USA Today Crossword Answers - Jul 8

Right On!

By Bill Conner

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Across

  1. 1"I'll ___" ("Nah, I'm good")PASS
  2. 5DeleteERASE
  3. 10Event for a swimmer or runnerMEET
  4. 14Tweak a draftEDIT
  5. 15Starter courses at some restaurantsSOUPS
  6. 16Arizona county home to Castle Dome LandingYUMA
  7. 17La ___ Tar PitsBREA
  8. 18Musee d'Orsay cityPARIS
  9. 19StumbleTRIP
  10. 20Annual New England raceBOSTONMARATHON
  11. 23Unit roughly equal to two pintsLITER
  12. 24Word before "dropper" or "popper"EYE
  13. 25Tent stakePEG
  14. 27"when r u due in?"ETA
  15. 28LimitsCAPS
  16. 32Williams who wrote "The Adventures of Qai Qai"SERENA
  17. 34Evian competitorDASANI
  18. 36Feed for a steedOATS
  19. 37Trendsetter with impeccable styleFASHIONICON
  20. 40Cliched dog nameSPOT
  21. 42Instagram follower?DOTCOM
  22. 43Announce in a grand wayHERALD
  23. 46Carmen Maria Machado's "Meat Eater No. 5," e.g.POEM
  24. 47Gob of gumWAD
  25. 50Shaggy Himalayan animalYAK
  26. 51Totally fineAOK
  27. 53SeethingIRATE
  28. 55Mathematical expression whose numerator and denominator are both integersCOMMONFRACTION
  29. 60Affectionate email sign-offLOVE
  30. 61Part of a Tibetan Buddhist titleDALAI
  31. 62Sicilian peakETNA
  32. 63Dual-value blackjack cardsACES
  33. 64Refrain fromAVOID
  34. 65Took to courtSUED
  35. 66Bhindi masala ingredientOKRA
  36. 67Ownership documentsDEEDS
  37. 68Initialism similar to "FYI"PSA

Down

  1. 1Annoyance in a shoePEBBLE
  2. 2Highly skilledADROIT
  3. 3Post-lunch napSIESTA
  4. 4Connecticut, for oneSTATE
  5. 5"SportsCenter" channelESPN
  6. 6Wander aimlesslyROAM
  7. 7Personal vibeAURA
  8. 8Pointy church partSPIRE
  9. 9English class assignmentsESSAYS
  10. 10"Trimming hair makes it grow faster," e.g.MYTH
  11. 11___ UnionEUROPEAN
  12. 12DistinguishedEMINENT
  13. 13Touch, like a phone iconTAP
  14. 21Apex predators of the seasORCAS
  15. 22Support for a driver?TEE
  16. 26What Brits refer to as "petrol"GAS
  17. 29Word before "blonde" or "Wednesday"ASH
  18. 30Picked up the tabPAID
  19. 31Play detectiveSNOOP
  20. 33One of nine in the board game ClueROOM
  21. 34___ encryptionDATA
  22. 35Fascinated byINTO
  23. 37Cough upFORKOVER
  24. 38Neat drink's lackICE
  25. 39Open mic performer, oftenCOMIC
  26. 40BashfulSHY
  27. 41Mrs. ___ (Clue character)PEACOCK
  28. 44On the ___ (hiding out)LAM
  29. 45ThingamajigDOODAD
  30. 47"Don't leave without me!"WAITUP
  31. 48Makes amendsATONES
  32. 49"Gracias" responseDENADA
  33. 52ScoundrelKNAVE
  34. 54GPS suggestions (Abbr.)RTES
  35. 56Arizona city home to the i.d.e.a. MuseumMESA
  36. 57Floating ice sheetFLOE
  37. 58Midnight pantry visitRAID
  38. 59Lends a handAIDS
  39. 60Larb cuisineLAO

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. "I'll ___" ("Nah, I'm good") — Answer: PASS. Hint: Sometimes it's best to skip an offer, right? 🙅‍♂️
  2. 5. Delete — Answer: ERASE. Hint: Sometimes you just need to wipe the slate clean! 🧽
  3. 10. Event for a swimmer or runner — Answer: MEET. Hint: It's a gathering where athletes showcase their skills! 🏊‍♂️
  4. 14. Tweak a draft — Answer: EDIT. Hint: It's what you do to polish your writing before sharing it! ✍️
  5. 15. Starter courses at some restaurants — Answer: SOUPS. Hint: Think of a warm dish that often opens a meal! 🍲
  6. 16. Arizona county home to Castle Dome Landing — Answer: YUMA. Hint: This warm desert destination is known for its outdoor adventures! 🌵
  7. 17. La ___ Tar Pits — Answer: BREA. Hint: Think of a famous site in Los Angeles known for its prehistoric treasures! 🦖
  8. 18. Musee d'Orsay city — Answer: PARIS. Hint: The city known for its romantic atmosphere and the Eiffel Tower awaits your discovery! 🗼
  9. 19. Stumble — Answer: TRIP. Hint: Sometimes you might take a little fall over your own feet! 🤭
  10. 20. Annual New England race — Answer: BOSTONMARATHON. Hint: Think about a famous running event that draws thousands to the streets of Massachusetts! 🏃‍♂️
  11. 23. Unit roughly equal to two pints — Answer: LITER. Hint: Think of a measurement often used for liquids that sounds a bit like a popular drink container! 🥤
  12. 24. Word before "dropper" or "popper" — Answer: EYE. Hint: What part of your face helps you see the world around you? 👁️
  13. 25. Tent stake — Answer: PEG. Hint: Think of a simple tool that helps keep things in place, especially when camping! 🏕️
  14. 27. "when r u due in?" — Answer: ETA. Hint: Think about what people often ask when trying to figure out your arrival time! ⏰
  15. 28. Limits — Answer: CAPS. Hint: Think of something that can keep things from overflowing! 🛑
  16. 32. Williams who wrote "The Adventures of Qai Qai" — Answer: SERENA. Hint: This tennis star is also known for her storytelling talents! 🎾
  17. 34. Evian competitor — Answer: DASANI. Hint: This brand is often found in coolers next to a certain soft drink company! 🥤
  18. 36. Feed for a steed — Answer: OATS. Hint: Think of a wholesome grain that horses love to munch on! 🐴
  19. 37. Trendsetter with impeccable style — Answer: FASHIONICON. Hint: Think of someone who defines what’s cool in clothing and accessories! 👗
  20. 40. Cliched dog name — Answer: SPOT. Hint: It's a common name for a pup often seen in stories and cartoons! 🐶
  21. 42. Instagram follower? — Answer: DOTCOM. Hint: Online presence often boosts your popularity, especially in the digital realm! 📲
  22. 43. Announce in a grand way — Answer: HERALD. Hint: Think of a royal announcement that captures attention! 📣
  23. 46. Carmen Maria Machado's "Meat Eater No. 5," e.g. — Answer: POEM. Hint: Think of a creative expression that often rhymes and can evoke emotions! 📝
  24. 47. Gob of gum — Answer: WAD. Hint: Think of a squishy mass you might chew on! 🍬
  25. 50. Shaggy Himalayan animal — Answer: YAK. Hint: This sturdy creature roams the high mountains and has a long, flowing coat! 🐂
  26. 51. Totally fine — Answer: AOK. Hint: When everything is alright, you might say this! 👍
  27. 53. Seething — Answer: IRATE. Hint: When emotions boil over, you might feel this way! 😠
  28. 55. Mathematical expression whose numerator and denominator are both integers — Answer: COMMONFRACTION. Hint: Think of a fraction that's widely used in everyday math, where both parts are whole numbers! ➗
  29. 60. Affectionate email sign-off — Answer: LOVE. Hint: This warm closing often follows heartfelt messages! 💌
  30. 61. Part of a Tibetan Buddhist title — Answer: DALAI. Hint: Think of a spiritual leader often associated with Tibet. 🕉️
  31. 62. Sicilian peak — Answer: ETNA. Hint: Think of a famous volcano that might give you a warm reception! 🌋
  32. 63. Dual-value blackjack cards — Answer: ACES. Hint: These cards can really change the game, especially when you're aiming for 21! 🃏
  33. 64. Refrain from — Answer: AVOID. Hint: Steer clear of something that doesn't sit well with you! 🚫
  34. 65. Took to court — Answer: SUED. Hint: If you've got a legal beef, you might consider this action! ⚖️
  35. 66. Bhindi masala ingredient — Answer: OKRA. Hint: This green vegetable adds a unique texture to many Indian dishes! 🥒
  36. 67. Ownership documents — Answer: DEEDS. Hint: These legal papers can really tie you down to a property! 🏡
  37. 68. Initialism similar to "FYI" — Answer: PSA. Hint: This announcement is meant to keep everyone in the loop! 📢

Down

  1. 1. Annoyance in a shoe — Answer: PEBBLE. Hint: Think of something small that can cause big discomfort when it gets stuck! 🥾
  2. 2. Highly skilled — Answer: ADROIT. Hint: Think of someone who handles tasks with ease and precision! 🧠
  3. 3. Post-lunch nap — Answer: SIESTA. Hint: It's that delightful break when the sun is high, and you're ready to recharge! 🌞
  4. 4. Connecticut, for one — Answer: STATE. Hint: This is what you might call a region within a country! 🗺️
  5. 5. "SportsCenter" channel — Answer: ESPN. Hint: This channel is your go-to for the latest highlights and sports news! 📺
  6. 6. Wander aimlessly — Answer: ROAM. Hint: Think of a leisurely stroll without a specific destination in mind! 🥾
  7. 7. Personal vibe — Answer: AURA. Hint: It's the distinctive atmosphere that surrounds a person, almost like their energy! ✨
  8. 8. Pointy church part — Answer: SPIRE. Hint: Think of a tall, narrow structure that reaches for the heavens! ⛪
  9. 9. English class assignments — Answer: ESSAYS. Hint: Think of those long pieces you write to express your thoughts! 📝
  10. 10. "Trimming hair makes it grow faster," e.g. — Answer: MYTH. Hint: Sometimes what you believe about hair care is just a tall tale! 💇‍♂️
  11. 11. ___ Union — Answer: EUROPEAN. Hint: Think of a group promoting unity among nations across the continent! 🌍
  12. 12. Distinguished — Answer: EMINENT. Hint: Think of someone who stands out in their field and is widely respected! 🌟
  13. 13. Touch, like a phone icon — Answer: TAP. Hint: It's what you do to select something on your screen! 📱
  14. 21. Apex predators of the seas — Answer: ORCAS. Hint: These black-and-white beauties reign supreme in oceanic waters! 🐋
  15. 22. Support for a driver? — Answer: TEE. Hint: Think of what helps a golf ball stand tall for a perfect swing! ⛳
  16. 26. What Brits refer to as "petrol" — Answer: GAS. Hint: Think about what fuels your car on the other side of the pond! ⛽
  17. 29. Word before "blonde" or "Wednesday" — Answer: ASH. Hint: Think of a color often associated with a certain type of hair or shade! 🌈
  18. 30. Picked up the tab — Answer: PAID. Hint: When you cover the bill for a meal, you might say you did this! 💸
  19. 31. Play detective — Answer: SNOOP. Hint: Being curious about someone else's business can lead to interesting discoveries! 🕵️‍♂️
  20. 33. One of nine in the board game Clue — Answer: ROOM. Hint: Where each mystery unfolds in the game of deduction! 🕵️‍♂️
  21. 34. ___ encryption — Answer: DATA. Hint: This type of encryption keeps your information safe and private! 🔒
  22. 35. Fascinated by — Answer: INTO. Hint: When you're completely absorbed in something, you might say you're drawn __ it! ✨
  23. 37. Cough up — Answer: FORKOVER. Hint: It's what you might do when you're reluctant to part with something! 💰
  24. 38. Neat drink's lack — Answer: ICE. Hint: You might want your beverage to be crisp and cool, but sometimes it can be missing that refreshing touch! 🥤
  25. 39. Open mic performer, often — Answer: COMIC. Hint: Think of someone who brings laughter to the stage with their jokes! 😂
  26. 40. Bashful — Answer: SHY. Hint: It's a feeling you might have when meeting new people or talking to a crush! 😊
  27. 41. Mrs. ___ (Clue character) — Answer: PEACOCK. Hint: This character is known for her elegance and mystery in a classic whodunit game! 🦚
  28. 44. On the ___ (hiding out) — Answer: LAM. Hint: When you're trying to avoid being caught, you might just be in this state of escape! 🤫
  29. 45. Thingamajig — Answer: DOODAD. Hint: You know, that little gadget or thing you can't quite name! 🛠️
  30. 47. "Don't leave without me!" — Answer: WAITUP. Hint: Sometimes you just need to ask someone to pause for a moment! ⏳
  31. 48. Makes amends — Answer: ATONES. Hint: When you wrong someone, this is what you do to make it right! 🙏
  32. 49. "Gracias" response — Answer: DENADA. Hint: It's all about being polite when someone thanks you! 🙏
  33. 52. Scoundrel — Answer: KNAVE. Hint: Think of a mischievous trickster from medieval tales! 🏰
  34. 54. GPS suggestions (Abbr.) — Answer: RTES. Hint: These pathways might guide you on your next adventure! 🗺️
  35. 56. Arizona city home to the i.d.e.a. Museum — Answer: MESA. Hint: This city's name is a Spanish word for a flat-topped mountain! 🏞️
  36. 57. Floating ice sheet — Answer: FLOE. Hint: Think of a large piece of ice drifting in the water! 🧊
  37. 58. Midnight pantry visit — Answer: RAID. Hint: Sometimes late-night cravings lead to a clever culinary mission! 🌙
  38. 59. Lends a hand — Answer: AIDS. Hint: Think of how to offer support or assistance to someone in need! 🤝
  39. 60. Larb cuisine — Answer: LAO. Hint: This country is known for its delicious catfish and sticky rice! 🇱🇦

Recent USA Today Answers

The last 3 days of solutions

USA Today 7 July 2026USA Today 6 July 2026USA Today 5 July 2026

Here are the USA Today Crossword answers for Wednesday, July 8, 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 8?” 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 8, 2026

The full solution for the July 8 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 Wednesday, July 8.

Full USA Today Crossword answer list for July 8, 2026

Every clue from the July 8 grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.

Across

#ClueAnswer
1"I'll ___" ("Nah, I'm good")PASS
5DeleteERASE
10Event for a swimmer or runnerMEET
14Tweak a draftEDIT
15Starter courses at some restaurantsSOUPS
16Arizona county home to Castle Dome LandingYUMA
17La ___ Tar PitsBREA
18Musee d'Orsay cityPARIS
19StumbleTRIP
20Annual New England raceBOSTONMARATHON
23Unit roughly equal to two pintsLITER
24Word before "dropper" or "popper"EYE
25Tent stakePEG
27"when r u due in?"ETA
28LimitsCAPS
32Williams who wrote "The Adventures of Qai Qai"SERENA
34Evian competitorDASANI
36Feed for a steedOATS
37Trendsetter with impeccable styleFASHIONICON
40Cliched dog nameSPOT
42Instagram follower?DOTCOM
43Announce in a grand wayHERALD
46Carmen Maria Machado's "Meat Eater No. 5," e.g.POEM
47Gob of gumWAD
50Shaggy Himalayan animalYAK
51Totally fineAOK
53SeethingIRATE
55Mathematical expression whose numerator and denominator are both integersCOMMONFRACTION
60Affectionate email sign-offLOVE
61Part of a Tibetan Buddhist titleDALAI
62Sicilian peakETNA
63Dual-value blackjack cardsACES
64Refrain fromAVOID
65Took to courtSUED
66Bhindi masala ingredientOKRA
67Ownership documentsDEEDS
68Initialism similar to "FYI"PSA

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Annoyance in a shoePEBBLE
2Highly skilledADROIT
3Post-lunch napSIESTA
4Connecticut, for oneSTATE
5"SportsCenter" channelESPN
6Wander aimlesslyROAM
7Personal vibeAURA
8Pointy church partSPIRE
9English class assignmentsESSAYS
10"Trimming hair makes it grow faster," e.g.MYTH
11___ UnionEUROPEAN
12DistinguishedEMINENT
13Touch, like a phone iconTAP
21Apex predators of the seasORCAS
22Support for a driver?TEE
26What Brits refer to as "petrol"GAS
29Word before "blonde" or "Wednesday"ASH
30Picked up the tabPAID
31Play detectiveSNOOP
33One of nine in the board game ClueROOM
34___ encryptionDATA
35Fascinated byINTO
37Cough upFORKOVER
38Neat drink's lackICE
39Open mic performer, oftenCOMIC
40BashfulSHY
41Mrs. ___ (Clue character)PEACOCK
44On the ___ (hiding out)LAM
45ThingamajigDOODAD
47"Don't leave without me!"WAITUP
48Makes amendsATONES
49"Gracias" responseDENADA
52ScoundrelKNAVE
54GPS suggestions (Abbr.)RTES
56Arizona city home to the i.d.e.a. MuseumMESA
57Floating ice sheetFLOE
58Midnight pantry visitRAID
59Lends a handAIDS
60Larb cuisineLAO

Hints for the July 8 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 8 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 Wednesday 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 8, 2026?

Every answer for the Wednesday, July 8, 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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