Have a ball
Crossword Answer — July 21, 2026
Hint
It’s time to enjoy yourself and celebrate! 🎉
Answer
Tap each tile or show full answer below
USA Today Crossword
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
By Ed Sessa
Tap a square to reveal a letter.
Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Off-road rides, for short — Answer: ATVS. Hint: Think of four-wheeled fun on rugged trails! 🏞️
- 5. Passing fancies — Answer: WHIMS. Hint: Think of those fleeting thoughts that flit through your mind like butterflies! 🦋
- 10. "Mamma Mia!" quartet — Answer: ABBA. Hint: This iconic Swedish group is known for their catchy pop tunes and disco vibes! 🎶
- 14. Enjoy some taffy — Answer: CHEW. Hint: What's something you do when savoring a tasty treat? 🤤
- 15. Cady ___ ("Mean Girls" protagonist whose last name is a type of bird) — Answer: HERON. Hint: This character's last name shares its name with a graceful bird often found near water. 🐦
- 16. "Up" protagonist — Answer: CARL. Hint: He's the adventurous elder who takes to the skies with a house full of balloons! 🎈
- 17. Backstory — Answer: LORE. Hint: Think of the tales and traditions that shape a world’s history! 📜
- 18. Make a speech — Answer: ORATE. Hint: When you share your thoughts publicly, you might just be up on a stage doing this! 🎤
- 19. Tie the ___ (get hitched) — Answer: KNOT. Hint: Think about what you do when you secure two ends together! 🪢
- 20. *City hub — Answer: URBANCENTER. Hint: Think of where the action is in a metropolitan area! 🌆
- 23. Jerk — Answer: ASS. Hint: Sometimes you might call someone a real pain in the neck! 😏
- 24. Spanish for "aunt" — Answer: TIA. Hint: Think of family terms in Spanish – who might be a fun relative? 🥳
- 25. Hunter constellation — Answer: ORION. Hint: This constellation is home to a famous belt of stars! ✨
- 27. Movie chain — Answer: AMC. Hint: This popular cinema company is known for its red logo and lots of popcorn! 🍿
- 30. "You have a point" — Answer: TRUE. Hint: When something is accurate, it's often described as this! 👍
- 33. Pieces of food for a pet, say — Answer: SCRAPS. Hint: What you might find leftover after a meal, perfect for your furry friend! 🐾
- 36. *Bit of unfinished business — Answer: LOOSEEND. Hint: Sometimes, it's the small details that get left behind! 🪢
- 38. "___ been that long?" — Answer: HASIT. Hint: Time really flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? ⏳
- 39. Fable — Answer: TALE. Hint: Think of a story that teaches a lesson! 📖
- 40. "Alien" genre — Answer: SCIFI. Hint: Think of a genre that often explores outer space and extraterrestrial life! 🚀
- 43. "Game of Thrones" star Headey — Answer: LENA. Hint: She shares her first name with a famous US actress known for her role in a blockbuster superhero movie! 🎭
- 44. South American mountain range — Answer: ANDES. Hint: Think of the majestic peaks that stretch along the western edge of a continent! 🏔️
- 46. *Career revival — Answer: COMEBACK. Hint: Think about a star returning to the spotlight after some time away! 🌟
- 48. Loud noise — Answer: RACKET. Hint: This word describes both a chaotic sound and a lively fuss! 🎉
- 50. Warty amphibian — Answer: TOAD. Hint: Think of a common amphibian often found near water that has a bumpy texture! 🐸
- 51. Fill in ___ blank — Answer: THE. Hint: It's a common phrase that suggests a three-letter word is missing! 📝
- 52. To be, in Spanish — Answer: ESTAR. Hint: Think of a common Spanish verb that describes existence! 🇪🇸
- 54. "Golly ___" — Answer: GEE. Hint: An expression of surprise or excitement often used in old cartoons! 🎉
- 56. MPG part — Answer: PER. Hint: Think about how we measure efficiency in terms of distance traveled! 🚗
- 58. Word-based contest, and what the starred answers are doing, collectively, when read as clues for single letters — Answer: SPELLINGBEE. Hint: Think about a competition where you showcase your letter skills! 🐝
- 64. Plow-pulling pair — Answer: OXEN. Hint: Think of strong animals often seen on farms helping with heavy work! 🚜
- 66. Bottled water brand — Answer: EVIAN. Hint: This French brand is often associated with luxury and purity, perfect for quenching your thirst! 💧
- 67. Discipline with cobra pose — Answer: YOGA. Hint: This practice often involves stretching and mindfulness on a mat. 🧘♂️
- 68. ___ /neuter program — Answer: SPAY. Hint: This program helps control pet populations and is often recommended for cats and dogs! 🐾
- 69. "Sondheim's Old Friends," e.g. — Answer: REVUE. Hint: Think of a lively performance that showcases various acts and talents! 🎭
- 70. Collectible '90s discs — Answer: POGS. Hint: These playful discs were a must-have in playgrounds during the grunge era! 🎮
- 71. Feature of a bagel — Answer: HOLE. Hint: What's missing in the center of a bagel? 🍩
- 72. Winter vehicles — Answer: SLEDS. Hint: These sliding contraptions are perfect for snowy hills! ❄️
- 73. Horse gait — Answer: TROT. Hint: This lively pace is faster than a walk but slower than a canter! 🐎
Down
- 1. Rights org. for over 100 years — Answer: ACLU. Hint: This group has been standing up for civil liberties since the early 20th century! ⚖️
- 2. Marvel superhero — Answer: THOR. Hint: This Norse god wields a mighty hammer and protects Asgard! ⚡
- 3. Action word — Answer: VERB. Hint: This word describes what you do, so let's get moving! 🚀
- 4. Sit in a sauna — Answer: SWEAT. Hint: After a relaxing session, you'll likely feel a little moisture on your skin! 💦
- 5. "Big whoop" — Answer: WHOCARES. Hint: Sometimes, indifference is the best reaction to something underwhelming! 😌
- 6. "___, There and Everywhere" — Answer: HERE. Hint: Think of a location that's truly nearby! 🌍
- 7. Home to the Azadi Tower — Answer: IRAN. Hint: Think of a country known for its rich history and vibrant culture! 🌍
- 8. Saying — Answer: MOTTO. Hint: Think of a phrase that captures a belief or guiding principle! 📝
- 9. Derisive looks — Answer: SNEERS. Hint: Think of those facial expressions that show you think something is silly! 😏
- 10. Exclamation in a "Cathy" comic — Answer: ACK. Hint: When something surprising happens, this is often the sound you make! 😲
- 11. Fruit-shaped bike accessory — Answer: BANANASEAT. Hint: Imagine a comfy spot on your bike that looks fruity and fun! 🍌
- 12. Einstein ___ Bagels — Answer: BROS. Hint: This popular bagel chain has a playful name that hints at companionship! 🥯
- 13. Secondary social media accounts, for short — Answer: ALTS. Hint: Think of those extra profiles people keep for fun or privacy! 📱
- 21. Late time, in ads — Answer: NITE. Hint: Think of a time when the sun goes down and commercials come on! 🌙
- 22. Like red velvet cake — Answer: RICH. Hint: This dessert is often associated with indulgence and luxury! 🍰
- 26. Dental care brand — Answer: ORALB. Hint: Think of a name that sounds like it cares for your mouth and keeps your smile bright! 😁
- 27. Place to exchange vows — Answer: ALTAR. Hint: Where promises are made to last a lifetime! 💍
- 28. Disney heroine with a sidekick named Pua — Answer: MOANA. Hint: This ocean adventurer brings her people back to their roots with a little help from a pig! 🐷
- 29. Breakfast option such as Trix or Chex, e.g. — Answer: COLDCEREAL. Hint: Think of something crunchy that you pour into a bowl for a morning treat! 🥣
- 31. Chapel Hill school (Abbr.) — Answer: UNC. Hint: This university is known for its Tar Heels and a strong basketball program! 🏀
- 32. Official decree — Answer: EDICT. Hint: This term is often used to describe a formal announcement or order, especially in legal contexts. 📜
- 34. Tiny bit, in recipes — Answer: PINCH. Hint: Just a little sprinkle can make all the difference in your dish! 🧂
- 35. Wager — Answer: STAKE. Hint: What you risk when you put something on the line in a bet! 🎲
- 37. Tries to find — Answer: SEEKS. Hint: When you're on a quest for something, you might engage in this action! 🔍
- 41. ___ Fighters (rock band) — Answer: FOO. Hint: This band's name is a playful take on a common term for tasty takeout! 🍜
- 42. Fantasizes — Answer: IMAGINES. Hint: What do you do when you daydream about something wonderful? 🌟
- 45. Wimbledon divisions — Answer: SETS. Hint: In tennis, matches are won by winning a certain number of these! 🎾
- 47. Biblical garden — Answer: EDEN. Hint: Think of a paradise mentioned in ancient texts! 🌳
- 49. Narrows gradually — Answer: TAPERS. Hint: Think of how a candle gets thinner as it burns down! 🕯️
- 53. Have a ball — Answer: REVEL. Hint: It’s time to enjoy yourself and celebrate! 🎉
- 55. Country home to Luxor and Cairo — Answer: EGYPT. Hint: Think of the land of the pharaohs and ancient pyramids! 🏺
- 56. ___ Spice (Victoria Beckham's nickname) — Answer: POSH. Hint: Think of a stylish way to describe someone who enjoys the finer things in life! ✨
- 57. Trade show — Answer: EXPO. Hint: This event often showcases innovations and attractions from around the world! 🌍
- 59. Not prerecorded — Answer: LIVE. Hint: This word describes a performance happening right now, not one that's been saved. 🎤
- 60. Praise highly — Answer: LAUD. Hint: Think of a word often used when giving someone a standing ovation! 🎤
- 61. Crude person — Answer: BOOR. Hint: Think of someone who lacks social grace and might be a bit rough around the edges! 😄
- 62. Frozen waffle brand — Answer: EGGO. Hint: Think of a breakfast treat that you might pop in the toaster! 🧇
- 63. Right on a map — Answer: EAST. Hint: Think about directions when you're facing the rising sun! 🌅
- 65. Bill ___ the Science Guy — Answer: NYE. Hint: This popular TV personality makes science fun and entertaining! 🔬
The answer to “Have a ball” in the USA Today crossword is REVEL — a 5-letter word. This clue ran in the USA Today crossword on July 21, 2026, a Tuesday puzzle, at 53-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.
“Have a ball” answer
REVEL (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 REVEL.
Why the answer is REVEL
It’s time to enjoy yourself and celebrate! 🎉
When else has “Have a ball” 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 21, 2026 (this puzzle) → REVEL. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the USA Today crossword on July 21, 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.
- To be, in Spanish → ESTAR
- Word-based contest, and what the starred answers are doing, collectively, when read as clues for single letters → SPELLINGBEE
- Bottled water brand → EVIAN
- "Sondheim's Old Friends," e.g. → REVUE
- Winter vehicles → SLEDS
- "Golly ___" → GEE
- Fill in ___ blank → THE
- Country home to Luxor and Cairo → EGYPT
Want every clue in one place? The full USA Today answer list for July 21, 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 Tuesday 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 “Have a ball”?
The answer is REVEL, a 5-letter word. It appeared in the USA Today crossword on July 21, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “Have a ball”?
5 letters: REVEL.
Where did this clue appear?
In the USA Today crossword on July 21, 2026 (a Tuesday puzzle), at 53-Down.
Can “Have a ball” 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 21, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.