Crossword Answer
__ acid
Hint
This type of acid is essential for building blocks of proteins! 🧬
Click a tile to reveal each letter, or show the full answer below.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
By Will Nediger & Beth Rubin · Edited by Patti Varol
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
LA Times Crossword Clues
Across
Down
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Option B precursor — Answer: PLANA. Hint: Think about what you might need to prepare before listing choices! 📋
- 6. Creature in "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" — Answer: DODO. Hint: This bird faced extinction before it became a literary star! 🐦
- 10. Winter resort rentals — Answer: SKIS. Hint: Think about what you glide on while enjoying the snowy slopes! 🎿
- 14. Supermodel Kate — Answer: MOSS. Hint: Think of a lush green covering that thrives outdoors! 🌿
- 18. Old Renault — Answer: LECAR. Hint: This classic vehicle might just take you on a nostalgic ride! 🚗
- 19. Apple tablet — Answer: IPAD. Hint: This gadget is perfect for reading, browsing, and watching your favorite shows on the go! 🍏
- 20. Penny — Answer: CENT. Hint: It's a small unit of currency that often gets overlooked in your pocket! 💰
- 21. Each — Answer: APOP. Hint: Think about the word used to refer to individual items in a collection! 📦
- 22. Not suitable — Answer: UNAPT. Hint: When something just doesn't fit the bill, it might be described this way! 🤔
- 23. Mandala medium, often — Answer: SAND. Hint: Think of tiny grains that can create beautiful patterns! 🌈
- 24. "__ you asked ... " — Answer: SINCE. Hint: Think about a word that often introduces a reason or time frame! ⏳
- 25. Count (on) — Answer: RELY. Hint: When you need to trust someone, you might choose to do this with them! 🤝
- 26. Took unnecessary risks, in a British idiom — Answer: SAILEDCLOSETOTHEWIND. Hint: Sometimes, you just have to live a little on the edge! ⛵
- 30. WNW opposite — Answer: ESE. Hint: Think about the cardinal directions and what comes after west-northwest! 🧭
- 31. Love, in Italian — Answer: AMORE. Hint: This word is often heard in romantic songs and means more than just affection in Italy! ❤️
- 32. Asian language — Answer: LAO. Hint: This language is spoken in a country famous for its stunning waterfalls and Buddhist temples! 🌊
- 33. Handel oratorio — Answer: MESSIAH. Hint: This famous work celebrates a certain holiday and is often performed in December! 🎶
- 37. Former — Answer: PRIOR. Hint: Think about something that comes before in time! ⏳
- 38. All excited — Answer: ATINGLE. Hint: Feeling a thrill or a buzz can leave you in this state of heightened awareness! ✨
- 42. Ginger __ — Answer: ALE. Hint: A spicy, fizzy drink often used in cocktails! 🍹
- 43. Backup for a proofreader, perhaps — Answer: ANOTHERPAIROFEYES. Hint: Think of a helpful friend who can catch those pesky mistakes! 👀
- 46. Lightweight fabric — Answer: LINEN. Hint: Think of a breathable fabric often used in warm weather attire! ☀️
- 48. Romance — Answer: WOO. Hint: To charm someone special, you might want to use this playful approach! 😉
- 49. "C'est la __!" — Answer: VIE. Hint: Life has its ups and downs, but embrace it all! 🌍
- 50. Trolley car — Answer: TRAM. Hint: This vehicle glides along tracks, often found in cities, and can carry quite a few passengers! 🚋
- 51. Celebrity couple — Answer: ITEM. Hint: Think of two famous people as a single unit in the spotlight! 💑
- 52. Pres. on a dime — Answer: FDR. Hint: Think of a president who led during tough times and is known for his New Deal! 🪙
- 53. Imrie of "The Thursday Murder Club" — Answer: CELIA. Hint: This actress shares her name with a famous English garden and has a knack for witty roles! 🌼
- 57. Square things — Answer: ATONE. Hint: Finding balance in a disagreement can help you square things away! ⚖️
- 58. Grow increasingly recalcitrant — Answer: BECOMEUNGOVERNABLE. Hint: When things start to resist control, they may just be getting a bit too wild! 😜
- 63. 2028 Olympics host: Abbr. — Answer: USA. Hint: The land of stars and stripes will welcome the world's athletes soon! 🇺🇸
- 64. "The Fresh Prince of __-Air" — Answer: BEL. Hint: Think of a famous TV show starring a young rapper-turned-actor! 🎤
- 65. __ acid — Answer: AMINO. Hint: This type of acid is essential for building blocks of proteins! 🧬
- 66. Apology starter — Answer: MEA. Hint: It's a Latin phrase often used when expressing regret. 🙏
- 67. Male swan — Answer: COB. Hint: Think of a regal feathered friend that might take you for a glide! 🦢
- 70. Suffer public humiliation — Answer: FALLFLATONONESFACE. Hint: Sometimes, things don't go as planned and you might just take a tumble in front of everyone! 🤭
- 74. 2024 Olympics host — Answer: PARIS. Hint: The City of Light is gearing up for a grand athletic showcase! 🌟
- 77. Newark's county — Answer: ESSEX. Hint: Think of a prominent county near New Jersey's largest city! 🏙️
- 78. Permit — Answer: LET. Hint: Give someone the green light to proceed! 🚦
- 79. Burden — Answer: ONUS. Hint: Think of a responsibility that can weigh you down! ⚖️
- 80. Lasting mark — Answer: SCAR. Hint: Think about a reminder of past experiences, often left on the skin! 🩹
- 81. Org. nicknamed "No Such Agency" — Answer: NSA. Hint: This agency is often associated with keeping secrets and surveillance! 🕵️♂️
- 83. Owns — Answer: HAS. Hint: If you possess something, you definitely do this with it! 🏠
- 84. Nimble — Answer: AGILE. Hint: Think of a way to describe someone who moves quickly and easily! 🏃♂️
- 85. 2010 animated film featuring Princess Fiona — Answer: SHREKFOREVERAFTER. Hint: This animated movie showcases a green ogre's adventure in a whimsical world and features some unforgettable characters! 🐸
- 92. Singer __ King Cole — Answer: NAT. Hint: Think of a classic jazz musician known for his smooth voice! 🎶
- 93. Game for little batters — Answer: TEEBALL. Hint: It's a fun game where kids take swings at a stationary ball! ⚾
- 94. Hazardous gas — Answer: RADON. Hint: This invisible gas may lurk in your basement, so be cautious! 🌫️
- 95. Goes on and on — Answer: YAMMERS. Hint: This word describes someone who just can't stop talking! 🗣️
- 97. Finish — Answer: END. Hint: It's what happens when something comes to a close! 🛑
- 98. OB test — Answer: AMNIO. Hint: This test is often done to check on the baby's health before birth! 👶
- 99. Reuben sandwich bread — Answer: RYE. Hint: Think of a grain often found in hearty loaves and paired with savory toppings! 🍞
- 100. Oxymoron, or what can be found five times in this puzzle — Answer: CONTRADICTIONINTERMS. Hint: Think of a phrase that means two opposing ideas together in one, and it's hiding in plain sight! 🤔
- 109. __ of paradise — Answer: BIRD. Hint: This feathered friend is often associated with tropical beauty! 🦜
- 110. Flared skirt style — Answer: ALINE. Hint: Think of a skirt that resembles the letter A in its shape! 👗
- 111. Voting group — Answer: BLOC. Hint: Think of a united front of people with a common goal! 🗳️
- 112. Inbox message — Answer: EMAIL. Hint: It's a digital letter that lands in your virtual mailbox! 📧
- 113. Demolish — Answer: RAZE. Hint: Think about leveling something to the ground! 🏚️
- 114. Ice sheet — Answer: FLOE. Hint: Think of large, floating pieces of ice that drift in chilly waters! ❄️
- 115. 85-Across figure — Answer: OGRE. Hint: Think about a classic fairy tale creature that might not be so cute! 🏰
- 116. Mother-of-pearl — Answer: NACRE. Hint: This shiny material often lines the inside of seashells and adds a touch of elegance! 🐚
- 117. Rude one — Answer: BOOR. Hint: Think of someone who lacks social graces and might offend others! 😏
- 118. Throw out — Answer: TOSS. Hint: When you need to get rid of something, what do you do? 🗑️
- 119. "Easier __ than done" — Answer: SAID. Hint: What you might do when expressing a thought without a script! 🤫
- 120. Woolen cloth — Answer: TWEED. Hint: Think of a classic fabric often associated with stylish jackets and the countryside! 🧥
Down
- 1. "And also ... " — Answer: PLUS. Hint: Think of a word that adds on to what you already have! ➕
- 2. Singer and civil rights activist Horne — Answer: LENA. Hint: She shared her name with a famous musical and film legacy! 🎤
- 3. Palm berry — Answer: ACAI. Hint: This superfood from the Amazon is often found in smoothie bowls! 🍇
- 4. City where pizza was invented — Answer: NAPLES. Hint: This Italian city is often called the birthplace of a beloved dish! 🍕
- 5. __ well — Answer: ARTESIAN. Hint: Think about a natural source that flows freely from the ground! 💧
- 6. Frisbee, e.g. — Answer: DISC. Hint: It's something you can throw or catch in the park! 🥏
- 7. Birthstone between sapphire and topaz — Answer: OPAL. Hint: This gem is known for its play of colors and is the perfect gift for October birthdays! 🎨
- 8. Paul who played twins in "There Will Be Blood" — Answer: DANO. Hint: This actor shares a name with a popular candy brand and played a prominent role in a film about oil. 🍬
- 9. "Most likely ... " — Answer: ODDSARE. Hint: Think about the chance of something happening! 🎲
- 10. Annabella of "Tulsa King" — Answer: SCIORRA. Hint: This actress is known for her captivating roles, including in a recent crime drama series! 🎬
- 11. __ cloth: Ghanaian textile — Answer: KENTE. Hint: This vibrant fabric is often worn during special ceremonies and celebrations! 🎉
- 12. Move slowly — Answer: INCH. Hint: Sometimes it's better to take baby steps rather than rush ahead! 🐢
- 13. Digital protection device? — Answer: STEELTOE. Hint: Think about what protects your toes in a workplace setting! 🥾
- 14. Figure that comes with strings attached — Answer: MARIONETTE. Hint: Think of a puppet that dances when someone pulls its strings! 🎭
- 15. Accepting customers — Answer: OPEN. Hint: Think about a door that welcomes visitors in! 🚪
- 16. "Deal!" — Answer: SOLD. Hint: When you finalize a transaction, you've done this! 💰
- 17. Intel gatherer — Answer: SPY. Hint: Think of someone who works undercover to collect information! 🕵️♂️
- 24. Small porch — Answer: STOOP. Hint: A cozy little step to sit on outside your door! 🏡
- 27. Campus leader — Answer: DEAN. Hint: Think of the person who oversees academic departments and student affairs at a university! 🎓
- 28. Mideast leader — Answer: EMIR. Hint: This title is often associated with rulers in the Arabian Peninsula! 🕌
- 29. Urchin — Answer: WAIF. Hint: Think of a lost child who might be wandering the streets. 🧒
- 33. Beach city near Pepperdine — Answer: MALIBU. Hint: This coastal gem is famous for its stunning waves and celebrity homes! 🌊
- 34. Powerful groups — Answer: ELITES. Hint: Think of influential circles that hold sway in society! 💼
- 35. __ Falls Convention — Answer: SENECA. Hint: Think of a historic gathering in New York that focused on women's rights! 🌸
- 36. "What a bore" — Answer: HOWDULL. Hint: Sometimes a dull moment needs a clever phrase to spice it up! 😄
- 37. Soup often garnished with bean sprouts — Answer: PHO. Hint: This Vietnamese soup often warms you up with a savory broth and delightful spices! 🍜
- 38. Nev. neighbor — Answer: ARI. Hint: Think of a state that shares a border with Nevada and has a name that flows like a desert breeze! 🌵
- 39. Wrap with tzatziki — Answer: GYRO. Hint: This Greek dish often comes wrapped in pita and is a tasty street food delight! 🥙
- 40. Tilt — Answer: LEAN. Hint: When you want to rest on one side, you might just do this! 🤔
- 41. "Hanna" star Creed-Miles — Answer: ESME. Hint: This name might remind you of a classic novel with a strong female lead! 📚
- 44. Having trouble deciding — Answer: TORN. Hint: It's that feeling when you're pulled in two different directions! 🤔
- 45. Physiologist Pavlov — Answer: IVAN. Hint: Think of a famous Russian known for his work with dogs! 🐕
- 47. Given to moping, maybe — Answer: EMO. Hint: Think of a style often associated with feelings and a certain kind of music. 🎸
- 52. Sense — Answer: FEEL. Hint: It's what you do when you notice something through your emotions! 😊
- 53. Unresponsive states — Answer: COMAS. Hint: Think of a condition where one might be completely unresponsive, yet still alive! 😴
- 54. Party-planning site — Answer: EVITE. Hint: This online tool helps you gather friends for celebrations! 🎉
- 55. Massachusetts home of the Tanglewood Music Festival — Answer: LENOX. Hint: This charming town is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural events! 🎶
- 56. Wrinkle remover — Answer: IRON. Hint: This household appliance smooths out creases and keeps clothes looking sharp! 👕
- 57. Quaint word of despair — Answer: ALAS. Hint: When you're feeling down and want to express it with a touch of charm, this word might just slip out. 😔
- 59. Many execs — Answer: MBAS. Hint: They often seek advanced degrees to climb the corporate ladder! 📈
- 60. Lasses — Answer: GALS. Hint: A casual term for female friends or companions! 👭
- 61. Pardon — Answer: AMNESTY. Hint: Think of a term that represents a blanket forgiveness for offenses, often used in political contexts! 🕊️
- 62. Vivid vegetable — Answer: BEET. Hint: This root veggie can add a pop of color to your plate! 🌈
- 67. Pointy tooth — Answer: CANINE. Hint: Think about the type of teeth that are known for their sharpness and help in tearing food! 🐶
- 68. Eye-related — Answer: OCULAR. Hint: Think about what relates to vision and sight! 👀
- 69. Attacks from all sides — Answer: BESETS. Hint: When challenges surround you from every direction, what word captures that feeling? 🌀
- 70. Figure who manipulates flames in a Nickelodeon fantasy series — Answer: FIREBENDER. Hint: Think of someone who can control fire, especially in a world of elemental powers! 🔥
- 71. Phobia — Answer: FEAR. Hint: It's an intense feeling that can sometimes take over your mind! 😨
- 72. Villainous Count of kid-lit — Answer: OLAF. Hint: This character has a chilly demeanor and shares a name with a popular frozen snowman! ❄️
- 73. Confused state — Answer: FOG. Hint: When visibility is low, everything seems a bit unclear! 🌫️
- 74. Note-passer's utterance — Answer: PSST. Hint: A quiet way to get someone's attention without making a scene! 🤫
- 75. Head or heart follower — Answer: ACHE. Hint: Something you might feel when love or sorrow strikes! 💔
- 76. Valuable to collectors — Answer: RARE. Hint: Some treasures are hard to find and cherished by many! 🏺
- 81. Annual Player Selection Meeting, informally — Answer: NFLDRAFT. Hint: It's the big event where teams choose new talent to join their ranks! 🏈
- 82. Step on the scale? — Answer: SOL. Hint: It's a measure of sound, but not what you might think! 🎶
- 83. Largest Chinese ethnic group — Answer: HAN. Hint: Think of the dominant cultural group in China that has a historical influence! 🇨🇳
- 84. Military encampment unit — Answer: ARMYTENT. Hint: Picture a cozy shelter for soldiers in the great outdoors! 🏕️
- 86. Philosopher Immanuel — Answer: KANT. Hint: This thinker is known for his views on ethics and knowledge, and his name rhymes with a word for what you should 'do' to your plans! 🧠
- 87. Winter stoats — Answer: ERMINES. Hint: These elegant creatures wear a stunning white coat in the cold months! ❄️
- 88. "Lovecraft Country" actor Courtney B. __ — Answer: VANCE. Hint: This actor is known for his powerful performances and shares a last name with the term for a stronghold or defensive structure. 🏰
- 89. Revise — Answer: EDIT. Hint: Make those words shine with a little touch-up! ✍️
- 90. Reddish-brown tea — Answer: ROOIBOS. Hint: This herbal tea is often enjoyed for its unique flavor and is naturally caffeine-free! ☕
- 91. Work hard for — Answer: EARN. Hint: Put in the effort to receive a reward! 💪
- 96. Grandma, to some — Answer: MEEMAW. Hint: This affectionate term for grandma is often used in the South! 🐔
- 98. "Farewell, amigos!" — Answer: ADIOS. Hint: It’s a common way to say goodbye in Spanish! 👋
- 100. "Farewell, amici!" — Answer: CIAO. Hint: This Italian greeting is often used when saying goodbye to friends! 👋
- 101. Ricelike pasta — Answer: ORZO. Hint: Think of a tiny pasta that resembles grains and is often found in soups! 🍲
- 102. French greeting — Answer: ALLO. Hint: This casual way to say hello in French is often heard on the phone! 📞
- 103. Tokarczuk who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature — Answer: OLGA. Hint: This talented Polish author shares her name with a popular first name! 📚
- 104. Onigiri wrapper — Answer: NORI. Hint: This seaweed is often found alongside sushi and makes a great snack too! 🍣
- 105. Like cupcakes but not muffins, usually — Answer: ICED. Hint: Think of sweet treats that often have a frosty top! 🧁
- 106. Compete against the clock — Answer: RACE. Hint: When you're in a hurry, it's all about speed! 🏁
- 107. Slimy mud — Answer: MIRE. Hint: This sticky situation can really slow you down! 🐌
- 108. Toboggan, e.g. — Answer: SLED. Hint: Think about a fun way to zoom down a snowy hill! ❄️
- 109. Texter's "Just a moment" — Answer: BRB. Hint: When you need to step away but want to let someone know you'll return soon, this is what you text! ⏳
The answer to “__ acid” in the LA Times crossword is AMINO — a 5-letter word. This clue ran in the LA Times crossword on July 12, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 65-Across. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.
“__ acid” answer
AMINO (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 AMINO.
Why the answer is AMINO
This type of acid is essential for building blocks of proteins! 🧬
When else has “__ acid” appeared?
LA Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.
July 12, 2026 (this puzzle) → AMINO. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the LA Times crossword on July 12, 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.
- Unresponsive states → COMAS
- Party-planning site → EVITE
- Massachusetts home of the Tanglewood Music Festival → LENOX
- Wrinkle remover → IRON
- Lasses → GALS
- "The Fresh Prince of __-Air" → BEL
- Apology starter → MEA
- 2028 Olympics host: Abbr. → USA
Want every clue in one place? The full LA Times answer list for July 12, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live LA Times answers are always one tap from the today page.
About the LA Times Crossword
The Los Angeles Times crossword is a classic daily 15×15 (larger on Sunday) with a long syndication history and a conversational clue voice. This page covers a Sunday puzzle. Straight-definition answers still do a lot of the heavy lifting in the grid, so locking one mid-length entry often opens two or three crossings at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “__ acid”?
The answer is AMINO, a 5-letter word. It appeared in the LA Times crossword on July 12, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “__ acid”?
5 letters: AMINO.
Where did this clue appear?
In the LA Times crossword on July 12, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 65-Across.
Can “__ acid” have a different answer?
Yes — LA 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 LA Times answers?
The full grid for July 12, 2026 is on the LA Times answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.