Corn Belt state

Latest answer — August 26, 2026

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Clue explained

IOWA is a Midwestern state in the Corn Belt, a major U.S. region for corn production. The clue asks for the state name rather than a city or crop.

Clue type:
Definition
A cornfield in Iowa

WaPo Crossword

This clue's Wednesday, August 26, 2026 appearance

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

Across

  1. 1Emerged
  2. 6Korean-American grocery store
  3. 11Dim sum brew
  4. 14Little solo break
  5. 15Camel's watering hole
  6. 16"That'll leave a mark!"
  7. 17Programming problem
  8. 19Scand. country
  9. 20Proboscis
  10. 21Feature of Canada's flag
  11. 22Nove minus uno
  12. 23Suspicious
  13. 25Enclosed rhyme scheme in Petrarchan sonnets
  14. 27Turkish peak
  15. 30Clinton secretary of state
  16. 34Olympic gymnast with five moves named for her
  17. 352025 Best Picture Oscar winner
  18. 36Letters of liability?
  19. 37Dongle, e.g.
  20. 39Synagogue singers
  21. 41"Exactly right!"
  22. 42__ Sports Bureau: stats giant
  23. 44"Punch-__ Love": Paul Thomas Anderson film
  24. 45Bible Belt state
  25. 47Shelters
  26. 48Altar site
  27. 49Change
  28. 51Prometheus's gift
  29. 53"See ... "
  30. 54Yellow brick road terrier
  31. 58Aussie hopper
  32. 59"Everyone in the water!," or when parsed differently, what can be found in each set of circled words
  33. 62Nocturnal bird of prey
  34. 63__ Gras
  35. 64Unlike the rest
  36. 65Young lady
  37. 66Clique
  38. 67Vociferous

Down

  1. 1"Exactly right!"
  2. 2City north of Carson City
  3. 3Probabilities
  4. 4Service promoter
  5. 5Cyclone center
  6. 6Swindled
  7. 7__ bear: Southeast Asian forest dweller
  8. 8Since
  9. 9Animated film about Spix's macaws
  10. 10Baker's shortening?
  11. 11Like laughter, sometimes
  12. 1262-Across call
  13. 13Curly hairstyle
  14. 18Bed frame board
  15. 22Japanese sash
  16. 24Picks up the pace
  17. 25Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam
  18. 26Jason's "Beverly Hills, 90210" role
  19. 27Modest Muslim robe
  20. 28Bus passenger
  21. 29Sushi bite topped with salmon
  22. 31Hairstyle that may begin with comb coils
  23. 32"Stormy Weather" singer Lena
  24. 33Elephant pair
  25. 35Operatic solo
  26. 38If-then-__ statement
  27. 40Leaves in the care of
  28. 43Climbs
  29. 46Big galoot
  30. 47Big Island county seat
  31. 50Throwback hit
  32. 51Amphibious hopper
  33. 52Corn Belt state
  34. 53Major conflicts
  35. 55"Didn't see you there!"
  36. 56Knots
  37. 57The Grand Ole __
  38. 59Metal box?
  39. 60Dim sum bun
  40. 61Persona __ grata

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Emerged — Answer: AROSE. Hint: A formal way to say someone or something came into view or existence. 🌅
  2. 6. Korean-American grocery store — Answer: HMART. Hint: A popular chain where shoppers find Korean and other Asian groceries. 🛒
  3. 11. Dim sum brew — Answer: CHA. Hint: This fragrant drink is a classic accompaniment to dumplings and other small bites. 🍵
  4. 14. Little solo break — Answer: MEDAY. Hint: A playful name for some personal time set aside to recharge. 🧘
  5. 15. Camel's watering hole — Answer: OASIS. Hint: This desert refuge provides precious water amid the sands. 🏜️
  6. 16. "That'll leave a mark!" — Answer: OOF. Hint: A brief cry after a painful bump or awkward mishap. 😣
  7. 17. Programming problem — Answer: ENDLESSLOOP. Hint: A bug that keeps repeating the same instructions without reaching an exit. 🔄
  8. 19. Scand. country — Answer: NOR. Hint: A crossword-friendly abbreviation for a nation on Scandinavia’s western side. 🗺️
  9. 20. Proboscis — Answer: NOSE. Hint: The facial feature used for smelling and breathing. 👃
  10. 21. Feature of Canada's flag — Answer: LEAF. Hint: Canada’s banner prominently displays a distinctive maple emblem. 🍁
  11. 22. Nove minus uno — Answer: OTTO. Hint: Do the arithmetic in Italian: nine minus one yields this number. ➖
  12. 23. Suspicious — Answer: SHADY. Hint: A person or situation that seems untrustworthy might be described this way. 🕵️
  13. 25. Enclosed rhyme scheme in Petrarchan sonnets — Answer: ABBA. Hint: The outer lines rhyme together, as do the inner lines, forming a classic literary pattern. 📜
  14. 27. Turkish peak — Answer: ARARAT. Hint: This legendary mountain in eastern Turkey is associated with Noah’s Ark. ⛰️
  15. 30. Clinton secretary of state — Answer: ALBRIGHT. Hint: She became the first woman to serve as America’s top diplomat. 🏛️
  16. 34. Olympic gymnast with five moves named for her — Answer: BILES. Hint: This decorated champion’s surname graces several daring gymnastics skills. 🤸
  17. 35. 2025 Best Picture Oscar winner — Answer: ANORA. Hint: This acclaimed film took home the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2025. 🏆
  18. 36. Letters of liability? — Answer: IOU. Hint: These three characters represent an informal promise to repay a debt. 💸
  19. 37. Dongle, e.g. — Answer: ADAPTER. Hint: It allows devices with different ports or connections to work together. 🔌
  20. 39. Synagogue singers — Answer: CANTORS. Hint: They lead or perform the musical prayers in many Jewish congregations. 🎶
  21. 41. "Exactly right!" — Answer: YES. Hint: A crisp affirmation that agrees completely. ✅
  22. 42. __ Sports Bureau: stats giant — Answer: ELIAS. Hint: This sports reference company is famous for compiling official statistics. 📊
  23. 44. "Punch-__ Love": Paul Thomas Anderson film — Answer: DRUNK. Hint: It completes the title of a film pairing punch with a troubled state. 🎬
  24. 45. Bible Belt state — Answer: ARKANSAS. Hint: This Southern state is often counted among the Bible Belt. 🗺️
  25. 47. Shelters — Answer: HOUSES. Hint: These can shelter people or serve as homes. 🏠
  26. 48. Altar site — Answer: APSE. Hint: Look toward the rounded sanctuary recess behind many altars. ⛪
  27. 49. Change — Answer: COINS. Hint: In a pocket, these may be small denominations returned after a purchase. 🪙
  28. 51. Prometheus's gift — Answer: FIRE. Hint: In myth, this elemental gift transformed human life. 🔥
  29. 53. "See ... " — Answer: WELL. Hint: This word can follow “See” as a friendly invitation to understand. 👀
  30. 54. Yellow brick road terrier — Answer: TOTO. Hint: Dorothy’s loyal little companion traveled the yellow brick road. 🐶
  31. 58. Aussie hopper — Answer: ROO. Hint: Use this casual Australian nickname for a kangaroo 🦘
  32. 59. "Everyone in the water!," or when parsed differently, what can be found in each set of circled words — Answer: ABANDONSHIP. Hint: A different parsing turns the apparent poolside shout into a command to leave a vessel. ⚓
  33. 62. Nocturnal bird of prey — Answer: OWL. Hint: This nighttime hunter is known for its silent flight and keen eyes. 🌙
  34. 63. __ Gras — Answer: MARDI. Hint: This festive season’s first word precedes Gras. 🎭
  35. 64. Unlike the rest — Answer: OTHER. Hint: This describes the one that doesn’t fit with the remainder. 🧩
  36. 65. Young lady — Answer: GAL. Hint: A casual term for a young woman fits here. 👒
  37. 66. Clique — Answer: POSSE. Hint: This informal group may stick together closely. 🤝
  38. 67. Vociferous — Answer: NOISY. Hint: A vociferous person is anything but quiet. 📣

Down

  1. 1. "Exactly right!" — Answer: AMEN. Hint: A brief word of emphatic agreement can also close a prayer. 🙏
  2. 2. City north of Carson City — Answer: RENO. Hint: Nevada’s capital has this city just to its north. 🏜️
  3. 3. Probabilities — Answer: ODDS. Hint: These express the likelihood of something happening. 🎲
  4. 4. Service promoter — Answer: SALESREP. Hint: This representative’s job is to drum up business for a service. 📣
  5. 5. Cyclone center — Answer: EYE. Hint: Look for the calm spot at the very heart of the storm. 👁️
  6. 6. Swindled — Answer: HOSED. Hint: If you were badly cheated, you might describe yourself this way. 😖
  7. 7. __ bear: Southeast Asian forest dweller — Answer: MALAYAN. Hint: This bear shares its name with a peninsula and country in Southeast Asia. 🐻
  8. 8. Since — Answer: ASOF. Hint: Think of a phrase meaning “from a particular time onward.” 🕰️
  9. 9. Animated film about Spix's macaws — Answer: RIO. Hint: This colorful animated adventure takes its title from a Brazilian city. 🎬
  10. 10. Baker's shortening? — Answer: TSP. Hint: A tiny kitchen measure gets a playful bakery makeover here. 🥄
  11. 11. Like laughter, sometimes — Answer: CONTAGIOUS. Hint: Some giggles spread from person to person like a yawn. 😂
  12. 12. 62-Across call — Answer: HOOT. Hint: Think of the sound an owl makes—or an enthusiastic cheer. 🦉
  13. 13. Curly hairstyle — Answer: AFRO. Hint: This rounded hairstyle is famously associated with natural curls. 💇
  14. 18. Bed frame board — Answer: SLAT. Hint: A narrow wooden strip helps support a mattress. 🛏️
  15. 22. Japanese sash — Answer: OBI. Hint: This traditional Japanese belt is worn around a kimono. 👘
  16. 24. Picks up the pace — Answer: HASTENS. Hint: When something speeds up, it does this. ⚡
  17. 25. Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam — Answer: ABRA. Hint: This sleepy Pokémon begins a path that eventually leads to a psychic powerhouse. ✨
  18. 26. Jason's "Beverly Hills, 90210" role — Answer: BRANDON. Hint: He was Jason Priestley’s well-known teen-drama character. 📺
  19. 27. Modest Muslim robe — Answer: ABAYA. Hint: This loose, full-length garment is commonly worn by Muslim women. 👗
  20. 28. Bus passenger — Answer: RIDER. Hint: On a bus, this person is along for the trip. 🚌
  21. 29. Sushi bite topped with salmon — Answer: ALASKAROLL. Hint: This sushi creation pairs rice and seaweed with salmon and a cool, creamy filling. 🍣
  22. 31. Hairstyle that may begin with comb coils — Answer: LOCS. Hint: This hairstyle can grow from carefully formed coils. 🌀
  23. 32. "Stormy Weather" singer Lena — Answer: HORNE. Hint: She was the acclaimed jazz singer who made “Stormy Weather” unforgettable. 🎶
  24. 33. Elephant pair — Answer: TUSKS. Hint: These curved ivory teeth give an elephant its distinctive profile. 🐘
  25. 35. Operatic solo — Answer: ARIA. Hint: In an opera, this is a solo showcase for a singer. 🎼
  26. 38. If-then-__ statement — Answer: ELSE. Hint: In programming, this word provides the alternative branch. 💻
  27. 40. Leaves in the care of — Answer: TRUSTSTO. Hint: Hands responsibility over to another person. 🤝
  28. 43. Climbs — Answer: ASCENDS. Hint: Moves upward, whether on stairs or in rank. ⬆️
  29. 46. Big galoot — Answer: APE. Hint: A large, clumsy fellow may be called this. 🦍
  30. 47. Big Island county seat — Answer: HILO. Hint: This Hawaiian city serves as Hawaii County’s seat. 🌺
  31. 50. Throwback hit — Answer: OLDIE. Hint: A familiar hit from years past earns this nostalgic label. 🎶
  32. 51. Amphibious hopper — Answer: FROG. Hint: This jumpy amphibian often starts life as a tadpole. 🐸
  33. 52. Corn Belt state — Answer: IOWA. Hint: This state is known for its corn production and is often called the Hawkeye State! 🌽
  34. 53. Major conflicts — Answer: WARS. Hint: These large-scale struggles involve nations or factions. ⚔️
  35. 55. "Didn't see you there!" — Answer: OHHI. Hint: It’s a playful, surprised greeting you might blurt out when someone suddenly appears. 😮
  36. 56. Knots — Answer: TIES. Hint: These can be knots or equal scores. 🎀
  37. 57. The Grand Ole __ — Answer: OPRY. Hint: Nashville’s famed country-music venue completes the phrase. 🎵
  38. 59. Metal box? — Answer: AMP. Hint: A small device that boosts an electric guitar’s signal fits this pun. 🎸
  39. 60. Dim sum bun — Answer: BAO. Hint: This steamed Chinese bun is often filled with savory meat. 🥟
  40. 61. Persona __ grata — Answer: NON. Hint: In the phrase, this short Latin word means “not.” 🚫

The answer to “Corn Belt state” in the The Washington Post crossword is IOWA — a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on August 26, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 52-Down. 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.

“Corn Belt state” answer

IOWA (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 IOWA.

When else has “Corn Belt state” appeared?

The Washington Post 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.

August 26, 2026 (most recent) → IOWA. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Corn Belt state”?

The answer is IOWA, a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on August 26, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Corn Belt state”?

4 letters: IOWA.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the The Washington Post crossword on August 26, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 52-Down.

Can “Corn Belt state” have a different answer?

Yes — The Washington Post 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 WaPo Crossword answers?

The full grid for August 26, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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