Strike down
Editorially verified for the Oct 12, 2026
50 Down
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Clue explained
To smite is to strike down, often with a forceful or dramatic sense. The word is especially at home in elevated or biblical language, where it can describe a powerful blow or a sudden punishment.
- Clue type:
- Definition
USA Today Crossword
This clue's Monday, October 12, 2026 appearance
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The answer to “Strike down” in the USA Today crossword is SMITE — a 5-letter word. It most recently appeared in the USA Today crossword on October 12, 2026, a Monday puzzle, at 50-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.
“Strike down” answer
SMITE (5 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 SMITE.
What does SMITE mean?
Reading the plain dictionary sense of SMITE is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.
(verb)
- strike with a firm blow
- be strongly attracted to someone or something
When else has “Strike down” appeared?
USA Today 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.
- October 12, 2026 (most recent) → SMITE
- July 6, 2026 → SMITE
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “Strike down”?
The answer is SMITE, a 5-letter word. It most recently appeared in the USA Today crossword on October 12, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Strike down”?
5 letters: SMITE.
When did this clue appear?
Most recently in the USA Today crossword on October 12, 2026 (a Monday puzzle), at 50-Down. Earlier appearances: July 6, 2026 → SMITE.
Can “Strike down” have a different answer?
Yes — USA Today 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 USA Today answers?
The full grid for October 12, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.
USA Today Crossword is published by USA Today; WordHint is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the publisher.
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