrase “Break a sweat” refers to the act of sweating, often due to physical exertion or heat. The word “PERSPIRE” is synonymous with sweating, making it the correct answer. This clue is straightforward without wordplay or extra layers.
38Gemma's role in "Crazy Rich Asians"ASTRID??????✨ See Why
In the film Crazy Rich Asians, actress Gemma Chan portrays the character Astrid Leong, a wealthy yet compassionate and stylish member of the prestigious Leong family. The clue directly references Gemma’s role, and ASTRID is the accurate answer representing her character in the movie.
42Like fake nails, typicallyGLUEON??????✨ See Why
The clue "Like fake nails, typically" refers to how fake nails are applied or adhere to the natural nail. The answer "GLUEON" cleverly describes the common method of attaching fake nails, literally using glue to bond them—also playing on the phrase "glue-on" as an adjective.
43One of a wide pair for snow sportsSKIBOARD????????✨ See Why
The clue refers to a piece of equipment used in snow sports. "Wide pair" hints at gear broader than traditional skis. A SKIBOARD is a shorter, wider snowboard-like ski used in pairs, perfectly fitting the description as "one of" them is part of that wide pair.
45Setting for Cape Cod at Christmas, in briefEST???✨ See Why
The answer "EST" stands for Eastern Standard Time. Cape Cod is located in Massachusetts, which is in the Eastern Time Zone. At Christmas (winter), the region observes standard (non-daylight saving) time, hence "EST." The "in brief" indicates an abbreviation.
46Tegan's pop music bandmateSARA????✨ See Why
The answer is SARA because Tegan and Sara are a well-known Canadian pop music duo consisting of twin sisters Tegan Quin and Sara Quin. "Tegan's pop music bandmate" refers directly to Sara, her musical partner in their band.
47"___ Him Back!" (Olivia Rodrigo hit)GET???✨ See Why
The answer is GET because "Get Him Back!" is the title of an Olivia Rodrigo song. The blank in the clue directly points to completing the song title with "GET," making it a straightforward reference to her hit.
48Zoom pastSTREAKBY????????✨ See Why
The phrase "Zoom past" implies moving quickly, and "streak by" is a fitting description of something speeding past in a flash. "Streak" conveys rapid motion, and "by" adds the sense of passing something. Together, they match the clue's meaning effectively.
51Farm share inits.CSA???✨ See Why
CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture," a system where individuals purchase shares of a farm’s produce in advance, receiving regular deliveries of fresh goods. The abbreviation "Farm share inits." refers to these initials, making CSA the correct answer.
53Class for a pre-med studentBIO???✨ See Why
BIO is short for "biology," a fundamental class often taken by pre-med students. Biology is essential for understanding human anatomy, physiology, and other core concepts needed for medical studies, making it a common subject in their curriculum. Hence, "Class for a pre-med student" points directly to BIO.
54Ending with new or teenAGER????✨ See Why
The clue “Ending with new or teen” hints at a common suffix shared by both words. Adding "ager" to "new" forms "newager" and to "teen" forms "teenager." It's a playful linguistic clue focusing on word formation. Hence, the answer is AGER.
55Chore-doing robot brandROOMBA??????✨ See Why
The answer is ROOMBA because it is a well-known brand of robotic vacuum cleaners designed to automatically clean floors—essentially doing a chore for you. The clue directly asks for a "robot brand" associated with "chore-doing," which precisely describes Roomba’s function and purpose.
58___ up (get hyped)AMP???✨ See Why
The answer "AMP" fits as it's shorthand for "amp up," a phrase meaning to energize, excite, or hype someone up. The clue’s informal phrasing "get hyped" aligns with this casual expression, making "AMP" the concise solution. The "up" completes the familiar verb phrase.
59Professor's goalTENURE??????✨ See Why
The answer "TENURE" fits as a professor’s goal because tenure represents a permanent academic position, often sought for job security and academic freedom. Achieving tenure is a significant career milestone and aspiration for professors in higher education. Hence, it aligns directly with the "goal" referenced in the clue.
61Goes a-courting?SUES????✨ See Why
The clue "Goes a-courting?" includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. "Courting" suggests legal action in a court. To "go to court" can mean filing a lawsuit. Hence, "SUES" is a playful and fitting answer for someone initiating legal proceedings.
62"Same here"DITTO?????✨ See Why
The clue "Same here" is in quotation marks, signaling a conversational phrase. "DITTO" is commonly used in speech to indicate agreement or that something applies equally to oneself, making it a fitting answer. It essentially means "the same" or "I agree," directly matching the clue.
64Merchandise with logos for "Baienglaca" or "Guddi," e.g.KNOCKOFFS?????????✨ See Why
The clue references misleading logos like "Baienglaca" or "Guddi" that imitate well-known brands (likely "Balenciaga" or "Gucci"). These are fake or counterfeit products, commonly called KNOCKOFFS. This clue employs wordplay signaling a playful or deceptive twist, highlighting imitation.
66Justice KaganELENA?????✨ See Why
The answer is ELENA because Elena Kagan is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Appointed in 2010, she is a prominent figure in the legal field, making her first name a direct and fitting answer to the clue "Justice Kagan."
67Environmentally friendly prefixECO???✨ See Why
The answer "ECO" is correct because it is a common prefix related to the environment or ecology, used in terms like "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious." The clue asks for a prefix specifically associated with being environmentally friendly, and ECO fits perfectly in this context.
68"Priscilla" director CoppolaSOFIA?????✨ See Why
The answer is SOFIA because Sofia Coppola is a well-known film director and screenwriter. She directed "Priscilla," a film based on Priscilla Presley’s life. The clue directly references her as the director, and the last name "Coppola" confirms the connection to Sofia.
69"Ladies and ___ …"GENTS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Ladies and ___ …" suggests a pairing often used to address groups in a formal or traditional context. "GENTS" completes the common phrase "Ladies and Gents," short for "Ladies and Gentlemen," commonly used as a greeting or address. The ellipsis hints at continuation or familiarity.
70Org. for care in the U.K.NHS???✨ See Why
The answer is NHS because it stands for the National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom. The NHS oversees medical care, hospitals, and health services, making it the primary organization responsible for care in the U.K.
71TogethernessUNITY?????✨ See Why
The clue "Togetherness" refers to the concept of being united or in harmony as one. "UNITY" directly captures this idea, as it signifies oneness, cohesion, or collective harmony, making it a fitting synonym for "togetherness." The clear connection ensures its correctness as the answer.
Down
1Ledger itemENTRY?????✨ See Why
The solution "ENTRY" fits because in accounting, a ledger records transactions, and each transaction is referred to as an "entry." This aligns perfectly with "Ledger item" as the clue, referring to a single recorded detail in the ledger's list of activities.
22024 Olympics hostPARIS?????✨ See Why
The 2024 Olympics host is PARIS because it was officially chosen by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the Summer Games. PARIS has a rich Olympic history, having previously hosted in 1900 and 1924, and it will once again welcome athletes from around the world for the 2024 Games.
3*Remedy for a coldCOUGHSYRU?????????✨ See Why
The clue "Remedy for a cold" points to a common treatment for cold symptoms. The answer "COUGHSYRU" represents "COUGH SYRUP," which helps alleviate coughing—a typical cold symptom. The asterisk () connects it to the theme, hinting at the missing last letter.
4Some sorority members, informallyOMEGAS??????✨ See Why
In Greek life, sororities are often named after Greek letters. "OMEGAS" refers to members of a sorority with "Omega" in its name, used informally as shorthand for those members. The plural suggests addressing a group within such sororities.
5"Cat on a Hot ___ Roof"TIN???✨ See Why
The answer is TIN because "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" is the title of a famous play by Tennessee Williams. The blank in the clue directly refers to the word "tin" from the title, making it a straightforward fill-in-the-blank clue.
6___ vez (again, in Spanish)OTRA????✨ See Why
The clue specifies "in Spanish," so the answer must be in Spanish. "Otra vez" translates to "again" in English, with "otra" meaning "another" in feminine form, matching "vez" (feminine noun for "time" or "occasion"). Thus, the correct answer is OTRA.
7Event that might feature unlimited mimosas … or a literal description of the answers to the starred cluesBOTTOMLESSBRUNCH????????????????✨ See Why
The clue plays on the dual meaning of "bottomless." It refers to an actual event with unlimited mimosas (a bottomless brunch) and describes the starred clues' answers, where "bottomless" means missing their "bottom" letters (final letters are removed). It's both literal and punny!
8What might be necessary after a crashITHELP??????✨ See Why
The clue hints at wordplay. "Crash" refers to a computer/software failure, not an accident. After such a crash, you might need assistance to resolve technical issues—hence, "IT HELP" (information technology help) is the necessary solution.
9*Help avoid disasterSAVEONESBACO????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Help avoid disaster" includes a pun indicated by the asterisk (*). The phrase "Save one's bacon" is a common idiom meaning to rescue or prevent disaster. The answer, SAVEONESBACO, reflects this idiom (minus the final "N" tying it to the theme).
10Prefix with -meterODO???✨ See Why
The answer "ODO" fits the clue "Prefix with -meter" because "odometer" is a device used to measure distance traveled by a vehicle. "Odo-" is the correct prefix here, as it forms the word related to measurement in this specific context.
11Received a card, sayFOULED??????✨ See Why
The clue "Received a card, say" involves wordplay. In sports, committing a foul could lead to receiving a penalty card (e.g., yellow or red in soccer). "Say" indicates an example, and "FOULED" refers to the action resulting in being carded. Thus, it matches the clue's punning intent.
12Major or minor part of a tarot deckARCANA??????✨ See Why
In a tarot deck, cards are divided into two parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards representing profound spiritual themes) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards symbolizing daily life events). "Major or minor" directly refers to these divisions, making ARCANA the apt answer.
13*Go over againREHAS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Go over again" leads to "REHAS" as the answer because "rehash" means to revisit or review a subject again, often repeating or reworking it. The asterisk connects it to the theme and points to removing the last letter.
18Mined findORE???✨ See Why
The clue "Mined find" refers to something extracted from mining operations. ORE is a naturally occurring mineral containing valuable metals, like gold or iron, typically extracted via mining. The word "find" suggests a discovery, aligning with the valuables found within mined materials. Hence, the solution is ORE.
22Bad thing on a live broadcastDEADAIR???????✨ See Why
The term "DEAD AIR" refers to an unintended silence during a live broadcast, which is undesirable as it disrupts the flow of content. It’s considered "bad" because it can cause confusion or lose audience engagement, directly fitting the clue's description of a "Bad thing on a live broadcast."
25*Raise one's glassPROPOSEATOAS????????????✨ See Why
The answer "PROPOSEATOAST" fits because "Raise one's glass" is a figurative phrase often used to describe making a toast during a gathering or celebration. It's one of the starred clues and the missing T aligns with the bottomless theme.
29Kernel localeEAR???✨ See Why
The clue "Kernel locale" refers to the location where a kernel (like a corn kernel) is found. Corn kernels grow on a cob, which is part of an "EAR" of corn. Therefore, "EAR" is the correct solution as it directly points to the kernel's locale.
30Vocal range for Amy WinehouseALTO????✨ See Why
The answer is ALTO because Amy Winehouse was known for her deep, rich voice that falls within the alto range. In vocal music, an "alto" refers to the second-lowest female vocal range, which fits her distinctive singing style and tone.
31World of Warcraft or Rune, in briefRPG???✨ See Why
RPG is the solution because it stands for "Role-Playing Game," a genre of video games where players take on characters in immersive narratives. Both World of Warcraft and Rune are well-known RPGs, fitting the clue’s description as abbreviations ("in brief") are specified.
32Flotsam or Jetsam, in "The Little Mermaid"EEL???✨ See Why
In Disney's The Little Mermaid, Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's two sinister pet eels. The clue directly refers to these characters, making "EEL" the accurate answer. Knowing their roles in the film helps connect the clue to the solution.
34Retro, maybeVINTAGE???????✨ See Why
The clue "Retro, maybe" signals wordplay. "Retro" refers to something nostalgic or from the past, and "VINTAGE" aligns with this idea by describing something old yet classic, stylish, or valuable. The "maybe" adds flexibility, as not all retro items are vintage.
37Person using a crystal ballSEER????✨ See Why
A "seer" is a person believed to possess the ability to predict or foresee the future, often associated with mystical tools like a crystal ball. The clue directly aligns with this definition, as crystal balls are typically seen as instruments used by seers for divination.
39*Little scampRAGAMUFFI?????????✨ See Why
The answer "RAGAMUFFI" seems to be a playful or truncated form of "ragamuffin," which is a term for a scruffy, mischievous child often referred to as a "little scamp." The asterisk (*) hints at the bottomless theme suggesting the last letter removal.
40AngerIRE???✨ See Why
The clue "Anger" directly corresponds to the word "IRE," which is a synonym for anger, rage, or intense annoyance. Both are often used interchangeably in English, making it a straightforward definition-based answer in this case.
41Toxic insecticideDDT???✨ See Why
The answer "DDT" fits because DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a historically widely-used insecticide known for its toxicity. Though effective at killing pests, its harmful environmental and health impacts led to its ban in many countries. The clue directly points to it as a "toxic insecticide."
44"Eloise" author ThompsonKAY???✨ See Why
The answer is KAY because Kay Thompson was the author of the famous "Eloise" children's books, first published in 1955. "Eloise" follows a precocious girl living in New York's Plaza Hotel, and Thompson's name is closely tied to this charming literary series.
48Light as a feather, e.g.SIMILE??????✨ See Why
The phrase "Light as a feather" is a figure of speech that compares lightness to a feather using "as," which defines it as a simile. A simile directly compares two things to highlight a shared quality. Hence, the answer is SIMILE.
49Biggest hitsTOPTEN??????✨ See Why
The clue "Biggest hits" refers to a ranking of popular songs, movies, or achievements often called a "Top Ten" list. It represents the most notable or successful items in a group, aligning perfectly with the answer TOPTEN.
50Popular logic puzzleKENKEN??????✨ See Why
KENKEN is a grid-based logic puzzle that requires arithmetic and logic to fill in cells with numbers following specific rules. Known for its popularity, similar to Sudoku, it challenges players to combine numbers without repeating them in rows or columns, fitting the "Popular logic puzzle" description perfectly.
52"You're already leaving?"SOSOON??????✨ See Why
The clue “You’re already leaving?” is in quotes, signaling conversational phrasing. The answer, SOSOON, echoes a surprised reaction someone might express when another person announces their early departure. It’s playful wordplay, representing spoken surprise at the timing of someone leaving.
53*No-goodnikBADEG?????✨ See Why
The answer "BADEG" is derived from wordplay surrounding a "no-goodnik," a term for a troublemaker. By interpreting it as "BAD EG(g)," referring to something spoiled or problematic, the solution plays on the idea of a "bad egg," aligning with the clue's pun-indicating asterisk.
55Video camera buttonREC???✨ See Why
The answer "REC" refers to the "record" button on video cameras. This button is typically labeled "REC" to indicate its function of starting and stopping video recording, making it a direct and concise solution to the clue.
56SuitBEFIT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Suit" refers to something that is appropriate or fitting, as in "to suit" or "to be appropriate for." The answer, BEFIT, means "to be suitable or appropriate for," making it a perfect match for this definition.
57Analyze, as 18-DownASSAY?????✨ See Why
The answer "ASSAY" fits because it means to analyze or test something, often in a scientific or chemical sense. The clue also refers to 18-Down, meaning the context of that entry likely relates to an act of analyzing or examining, making "ASSAY" an appropriate match.
60Large Aussie animalsROOS????✨ See Why
The answer "ROOS" refers to kangaroos, which are large, iconic animals native to Australia. The clue uses "Aussie" to indicate the Australian connection, and "ROOS" is a common shorthand or colloquial abbreviation for "kangaroos." This succinctly matches the description from the clue.
63Explosive materialTNT???✨ See Why
The answer "TNT" refers to trinitrotoluene, a well-known chemical compound used as an explosive material. The clue directly defines it, as "Explosive material" explicitly points to something with explosive properties, making TNT the correct and straightforward solution.
65N.C.A.A. Wildcats, in briefKSU???✨ See Why
KSU is the abbreviation for Kansas State University, whose athletic teams are called the Wildcats. The clue mentions "N.C.A.A.", indicating college sports, and "in brief," which suggests an abbreviation is the answer. KSU is a fitting shorthand for this N.C.A.A. team.
This Wednesday puzzle by Sophia Maymudes presents a tricky but rewarding challenge. The theme, BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH, plays on the fact that all starred Down answers are missing their last letter—literally making them "bottomless," since the last letter appears at the bottom of each Down entry. Clever theme entries like COUGH SYRUP (missing P) and SAVE ONE’S BACON (missing N) make for an engaging solve. The fill is strong, with lively entries like EMPANADA, TRUENORTH, and KNOCKOFFS, plus a good mix of pop culture and general knowledge. A fun but slightly tougher-than-usual midweek puzzle!
Today's Tricky Wordplay
Here's what caught our attention today:
NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know
You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:
Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.
NYT Crossword Themes and Titles
The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.
Themes
Monday to Wednesday: These puzzles almost always have a theme, with several long answers connected by a common thread. Many include a “revealer” clue—a final answer that explains the theme’s pattern.
Thursday: Still themed, but often with an added twist. Expect trickier mechanics like rebus squares (where multiple letters fit in one box) or unconventional entry rules.
Friday & Saturday: These puzzles are themeless, relying instead on clever wordplay and more challenging vocabulary. Without a theme as a guide, the difficulty increases.
Sunday: The largest puzzle of the week is always themed, and its title offers a hint about the underlying concept.
Titles
Sunday puzzles always have a title that helps solvers identify the theme.
Monday through Saturday puzzles generally don’t have official titles.
While these patterns hold most of the time, creativity and playfulness are at the heart of crossword construction—so expect occasional surprises!
NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability
Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.
Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
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How To Play
Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.
Completion and Feedback
Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.
Stars for Completion
Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:
Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
Tab: Jump to the next clue.
Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
App Customization Options
Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.
Modes
Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode.
Gray: Pencil mode.
Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.
Timer and Special Elements
Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.
NYT Crossword Help
The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.
In-Game Help
Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.
Lady Puzzle Pro Help
Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.
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