USA Today Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 9

"Like and Subscribe!" (Freestyle)

By Jess Rucks

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USA Today Crossword Clues

Across

1Do some sums
4"Sum" homophone
8___ couture
13Not against
14Flibbertigibbet
16Stripped-down NPR music event
18Role play?
19___ Braden (civil rights activist)
20Really lay on, like a horn
21Butt one can bum
22Ocean color
24___ fairy
26Luau dish
27Ingredient in beer and bread
31"Soon"
33Poetic shoutout
35What a facepalm might mean
36Crow sounds
37More unusual
39"Da ___" (nickname for a world-famous Chicagoan)
40Accessibility law, for short
41Insta post
42Queen Latifah, e.g.
44Like a friend who always has your back
47That lady
49Vintage
50Purr-fect spot for sleeping, playing and scratching
53"Te ___ mucho"
54Cheeky
56Celebrity couple
57Rodent in a lab
58YouTubers and TikTokkers, e.g.
61Green Bay Packers fan
62___ tai
63Scatter some seeds
64Nile vipers
65Likely response to "Who wants to go to Disneyland?"

Down

1Enthusiast
2"Stay tuned . . . we'll be right back!"
3Like an arid climate
4Play part
5"Sick burn!"
6"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
7" . . . you get the idea"
8Pullover shirt with buttons at the neckline
9Like knowledge that might elicit a "How on EARTH did you know that?!"
10Lyft alternative
11Ripped
12Phone number add-on (Abbr.)
15Father-___ (expectant parent)
16Strategic
17Japanese soup stock
23Roller coaster, e.g.
25Channel with "Young Sheldon" reruns
28Highway beautification program
29Game series with warp pipes and mushroom power-ups
30Questlove's band
32Apex
34Omit the word "not" in "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (as happened in a King James reprint dubbed the Wicked Bible), say
38___ golf
39N95 masks, e.g.
43Swell smell
45Not quite right?
46Shoestrings
48Lure into a sting operation
51Actress Daly
52Property documents
54Fashionable Manhattan neighborhood
55Once more
58Includes on an email
59"J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 album)
60"I SO did not need to know that"

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

1. Do some sums — Answer: ADD. Hint: When numbers come together, it's time to bring them closer! ➕
4. "Sum" homophone — Answer: SOME. Hint: Think about a word that sounds like a portion of something, often used in math! 🎶
8. ___ couture — Answer: HAUTE. Hint: Think of high fashion that’s always at the top! 👗
13. Not against — Answer: FOR. Hint: If you're in favor of something, you're definitely not opposing it! 👍
14. Flibbertigibbet — Answer: CHATTERBOX. Hint: Think of someone who just can't stop talking! 🗣️
16. Stripped-down NPR music event — Answer: TINYDESKCONCERT. Hint: Imagine a cozy performance in a small space that captures the essence of a musical experience! 🎶
18. Role play? — Answer: ACT. Hint: Think about what performers do on stage! 🎭
19. ___ Braden (civil rights activist) — Answer: ANNE. Hint: This name shares its first letters with the famous children’s book character who’s always curious! 📚
20. Really lay on, like a horn — Answer: BLARE. Hint: When something makes a loud noise, it really knows how to make its presence known! 🎺
21. Butt one can bum — Answer: CIG. Hint: Think of a smoke break for a cozy chat! 🚬
22. Ocean color — Answer: SEAGREEN. Hint: Think of the beautiful hue that combines blue and green, reminiscent of tropical waters! 🌊
24. ___ fairy — Answer: TOOTH. Hint: This magical creature is known for collecting lost pearls from little ones! 🦷
26. Luau dish — Answer: POI. Hint: This Hawaiian side dish is made from the root of a plant and has a unique, smooth texture! 🌺
27. Ingredient in beer and bread — Answer: YEAST. Hint: Think of the magical ingredient that helps things rise and adds fizz! 🍞
31. "Soon" — Answer: INABIT. Hint: Just a little while longer until you get what you want! ⏳
33. Poetic shoutout — Answer: ODE. Hint: This lyrical tribute often expresses strong emotions or celebrates someone special! 🎶
35. What a facepalm might mean — Answer: DUH. Hint: Sometimes you just can't believe what you heard! 🤦
36. Crow sounds — Answer: CAWS. Hint: Think of the noise a blackbird makes as it announces its presence! 🐦
37. More unusual — Answer: ODDER. Hint: When something is a bit out of the ordinary, it might be described this way! 🤔
39. "Da ___" (nickname for a world-famous Chicagoan) — Answer: POPE. Hint: This title often comes with a white robe and a special hat! ⛪
40. Accessibility law, for short — Answer: ADA. Hint: This law is all about ensuring everyone has equal access! ♿
41. Insta post — Answer: PIC. Hint: It's a common abbreviation for a snapshot shared online! 📸
42. Queen Latifah, e.g. — Answer: RAPPER. Hint: She's a talented musician known for her lyrical prowess and has a royal stage name! 🎤
44. Like a friend who always has your back — Answer: LOYAL. Hint: Think of a quality that makes someone a true companion! 🤝
47. That lady — Answer: SHE. Hint: Think of a word that refers to a female without using her name. 💁‍♀️
49. Vintage — Answer: RETRO. Hint: Think of styles that bring back fond memories from the past! 🕰️
50. Purr-fect spot for sleeping, playing and scratching — Answer: CATCONDO. Hint: Where your furry friend loves to curl up and unleash their inner acrobat! 🐾
53. "Te ___ mucho" — Answer: AMO. Hint: It's a sweet way to express deep feelings in Spanish! ❤️
54. Cheeky — Answer: SAUCY. Hint: This word can describe someone who's a little bold and playful! 😉
56. Celebrity couple — Answer: ITEM. Hint: Think of two famous people as a single unit in the spotlight! 💑
57. Rodent in a lab — Answer: RAT. Hint: Think of a common lab animal that might scurry around! 🐭
58. YouTubers and TikTokkers, e.g. — Answer: CONTENTCREATORS. Hint: These modern influencers craft engaging material for platforms we love! 🎥
61. Green Bay Packers fan — Answer: CHEESEHEAD. Hint: This loyal supporter wears a unique headpiece that symbolizes their love for dairy! 🧀
62. ___ tai — Answer: MAI. Hint: This tropical cocktail is often served in a fancy glass and has a delightful mix of flavors! 🍹
63. Scatter some seeds — Answer: SOW. Hint: It's what you do in the garden to start new growth! 🌱
64. Nile vipers — Answer: ASPS. Hint: These slithering snakes have quite the reputation in ancient tales! 🐍
65. Likely response to "Who wants to go to Disneyland?" — Answer: IDO. Hint: This phrase often signifies enthusiastic agreement! 🎡

Down

1. Enthusiast — Answer: AFICIONADO. Hint: This word describes someone who is passionate about a particular interest or activity! 🎉
2. "Stay tuned . . . we'll be right back!" — Answer: DONTGOAWAY. Hint: This phrase often accompanies a commercial break on TV! 📺
3. Like an arid climate — Answer: DRY. Hint: When the weather is parched and lacks moisture, it can feel quite uncomfortable! 🌵
4. Play part — Answer: SCENE. Hint: Think of a specific moment in a dramatic performance! 🎭
5. "Sick burn!" — Answer: OHSNAP. Hint: When something surprising happens, you might exclaim this fun phrase! 🔥
6. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" — Answer: MAKEGOODCHOICES. Hint: Follow this advice to keep your decisions on the right track! 👍
7. " . . . you get the idea" — Answer: ETC. Hint: When listing things, this abbreviation helps wrap it up! 📜
8. Pullover shirt with buttons at the neckline — Answer: HENLEY. Hint: Think of a casual top that’s perfect for layering and often associated with a laid-back vibe! 👕
9. Like knowledge that might elicit a "How on EARTH did you know that?!" — Answer: ARCANE. Hint: This word describes something mysterious or known only to a few; it's often associated with hidden wisdom! 🧙‍♂️
10. Lyft alternative — Answer: UBER. Hint: This rideshare giant is often seen as the main competitor to a popular pink mustache option! 🚗
11. Ripped — Answer: TORE. Hint: Sometimes things just come apart at the seams! 🧵
12. Phone number add-on (Abbr.) — Answer: EXT. Hint: It's often used to reach a specific person or department! 📞
15. Father-___ (expectant parent) — Answer: TOBE. Hint: Think about a word that describes someone eagerly awaiting a new addition to the family! 🤰
16. Strategic — Answer: TACTICAL. Hint: Think of a clever plan that involves careful maneuvering! 🎯
17. Japanese soup stock — Answer: DASHI. Hint: This savory base often adds a umami kick to your favorite dishes! 🍲
23. Roller coaster, e.g. — Answer: RIDE. Hint: This is something you do for fun at an amusement park! 🎢
25. Channel with "Young Sheldon" reruns — Answer: TBS. Hint: This channel is known for its comedy series and features a lot of sitcom reruns! 📺
28. Highway beautification program — Answer: ADOPTAROAD. Hint: Think about a way to take responsibility for a stretch of road while making it look nice! 🌳
29. Game series with warp pipes and mushroom power-ups — Answer: SUPERMARIO. Hint: This iconic plumber's adventures often involve collecting coins and battling Bowser! 🍄
30. Questlove's band — Answer: THEROOTS. Hint: Think of a group that blends hip-hop and soul with deep roots in music history! 🎶
32. Apex — Answer: TOP. Hint: Think about the highest point you can reach! ⛰️
34. Omit the word "not" in "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (as happened in a King James reprint dubbed the Wicked Bible), say — Answer: ERR. Hint: Sometimes, we all make a little mistake in our speech! 😅
38. ___ golf — Answer: DISC. Hint: It's a popular sport that involves throwing a flying object into a series of baskets! 🥏
39. N95 masks, e.g. — Answer: PPE. Hint: Think about the gear that protects you in a health crisis! 🦺
43. Swell smell — Answer: AROMA. Hint: Think of a pleasing fragrance that wafts through the air! 🌸
45. Not quite right? — Answer: ACUTE. Hint: Think of angles that are sharper than a right angle! 🔺
46. Shoestrings — Answer: LACES. Hint: Think about what keeps your shoes snug and secure! 👟
48. Lure into a sting operation — Answer: ENTRAP. Hint: Think of a clever way to catch someone off guard in a tricky situation! 🎣
51. Actress Daly — Answer: TYNE. Hint: This actress shares a name with a type of tree often found in the woods! 🌳
52. Property documents — Answer: DEEDS. Hint: These papers prove ownership and can be transferred between parties! 📜
54. Fashionable Manhattan neighborhood — Answer: SOHO. Hint: This trendy area is known for its art galleries and chic boutiques. 🛍️
55. Once more — Answer: ANEW. Hint: Think about a fresh start or doing something again! 🌱
58. Includes on an email — Answer: CCS. Hint: Think about those extra recipients you might want to keep in the loop without them being the main focus! 📧
59. "J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 album) — Answer: THA. Hint: This album title hints at a classic expression of excitement in music! 🎶
60. "I SO did not need to know that" — Answer: TMI. Hint: Sometimes too much information can be a little overwhelming! 🤐

Here are the USA Today Crossword answers for Thursday, July 9, 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 9?” 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 9, 2026

The full solution for the July 9 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 Thursday, July 9.

Hints for the July 9 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 9 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 Thursday 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What were the USA Today Crossword answers on July 9, 2026?

Every answer for the Thursday, July 9, 2026 USA Today Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

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