USA Today Crossword
The USA Today crossword is enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The clues are easy to understand, so you won’t get stuck! You can also team up with others online or on social media, making it a fun community activity.
With colorful clues and a user-friendly format, it’s easy to dive in and have a great time. Join the fun and solve puzzles with friends from all over—it’s a fantastic way to challenge your brain and make new connections.
“He’s making a ___ and checking it twice . . .”
Answer: LIST
In the song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” one of the lines goes: “He’s making a list and checking it twice.” A “list” in this context refers to a roster or inventory of names or items, often used by Santa Claus to determine who has been naughty or nice.
Part of a process
Answer: STEP
A “step” is one of the individual actions or stages within a process or procedure. USA Today crossword. It represents a distinct action or task that contributes to the completion of a larger objective or goal.
Egyptian cobra, e.g.
Answer: SNAKE
The Egyptian cobra is a type of snake. In this context, “snake” serves as a generic term for any member of the reptilian suborder Serpentes, which includes a wide variety of species with elongated bodies and no limbs.
“La ___ Bonita” (Madonna hit)
Answer: ISLA
“La Isla Bonita” is a popular song by Madonna. The phrase “La Isla” means “the island” in Spanish, and “Bonita” means “beautiful.” Therefore, “Isla” refers to an island, specifically in the context of the song title.
Window sheet
Answer: PANE
A “pane” refers to a single sheet of glass within a window frame. Windows are often divided into multiple panes, separated by frames or muntins. Each pane serves as a transparent barrier that allows light to pass through while providing protection from the elements.
Eid al-Adha dye
Answer: HENNA
Henna is a type of dye commonly used in various cultures, including during the celebration of Eid al-Adha. It is often applied to the skin in intricate designs as part of traditional festivities.
Urgent acronym
Answer: ASAP
ASAP” stands for “As Soon As Possible.” It is an acronym used to convey the urgency of a task or request, USA Today crossword, indicating that it should be completed or addressed without delay.
Equivalent of “isn’t”
Answer: AINT
“Ain’t” is a colloquial contraction of “am not,” “are not,” or “is not.” It is commonly used in informal speech or writing as a substitute for “isn’t” or other forms of the verb “to be.”
Avid
Answer: EAGER
“Eager” describes someone who is enthusiastic or keenly interested in something. It suggests a strong desire or readiness to engage in or pursue a particular activity or experience.
Kitakata soup
Answer: RAMEN
Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that originated in China. It typically consists of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often accompanied by various toppings such as sliced pork, seaweed, USA Today crossword, and green onions. Kitakata is a city in Japan known for its distinctive style of ramen.
Entice
Answer: LURE
To “lure” means to attract or tempt someone or something, often by offering a reward or incentive. It implies the use of persuasion or seduction to draw someone or something in a desired direction or towards a particular action.
Adolescent
Answer: TEEN
“Teen” is a shortened form of “teenager,” which refers to an individual between the ages of 13 and 19, typically characterized by the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Netflix series starring Natasha Lyonne
Answer: RUSSIANDOLL
“Russian Doll” is a Netflix series starring Natasha Lyonne. The series follows the story of a woman who finds herself reliving the same day over and over again, much like the concept of a Russian nesting doll, where each doll contains a smaller identical doll inside.
Payment method for SNAP participants
Answer: EBT
“EBT” stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, which is a system used by participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, to receive and use their benefits. EBT cards work like debit cards, allowing recipients to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
32-Across, for example
Answer: TOP
In the context of a crossword puzzle, “32-Across” refers to another clue in the grid that intersects vertically with the current clue. “To” is an example of a preposition, USA Today crossword, which is a word used to show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. In this case, “to” indicates direction or destination.
Casual shirt
Answer: TEE
A “tee” is a type of casual shirt characterized by its short sleeves and typically made of cotton. It is often worn informally, especially during leisure activities or as part of athletic attire.
Vice president, informally
Answer: VEEP
“Veep” is a colloquial term used to refer to the Vice President of the United States or any vice president in a general sense. It is a shortened form of the word “V.P.” which stands for Vice President.
Day, in Spanish
Answer: DIA
“Día” is the Spanish word for “day.” It is used to denote a period of 24 hours or the daylight hours within a day.
Reference book for a road trip
Answer: ATLAS
An “atlas” is a type of reference book that contains maps and geographical information. It is commonly used for navigation and planning during road trips or other journeys, providing detailed maps of various regions and locations.
Submarine with ham, capocollo and provolone
Answer: ITALIANSANDWICH
An “Italian sandwich” is a type of submarine sandwich or sub that typically contains Italian meats such as ham, capocollo, salami, and provolone cheese, along with vegetables, condiments, and sometimes oil and vinegar dressing.
Cowgirl’s rope
Answer: LASSO
A “lasso” is a rope with a loop at one end, commonly used by cowboys and cowgirls for roping cattle or other animals. It is thrown with a swinging motion to capture or restrain the target.
Full-time athlete
Answer: PRO
“Pro” is short for “professional.” It refers to an athlete who earns a living by competing in sports, rather than participating as an amateur. A “full-time athlete” is someone who dedicates their career to sports and competes at a professional level.
Suspicious of
Answer: ONTO
“Onto” indicates awareness or suspicion of something. If you are “onto” something, you are aware of it or suspicious of its existence or significance.
Overly
Answer: TOO
“Too” means excessively or excessively. It indicates that something is beyond what is necessary, appropriate, or desirable. For example, “too hot,” “too much,” or “too fast.”
Chili garlic sauce amt.
Answer: TSP
“TSP” is an abbreviation for “teaspoon.” It represents a unit of measurement used in cooking to indicate a small amount of an ingredient, such as chili garlic sauce, typically equivalent to about 5 milliliters.
Telepath’s alleged ability
Answer: ESP
“ESP” stands for Extra-Sensory Perception. It refers to the alleged ability to perceive information without the use of the five physical senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), such as reading minds or sensing events happening at a distance
Simple encryption technique
Answer: CAESARCIPHER
The Caesar cipher is a basic encryption technique used in cryptography. It involves shifting the letters of the alphabet by a fixed number of positions. For example, USA Today crossword, in a Caesar cipher with a shift of 3, the letter “A” would become “D,” “B” would become “E,” and so on.
Rear end
Answer: RUMP
The “rump” refers to the hindquarters or back end of an animal, particularly a quadruped such as a cow or horse. It is the part of the body located behind the hips and tail.
Prefix meaning “half”
Answer: SEMI
“Semi-” is a prefix meaning “half” or “partially.” It is commonly used to indicate something that is halfway between two extremes or partially resembles something else. For example, “semicircle” means half of a circle, and “semifinal” refers to a round of a competition that precedes the final.
Animal native to China
Answer: PANDA
The giant panda is a bear native to China. It is known for its distinctive black and white fur pattern and is considered a symbol of conservation efforts worldwide
Love to bits
Answer: ADORE
“Adore” means to love or admire someone or something deeply and with great affection. When you “adore” someone or something, you have strong feelings of love and admiration towards them.
“I can hear you, you know!”
Answer: AHEM
“Ahem” is an interjection used to clear one’s throat, often to get someone’s attention or to indicate disapproval of something they’ve said or done. The clue implies someone trying to subtly signal their presence or displeasure.
Close by
Answer: NEAR
Near” means in close proximity or not far away. It indicates a short distance between two objects or locations, suggesting that they are close to each other spatially.
Quick snacks
Answer: BITES
“Bites” refers to small portions of food that can be eaten quickly and easily, often as snacks between meals or while on the go. Examples include bite-sized pieces of fruit, vegetables, or snacks like chips or crackers.
“Awesome!”
Answer: NICE
“Nice” is an informal expression used to convey approval, admiration, or positive feelings towards something. It can be used to express excitement or enthusiasm in response to something impressive or pleasing.
___ on (shower with love)
Answer: DOTE
“Dote” means to show excessive fondness or affection towards someone, often in a way that can be perceived as smothering or overprotective. When you “dote on” someone, you shower them with love and attention.
Strong metal
Answer: STEEL
“Steel” is a strong and durable alloy of iron and carbon, often used in construction, manufacturing, and various other applications due to its strength, versatility, and resistance to corrosion.
Gumbo or moqueca
Answer: STEW
Both “gumbo” and “moqueca” are types of dishes that are prepared by stewing ingredients together. A “stew” is a dish made by simmering meat, vegetables, or other ingredients in liquid over low heat for an extended period, resulting in a flavorful and hearty meal.
Tip jar bills
Answer: ONES
In the context of a tip jar, “bills” refers to paper currency, and “ones” specifically refers to one-dollar bills. These are the most common denomination of currency used for tipping in places where patrons leave cash tips.
Fibber
Answer: LIAR
A “fibber” is someone who tells lies or falsehoods. It is a colloquial term used to describe someone who is not truthful or honest in their communication.
“American Fiction” actress Rae
Answer: ISSA
Issa Rae is an actress known for her role in the television series “Insecure,” not “American Fiction.” The clue provides a hint by mentioning her first name, “Issa,” which is used to identify her in the entertainment industry.
Close with a bang
Answer: SLAM
“Close with a bang” suggests ending something with a dramatic or forceful action, such as slamming a door shut. The word “slam” can be used both literally and figuratively to describe a forceful closing or conclusion.
Gradually narrow
Answer: TAPER
To “taper” means to gradually decrease in width or thickness towards one end. It can also refer to gradually reducing or diminishing something over time.
Relaxation spot
Answer: SPA
A “spa” is a location where individuals go to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper themselves with various treatments such as massages, facials, and hot baths. It is often associated with luxury and self-care.
Downward spiral
Answer: TAILSPIN
A “tailspin” refers to a rapid and uncontrollable descent or decline, often metaphorically used to describe a situation where things go from bad to worse in a quick and unrecoverable manner.
Aimless, unsatisfied feeling
Answer: ENNUI
“Ennui” is a feeling of listlessness, dissatisfaction, or boredom, especially resulting from a lack of interest or stimulation in one’s surroundings or activities.
Squeaking companion
Answer: PETRAT
A “pet rat” is a small rodent that is kept as a companion animal. While not as common as dogs or cats, some people choose to keep rats as pets, and they can be playful and sociable companions
“___ Keeps Me Warm” (Mary Lambert song)
Answer: SHE
The clue refers to the song “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert. This song gained popularity for its inclusion in Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Same Love” and focuses on themes of love and acceptance.
“Super-duper!”
Answer: NEATO
Neato” is an informal expression used to express enthusiasm or approval, similar to “cool” or “awesome.” It conveys a sense of excitement or delight in response to something impressive or pleasing.
Heavenly being
Answer: ANGEL
An “angel” is a spiritual being typically depicted as a benevolent messenger or guardian, often associated with divine or heavenly realms in various religious and mythological traditions.
Prepare to do hero pose
Answer: KNEEL
To “kneel” means to bend one or both knees and rest them on the ground, often as a sign of reverence, submission, or respect. The clue suggests that one would prepare to perform the hero pose by assuming a kneeling position.
Merit
Answer: EARN
To “earn” something means to acquire it through effort, achievement, or deserving action. Merit is often associated with deserving recognition or reward based on one’s accomplishments or qualities.
Acorn or cashew
Answer: NUT
Both an “acorn” and a “cashew” are examples of nuts. In botanical terms, a nut is a hard-shelled fruit or seed that contains a single seed, which is typically edible.
Direction opposite WSW
Answer: ENE
ENE stands for “East-Northeast,” which is a compass direction situated between east and northeast. It is opposite to the direction of WSW, which stands for “West-Southwest.”
Coca-Cola, e.g.
Answer: SODA
“Coca-Cola” is a type of carbonated beverage or “soda” that falls under the broader category of sodas. Sodas are carbonated drinks typically flavored with sweeteners and served cold.
All out of juice
Answer: DEAD
In this context, “juice” is metaphorically used to refer to energy or vitality. To be “all out of juice” means to be completely depleted of energy or resources, hence being “dead” or devoid of any remaining vitality.
More than just bad
Answer: EVIL
“Evil” denotes something morally or spiritually wicked, corrupt, or malevolent. It goes beyond simply being “bad” and implies a deliberate intention to cause harm or suffering.
App’s trial stage
Answer: BETA
In software development, particularly for applications (or “apps”), the “beta” stage refers to a phase where the software is made available to a limited audience for testing and feedback before its official release. It comes after the alpha stage and before the final release.
Dim sum drinks
Answer: TEAS
“Dim sum” refers to a style of Chinese cuisine where small, bite-sized portions of food are served. “Teas” are commonly served alongside dim sum dishes as beverages, often to complement the meal and aid in digestion.
“thx” counterpart
Answer: PLS
“PLS” is an abbreviation for “please,” serving as a shorthand or text-speak counterpart to “thanks” or “thank you” (“thx”).
Egyptian cobra
Answer: ASP
An “asp” is a type of venomous snake native to Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt. The Egyptian cobra is one species of asp, known for its iconic hood and deadly venom.
Number of fingers held up in a peace sign
Answer: TWO
In a peace sign, typically made by raising the index and middle fingers while keeping the others folded down, the number of fingers held up is TWO, representing the number two.
Wait in ___
Answer: LINE
To “wait in line” means to stand in a queue or line, typically in order to be served or to gain entry to a venue or attraction. The word “line” completes the phrase, indicating the location where one waits.
Performs in “Pass Over”
Answer: ACTS
Acts” refers to the performance of roles or scenes in a play or theatrical production. In the context of “Pass Over,” which is a play by Antoinette Nwandu, performers ACT in the production.
Look for bargains
Answer: SHOP
To “shop” means to visit stores or browse online with the intention of purchasing goods, often while seeking out bargains or discounted items
Slightest amount
Answer: IOTA
An “iota” refers to an extremely small or infinitesimal amount, often used to indicate the smallest possible quantity of something.
Work found in a gallery
Answer: ARTPIECE
An “art piece” refers to a piece of artwork or a creation of artistic expression that can be displayed in a gallery for public viewing.
Have a snack
Answer: NOSH
“Nosh” is a colloquial term meaning to eat a snack or light meal, especially informally or between regular meals.
Surgeons’ workplaces (Abbr.)
Answer: ORS
“ORS” is an abbreviation for operating rooms, which are specialized areas within hospitals where surgeries and other invasive medical procedures are performed by surgeons and their teams.
Pacific and Atlantic, e.g.
Answer: OCEANS
The Pacific and Atlantic are both examples of OCEANS, which are large bodies of saltwater that cover a significant portion of the Earth’s surface.
“A ___ Talk From Kid President to You”
Answer: PEP
The clue suggests that the missing word is a positive and energetic term. “Pep” is often associated with enthusiasm, vigor, and motivation, making it suitable for the title “A Pep Talk From Kid President to You.”
Grouchy people
Answer: CRABS
“Crabs” is a colloquial term for people who are grouchy or ill-tempered, likening their behavior to the crab’s reputation for being irritable or easily annoyed.
Accounting review
Answer: AUDIT
An “audit” is a systematic review or examination of financial records, accounts, and transactions to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulations, and detection of errors or fraud.
Overplay a role
Answer: EMOTE
To “emote” means to overact or excessively display emotions, especially while performing a role in a theatrical or dramatic context. The clue suggests portraying emotions too strongly, indicating the term EMOTE.
On a spending ___
Answer: SPREE
The clue suggests a phrase associated with a period of excessive or uninhibited spending. “Spree” fits this context as it commonly refers to a short period of indulgence or uninhibited activity, such as shopping without restraint.
Paintballer’s cry
Answer: IMHIT
“IMHIT” is a cry often exclaimed by a paintball player when they have been struck by a paintball during gameplay. It’s a declaration indicating that they have been hit and are therefore out of the game.
Person you’ve never, ever met
Answer: RANDO
“Rando” is a colloquial term for a random or unknown person, often encountered unexpectedly or without prior acquaintance. It’s typically used to refer to someone whose identity or background is unfamiliar or irrelevant.
Gas in bright signs
Answer: NEON
“Neon” is a type of gas used in brightly colored signs and lighting. Neon gas emits a vibrant glow when electrified, making it ideal for creating eye-catching and luminous signage.
Dinner and the zoo, perhaps
Answer: DATE
The clue suggests activities that are commonly associated with a romantic outing or social engagement. A “date” typically involves going out with someone, such as having dinner or visiting a place like the zoo, especially in a romantic context.
Greek war god
Answer: ARES
In Greek mythology, “Ares” is the god of war, known for his association with conflict, violence, and battle. He is often depicted as a powerful and aggressive deity, symbolizing the brutal aspects of warfare.
Class for some exchange students (Abbr.)
Answer: ESL
“ESL” stands for English as a Second Language, which refers to a type of education or instruction designed for individuals who are learning English in addition to their native language. It is commonly taken by exchange students or immigrants to improve their English language skills.
Kitten’s cry
Answer: MEW
“Mew” is an onomatopoeic term used to describe the sound made by a kitten, particularly when it is meowing or vocalizing. It is a soft and plaintive cry often used by kittens to communicate with their mother or humans.
