Highly sensitive person

Latest answer — August 11, 2026

16 Across

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Clue decoded

An empath is someone thought to be highly sensitive to, or able to feel, other people’s emotions. The answer is the singular noun matching “person.”

Clue type:
Definition
An illustration representing a person sensing another person’s emotions

WaPo Crossword

This clue's Tuesday, August 11, 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. 1Colorful violet kin
  2. 6Suga and Jung Kook's band
  3. 9"__ the Cat": children's book series
  4. 13Give a speech
  5. 14Atty.'s title
  6. 15And others, in a bibliography
  7. 16Highly sensitive person
  8. 18Kitchen deputy
  9. 20Old Russian ruler
  10. 21Bothers greatly
  11. 23__-Wan Kenobi
  12. 24Thigh muscles, familiarly
  13. 26Exposes, in a way
  14. 28Treat that may be dipped in dulce de leche
  15. 30Indiana University basketball coach Moren
  16. 31Flexible
  17. 32Amusement park time-saver
  18. 36Former first lady Biden
  19. 37Winter migration direction
  20. 39Tried's partner
  21. 40"Hear me out ... "
  22. 42Woodwind section player
  23. 44Norse god of thunder
  24. 45Two-door cars
  25. 46Neaten
  26. 49Many shelter dogs
  27. 50Astonishment
  28. 51Soft drink brand with a "lymon" logo
  29. 53Creative solution
  30. 57Spinning toy
  31. 59"Are you serious?"
  32. 61"Let It Go" singer
  33. 62Genetic transcription molecule
  34. 63Thread holder
  35. 64Snow day ride
  36. 65Daughter's brother
  37. 66Canine command akin to "drop it"

Down

  1. 1Expert concerned with feet?
  2. 2Octopus octet
  3. 3Auto parts giant that shares a name with a California wine valley
  4. 4Aspiring actor's asset
  5. 5So far
  6. 6One-ups
  7. 7General __ chicken
  8. 8Trustworthy sort
  9. 9Delt neighbor
  10. 10Shared ideology
  11. 11Martial arts-based fitness regimen
  12. 12Like Santa's helpers
  13. 17Intensely shocking events
  14. 19One end of a maze
  15. 22Ruckus
  16. 25Spot where there's no trouble brewing?
  17. 27Peak physical condition, or a feature of 4-, 8-, and 17-Down
  18. 28Advertising award
  19. 29Biker's challenge
  20. 30Skin art, for short
  21. 31Sleepover attire, familiarly
  22. 32Enjoyable
  23. 33Grammy winner India.__
  24. 34Puzzle (out)
  25. 35Group of reps at the gym
  26. 38Above, in classic odes
  27. 41"Be quiet!"
  28. 43"Having said that ... "
  29. 45Minor injury
  30. 46Cassettes
  31. 47"Count on me"
  32. 48Quite thick
  33. 492026 Winter Olympics host city
  34. 52"The Biggest Little City in the World"
  35. 54Tons
  36. 55Drain blockage
  37. 56Offspring of Leia and Han
  38. 58Crumple (up)
  39. 60Course for some intl. students

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Colorful violet kin — Answer: PANSY. Hint: This cheerful garden flower is a close relative of the violet and comes in many bright hues. 🌸
  2. 6. Suga and Jung Kook's band — Answer: BTS. Hint: This South Korean pop group features the singers named in the clue. 🎶
  3. 9. "__ the Cat": children's book series — Answer: PETE. Hint: Think of the groovy blue cat starring in a popular series of upbeat children’s books. 🐱
  4. 13. Give a speech — Answer: ORATE. Hint: Think of a formal way to express your thoughts aloud! 🎤
  5. 14. Atty.'s title — Answer: ESQ. Hint: This honorific may follow a lawyer’s name in formal writing. ⚖️
  6. 15. And others, in a bibliography — Answer: ETAL. Hint: This scholarly abbreviation politely signals that the list continues beyond the named authors. 📚
  7. 16. Highly sensitive person — Answer: EMPATH. Hint: Someone who readily picks up on other people’s feelings might fit this description. 💛
  8. 18. Kitchen deputy — Answer: SOUSCHEF. Hint: Think of the chef’s trusted second-in-command who helps run the kitchen. 👨‍🍳
  9. 20. Old Russian ruler — Answer: TSAR. Hint: Think of a title for a monarch in Russia before the revolution! 👑
  10. 21. Bothers greatly — Answer: EATSAT. Hint: Think of a verb meaning to irritate or trouble someone deeply. 😣
  11. 23. __-Wan Kenobi — Answer: OBI. Hint: Complete the famous Jedi’s name before “-Wan.” 🌌
  12. 24. Thigh muscles, familiarly — Answer: QUADS. Hint: A casual gym term for the muscles on the front of your upper legs 💪
  13. 26. Exposes, in a way — Answer: RATSON. Hint: Reveals someone’s wrongdoing to others, perhaps 🕵️
  14. 28. Treat that may be dipped in dulce de leche — Answer: CHURRO. Hint: Think of a cinnamon-sugar pastry that’s especially tasty dunked in caramel-like sauce. 🍩
  15. 30. Indiana University basketball coach Moren — Answer: TERI. Hint: Think of the Hoosiers’ women’s basketball coach’s first name 🏀
  16. 31. Flexible — Answer: PLIANT. Hint: Think of something that can bend or adapt easily without breaking 🤸
  17. 32. Amusement park time-saver — Answer: FASTPASS. Hint: What lets you bypass the long line for a popular ride? 🎢
  18. 36. Former first lady Biden — Answer: JILL. Hint: Think of the educator and author who served as first lady during Joe Biden’s presidency 📚
  19. 37. Winter migration direction — Answer: SOUTH. Hint: When winter arrives, many birds and travelers head toward warmer climates. 🧭
  20. 39. Tried's partner — Answer: TRUE. Hint: Think of the dependable companion often paired with “tried.” 🤝
  21. 40. "Hear me out ... " — Answer: SOLISTEN. Hint: This playful prompt asks for your attention before the speaker continues. 👂
  22. 42. Woodwind section player — Answer: OBOIST. Hint: This musician plays a double-reed instrument known for its distinctive, expressive tone 🎶
  23. 44. Norse god of thunder — Answer: THOR. Hint: This legendary figure wields a mighty hammer and is well-known in comic books and films! ⚡
  24. 45. Two-door cars — Answer: COUPES. Hint: These stylish automobiles skip the rear doors and often favor a sporty silhouette. 🚗
  25. 46. Neaten — Answer: TIDYUP. Hint: Put everything in its proper place for a cleaner look. 🧹
  26. 49. Many shelter dogs — Answer: MUTTS. Hint: These lovable pooches are mixed-breed rather than pedigreed dogs. 🐶
  27. 50. Astonishment — Answer: AWE. Hint: This feeling can leave you speechless in the presence of something extraordinary. 😲
  28. 51. Soft drink brand with a "lymon" logo — Answer: SPRITE. Hint: Think of the refreshing lemon-lime soda with a playful, magical-sounding name. 🥤
  29. 53. Creative solution — Answer: HACK. Hint: A clever workaround can solve the problem when the usual approach feels too rigid. 💡
  30. 57. Spinning toy — Answer: PINWHEEL. Hint: This colorful toy twirls when you blow on it or catch a breeze. 🌬️
  31. 59. "Are you serious?" — Answer: REALLY. Hint: A skeptical reaction asking whether someone truly means it. 🤨
  32. 61. "Let It Go" singer — Answer: ELSA. Hint: This Frozen heroine belts out the movie’s most famous anthem. ❄️
  33. 62. Genetic transcription molecule — Answer: RNA. Hint: This molecule carries DNA’s instructions to the cell’s protein-making machinery. 🧬
  34. 63. Thread holder — Answer: SPOOL. Hint: It keeps sewing thread neatly wound and ready to use. 🧵
  35. 64. Snow day ride — Answer: SLED. Hint: A simple runner that makes snowy hills extra fun 🛷
  36. 65. Daughter's brother — Answer: SON. Hint: Think of the male child in the same family as a daughter. 👦
  37. 66. Canine command akin to "drop it" — Answer: LETGO. Hint: A firm instruction telling a dog to release whatever it’s holding 🐶

Down

  1. 1. Expert concerned with feet? — Answer: POET. Hint: Think of someone who works with poetic feet rather than human ones. 📚
  2. 2. Octopus octet — Answer: ARMS. Hint: Think of the eight flexible limbs an octopus uses to explore its surroundings. 🐙
  3. 3. Auto parts giant that shares a name with a California wine valley — Answer: NAPA. Hint: Think of the auto-parts retailer that shares its name with a famed Northern California wine region. 🍷
  4. 4. Aspiring actor's asset — Answer: STARQUALITY. Hint: It’s the charisma and talent that can make a newcomer shine on screen. 🎬
  5. 5. So far — Answer: YET. Hint: Up to this point, but the story isn’t over yet 😉
  6. 6. One-ups — Answer: BESTS. Hint: Outdoes the competition in a contest or challenge 🏆
  7. 7. General __ chicken — Answer: TSOS. Hint: Think of the classic Chinese takeout dish named after a historical military leader. 🍗
  8. 8. Trustworthy sort — Answer: SQUARESHOOTER. Hint: Think of someone honest, dependable, and always playing it straight. 🎯
  9. 9. Delt neighbor — Answer: PEC. Hint: This chest muscle sits right beside the shoulder’s deltoid. 💪
  10. 10. Shared ideology — Answer: ETHOS. Hint: A group’s common set of values and beliefs fits this clue. 🧭
  11. 11. Martial arts-based fitness regimen — Answer: TAEBO. Hint: This energetic workout blends martial arts moves with aerobic exercise. 🥊
  12. 12. Like Santa's helpers — Answer: ELFIN. Hint: Describes the small, magical workers helping Santa at the North Pole 🎄
  13. 17. Intensely shocking events — Answer: HEARTSTOPPERS. Hint: These are so startling they might make your pulse skip a beat. 😱
  14. 19. One end of a maze — Answer: START. Hint: It’s the point where your winding journey begins. 🧭
  15. 22. Ruckus — Answer: ADO. Hint: Think of a noisy commotion or lively disturbance. 🎉
  16. 25. Spot where there's no trouble brewing? — Answer: URN. Hint: Think of a small vessel that might hold a warm drink, rather than a brewing dispute. ☕
  17. 27. Peak physical condition, or a feature of 4-, 8-, and 17-Down — Answer: TIPTOPSHAPE. Hint: Think of a cheerful phrase for being in excellent physical form—and a playful description of those referenced entries. 💪
  18. 28. Advertising award — Answer: CLIO. Hint: This trophy honors standout creativity in the advertising world. 🏆
  19. 29. Biker's challenge — Answer: HILL. Hint: A two-wheeled rider may need extra power to conquer this uphill obstacle 🚴
  20. 30. Skin art, for short — Answer: TAT. Hint: A brief term for decorative ink on the body. 🎨
  21. 31. Sleepover attire, familiarly — Answer: PJS. Hint: Think of the comfy sleepwear you might pack for a night at a friend’s place. 💤
  22. 32. Enjoyable — Answer: FUN. Hint: A lively way to describe something that brings a smile and good vibes 😄
  23. 33. Grammy winner India.__ — Answer: ARIE. Hint: Think of the Grammy-winning soul singer whose stage name follows the country India with a period. 🎶
  24. 34. Puzzle (out) — Answer: SUSS. Hint: Think of a casual verb meaning to figure something out or investigate it closely. 🕵️
  25. 35. Group of reps at the gym — Answer: SET. Hint: A batch of repetitions you complete before taking a break at the gym 💪
  26. 38. Above, in classic odes — Answer: OER. Hint: Look for a poetic, old-fashioned way to say “above.” 🏛️
  27. 41. "Be quiet!" — Answer: SHUSH. Hint: A gentle command asking someone to lower their voice 🤫
  28. 43. "Having said that ... " — Answer: BUT. Hint: This phrase signals a contrast or qualification to what came before. 🔄
  29. 45. Minor injury — Answer: CUT. Hint: A small break in the skin, often caused by something sharp, is this. 🩹
  30. 46. Cassettes — Answer: TAPES. Hint: These portable music formats use magnetic strips wound between two reels. 🎶
  31. 47. "Count on me" — Answer: IWILL. Hint: A reassuring promise that someone can be relied on 🤝
  32. 48. Quite thick — Answer: DENSE. Hint: Not sparse or airy, but packed closely together 📚
  33. 49. 2026 Winter Olympics host city — Answer: MILAN. Hint: Think of the stylish Italian city co-hosting the Games with a nearby mountain resort. 🏔️
  34. 52. "The Biggest Little City in the World" — Answer: RENO. Hint: Think of a Nevada city known for big-city energy despite its famously tiny nickname. 🏙️
  35. 54. Tons — Answer: ALOT. Hint: When you have more than enough, you might say you have this! 😄
  36. 55. Drain blockage — Answer: CLOG. Hint: A pipe’s frustrating obstruction can cause water to back up. 🚰
  37. 56. Offspring of Leia and Han — Answer: KYLO. Hint: This troubled son of two beloved space heroes later chose the dark side. 🌌
  38. 58. Crumple (up) — Answer: WAD. Hint: Think of what you might do to paper before tossing it away. 🗑️
  39. 60. Course for some intl. students — Answer: ESL. Hint: It helps students from abroad strengthen their English communication skills. 📚

Recent WaPo Crossword Answers

The last 7 days of solutions

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The answer to “Highly sensitive person” in the The Washington Post crossword is EMPATH — a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on August 11, 2026, a Tuesday puzzle, at 16-Across. 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.

“Highly sensitive person” answer

EMPATH (6 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 EMPATH.

When else has “Highly sensitive person” 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 11, 2026 (most recent) → EMPATH. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WaPo Crossword on August 11, 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 The Washington Post answer list for August 11, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live WaPo Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the WaPo Crossword

The Washington Post Crossword is a classic American daily 15×15 (larger on Sunday), free to play online and known for fair, conversational cluing. This page covers a Tuesday puzzle. Theme answers and mid-length fill trade places in importance; when a theme clue stalls you, a confirmed crossing entry usually breaks the corner open.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Highly sensitive person”?

The answer is EMPATH, a 6-letter word. It most recently appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on August 11, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Highly sensitive person”?

6 letters: EMPATH.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the The Washington Post crossword on August 11, 2026 (a Tuesday puzzle), at 16-Across.

Can “Highly sensitive person” 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 11, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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