Crossword Answer
Cotton-tipped tool
Hint
This handy item is often found in the bathroom or first aid kit for those little touch-ups! 🛁
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Tuesday, July 07, 2026
By Matthew Luter
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Opposite of dusk — Answer: DAWN. Hint: It's the time when the sun starts to rise and a new day begins! 🌅
- 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! 🛁
- 9. Throws for a loop — Answer: STUNS. Hint: Sometimes a surprise can really catch you off guard! 😲
- 14. Soothing succulent — Answer: ALOE. Hint: This plant is often used to calm skin irritations and keep things cool! 🌿
- 15. Fruit that might be poached — Answer: PEAR. Hint: Think of a sweet fruit that's often found in desserts or salads! 🍐
- 16. Orange ___ tea — Answer: PEKOE. Hint: This term refers to a type of black tea that sounds fruity and zesty! 🍊
- 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! 📷
- 20. Prez on the penny — Answer: ABE. Hint: He famously delivered the Gettysburg Address and has a famous hat! 🎩
- 21. D.C. summer hours — Answer: EDT. Hint: When the sun's up longer in the capital, it's time to adjust your clocks! 🌞
- 22. Distort — Answer: WARP. Hint: Imagine bending light or space in a cool sci-fi way! 🌌
- 23. App with Reels, for short — Answer: INSTA. Hint: This social media platform is known for its photos and short videos! 📸
- 25. Bay Area university city — Answer: BERKELEY. Hint: This city is home to a famous public university and known for its vibrant culture! 🎓
- 29. Curious toddler's question — Answer: WHY. Hint: Little ones are great at asking about the reasons behind everything! 🤔
- 30. Warring Olympian — Answer: ARES. Hint: This deity is known for his fierce nature and association with conflict. ⚔️
- 31. Animal such as a bonobo — Answer: APE. Hint: Think of this clever creature swinging through the trees! 🌳
- 32. Solo that ends on a high note? — Answer: ARIA. Hint: Think of a beautiful solo performance often found in operas! 🎶
- 34. "___ what ___ . . ." — Answer: ITIS. Hint: This phrase often begins a classic expression of reassurance or confirmation! 🤫
- 35. Part of a plan — Answer: STEP. Hint: Every journey begins with this small but essential move! 🏃♂️
- 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! 🍰
- 39. There are two in "Company" — Answer: ACTS. Hint: Think about the roles or actions happening within a group! 🎭
- 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! 🐉
- 41. Tints — Answer: HUES. Hint: Think of the different shades that add color to your world! 🎨
- 42. ___ capita — Answer: PER. Hint: Think of a common phrase used for measuring averages! 📊
- 43. Chess or Go — Answer: GAME. Hint: These activities often involve strategy and competition, but one word covers them both! 🎲
- 44. "Let there be light" speaker — Answer: GOD. Hint: Think of the ultimate creator in many religions! ✨
- 45. Unassertive type, metaphorically — Answer: DOORMAT. Hint: Think of someone who lets others walk all over them, metaphorically speaking! 🚪
- 47. Come up — Answer: ARISE. Hint: It's what the sun does each morning! 🌅
- 50. Quick look — Answer: PEEK. Hint: Sometimes it's best to just take a short glance! 👀
- 51. "Rhythm ___ Dancer" ('90s hit) — Answer: ISA. Hint: This song celebrates a smooth and catchy groove that got everyone moving in the '90s! 💃
- 52. Actress Longoria — Answer: EVA. Hint: This actress is known for her role in a popular TV show about a quiet suburban life. 🎬
- 54. Shamrock — Answer: THREELEAFCLOVER. Hint: Think of a symbol often associated with luck that has three parts! 🍀
- 59. ___ pan (circular baking tool with a hole) — Answer: BUNDT. Hint: Think of a cake that looks fancy and has a unique shape! 🍰
- 60. Civil rights icon Parks — Answer: ROSA. Hint: She made a memorable stand for equality on a bus in Montgomery! 🚌
- 61. Fender bender result — Answer: DENT. Hint: A small bump can leave a mark on your ride! 🚗
- 62. Pile up — Answer: AMASS. Hint: Think of gathering treasures until you have quite a collection! 💰
- 63. Low-quality AI-generated material — Answer: SLOP. Hint: Sometimes, what you find online can be a bit of a mess! 🥴
- 64. Laryngitis docs — Answer: ENTS. Hint: These specialists take care of your throat and voice! 🎤
Down
- 1. Statistical info — Answer: DATA. Hint: Think of numbers and facts that help tell a story! 📊
- 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. "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. Word before a birth name — Answer: NEE. Hint: This word often signals a maiden name before marriage! 👰
- 5. Self-care outing — Answer: SPADAY. Hint: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation and pampering! 💆♀️
- 6. Shed tears — Answer: WEPT. Hint: Sometimes, emotions overflow and we can't help but express them this way. 😢
- 7. Versatile batteries — Answer: AAS. Hint: Think about those little powerhouses that come in different sizes and can fit many devices! 🔋
- 8. Where pilsners are made — Answer: BREWERIES. Hint: Think of the places where your favorite beer comes to life! 🍺
- 9. L.A.'s WNBA team — Answer: SPARKS. Hint: This team shines bright on the basketball court in the City of Angels! ✨
- 10. Sun Devils' city — Answer: TEMPE. Hint: This city is known for its warm climate and proximity to a famous university! ☀️
- 11. Luau instrument, for short — Answer: UKE. Hint: This small stringed instrument is often associated with Hawaiian music. 🎶
- 12. Negative conjunction — Answer: NOR. Hint: This word is often used to connect two negative statements together! 🔗
- 13. Poseidon's realm — Answer: SEA. Hint: Think of the vast blue expanse that covers much of our planet! 🌊
- 18. "___ Weapon" (action movie franchise) — Answer: LETHAL. Hint: Think of a term for something that can be deadly, often used in action movies! 🔫
- 19. Stroke gently — Answer: CARESS. Hint: Think of a tender touch that conveys affection. 💕
- 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! 🧀
- 25. Gift including body wash, a loofah, lotion, etc. — Answer: BATHSET. Hint: Think of a thoughtful collection that makes showers feel extra special! 🛁
- 26. Fried Hanukkah treat — Answer: LATKE. Hint: Think of crispy potato goodness often enjoyed during a festive holiday! 🥔
- 27. Some swords — Answer: EPEES. Hint: Think of the elegant blades used in fencing! ⚔️
- 28. "You bet!" — Answer: YEP. Hint: When you agree enthusiastically, you might just say this! 👍
- 32. Flew in a curved path — Answer: ARCED. Hint: Think of how a projectile moves when it's launched! 🎯
- 33. Like chiptune music — Answer: RETRO. Hint: Think back to the good old days of gaming and sounds! 🎮
- 34. Some freezer fixtures — Answer: ICEMAKERS. Hint: Think about what helps you keep your drinks cold and refreshing! 🧊
- 35. ___ Arabia — Answer: SAUDI. Hint: Think of the major desert nation known for its oil wealth! 🌵
- 36. Noisy dance style — Answer: TAP. Hint: This rhythmic style often involves your feet making a cheerful racket! 🕺
- 37. Hardest substance in the human body — Answer: ENAMEL. Hint: It's what protects your teeth and is tougher than you might think! 🦷
- 38. Composed for a group of singers — Answer: CHORAL. Hint: Think of music meant for a joyful gathering of voices! 🎶
- 43. Welcomes — Answer: GREETS. Hint: It's how you say hello to friends! 👋
- 44. It gets tightened after filling up — Answer: GASCAP. Hint: Make sure to secure it before heading out for a drive! ⛽
- 46. Hot takes in newspapers — Answer: OPEDS. Hint: These pieces often express personal opinions and can spark lively discussions! 🗞️
- 48. "___ Nation Army" — Answer: SEVEN. Hint: Think of a well-known song that marches strong with a repetitive beat! 🎶
- 49. Caterer's gig — Answer: EVENT. Hint: Think of a special occasion where people gather to celebrate! 🎉
- 51. "Should that happen . . ." — Answer: IFSO. Hint: Consider the conditions that might lead to different outcomes! 🤔
- 53. The "A" of MFA — Answer: ARTS. Hint: This field embraces creativity and expression in various forms! 🎨
- 54. "Details to come" letters — Answer: TBA. Hint: When you're awaiting information, these letters pop up! 📅
- 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! 🎶
- 56. Modern vaccine molecule — Answer: RNA. Hint: This molecule plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and is key to some new vaccines! 💉
- 57. Early ISP — Answer: AOL. Hint: Think of a popular service that made dial-up internet famous in the '90s! 📞
- 58. Poetic tribute — Answer: ODE. Hint: Think of a heartfelt expression that often rhymes! ✍️
The answer to “Cotton-tipped tool” in the USA Today crossword is SWAB — a 4-letter word. This clue ran in the USA Today crossword on July 7, 2026, a Tuesday puzzle, at 5-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.
“Cotton-tipped tool” answer
SWAB (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 SWAB.
Why the answer is SWAB
This handy item is often found in the bathroom or first aid kit for those little touch-ups! 🛁
When else has “Cotton-tipped tool” appeared?
USA Today 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 7, 2026 (this puzzle) → SWAB. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the USA Today crossword on July 7, 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.
- Self-care outing → SPADAY
- Shed tears → WEPT
- Versatile batteries → AAS
- Where pilsners are made → BREWERIES
- Word before a birth name → NEE
- "20th Century ___" (Mike Mills film) → WOMEN
- "I was at a crossword tournament when it happened!," e.g. → ALIBI
- Opposite of dusk → DAWN
Want every clue in one place? The full USA Today answer list for July 7, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live USA Today answers are always one tap from the today page.
About the USA Today Crossword
USA Today's daily crossword is a themed, accessible grid with no Monday-to-Saturday difficulty ramp — every day is written to be finishable in one sitting. This page covers a Tuesday puzzle. Theme answers and short glue entries trade places in importance; when a theme clue stalls you, a confirmed crossing fill usually breaks it open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “Cotton-tipped tool”?
The answer is SWAB, a 4-letter word. It appeared in the USA Today crossword on July 7, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Cotton-tipped tool”?
4 letters: SWAB.
Where did this clue appear?
In the USA Today crossword on July 7, 2026 (a Tuesday puzzle), at 5-Across.
Can “Cotton-tipped tool” have a different answer?
Yes — USA Today 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 USA Today answers?
The full grid for July 7, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.