Unhealthy haze

Latest answer — July 13, 2026

5 Down

It's a fog that isn't very friendly to your lungs! 🌫️

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NYT Crossword

This clue's Monday, July 13, 2026 appearance

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Across

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Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Similar (to) — Answer: AKIN. Hint: Think of words that mean 'related' or 'like'! 👫
  2. 5. Taters — Answer: SPUDS. Hint: These little delights are often found in a baked or mashed form! 🥔
  3. 10. Whole bunch — Answer: SLEW. Hint: Think of a large quantity or a heap of something! 🌊
  4. 14. Titillating — Answer: RACY. Hint: Think of something that might be considered a bit daring or provocative! 😉
  5. 15. Over-the-top enthusiasm — Answer: MANIA. Hint: Think of an intense passion that can take over your life! 🎉
  6. 16. Ice cream holder — Answer: CONE. Hint: Think of a classic treat that holds a frozen delight! 🍦
  7. 17. Meccano offering for budding builders — Answer: ERECTORSET. Hint: Think of the classic toy that helps you construct amazing structures! 🏗️
  8. 19. Taj Mahal city — Answer: AGRA. Hint: This Indian city is famous for its stunning white marble mausoleum! 🕌
  9. 20. Catch red-handed — Answer: NAB. Hint: It's a quick way to grab someone in the act! 🕵️
  10. 21. Fairy tale fiend — Answer: OGRE. Hint: This creature might be grumpy, but they're sure to make for a giant of a story! 🧚
  11. 22. Ancient inhabitants of the Andes — Answer: INCAS. Hint: These ancient folks built impressive civilizations high in the mountains! 🏔️
  12. 23. Ring-shaped coral reef — Answer: ATOLL. Hint: Think of a circular paradise in the ocean where nature thrives! 🐠
  13. 25. Human's earliest phase, according to Freud — Answer: ORALSTAGE. Hint: Think about the very first stage of development where everything revolves around a certain action. 🍼
  14. 28. Like the man on an annual People magazine cover — Answer: SEXIEST. Hint: Think of the title given to the most charming individual each year! 😏
  15. 30. Crimebuster — Answer: COP. Hint: This person keeps the peace and fights against wrongdoings! 👮
  16. 31. Ann Patchett novel "___ Canto" — Answer: BEL. Hint: This novel shares its name with a beautiful musical term! 🎶
  17. 32. Suffix with lemon or orange — Answer: ADE. Hint: Think about what makes a refreshing drink more exciting! 🍹
  18. 33. "Of course!" — Answer: YES. Hint: It's a simple affirmation often used to agree enthusiastically! 👍
  19. 34. Relieves (of) — Answer: RIDS. Hint: Get free from something unwanted! 🧹
  20. 35. Metaphorical Cold War barrier — Answer: IRONCURTAIN. Hint: Think of a divide that kept people apart in a historical context! 🛡️
  21. 38. "Deadly" transgressions — Answer: SINS. Hint: Think of actions that might weigh heavy on your conscience! 😇
  22. 40. Structure for hydroelectric power — Answer: DAM. Hint: Think of a barrier that holds back water to generate energy! 💧
  23. 41. Hypotheticals — Answer: IFS. Hint: Consider conditions that might change the outcome! 🤔
  24. 42. PC exit key — Answer: ESC. Hint: This key helps you leave a program in a flash! 🖱️
  25. 43. No-good dog — Answer: CUR. Hint: Think of a pup that's not living up to expectations! 🐶
  26. 44. Watches on Hulu, say — Answer: STREAMS. Hint: What do you call those flows of entertainment you can enjoy online? 🎬
  27. 48. Small aircraft for short flights — Answer: TURBOPROP. Hint: Think of a plane that’s great for quick hops between airports! ✈️
  28. 51. Beauty maven Lauder — Answer: ESTEE. Hint: This iconic figure is known for her contributions to the world of cosmetics and skincare! 💄
  29. 52. Three-note chord — Answer: TRIAD. Hint: This musical term refers to a group of three tones that create harmony! 🎶
  30. 53. Christmas Eve service — Answer: MASS. Hint: Think of a gathering that celebrates the spirit of the season! 🎄
  31. 55. Laudatory verse — Answer: ODE. Hint: Think of a poem that sings someone's praises! 🎶
  32. 56. Not as much — Answer: LESS. Hint: Think about what you might say when comparing quantities! 📉
  33. 57. Toys ... or the ends of 17-, 25-, 35- and 48-Across? — Answer: PLAYTHINGS. Hint: These are fun items that often bring out the child in all of us! 🎲
  34. 60. Polish for publishing — Answer: EDIT. Hint: This word is a crucial step in making your writing shine before it's shared! ✍️
  35. 61. Treat for Winnie-the-Pooh — Answer: HONEY. Hint: What sweet substance does Pooh bear always seem to be searching for? 🍯
  36. 62. "Begone!" — Answer: SCAT. Hint: A playful way to tell someone or something to leave you alone! 🐾
  37. 63. Spoonful of medicine, maybe — Answer: DOSE. Hint: Think about the right amount for a remedy! 💊
  38. 64. Water or rust, chemically — Answer: OXIDE. Hint: Think about what forms when metal meets moisture or air! 💧
  39. 65. One who saves the day — Answer: HERO. Hint: Think of the person who often comes to the rescue in stories! 🦸‍♂️

Down

  1. 1. Large venues — Answer: ARENAS. Hint: Think of places where big events and sports take center stage! 🏟️
  2. 2. Martial art in which folks get their kicks — Answer: KARATE. Hint: This sport involves a lot of high-energy moves and is great for self-defense! 🥋
  3. 3. Refrigerator, quaintly — Answer: ICEBOX. Hint: Think of a vintage way to keep your food cool! ❄️
  4. 4. Home of the Empire State Bldg. — Answer: NYC. Hint: Think of the bustling city that never sleeps! 🗽
  5. 5. Unhealthy haze — Answer: SMOG. Hint: It's a fog that isn't very friendly to your lungs! 🌫️
  6. 6. Mimic — Answer: PARROT. Hint: This colorful bird is known for its ability to repeat what it hears! 🦜
  7. 7. Indy racer Al or Bobby — Answer: UNSER. Hint: These legendary drivers share a last name that's a staple in racing history! 🏁
  8. 8. Yahtzee cube — Answer: DIE. Hint: It's a little object that can bring a twist of luck! 🎲
  9. 9. Was successful in musical chairs — Answer: SAT. Hint: Think about a grade you might earn when you ace something! 🎶
  10. 10. Minimal — Answer: SCANT. Hint: Think about something that barely meets the necessary amount! 🌱
  11. 11. Woodsy abode — Answer: LOGCABIN. Hint: Imagine a rustic retreat made of timber in the heart of the forest! 🌲
  12. 12. Furious — Answer: ENRAGED. Hint: When someone is more than just angry, they're really feeling it! 😡
  13. 13. Sneaky types — Answer: WEASELS. Hint: Think of those clever little creatures that are known for their slyness! 🦡
  14. 18. Ohio port on Lake Erie — Answer: TOLEDO. Hint: This city shares its name with a famous Spanish city and is known for its glass industry! 🏙️
  15. 22. Co. with a lot of connections? — Answer: ISP. Hint: Think about a company that helps you browse the web with ease! 🌐
  16. 24. Tall tale tellers — Answer: LIARS. Hint: Watch out for those who spin stories that stretch the truth! 🕵️‍♂️
  17. 26. Taiwanese computer giant — Answer: ACER. Hint: This brand's name sounds like a type of sharp tool used for cutting! ✂️
  18. 27. Went ballistic — Answer: LOSTIT. Hint: Sometimes emotions can get the better of us, like when one just can't take it anymore! 😤
  19. 29. Humorous parody — Answer: SENDUP. Hint: Think of a lighthearted take that pokes fun at something! 😂
  20. 33. "Dee-lish!" — Answer: YUM. Hint: When something tastes great, it might evoke this quick expression of delight! 😋
  21. 34. Expands, as dough with yeast — Answer: RISES. Hint: Think about what happens when you let bread dough sit and do its magic! 🍞
  22. 35. Experiencing great difficulty — Answer: INCRISIS. Hint: When things go south and you're in a tough spot, it might feel like you're facing a big challenge! 😟
  23. 36. Singer Vikki with three Grammys — Answer: CARR. Hint: This singer shares a last name with a popular transport vehicle. 🚗
  24. 37. With a clean slate — Answer: AFRESH. Hint: It's a phrase that suggests starting over or beginning anew! 🌱
  25. 38. Avoided a trial, say — Answer: SETTLED. Hint: Sometimes, it's better to work things out before they get to court! 🏛️
  26. 39. Emphatic affirmative — Answer: ISUREDO. Hint: This phrase often follows a question when you're feeling very confident! 👍
  27. 43. Common fish-and-chips fish — Answer: COD. Hint: This fish is often found swimming in the North Atlantic and makes a crunchy pair with fries! 🐟
  28. 44. Fixed at the vet — Answer: SPAYED. Hint: This procedure is often done to prevent litters and help with pet health! 🐾
  29. 45. Immediately — Answer: ATONCE. Hint: Think of a phrase that means to do something right now! ⏰
  30. 46. Brooklyn's ___ Evers College — Answer: MEDGAR. Hint: Think of a notable civil rights activist from Brooklyn! ✊
  31. 47. Looks after — Answer: SEESTO. Hint: Think of a term that describes keeping an eye on things, often used in care or supervision. 👀
  32. 49. Sew loosely — Answer: BASTE. Hint: Think of a technique used in cooking or sewing that helps keep fabric in place without a permanent hold. 🍽️
  33. 50. Saudi neighbor — Answer: OMANI. Hint: This country shares the Arabian Peninsula with Saudi Arabia and is known for its stunning coastlines! 🏖️
  34. 54. Eyelid affliction — Answer: STYE. Hint: It's a pesky bump that can make you squint! 👁️
  35. 57. Vietnamese soup with rice noodles — Answer: PHO. Hint: This delicious broth-based dish often warms you up on a chilly day! 🍜
  36. 58. Salmon on a bagel — Answer: LOX. Hint: A classic topping that pairs deliciously with cream cheese and a crunchy bagel! 🥯
  37. 59. Suffix with bull or bear — Answer: ISH. Hint: Think about a playful way to describe something that resembles or has the qualities of those market animals! 🐂

Recent NYT Crossword Answers

The last 7 days of solutions

The answer to Unhealthy haze in the New York Times crossword is SMOG — a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 13, 2026, a Monday puzzle, at 5-Down, and it has also run on 1 earlier date with the same answer. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

Unhealthy haze” answer

SMOG (4 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is SMOG.

Why the answer is SMOG

It's a fog that isn't very friendly to your lungs! 🌫️

When else has “Unhealthy haze” appeared?

New York Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

More clues from the NYT Crossword on July 13, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full New York Times answer list for July 13, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the NYT Crossword

The New York Times crossword, edited by Will Shortz, is the most famous daily puzzle in the United States. It runs a 15×15 grid Monday through Saturday and a larger 21×21 grid on Sunday, and its difficulty deliberately ramps through the week: Monday is the most approachable, Saturday the toughest, with Thursday often reserved for a trick or twist like rebus squares. This page covers a Monday puzzle. A straight-definition entry is the kind of solid mid-grid answer that anchors the trickier crossings around it. Because the NYT reuses short, crossing-friendly words regularly, seeing them once makes them easier to spot next time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Unhealthy haze”?

The answer is SMOG, a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 13, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Unhealthy haze”?

4 letters: SMOG.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the New York Times crossword on July 13, 2026 (a Monday puzzle), at 5-Down. Earlier appearances: January 7, 2026 SMOG.

Can “Unhealthy haze” have a different answer?

Yes — New York Times sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's NYT Crossword answers?

The full grid for July 13, 2026 is on the NYT Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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