Crossword Answer
Former Russian rulers
Hint
Think of the title used for rulers before the revolution in Russia! 👑
Click a tile to reveal each letter, or show the full answer below.
Friday, July 17, 2026
By Rebecca Goldstein
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
USA Today Crossword Clues
Across
Down
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. L.A.'s region — Answer: SOCAL. Hint: This sunny area is known for its laid-back vibe and palm trees! 🌴
- 6. Uno, dos, ___ — Answer: TRES. Hint: It's the next number in this popular Spanish counting sequence! 🎉
- 10. Barbie Pop Star Doll accessory — Answer: MIC. Hint: To hit the right note, you'll need this to sing your heart out! 🎤
- 13. Woodworker's securing tools — Answer: CLAMPS. Hint: Think about what holds things tightly together while you craft! 🔧
- 15. Georgetown athlete — Answer: HOYA. Hint: Think of a spirited mascot that represents a university in D.C.! 🐶
- 16. "Well, well, well!" — Answer: OHO. Hint: This expression captures surprise or realization, often with a playful tone! 😲
- 17. Actor who played Jeevan Chaudhary in "Station Eleven" — Answer: HIMESHPATEL. Hint: Think of a talented actor whose name might remind you of a popular Indian dish! 🍛
- 19. Native American Heritage mo. — Answer: NOV. Hint: Think of the month that celebrates the rich history and culture of Indigenous peoples! 🪶
- 20. Pizzeria fixture — Answer: OVEN. Hint: It's where the magic happens and the heat is on! 🍕
- 21. "Field of Dreams" setting — Answer: IOWA. Hint: This Midwest state is known for its cornfields and friendly folks! 🌽
- 22. Triangle or trapezoid — Answer: SHAPE. Hint: Think about the basic forms that define our world! 🔺
- 24. "The Star-Spangled Banner" contraction — Answer: OER. Hint: Think about a famous anthem and its abbreviated form! 🎶
- 25. Irritating part of shirts, for some — Answer: TAG. Hint: This little piece can be a real bother when you're trying to relax! 🏷️
- 26. Movie theater preview — Answer: TRAILER. Hint: It's something you watch before the main feature rolls! 🎬
- 28. Exams for aspiring JDs — Answer: LSATS. Hint: These standardized tests are a key step for future law students! 📚
- 30. Award that sounds like the initials of "Off-Broadway" — Answer: OBIE. Hint: This award is often given to recognize outstanding achievements in Off-Broadway theater! 🎭
- 32. ___ straw (landscaping product) — Answer: PINE. Hint: Think of a fragrant tree that adds a rustic touch to your garden! 🌲
- 33. Roadside assistance org. — Answer: AAA. Hint: This organization is known for helping stranded drivers, especially in the U.S.! 🚗
- 35. Challah unit — Answer: LOAF. Hint: This delicious bread often features in Jewish traditions, and it's best enjoyed sliced! 🍞
- 37. Turf — Answer: SOD. Hint: This green ground cover is often rolled out for a fresh lawn! 🌱
- 38. Fold on an expanding folder — Answer: ACCORDIONPLEAT. Hint: Think of a way to create waves in fabric that can expand and contract! 🎶
- 43. Lookie-___ (nosy person) — Answer: LOO. Hint: This term often describes someone who's a bit too curious about others' business! 👀
- 44. Garment often "eaten" by the dryer — Answer: SOCK. Hint: Think of a cozy accessory that likes to play hide-and-seek in your laundry! 🧦
- 45. Down in the dumps — Answer: SAD. Hint: Sometimes, you just need a good hug to lift this feeling! 😢
- 46. Bridge fee — Answer: TOLL. Hint: Think about what you pay to cross a bridge without getting stuck! 🏗️
- 48. They create quite a buzz — Answer: BEES. Hint: These little pollinators are known for their sweet production and teamwork! 🐝
- 50. "Indeed" — Answer: MMHMM. Hint: This response can mean you're really agreeing with someone! 👍
- 54. Claims — Answer: ALLEGES. Hint: When someone asserts something without proof, they might be said to do this. 🤔
- 56. It's a wonder! — Answer: AWE. Hint: Sometimes, it's that feeling you get when you see something breathtaking! 😲
- 58. Debt slip — Answer: IOU. Hint: This simple note is a promise to pay back what you owe! 💸
- 59. Spiced yogurt dish — Answer: RAITA. Hint: This cooling condiment often accompanies spicy dishes and is a staple in Indian cuisine! 🥄
- 60. Not for here — Answer: TOGO. Hint: When you're in the mood to take your meal on the go, this is what you say! 🍔
- 62. Linnaeus who developed scientific nomenclature — Answer: CARL. Hint: Think of the father of modern taxonomy, known for his first name! 🌱
- 63. Pal — Answer: BUD. Hint: This word often describes a close friend or companion, especially in a casual context! 🤗
- 64. "She loves me, she loves me not" item — Answer: FLOWERPETAL. Hint: Consider the delicate pieces that could represent affection in a garden. 🌼
- 67. Single — Answer: ONE. Hint: It's the first number and often stands alone! 1️⃣
- 68. Awesome, in slang — Answer: FIRE. Hint: This word can describe something extremely cool or excellent! 🔥
- 69. Part of a space station — Answer: MODULE. Hint: This structure is essential for living and working in orbit! 🚀
- 70. Paystub abbreviation — Answer: YTD. Hint: Think about how your earnings accumulate over the year! 📊
- 71. Trees mentioned in the "Iliad" — Answer: ELMS. Hint: Think of sturdy trees that have been around since ancient times! 🌳
- 72. Button that might be pressed with an unbent paperclip — Answer: RESET. Hint: Sometimes you need to start fresh; what could help you do that? 🔄
Down
- 1. Class-y place? — Answer: SCHOOL. Hint: Where you go to learn and make lifelong friends! 🎓
- 2. One of the seven species in the Torah — Answer: OLIVES. Hint: This tasty fruit is a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and has a rich history in ancient texts. 🫒
- 3. Shutterbug's gadget — Answer: CAMERA. Hint: This device captures moments in a flash! 📸
- 4. "Hard agree" — Answer: AMEN. Hint: When you want to wholeheartedly affirm something, you might say this! 🙏
- 5. Audiophile's stack — Answer: LPS. Hint: These vinyl treasures are often stacked high for those who love rich sound! 🎶
- 6. Bring to room temperature — Answer: THAW. Hint: Think about what you do to something frozen before using it! ❄️
- 7. Trial period in the first year of some Ph.D. programs — Answer: ROTATION. Hint: Think of a cycle that allows you to explore different areas before settling down! 🔄
- 8. Optic organ — Answer: EYE. Hint: It's the window to your soul and helps you see the world! 👀
- 9. Taco topper — Answer: SALSA. Hint: This zesty condiment adds a burst of flavor to your favorite Mexican dish! 🌮
- 10. Iconic da Vinci painting — Answer: MONALISA. Hint: This famous artwork features a woman with an enigmatic smile! 🎨
- 11. "That would be horrible" — Answer: IHOPENOT. Hint: You might say this phrase when wishing for the opposite of a bad scenario! 😟
- 12. Paid for — Answer: COVERED. Hint: Imagine you're settling a bill or taking care of a tab! 💸
- 14. Branch of Islam — Answer: SHIA. Hint: Consider a group that represents one of the main sects in the faith, often in contrast with another prominent one. 🌙
- 18. ___ stick — Answer: POGO. Hint: This playful stick lets you bounce around like a kid! 🐸
- 23. Trendy — Answer: HIP. Hint: Think of the cool kids setting the style standard! 😎
- 25. Former Russian rulers — Answer: TSARS. Hint: Think of the title used for rulers before the revolution in Russia! 👑
- 27. Harvests — Answer: REAPS. Hint: Think about gathering crops at the end of the season! 🌾
- 29. "___ Te Ching" — Answer: TAO. Hint: Think of an ancient text that explores the way of the universe! 🌌
- 31. Chap — Answer: BLOKE. Hint: This term is often used to refer to a man in a casual way! 🕺
- 34. Pueblo brick — Answer: ADOBE. Hint: Think of a sun-dried building material often used in the Southwest! 🏜️
- 36. Calgary NHL player — Answer: FLAME. Hint: This team's fiery spirit makes them a tough opponent on the ice! 🔥
- 38. Priest's assistant — Answer: ALTARBOY. Hint: Think of someone who helps out during religious services! ⛪
- 39. Adult who might take kids to their first concert — Answer: COOLAUNT. Hint: Think of the fun relative who's always up for an adventure with the younger crowd! 🎤
- 40. Clashed or crashed — Answer: COLLIDED. Hint: When two forces come together unexpectedly, they often do this! 🚗💥
- 41. Weather event with freezing rain — Answer: ICESTORM. Hint: Think of a winter wonderland that can bring down power lines! ❄️
- 42. Rave genre (Abbr.) — Answer: EDM. Hint: This catchy genre is often played at lively festivals and parties! 🎶
- 47. Permit — Answer: LET. Hint: Give someone the green light to proceed! 🚦
- 49. Smudged herb — Answer: SAGE. Hint: This wise plant adds flavor but can sometimes leave a mark! 🌿
- 51. Short pause — Answer: HIATUS. Hint: Think of a break in music or a brief intermission in conversation! 🎶
- 52. Team spirit — Answer: MORALE. Hint: It's the invisible force that lifts everyone up during tough times! 🌟
- 53. Hairstyle popularized by the Beastie Boys — Answer: MULLET. Hint: Think of a hairstyle that's business in the front and party in the back! 🎉
- 55. Social faux pas — Answer: GAFFE. Hint: Sometimes it's a slip of the tongue that makes everyone cringe! 😅
- 57. Invertebrate in a compost bin — Answer: WORM. Hint: Think of a creature that wriggles and helps break down organic matter! 🪱
- 61. Has to repay — Answer: OWES. Hint: Think about financial obligations and what you need to do when you borrow money! 💸
- 62. Hand over — Answer: CEDE. Hint: Think about giving something up willingly, especially in a negotiation! 🤝
- 65. Short, for short — Answer: LIL. Hint: Think of a term used to describe something small or compact! 🐭
- 66. ___ favor — Answer: POR. Hint: Sometimes, it's good to do something sweet for a buddy! 🍭
The answer to “Former Russian rulers” in the USA Today crossword is TSARS — a 5-letter word. This clue ran in the USA Today crossword on July 17, 2026, a Friday puzzle, at 25-Down. 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.
“Former Russian rulers” answer
TSARS (5 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 TSARS.
Why the answer is TSARS
Think of the title used for rulers before the revolution in Russia! 👑
When else has “Former Russian rulers” 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 17, 2026 (this puzzle) → TSARS. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the USA Today crossword on July 17, 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.
- Irritating part of shirts, for some → TAG
- Exams for aspiring JDs → LSATS
- Roadside assistance org. → AAA
- Fold on an expanding folder → ACCORDIONPLEAT
- Garment often "eaten" by the dryer → SOCK
- "The Star-Spangled Banner" contraction → OER
- Movie theater preview → TRAILER
- Trendy → HIP
Want every clue in one place? The full USA Today answer list for July 17, 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 Friday 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 “Former Russian rulers”?
The answer is TSARS, a 5-letter word. It appeared in the USA Today crossword on July 17, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Former Russian rulers”?
5 letters: TSARS.
Where did this clue appear?
In the USA Today crossword on July 17, 2026 (a Friday puzzle), at 25-Down.
Can “Former Russian rulers” 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 17, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.