Crossword Clues and Answers

What is a Crossword?

A crossword is a classic word game that has been puzzling and delighting players for over 100 years. It’s a grid of white and black squares where you fill in the white spaces with words or phrases to match the clues. The clues are divided into two lists: across (horizontal) and down (vertical) and each clue matches a specific numbered square in the grid.

The crossword originated on December 21, 1913, when Arthur Wynne, a Liverpool-born journalist, created the first ever “word-cross” puzzle for the New York World. The first puzzle was diamond-shaped and had no internal black squares but soon evolved into the format we know today. Shortly after, the term “word-cross” was flipped to “crossword” and the game took off in the 1920s.

Crosswords come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of difficulty. The classic crossword has direct clues, and the cryptic crossword (more common in the UK) has wordplay and riddle-like clues. Themed puzzles where the answers follow a particular theme and rebus puzzles where a single square can have symbols or multiple letters.

The charm of crosswords lies in their ability to challenge the mind while offering entertainment. They require a mix of general knowledge, wordplay, and logical thinking. Crossword fans, often called "cruciverbalists," range from casual solvers to expert puzzle creators.

Over the years, crosswords have become a regular feature in newspapers, magazines, and puzzle books around the globe. In today’s digital age, they’re also widely available online and through mobile apps. Their lasting appeal stems from their unique combination of mental exercise, relaxation, and the satisfaction that comes with solving them.

Top publications that have crosswords

Crossword puzzles have delighted enthusiasts for over a century, engaging and entertaining millions of solvers across the globe. Leading publications offer a wide array of crosswords tailored to various skill levels and preferences. From quick daily challenges to intricate weekend puzzles, these sources have become essential for crossword fans. Here’s a look at some of the most popular crossword offerings from esteemed publications.

The NYT Mini Crossword has gained a dedicated following as a daily staple for many solvers. This compact puzzle, typically consisting of a 5x5 grid, offers a quick mental workout that can be completed in just a few minutes. Despite its smaller format, the NYT Mini upholds the high standards for clue quality and inventive themes that the publication is known for.

The LA Times Crossword is a reliable favorite featured in numerous newspapers across the United States. Following the traditional American-style format, these puzzles increase in difficulty as the week progresses. Additionally, the LA Times offers a mini crossword, providing solvers with both swift and more substantial daily puzzle options.

The Universal Crossword, syndicated by Andrews McMeel Universal, delivers daily puzzles to a wide range of publications and websites. Renowned for its accessibility and diverse themes, it provides a consistent experience for crossword lovers of all backgrounds. The Universal Crossword often features guest constructors, introducing new ideas and styles into the mix.

The Newsday Crossword, featured in the Long Island newspaper, is particularly famous for its Saturday Stumper. This challenging puzzle, crafted by a variety of constructors, presents even seasoned solvers with tricky clues and clever wordplay, making it a sought-after weekend challenge for those looking to test their skills.

The Atlantic Crossword was launched in 2018 and is a fresh addition that caters to contemporary solving habits. It offers a daily online puzzle with a gradual increase in difficulty throughout the week, starting with the easiest puzzles on Monday and ramping up to more complex challenges by the weekend. The Atlantic refers to its crossword as a "mini puzzle," designed to grow slightly in size and complexity each day.

Improve your crosswordese with Only Word Games

Boost your crossword skills with Only Word Games, a resource that helps players understand the language of crosswords. Only Word Games has all the answers for all the latest crossword clues which can help a player expand their vocabulary, hone their wordplay and get them familiar with common crossword clues and answers. Using Only Word Games regularly helps players build up a mental repository of common crossword words.

There are classic words like “etui”, “alee” and “oleo” that can be difficult. However, these are common crossword answers and come under a category called "crosswordese. Learning about commonly used crossword words will help keep players up to date with modern crossword language. Interactive modules on anagrams, homophones, and obscure definitions will give players the skills they need to tackle tough crossword clues.

Only Word Games is an essential asset for any puzzle enthusiast facing difficult crosswords. It provides solvers with answers and hints for active clues, along with a suite of useful features. When players input a clue, they'll receive potential answers, complete with definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and even anagrams. Additionally, the tool offers hints for the first letter and alternative clues to inspire fresh ideas.

With access to a vast database of common crossword answers, including popular short words and phrases, Only Word Games becomes a trusted companion. It can also simplify cryptic clues into more digestible parts, making them less daunting to solve. By presenting various strategies for approaching clues, this tool not only assists in completing puzzles but also helps solvers develop their skills over time.