USA Today Crossword Answers - Jul 7

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By Matthew Luter

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Across

  1. 1Opposite of duskDAWN
  2. 5Cotton-tipped toolSWAB
  3. 9Throws for a loopSTUNS
  4. 14Soothing succulentALOE
  5. 15Fruit that might be poachedPEAR
  6. 16Orange ___ teaPEKOE
  7. 17Photography gear that can show a flower growing in secondsTIMELAPSECAMERA
  8. 20Prez on the pennyABE
  9. 21D.C. summer hoursEDT
  10. 22DistortWARP
  11. 23App with Reels, for shortINSTA
  12. 25Bay Area university cityBERKELEY
  13. 29Curious toddler's questionWHY
  14. 30Warring OlympianARES
  15. 31Animal such as a bonoboAPE
  16. 32Solo that ends on a high note?ARIA
  17. 34"___ what ___ . . ."ITIS
  18. 35Part of a planSTEP
  19. 36Dessert that's soaked in a trio of dairy productsTRESLECHESCAKE
  20. 39There are two in "Company"ACTS
  21. 40Loch with a cryptidNESS
  22. 41TintsHUES
  23. 42___ capitaPER
  24. 43Chess or GoGAME
  25. 44"Let there be light" speakerGOD
  26. 45Unassertive type, metaphoricallyDOORMAT
  27. 47Come upARISE
  28. 50Quick lookPEEK
  29. 51"Rhythm ___ Dancer" ('90s hit)ISA
  30. 52Actress LongoriaEVA
  31. 54ShamrockTHREELEAFCLOVER
  32. 59___ pan (circular baking tool with a hole)BUNDT
  33. 60Civil rights icon ParksROSA
  34. 61Fender bender resultDENT
  35. 62Pile upAMASS
  36. 63Low-quality AI-generated materialSLOP
  37. 64Laryngitis docsENTS

Down

  1. 1Statistical infoDATA
  2. 2"I was at a crossword tournament when it happened!," e.g.ALIBI
  3. 3"20th Century ___" (Mike Mills film)WOMEN
  4. 4Word before a birth nameNEE
  5. 5Self-care outingSPADAY
  6. 6Shed tearsWEPT
  7. 7Versatile batteriesAAS
  8. 8Where pilsners are madeBREWERIES
  9. 9L.A.'s WNBA teamSPARKS
  10. 10Sun Devils' cityTEMPE
  11. 11Luau instrument, for shortUKE
  12. 12Negative conjunctionNOR
  13. 13Poseidon's realmSEA
  14. 18"___ Weapon" (action movie franchise)LETHAL
  15. 19Stroke gentlyCARESS
  16. 24Holey cheeseSWISS
  17. 25Gift including body wash, a loofah, lotion, etc.BATHSET
  18. 26Fried Hanukkah treatLATKE
  19. 27Some swordsEPEES
  20. 28"You bet!"YEP
  21. 32Flew in a curved pathARCED
  22. 33Like chiptune musicRETRO
  23. 34Some freezer fixturesICEMAKERS
  24. 35___ ArabiaSAUDI
  25. 36Noisy dance styleTAP
  26. 37Hardest substance in the human bodyENAMEL
  27. 38Composed for a group of singersCHORAL
  28. 43WelcomesGREETS
  29. 44It gets tightened after filling upGASCAP
  30. 46Hot takes in newspapersOPEDS
  31. 48"___ Nation Army"SEVEN
  32. 49Caterer's gigEVENT
  33. 51"Should that happen . . ."IFSO
  34. 53The "A" of MFAARTS
  35. 54"Details to come" lettersTBA
  36. 55Use a kazoo, sayHUM
  37. 56Modern vaccine moleculeRNA
  38. 57Early ISPAOL
  39. 58Poetic tributeODE

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Opposite of dusk — Answer: DAWN. Hint: It's the time when the sun starts to rise and a new day begins! 🌅
  2. 5. Cotton-tipped tool — Answer: SWAB. Hint: This handy item is often found in the bathroom or first aid kit for those little touch-ups! 🛁
  3. 9. Throws for a loop — Answer: STUNS. Hint: Sometimes a surprise can really catch you off guard! 😲
  4. 14. Soothing succulent — Answer: ALOE. Hint: This plant is often used to calm skin irritations and keep things cool! 🌿
  5. 15. Fruit that might be poached — Answer: PEAR. Hint: Think of a sweet fruit that's often found in desserts or salads! 🍐
  6. 16. Orange ___ tea — Answer: PEKOE. Hint: This term refers to a type of black tea that sounds fruity and zesty! 🍊
  7. 17. Photography gear that can show a flower growing in seconds — Answer: TIMELAPSECAMERA. Hint: Capture nature's beauty in a flash with this nifty gadget! 📷
  8. 20. Prez on the penny — Answer: ABE. Hint: He famously delivered the Gettysburg Address and has a famous hat! 🎩
  9. 21. D.C. summer hours — Answer: EDT. Hint: When the sun's up longer in the capital, it's time to adjust your clocks! 🌞
  10. 22. Distort — Answer: WARP. Hint: Imagine bending light or space in a cool sci-fi way! 🌌
  11. 23. App with Reels, for short — Answer: INSTA. Hint: This social media platform is known for its photos and short videos! 📸
  12. 25. Bay Area university city — Answer: BERKELEY. Hint: This city is home to a famous public university and known for its vibrant culture! 🎓
  13. 29. Curious toddler's question — Answer: WHY. Hint: Little ones are great at asking about the reasons behind everything! 🤔
  14. 30. Warring Olympian — Answer: ARES. Hint: This deity is known for his fierce nature and association with conflict. ⚔️
  15. 31. Animal such as a bonobo — Answer: APE. Hint: Think of this clever creature swinging through the trees! 🌳
  16. 32. Solo that ends on a high note? — Answer: ARIA. Hint: Think of a beautiful solo performance often found in operas! 🎶
  17. 34. "___ what ___ . . ." — Answer: ITIS. Hint: This phrase often begins a classic expression of reassurance or confirmation! 🤫
  18. 35. Part of a plan — Answer: STEP. Hint: Every journey begins with this small but essential move! 🏃‍♂️
  19. 36. Dessert that's soaked in a trio of dairy products — Answer: TRESLECHESCAKE. Hint: This sweet treat is a celebration of three milks coming together for a deliciously moist experience! 🍰
  20. 39. There are two in "Company" — Answer: ACTS. Hint: Think about the roles or actions happening within a group! 🎭
  21. 40. Loch with a cryptid — Answer: NESS. Hint: This famous Scottish lake is known for a legendary creature that may or may not be swimming around! 🐉
  22. 41. Tints — Answer: HUES. Hint: Think of the different shades that add color to your world! 🎨
  23. 42. ___ capita — Answer: PER. Hint: Think of a common phrase used for measuring averages! 📊
  24. 43. Chess or Go — Answer: GAME. Hint: These activities often involve strategy and competition, but one word covers them both! 🎲
  25. 44. "Let there be light" speaker — Answer: GOD. Hint: Think of the ultimate creator in many religions! ✨
  26. 45. Unassertive type, metaphorically — Answer: DOORMAT. Hint: Think of someone who lets others walk all over them, metaphorically speaking! 🚪
  27. 47. Come up — Answer: ARISE. Hint: It's what the sun does each morning! 🌅
  28. 50. Quick look — Answer: PEEK. Hint: Sometimes it's best to just take a short glance! 👀
  29. 51. "Rhythm ___ Dancer" ('90s hit) — Answer: ISA. Hint: This song celebrates a smooth and catchy groove that got everyone moving in the '90s! 💃
  30. 52. Actress Longoria — Answer: EVA. Hint: This actress is known for her role in a popular TV show about a quiet suburban life. 🎬
  31. 54. Shamrock — Answer: THREELEAFCLOVER. Hint: Think of a symbol often associated with luck that has three parts! 🍀
  32. 59. ___ pan (circular baking tool with a hole) — Answer: BUNDT. Hint: Think of a cake that looks fancy and has a unique shape! 🍰
  33. 60. Civil rights icon Parks — Answer: ROSA. Hint: She made a memorable stand for equality on a bus in Montgomery! 🚌
  34. 61. Fender bender result — Answer: DENT. Hint: A small bump can leave a mark on your ride! 🚗
  35. 62. Pile up — Answer: AMASS. Hint: Think of gathering treasures until you have quite a collection! 💰
  36. 63. Low-quality AI-generated material — Answer: SLOP. Hint: Sometimes, what you find online can be a bit of a mess! 🥴
  37. 64. Laryngitis docs — Answer: ENTS. Hint: These specialists take care of your throat and voice! 🎤

Down

  1. 1. Statistical info — Answer: DATA. Hint: Think of numbers and facts that help tell a story! 📊
  2. 2. "I was at a crossword tournament when it happened!," e.g. — Answer: ALIBI. Hint: A clever excuse for being elsewhere during a tricky situation! 🕵️‍♂️
  3. 3. "20th Century ___" (Mike Mills film) — Answer: WOMEN. Hint: Think of a film that showcases the experiences and perspectives of a group of strong individuals in a significant era. 🎬
  4. 4. Word before a birth name — Answer: NEE. Hint: This word often signals a maiden name before marriage! 👰
  5. 5. Self-care outing — Answer: SPADAY. Hint: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and pampering! 💆‍♀️
  6. 6. Shed tears — Answer: WEPT. Hint: Sometimes, emotions overflow and we can't help but express them this way. 😢
  7. 7. Versatile batteries — Answer: AAS. Hint: Think about those little powerhouses that come in different sizes and can fit many devices! 🔋
  8. 8. Where pilsners are made — Answer: BREWERIES. Hint: Think of the places where your favorite beer comes to life! 🍺
  9. 9. L.A.'s WNBA team — Answer: SPARKS. Hint: This team shines bright on the basketball court in the City of Angels! ✨
  10. 10. Sun Devils' city — Answer: TEMPE. Hint: This city is known for its warm climate and proximity to a famous university! ☀️
  11. 11. Luau instrument, for short — Answer: UKE. Hint: This small stringed instrument is often associated with Hawaiian music. 🎶
  12. 12. Negative conjunction — Answer: NOR. Hint: This word is often used to connect two negative statements together! 🔗
  13. 13. Poseidon's realm — Answer: SEA. Hint: Think of the vast blue expanse that covers much of our planet! 🌊
  14. 18. "___ Weapon" (action movie franchise) — Answer: LETHAL. Hint: Think of a term for something that can be deadly, often used in action movies! 🔫
  15. 19. Stroke gently — Answer: CARESS. Hint: Think of a tender touch that conveys affection. 💕
  16. 24. Holey cheese — Answer: SWISS. Hint: This cheese is famous for its distinctive holes and comes from a country known for its watches and chocolates! 🧀
  17. 25. Gift including body wash, a loofah, lotion, etc. — Answer: BATHSET. Hint: Think of a thoughtful collection that makes showers feel extra special! 🛁
  18. 26. Fried Hanukkah treat — Answer: LATKE. Hint: Think of crispy potato goodness often enjoyed during a festive holiday! 🥔
  19. 27. Some swords — Answer: EPEES. Hint: Think of the elegant blades used in fencing! ⚔️
  20. 28. "You bet!" — Answer: YEP. Hint: When you agree enthusiastically, you might just say this! 👍
  21. 32. Flew in a curved path — Answer: ARCED. Hint: Think of how a projectile moves when it's launched! 🎯
  22. 33. Like chiptune music — Answer: RETRO. Hint: Think back to the good old days of gaming and sounds! 🎮
  23. 34. Some freezer fixtures — Answer: ICEMAKERS. Hint: Think about what helps you keep your drinks cold and refreshing! 🧊
  24. 35. ___ Arabia — Answer: SAUDI. Hint: Think of the major desert nation known for its oil wealth! 🌵
  25. 36. Noisy dance style — Answer: TAP. Hint: This rhythmic style often involves your feet making a cheerful racket! 🕺
  26. 37. Hardest substance in the human body — Answer: ENAMEL. Hint: It's what protects your teeth and is tougher than you might think! 🦷
  27. 38. Composed for a group of singers — Answer: CHORAL. Hint: Think of music meant for a joyful gathering of voices! 🎶
  28. 43. Welcomes — Answer: GREETS. Hint: It's how you say hello to friends! 👋
  29. 44. It gets tightened after filling up — Answer: GASCAP. Hint: Make sure to secure it before heading out for a drive! ⛽
  30. 46. Hot takes in newspapers — Answer: OPEDS. Hint: These pieces often express personal opinions and can spark lively discussions! 🗞️
  31. 48. "___ Nation Army" — Answer: SEVEN. Hint: Think of a well-known song that marches strong with a repetitive beat! 🎶
  32. 49. Caterer's gig — Answer: EVENT. Hint: Think of a special occasion where people gather to celebrate! 🎉
  33. 51. "Should that happen . . ." — Answer: IFSO. Hint: Consider the conditions that might lead to different outcomes! 🤔
  34. 53. The "A" of MFA — Answer: ARTS. Hint: This field embraces creativity and expression in various forms! 🎨
  35. 54. "Details to come" letters — Answer: TBA. Hint: When you're awaiting information, these letters pop up! 📅
  36. 55. Use a kazoo, say — Answer: HUM. Hint: This sound can be made with your voice and is often how you might echo a tune! 🎶
  37. 56. Modern vaccine molecule — Answer: RNA. Hint: This molecule plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and is key to some new vaccines! 💉
  38. 57. Early ISP — Answer: AOL. Hint: Think of a popular service that made dial-up internet famous in the '90s! 📞
  39. 58. Poetic tribute — Answer: ODE. Hint: Think of a heartfelt expression that often rhymes! ✍️

Recent USA Today Answers

The last 2 days of solutions

USA Today 6 July 2026USA Today 5 July 2026

Here are the USA Today Crossword answers for Tuesday, July 7, 2026 — every solution for that day's mid-size puzzle, listed at the top of this page. Whether you're catching up on a puzzle you missed, settling a “what was the answer on July 7?” question, or checking a grid you finished that day, the complete clue-by-clue solution is right here. Looking for today's puzzle instead? Head to our live USA Today Crossword answers page.

USA Today Crossword answers for July 7, 2026

The full solution for the July 7 USA Today Crossword is shown above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as that day's grid read. Each answer is listed separately, so you can check just the clue you were stuck on and leave the rest. This is the confirmed grid as published on Tuesday, July 7.

Full USA Today Crossword answer list for July 7, 2026

Every clue from the July 7 grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.

Across

#ClueAnswer
1Opposite of duskDAWN
5Cotton-tipped toolSWAB
9Throws for a loopSTUNS
14Soothing succulentALOE
15Fruit that might be poachedPEAR
16Orange ___ teaPEKOE
17Photography gear that can show a flower growing in secondsTIMELAPSECAMERA
20Prez on the pennyABE
21D.C. summer hoursEDT
22DistortWARP
23App with Reels, for shortINSTA
25Bay Area university cityBERKELEY
29Curious toddler's questionWHY
30Warring OlympianARES
31Animal such as a bonoboAPE
32Solo that ends on a high note?ARIA
34"___ what ___ . . ."ITIS
35Part of a planSTEP
36Dessert that's soaked in a trio of dairy productsTRESLECHESCAKE
39There are two in "Company"ACTS
40Loch with a cryptidNESS
41TintsHUES
42___ capitaPER
43Chess or GoGAME
44"Let there be light" speakerGOD
45Unassertive type, metaphoricallyDOORMAT
47Come upARISE
50Quick lookPEEK
51"Rhythm ___ Dancer" ('90s hit)ISA
52Actress LongoriaEVA
54ShamrockTHREELEAFCLOVER
59___ pan (circular baking tool with a hole)BUNDT
60Civil rights icon ParksROSA
61Fender bender resultDENT
62Pile upAMASS
63Low-quality AI-generated materialSLOP
64Laryngitis docsENTS

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Statistical infoDATA
2"I was at a crossword tournament when it happened!," e.g.ALIBI
3"20th Century ___" (Mike Mills film)WOMEN
4Word before a birth nameNEE
5Self-care outingSPADAY
6Shed tearsWEPT
7Versatile batteriesAAS
8Where pilsners are madeBREWERIES
9L.A.'s WNBA teamSPARKS
10Sun Devils' cityTEMPE
11Luau instrument, for shortUKE
12Negative conjunctionNOR
13Poseidon's realmSEA
18"___ Weapon" (action movie franchise)LETHAL
19Stroke gentlyCARESS
24Holey cheeseSWISS
25Gift including body wash, a loofah, lotion, etc.BATHSET
26Fried Hanukkah treatLATKE
27Some swordsEPEES
28"You bet!"YEP
32Flew in a curved pathARCED
33Like chiptune musicRETRO
34Some freezer fixturesICEMAKERS
35___ ArabiaSAUDI
36Noisy dance styleTAP
37Hardest substance in the human bodyENAMEL
38Composed for a group of singersCHORAL
43WelcomesGREETS
44It gets tightened after filling upGASCAP
46Hot takes in newspapersOPEDS
48"___ Nation Army"SEVEN
49Caterer's gigEVENT
51"Should that happen . . ."IFSO
53The "A" of MFAARTS
54"Details to come" lettersTBA
55Use a kazoo, sayHUM
56Modern vaccine moleculeRNA
57Early ISPAOL
58Poetic tributeODE

Hints for the July 7 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 7 USA Today puzzle was, like every USA Today crossword, themed — and, unlike the older broadsheet puzzles, it didn't get harder just because of the weekday: USA Today keeps a consistent, accessible difficulty every day. What changed on Tuesday was the theme, not the toughness, so that day's theme is usually what solvers were looking up. Use the hints for the trickiest clues, then reveal the answers above only if you need them.

Looking for a different day?

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Frequently asked questions

What were the USA Today Crossword answers on July 7, 2026?

Every answer for the Tuesday, July 7, 2026 USA Today Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

Where can I find today's USA Today Crossword answers?

Today's live puzzle is on our USA Today Crossword answers today page, updated the moment each new grid goes live.

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