USA Today Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 15

Tire Flip

By Zhouqin Burnikel

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USA Today Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Ingredient in red ale
  2. 5Nordic capital with 343 lakes
  3. 9"New Attitude" singer LaBelle
  4. 14Realm
  5. 15Not much
  6. 16Minnesota Zoo has 485 of them
  7. 17Putting on pajamas, reading a book and doing a face mask, say
  8. 20Shenzhen's continent
  9. 21The "L" of LASIK
  10. 22___ out (barely manage)
  11. 23Second to ___
  12. 25"Hey! C'mere!"
  13. 27Soccer player Oluwaseyi
  14. 30". . . and so forth"
  15. 32Like all-gender teams
  16. 35Sensitive rock genre
  17. 36Pockets for shawarma
  18. 38Lightweight model wood
  19. 39Irving Berlin song featured in "Young Frankenstein"
  20. 42"Frankenstein" actor Oscar
  21. 43Like mochi and mooncakes
  22. 44Freelancer's charge
  23. 45Cruise ship level
  24. 46Org. that tracks air quality
  25. 47Clarinet part that vibrates
  26. 48Gets wind of
  27. 52"Honey" star Jessica
  28. 54"I cracked the code!"
  29. 56Oven accessories
  30. 58They're not pros
  31. 62"This one's on me"
  32. 65People who worshipped the rain god Illapa
  33. 66Pharma products
  34. 67Other than that
  35. 68Title documents
  36. 69Search for
  37. 70Put away for safekeeping

Down

  1. 1"Aww, darn it!"
  2. 2Kathleen Battle solo
  3. 3What Ariel exchanged her voice for
  4. 4Sesame paste in hummus
  5. 5Steel-cut grain
  6. 6Shoes with spiked heels
  7. 7Gelug religious teacher
  8. 8Tributes with stanzas
  9. 9Figure skating event
  10. 10Put on a show
  11. 11Like a photorealistic image
  12. 12Tropical hardwood
  13. 13Capri or Crete
  14. 18Principle in the "I Ching"
  15. 19Weight room unit
  16. 24No, in German
  17. 26Mark left by a healed cut
  18. 27Lukewarm
  19. 28Cause to chuckle
  20. 29"In your dreams!"
  21. 31"Would they let us?"
  22. 33Lauder of cosmetics
  23. 34Bewildered
  24. 36Insta profile image
  25. 37"Let the expert handle this"
  26. 38Trifecta, for one
  27. 40Give-and-___
  28. 41Restore to well-being
  29. 47Groups of mountains
  30. 49Slightly off
  31. 50"Get ___ of it!"
  32. 51Lychee discards
  33. 53Farmyard bleat
  34. 54Corrosive substance that's used to frost glass
  35. 55Make sharper
  36. 57A kite might get stuck in one
  37. 59Lean slightly
  38. 60"In that event . . ."
  39. 61Cholent or bigos
  40. 63Melancholy
  41. 64Chastising sound

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Ingredient in red ale — Answer: MALT. Hint: Think of what gives beer its rich flavor and color! 🍺
  2. 5. Nordic capital with 343 lakes — Answer: OSLO. Hint: This city is not just known for its fjords, but also has a lot of watery spots to explore! 🌊
  3. 9. "New Attitude" singer LaBelle — Answer: PATTI. Hint: This legendary singer is known for her powerful voice and has a sweet dessert named after her! 🎤
  4. 14. Realm — Answer: AREA. Hint: Think of a space or region that defines a particular scope or environment! 🌍
  5. 15. Not much — Answer: ATAD. Hint: Sometimes, it's just a little bit! 🌟
  6. 16. Minnesota Zoo has 485 of them — Answer: ACRES. Hint: Think about the vast land areas that can house many animals! 🌳
  7. 17. Putting on pajamas, reading a book and doing a face mask, say — Answer: NIGHTTIMERITUAL. Hint: Think of cozy evening habits that create a soothing atmosphere! 🛌
  8. 20. Shenzhen's continent — Answer: ASIA. Hint: Think of the largest continent, home to many bustling cities! 🌏
  9. 21. The "L" of LASIK — Answer: LASER. Hint: It's a tool that beams light with precision and can help improve your vision! 💡
  10. 22. ___ out (barely manage) — Answer: EKE. Hint: When times are tough, you might have to stretch resources to get by! 💪
  11. 23. Second to ___ — Answer: NONE. Hint: This phrase often refers to not having anything at all! 🤔
  12. 25. "Hey! C'mere!" — Answer: PSST. Hint: A soft call to grab someone's attention quietly! 🤫
  13. 27. Soccer player Oluwaseyi — Answer: TANI. Hint: This name is often associated with skilled defenders in the beautiful game! ⚽
  14. 30. ". . . and so forth" — Answer: ETC. Hint: This abbreviation is often used to signify more items in a list! 📜
  15. 32. Like all-gender teams — Answer: COED. Hint: Think of a term that includes everyone, regardless of gender! 🌈
  16. 35. Sensitive rock genre — Answer: EMO. Hint: This music style often expresses deep emotions and feelings, perfect for those late-night thoughts. 🎸
  17. 36. Pockets for shawarma — Answer: PITAS. Hint: Think of a warm bread that wraps around delicious fillings! 🌯
  18. 38. Lightweight model wood — Answer: BALSA. Hint: Think of the type of wood often used in model airplanes! ✈️
  19. 39. Irving Berlin song featured in "Young Frankenstein" — Answer: PUTTINONTHERITZ. Hint: This classic tune will have you dancing through the night! 🎶
  20. 42. "Frankenstein" actor Oscar — Answer: ISAAC. Hint: This actor shares a name with a famous science fiction writer who created a monster! 🎭
  21. 43. Like mochi and mooncakes — Answer: SWEET. Hint: Think of flavors that delight your taste buds and bring joy to celebrations! 🍬
  22. 44. Freelancer's charge — Answer: FEE. Hint: Think about what you owe when someone does a job for you! 💰
  23. 45. Cruise ship level — Answer: DECK. Hint: It's where you might relax in a lounge chair under the sun! 🛳️
  24. 46. Org. that tracks air quality — Answer: EPA. Hint: This government agency is known for its role in safeguarding the environment and public health! 🌍
  25. 47. Clarinet part that vibrates — Answer: REED. Hint: It's something that makes music by wiggling! 🎶
  26. 48. Gets wind of — Answer: HEARS. Hint: You might catch this when someone whispers a juicy detail! 👂
  27. 52. "Honey" star Jessica — Answer: ALBA. Hint: Think of a sweet actress known for her roles in both action and romance! 🍯
  28. 54. "I cracked the code!" — Answer: AHA. Hint: A sudden realization can lead to this delightful exclamation! 🤔
  29. 56. Oven accessories — Answer: MITTS. Hint: Keep your hands safe while baking! 🔥
  30. 58. They're not pros — Answer: ANTIS. Hint: Consider the folks who might shy away from the spotlight! 🌟
  31. 62. "This one's on me" — Answer: CONSIDERITAGIFT. Hint: It's a generous way to say you're treating someone! 🎁
  32. 65. People who worshipped the rain god Illapa — Answer: INCAS. Hint: Think of a civilization known for their rich traditions and connection to nature! 🌧️
  33. 66. Pharma products — Answer: MEDS. Hint: Think about what you might need when you're not feeling well! 💊
  34. 67. Other than that — Answer: ELSE. Hint: Consider a word that means 'apart from this' or 'besides'. 😉
  35. 68. Title documents — Answer: DEEDS. Hint: These legal papers often signify ownership or responsibility! 🏡
  36. 69. Search for — Answer: SEEK. Hint: What you do when you're looking for something or someone special! 🔍
  37. 70. Put away for safekeeping — Answer: STOW. Hint: Think of how you would neatly store something away, out of sight! 🧳

Down

  1. 1. "Aww, darn it!" — Answer: MAN. Hint: It's often said when things don't go as planned, but it's also a common term for a certain gender! 😅
  2. 2. Kathleen Battle solo — Answer: ARIA. Hint: Think of a beautiful solo performance often heard in opera! 🎶
  3. 3. What Ariel exchanged her voice for — Answer: LEGS. Hint: Imagine trading something essential for a chance to dance on land! 🏖️
  4. 4. Sesame paste in hummus — Answer: TAHINI. Hint: This creamy ingredient comes from ground sesame seeds and adds richness to your favorite dip! 🥙
  5. 5. Steel-cut grain — Answer: OAT. Hint: Think of a wholesome breakfast staple that's often found in granola! 🌾
  6. 6. Shoes with spiked heels — Answer: STILETTOS. Hint: Think of a chic type of footwear that can add a little height and drama to your outfit! 👠
  7. 7. Gelug religious teacher — Answer: LAMA. Hint: This title often refers to a wise leader in Tibetan Buddhism. 🧘‍♂️
  8. 8. Tributes with stanzas — Answer: ODES. Hint: These poetic expressions often celebrate people or events with a lyrical touch! ✍️
  9. 9. Figure skating event — Answer: PAIRS. Hint: Think of two skaters gliding together in perfect harmony! ⛸️
  10. 10. Put on a show — Answer: ACT. Hint: What you do when you're performing in front of an audience! 🎭
  11. 11. Like a photorealistic image — Answer: TRUETOLIFE. Hint: Think about a depiction that captures reality with stunning accuracy! 🎨
  12. 12. Tropical hardwood — Answer: TEAK. Hint: This durable wood is often found in outdoor furniture and boat decks, thanks to its resistance to water! 🌴
  13. 13. Capri or Crete — Answer: ISLE. Hint: Think of a small land surrounded by water! 🌊
  14. 18. Principle in the "I Ching" — Answer: TAO. Hint: Think about the foundational path in ancient philosophies! 🌌
  15. 19. Weight room unit — Answer: REP. Hint: It's all about how many times you lift that weight! 💪
  16. 24. No, in German — Answer: NEIN. Hint: When you want to express refusal in Germany, just think of a common two-syllable word! 🇩🇪
  17. 26. Mark left by a healed cut — Answer: SCAR. Hint: Think of what might remain after your skin has mended! 🩹
  18. 27. Lukewarm — Answer: TEPID. Hint: Think of a temperature that's not quite hot or cold, just in the middle! 🌡️
  19. 28. Cause to chuckle — Answer: AMUSE. Hint: What brings a smile or a giggle can really brighten your day! 😄
  20. 29. "In your dreams!" — Answer: NOTACHANCE. Hint: When reality calls, this phrase might echo in your ears! 😏
  21. 31. "Would they let us?" — Answer: CANWE. Hint: Think about a question you'd ask when seeking permission! 🤔
  22. 33. Lauder of cosmetics — Answer: ESTEE. Hint: This beauty mogul is known for her iconic skincare and makeup line! 💄
  23. 34. Bewildered — Answer: DAZED. Hint: Sometimes you feel like you've just spun around too fast! 🌀
  24. 36. Insta profile image — Answer: PIC. Hint: Think of a quick snapshot that represents you online! 📸
  25. 37. "Let the expert handle this" — Answer: STEPASIDE. Hint: When it's time to let someone more skilled take over, you know it's best to just move aside! 🕺
  26. 38. Trifecta, for one — Answer: BET. Hint: It's something you might place on a risky outcome at the racetrack! 🎲
  27. 40. Give-and-___ — Answer: TAKE. Hint: Think of a common phrase that describes reciprocal actions! 🤝
  28. 41. Restore to well-being — Answer: HEAL. Hint: Think about how you might feel better after a cold or injury! 🌱
  29. 47. Groups of mountains — Answer: RANGES. Hint: Think of a series of peaks that create a stunning natural barrier! 🏔️
  30. 49. Slightly off — Answer: AMISS. Hint: When something isn’t quite right, it might feel a bit off-kilter! 🤔
  31. 50. "Get ___ of it!" — Answer: RID. Hint: It's what you do to unwanted things to make space for the good! 🗑️
  32. 51. Lychee discards — Answer: STEMS. Hint: What remains after enjoying the juicy fruit? 🍈
  33. 53. Farmyard bleat — Answer: BAA. Hint: Think of what a sheep says when it's hungry! 🐑
  34. 54. Corrosive substance that's used to frost glass — Answer: ACID. Hint: Think of something that can eat away at materials and is often found in chemistry labs! ⚗️
  35. 55. Make sharper — Answer: HONE. Hint: To perfect your skills, you might need to refine or focus them a bit more! ✂️
  36. 57. A kite might get stuck in one — Answer: TREE. Hint: Think of a tall place where branches reach high and toys can get tangled! 🌳
  37. 59. Lean slightly — Answer: TILT. Hint: Just give things a little nudge to one side! 🎭
  38. 60. "In that event . . ." — Answer: IFSO. Hint: Consider what could happen under certain conditions! 🤔
  39. 61. Cholent or bigos — Answer: STEW. Hint: These hearty dishes are perfect for warming you up on a chilly day! 🍲
  40. 63. Melancholy — Answer: SAD. Hint: Sometimes life feels a bit gray and heavy, doesn't it? 🌧️
  41. 64. Chastising sound — Answer: TSK. Hint: This sound often expresses disapproval or annoyance. 🙅‍♂️

Here are the USA Today Crossword answers for Wednesday, July 15, 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 15?” 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 15, 2026

The full solution for the July 15 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 15.

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