USA Today Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 7

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By Matthew Luter

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USA Today Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Opposite of dusk
  2. 5Cotton-tipped tool
  3. 9Throws for a loop
  4. 14Soothing succulent
  5. 15Fruit that might be poached
  6. 16Orange ___ tea
  7. 17Photography gear that can show a flower growing in seconds
  8. 20Prez on the penny
  9. 21D.C. summer hours
  10. 22Distort
  11. 23App with Reels, for short
  12. 25Bay Area university city
  13. 29Curious toddler's question
  14. 30Warring Olympian
  15. 31Animal such as a bonobo
  16. 32Solo that ends on a high note?
  17. 34"___ what ___ . . ."
  18. 35Part of a plan
  19. 36Dessert that's soaked in a trio of dairy products
  20. 39There are two in "Company"
  21. 40Loch with a cryptid
  22. 41Tints
  23. 42___ capita
  24. 43Chess or Go
  25. 44"Let there be light" speaker
  26. 45Unassertive type, metaphorically
  27. 47Come up
  28. 50Quick look
  29. 51"Rhythm ___ Dancer" ('90s hit)
  30. 52Actress Longoria
  31. 54Shamrock
  32. 59___ pan (circular baking tool with a hole)
  33. 60Civil rights icon Parks
  34. 61Fender bender result
  35. 62Pile up
  36. 63Low-quality AI-generated material
  37. 64Laryngitis docs

Down

  1. 1Statistical info
  2. 2"I was at a crossword tournament when it happened!," e.g.
  3. 3"20th Century ___" (Mike Mills film)
  4. 4Word before a birth name
  5. 5Self-care outing
  6. 6Shed tears
  7. 7Versatile batteries
  8. 8Where pilsners are made
  9. 9L.A.'s WNBA team
  10. 10Sun Devils' city
  11. 11Luau instrument, for short
  12. 12Negative conjunction
  13. 13Poseidon's realm
  14. 18"___ Weapon" (action movie franchise)
  15. 19Stroke gently
  16. 24Holey cheese
  17. 25Gift including body wash, a loofah, lotion, etc.
  18. 26Fried Hanukkah treat
  19. 27Some swords
  20. 28"You bet!"
  21. 32Flew in a curved path
  22. 33Like chiptune music
  23. 34Some freezer fixtures
  24. 35___ Arabia
  25. 36Noisy dance style
  26. 37Hardest substance in the human body
  27. 38Composed for a group of singers
  28. 43Welcomes
  29. 44It gets tightened after filling up
  30. 46Hot takes in newspapers
  31. 48"___ Nation Army"
  32. 49Caterer's gig
  33. 51"Should that happen . . ."
  34. 53The "A" of MFA
  35. 54"Details to come" letters
  36. 55Use a kazoo, say
  37. 56Modern vaccine molecule
  38. 57Early ISP
  39. 58Poetic tribute

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! ✍️

Looking for today's USA Today Crossword answers? The full solution to today's puzzle — dated July 7, 2026 — is at the top of this page, updated the moment the new grid goes live. The USA Today crossword is free, themed, and refreshingly modern, which has made it one of the most-played daily puzzles in the country. Whether you want to check a finished grid, unlock one stubborn square, or see the whole answer key, every across and down solution is listed below.

Today's USA Today Crossword answers

Today's solution appears above, split into Across and Down just as the puzzle numbers them. If you only need one word, each answer is listed separately so you can reveal the clue that's blocking you and keep solving the rest. The grid is confirmed and refreshed daily as soon as USA Today publishes it, so this is always the fastest place to check today's answers.

About the USA Today Crossword

The USA Today crossword is a free daily puzzle edited by Erik Agard, a celebrated constructor known for making crosswords more welcoming and inclusive. Unlike the older broadsheet puzzles, USA Today deliberately features contemporary vocabulary, diverse names and references, and a bright, modern voice — every puzzle is themed, and the themes are consistently clever without being cruel. It's a mid-size grid, quicker than the full NYT or LA Times, and it's earned a devoted following precisely because it feels fresh and fair rather than stuffy.

What makes the USA Today puzzle different

The biggest surprise for solvers coming from other papers is that USA Today doesn't follow the usual week-long difficulty ramp:

USA TodayNYT / LA Times
Difficulty curveConsistent every dayRamps through the week
ThemeEvery puzzle is themedThemed early week, themeless late
VocabularyModern, inclusive, currentMore traditional
CostFreeNYT paid; LA Times free
EditorErik AgardWill Shortz / Patti Varol

Tips for solving the USA Today Crossword

  • Find the theme. Every USA Today puzzle is themed, and the long theme answers usually share a pattern — crack one and the others often follow.
  • Lean on modern references. If a traditional-sounding answer isn't fitting, the intended answer is probably more contemporary — a current name, phrase, or bit of pop culture.
  • Fill the blanks first. Fill-in-the-blank clues are fast points and give you crossing letters everywhere.
  • Trust the crossings. A clue you can't get alone almost always falls once its crossing words are in.
  • Use the solver for one answer. Our crossword solver reveals a single clue's answer from your known letters, without spoiling the rest.

Browse past USA Today answers

Every previous USA Today puzzle is archived on this page by date, with its complete across and down solutions. It's the quickest way to check yesterday's grid, revisit a theme you enjoyed, or find a clue that stumped you. The archive updates automatically each day — today's answers roll into it as the next puzzle publishes — so it stays complete without spoiling the current day.

Browse more puzzles on the crossword solver, or use it to crack any clue from any publication.

Frequently asked questions

What are today's USA Today Crossword answers?

The full Across and Down solution for today's puzzle (July 7, 2026) is listed at the top of this page, updated as soon as it's released.

Is the USA Today Crossword free?

Yes — it's free to play online every day, and our answers and clues are free too.

Does the USA Today Crossword get harder through the week?

No — unlike the NYT, it keeps a consistent, accessible difficulty every day. What changes daily is the theme, not the toughness.

How do I reveal just one answer?

Each answer is listed separately here, or use the crossword solver to reveal a single clue's answer from your known letters.

Where can I find past USA Today answers?

Every previous puzzle is in the archive on this page, listed by date with full solutions, updated automatically each day.

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