Crossword Answer
Knight's defense
Hint
Think about what might protect a valiant warrior in battle! 🛡️
Click a tile to reveal each letter, or show the full answer below.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
By Matthew Luter
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
USA Today Crossword Clues
Across
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Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Griller's garment — Answer: APRON. Hint: This kitchen essential keeps your clothes safe while you sizzle up some deliciousness! 🔥
- 6. Ads featuring Smokey Bear — Answer: PSAS. Hint: Think of public messages that aim to educate and inform! 📢
- 10. Electric guitarists' gear — Answer: AMPS. Hint: Think about what boosts the sound for rockin' solos! 🎸
- 14. Disney film set in Polynesia — Answer: MOANA. Hint: This adventurous girl sails the ocean to save her island! 🌊
- 15. Carve with acid — Answer: ETCH. Hint: This technique creates designs by wearing away the surface, often used in art! 🎨
- 16. Genuine — Answer: REAL. Hint: Think of something that truly exists and isn't fake! 🌟
- 17. Like a cool autumn day — Answer: CRISP. Hint: Imagine the refreshing feeling when leaves start to fall! 🍂
- 18. Aviation prefix — Answer: AERO. Hint: Think about what relates to flight and air! ✈️
- 19. Numerous — Answer: MANY. Hint: Think about a word that describes a group that's quite plentiful! 🌟
- 20. 4-0 World Series win, for example — Answer: CLEANSWEEP. Hint: Sometimes a complete victory feels like taking out the trash! 🧹
- 23. Object in a Trivial Pursuit set — Answer: DIE. Hint: Think about the small cube that can determine your next move in a game! 🎲
- 24. Juicy gossip — Answer: DIRT. Hint: Sometimes, sharing the latest scandal can lead to some messy conversations! 🗣️
- 25. Scary FX franchise with Sarah Paulson (Abbr.) — Answer: AHS. Hint: This series has been known to chill you to the bone! 👻
- 26. Array on a desktop — Answer: ICONS. Hint: Think about the small images that represent your favorite applications! 🖥️
- 28. "I'll take that as ___" — Answer: ANO. Hint: It's a word often used to express a playful acceptance of something! 😉
- 29. Letter before sigma — Answer: RHO. Hint: It's the Greek letter that comes right before the one that looks like an 'S'! 📬
- 30. "The loss is all my fault!" — Answer: IBLEWIT. Hint: When something goes wrong, it can be tough to admit it was your doing! 😅
- 32. City home to South Beach — Answer: MIAMI. Hint: This vibrant city is known for its sunny skies and lively nightlife! 🌴
- 34. Available if needed — Answer: ONCALL. Hint: Think of someone who is ready to assist whenever you require help! 📞
- 36. Song with the lyric "'tis the season to be jolly" — Answer: DECKTHEHALLS. Hint: Get ready to deck your home with festive cheer! 🎄
- 40. Knight's defense — Answer: SHIELD. Hint: Think about what might protect a valiant warrior in battle! 🛡️
- 41. Corner piece, at the beginning of a chess game — Answer: ROOK. Hint: Think of a powerful piece that moves straight and often guards the king! ♟️
- 42. Steph Curry or Michael Jordan, e.g. — Answer: NBASTAR. Hint: Think of players who shine brightly on the basketball court! 🏀
- 45. Record Store Day purchases — Answer: LPS. Hint: Think of those large vinyl treasures that spin on a turntable! 🎶
- 47. Karate uniforms — Answer: GIS. Hint: Think of what martial artists wear to practice their moves! 🥋
- 49. Muppet in a horizontally striped shirt — Answer: ERNIE. Hint: This fun-loving character is known for his friendship with a blue fellow who often sings about the simple joys of life! 🎶
- 50. Corn unit — Answer: EAR. Hint: Think of what you might find on the cob! 🌽
- 51. "Go away, pest!" — Answer: SCAT. Hint: A playful way to shoo away an annoying critter! 🐾
- 52. ___ out (laze around) — Answer: VEG. Hint: Picture yourself kicking back and enjoying some downtime! 🛋️
- 53. Plenty of space — Answer: ROOMTOSPARE. Hint: Imagine having extra space to stretch out and relax! 🌌
- 57. Floored — Answer: AWED. Hint: When you see something amazing, it can leave you utterly speechless! 😲
- 59. Formal agreement — Answer: PACT. Hint: Think of a deal between two parties that seals their intentions! 🤝
- 60. Slander, but in print — Answer: LIBEL. Hint: Think of a printed accusation that can get you into legal trouble! 📰
- 61. Sandwich seller — Answer: DELI. Hint: Think of a place where you can grab a quick bite between slices! 🥪
- 62. You, ages ago — Answer: THEE. Hint: Think of an old-fashioned word for 'you' that sounds like it belongs in a Shakespearean play! 🎭
- 63. Common sans-serif font — Answer: ARIAL. Hint: It's a popular choice for clean and modern text in digital design! 🖥️
- 64. Eden resident (for a while) — Answer: ADAM. Hint: He had quite the famous companion in a garden paradise! 🌳
- 65. Takes to court — Answer: SUES. Hint: When you feel wronged and seek justice, you might do this! ⚖️
- 66. Brainy organization — Answer: MENSA. Hint: This group is known for their high IQs and love for puzzles! 🧠
Down
- 1. "Halt and Catch Fire" network — Answer: AMC. Hint: This network is known for its iconic original series and shares initials with a popular car brand! 📺
- 2. Mushroom often sold dried — Answer: PORCINI. Hint: This gourmet fungus is a favorite in Italian dishes and often packs a flavorful punch! 🍄
- 3. Any of four in Monopoly — Answer: RAILROAD. Hint: Think of a way to travel across the board while collecting some cash! 🚂
- 4. Beginning — Answer: ONSET. Hint: Think about the moment when something first happens! 🌅
- 5. Wine country valley — Answer: NAPA. Hint: Think of a famous California region known for its vineyards and beautiful scenery! 🍇
- 6. Kid's simple launcher — Answer: PEASHOOTER. Hint: Think of a playful plant that loves to shoot little surprises! 🌱
- 7. Goulash and gumbo — Answer: STEWS. Hint: Think of warm, hearty dishes that simmer together for a while! 🍲
- 8. 4,840 square yards — Answer: ACRE. Hint: Think of a unit used to measure land, often seen in real estate! 🌾
- 9. Croc or moc, e.g. — Answer: SHOE. Hint: Think of something you wear on your feet! 👟
- 10. ___ & Hammer — Answer: ARM. Hint: Think of a tool you would use to lift heavy objects! 🔨
- 11. Grassy field — Answer: MEADOW. Hint: Think of a sunny spot where flowers and tall grass dance in the breeze! 🌼
- 12. Pressed sandwich — Answer: PANINI. Hint: This Italian treat is perfect for a quick, warm bite! 🥪
- 13. Most sneaky — Answer: SLYEST. Hint: Think of the most cunning and clever characters in stories! 🦊
- 21. "I'll pass" — Answer: NAH. Hint: Sometimes it's a polite way to say no! 🙅♂️
- 22. Islam has five — Answer: PILLARS. Hint: Think about the foundational beliefs that support a faith! 🕌
- 24. "I told a joke about a ___, but it didn't flow well" — Answer: DAM. Hint: Sometimes, the punchline just doesn't hold water! 💦
- 27. Monique Ross' instrument in SistaStrings — Answer: CELLO. Hint: Think of a string instrument that often plays rich, deep tones in orchestras! 🎶
- 29. Seismologist's scale — Answer: RICHTER. Hint: This scale measures the intensity of earthquakes, named after a famous scientist! 🌍
- 30. Some cold coffee orders — Answer: ICEDLATTES. Hint: Think of your favorite coffee that's chilled and smooth! ☕
- 31. Scrooge's cry — Answer: BAH. Hint: Think of a dismissive sound often associated with grumpy characters! 🎩
- 33. Soccer legend Lionel — Answer: MESSI. Hint: This football star is often considered the GOAT of the game! ⚽
- 35. Org. with Blues and Blue Jackets — Answer: NHL. Hint: Think of a league where the ice is clear and the players skate fiercely! 🥅
- 37. Seoul-based carmaker — Answer: KIA. Hint: This automaker is known for its sporty designs and was founded in South Korea! 🚗
- 38. Type of house in which seven U.S. presidents were born — Answer: LOGCABIN. Hint: Think of a rustic abode associated with frontier folk and early American history! 🪵
- 39. Places where some go downhill fast? — Answer: SKIAREAS. Hint: Think of where the snow meets the slopes for some thrilling fun! 🎿
- 42. State home to Las Vegas — Answer: NEVADA. Hint: This desert state is famous for its dazzling nightlife and vibrant entertainment! 🎰
- 43. Made beer — Answer: BREWED. Hint: This action transforms ingredients into a popular beverage! 🍺
- 44. "The Office" accountant who loves cats — Answer: ANGELA. Hint: This character has a fondness for both felines and strict rules! 🐱
- 46. Skilled person — Answer: PRO. Hint: Think of someone who's exceptionally good at what they do! 🌟
- 48. Fashion designer McCartney — Answer: STELLA. Hint: This designer is known for her cruelty-free fashion and famous for her last name! 🌿
- 50. Host — Answer: EMCEE. Hint: Think of someone who guides an event and keeps the crowd entertained! 🎤
- 51. Pointy cathedral feature — Answer: SPIRE. Hint: Think of the towering element that often reaches for the heavens in church architecture! ⛪
- 54. Decides — Answer: OPTS. Hint: When faced with choices, you might go with your first instinct! 🤔
- 55. Honolulu's island — Answer: OAHU. Hint: Think of the famous island home to beautiful beaches and surfing! 🏄
- 56. Close loudly — Answer: SLAM. Hint: When a door shuts with force, it makes this sound! 🔊
- 58. Poorly lit — Answer: DIM. Hint: Imagine a room where you can barely see, it’s all about the light! 💡
The answer to “Knight's defense” in the USA Today crossword is SHIELD — a 6-letter word. This clue ran in the USA Today crossword on July 12, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 40-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.
“Knight's defense” answer
SHIELD (6 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 SHIELD.
Why the answer is SHIELD
Think about what might protect a valiant warrior in battle! 🛡️
When else has “Knight's defense” 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 12, 2026 (this puzzle) → SHIELD. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the USA Today crossword on July 12, 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.
- Kid's simple launcher → PEASHOOTER
- Seismologist's scale → RICHTER
- Some cold coffee orders → ICEDLATTES
- Soccer legend Lionel → MESSI
- Org. with Blues and Blue Jackets → NHL
- Seoul-based carmaker → KIA
- Corner piece, at the beginning of a chess game → ROOK
- Places where some go downhill fast? → SKIAREAS
Want every clue in one place? The full USA Today answer list for July 12, 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 Sunday 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 “Knight's defense”?
The answer is SHIELD, a 6-letter word. It appeared in the USA Today crossword on July 12, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Knight's defense”?
6 letters: SHIELD.
Where did this clue appear?
In the USA Today crossword on July 12, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 40-Across.
Can “Knight's defense” 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 12, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.