USA Today Crossword Answers Today

Here We Go Again (Freestyle)

By Mike Graczyk

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Across

  1. 1Blueprint detail, for shortSPEC
  2. 5ContingenciesIFS
  3. 8Not these!THOSE
  4. 13Sacred Pueblo spaceKIVA
  5. 14Bellows in the barnyardMOOS
  6. 16DevourEATUP
  7. 17"Law & Order: SVU" actorICET
  8. 18"But this makes no sense?!"HOWCANITBE
  9. 20"Just forget it"DONTBOTHER
  10. 22It's kind of a thorny subjectROSE
  11. 23"Cool story, ___"BRO
  12. 24___ on (relied upon)BANKED
  13. 26Quickly look for matches?SPEEDDATE
  14. 29Either of a kid's parents?GOAT
  15. 32Jot downNOTE
  16. 33Island, in FrenchILE
  17. 34Person to split the bill withCOSTAR
  18. 36Granola grainOAT
  19. 37Bright, like an atriumWELLLIT
  20. 39"This bout is over!" (Abbr.)TKO
  21. 40Animal that's spotted in the wildOCELOT
  22. 42"Game, ___, match!"SET
  23. 43"I'm right here, you know" soundAHEM
  24. 44HurledTHREW
  25. 45"You weren't here first!"GETINLINE
  26. 47Really lay intoASSAIL
  27. 49Bonus game periods, for shortOTS
  28. 50"Yeah, right!"ASIF
  29. 53"Nope, don't care"IMSOOVERIT
  30. 57"You had your chance!"TOOLATENOW
  31. 59SprintRACE
  32. 60Stop on the roadMOTEL
  33. 61Person with South Asian rootsDESI
  34. 62School on the ThamesETON
  35. 63One of six in AustraliaSTATE
  36. 64Itty-bittyWEE
  37. 65Fender dingDENT

Down

  1. 1Losing streak, in baseballSKID
  2. 2___ de galloPICO
  3. 3"I like that suggestion more!"EVENBETTER
  4. 4Where kitties can climbCATTREE
  5. 5"The way I see it," for shortIMHO
  6. 6Sport with Lions and Bears (but no Tigers)FOOTBALL
  7. 7"Can I get some news I haven't already heard?"SOWHATELSEISNEW
  8. 8Number of seasons of "Friends"TEN
  9. 9Jobs for stylistsHAIRDOS
  10. 10"Lord of the Rings" actor MirandaOTTO
  11. 11Long lunches?SUBS
  12. 12Fencing bladeEPEE
  13. 15Public hubbubSCENE
  14. 19"Raiders of the Lost ___"ARK
  15. 21Physique, for shortBOD
  16. 25Showbiz acronymEGOT
  17. 26Part of a doggo to boop, cutesilySNOOT
  18. 27Verb in an eggs Benedict recipePOACH
  19. 28Paleo or keto, e.g.DIET
  20. 30"The way things are going . . ."ATTHISRATE
  21. 31Not availableTAKEN
  22. 34___ Field (the Mets' stadium)CITI
  23. 35Museo della Forma Urbis cityROME
  24. 37FlabbergastsWOWS
  25. 38UnleashLETLOOSE
  26. 41Circular in a square, maybe?LEAFLET
  27. 43ChangedALTERED
  28. 45Played some Hades, perhapsGAMED
  29. 46Penultimate month (Abbr.)NOV
  30. 48"Take a load off!"SIT
  31. 50Bread boxes?ATMS
  32. 51Coat that Santa might wear?SOOT
  33. 52Tiny amountIOTA
  34. 54"That hurt!"OWIE
  35. 55Symbol on a computer screenICON
  36. 56Camper's shelterTENT
  37. 58Beer varietyALE

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Blueprint detail, for short — Answer: SPEC. Hint: Look for the abbreviated term for a detailed plan or technical drawing requirement. 📐
  2. 5. Contingencies — Answer: IFS. Hint: These express “if this, then that” possibilities in logic and programming. 🧩
  3. 8. Not these! — Answer: THOSE. Hint: Use the demonstrative for things over there rather than here. 👉
  4. 13. Sacred Pueblo space — Answer: KIVA. Hint: Think of a Pueblo ceremonial chamber, often built partly underground. 🏺
  5. 14. Bellows in the barnyard — Answer: MOOS. Hint: These are the sounds you’d expect from cattle grazing nearby. 🐄
  6. 16. Devour — Answer: EATUP. Hint: To do this is to consume something with great enthusiasm. 🍽️
  7. 17. "Law & Order: SVU" actor — Answer: ICET. Hint: Think of the rapper-turned-actor who plays Detective Fin on the long-running crime drama. 🎤
  8. 18. "But this makes no sense?!" — Answer: HOWCANITBE. Hint: A puzzled reaction when the situation seems impossible to understand 🤔
  9. 20. "Just forget it" — Answer: DONTBOTHER. Hint: A dismissive way to say there’s no need to continue the effort. 🙅
  10. 22. It's kind of a thorny subject — Answer: ROSE. Hint: Think of a fragrant garden bloom often associated with romance and prickles 🌹
  11. 23. "Cool story, ___" — Answer: BRO. Hint: Think of the short, sarcastic reply someone gives when they don’t believe a word of the tale. 😏
  12. 24. ___ on (relied upon) — Answer: BANKED. Hint: Counted on someone or something to come through when you needed it most. 🤝
  13. 26. Quickly look for matches? — Answer: SPEEDDATE. Hint: Think of a rapid-fire romantic meetup rather than searching through a matchbox 💘
  14. 29. Either of a kid's parents? — Answer: GOAT. Hint: Think of the animal whose young are called kids, and either parent fits the clue. 🐐
  15. 32. Jot down — Answer: NOTE. Hint: Capture the information briefly on paper. 📝
  16. 33. Island, in French — Answer: ILE. Hint: Think of the French word for a landmass surrounded by water. 🗺️
  17. 34. Person to split the bill with — Answer: COSTAR. Hint: Think of the companion who helps pay for a shared outing. 🤝
  18. 36. Granola grain — Answer: OAT. Hint: This wholesome breakfast staple is often rolled into flakes for a crunchy snack. 🥣
  19. 37. Bright, like an atrium — Answer: WELLLIT. Hint: Think of a spacious indoor area flooded with plenty of natural light. ☀️
  20. 39. "This bout is over!" (Abbr.) — Answer: TKO. Hint: A ringside call announcing that the fight has ended by knockout, in abbreviated form 🥊
  21. 40. Animal that's spotted in the wild — Answer: OCELOT. Hint: Think of a secretive wild cat with a beautifully patterned coat 🐆
  22. 42. "Game, ___, match!" — Answer: SET. Hint: Think of the tennis term that completes this familiar winning cry. 🎾
  23. 43. "I'm right here, you know" sound — Answer: AHEM. Hint: A pointed little throat-clear can politely remind someone that you’re present. 👀
  24. 44. Hurled — Answer: THREW. Hint: Sent something flying through the air with force. 🥏
  25. 45. "You weren't here first!" — Answer: GETINLINE. Hint: A playful reminder to queue up behind those who arrived before you. 🚶
  26. 47. Really lay into — Answer: ASSAIL. Hint: To attack someone fiercely, whether with words or force, is to do this. 💥
  27. 49. Bonus game periods, for short — Answer: OTS. Hint: These are the abbreviated extra periods played when a game is tied. ⏱️
  28. 50. "Yeah, right!" — Answer: ASIF. Hint: A sarcastic way to show you don’t believe a word of it 🙄
  29. 53. "Nope, don't care" — Answer: IMSOOVERIT. Hint: A breezy way to say you’ve completely lost interest in the matter 😒
  30. 57. "You had your chance!" — Answer: TOOLATENOW. Hint: A playful way to say the opportunity has passed. ⏰
  31. 59. Sprint — Answer: RACE. Hint: Compete by running at top speed over a short distance 🏃
  32. 60. Stop on the road — Answer: MOTEL. Hint: A roadside place to rest for the night might fit this clue. 🛏️
  33. 61. Person with South Asian roots — Answer: DESI. Hint: This term describes someone with heritage from the Indian subcontinent. 🌏
  34. 62. School on the Thames — Answer: ETON. Hint: This prestigious British school is known for its royal connections and a lovely riverside location. 🏫
  35. 63. One of six in Australia — Answer: STATE. Hint: Think of one of Australia’s major political divisions. 🗺️
  36. 64. Itty-bitty — Answer: WEE. Hint: A playful way to describe something extremely small. 🐜
  37. 65. Fender ding — Answer: DENT. Hint: A small bit of damage to a car’s bodywork can leave this behind. 🚗

Down

  1. 1. Losing streak, in baseball — Answer: SKID. Hint: In baseball, this is what a team is on when losses keep piling up ⚾
  2. 2. ___ de gallo — Answer: PICO. Hint: This fresh Mexican salsa is named for a rooster’s beak. 🌶️
  3. 3. "I like that suggestion more!" — Answer: EVENBETTER. Hint: A cheerful way to say the new idea tops the previous one—👍
  4. 4. Where kitties can climb — Answer: CATTREE. Hint: Think of a feline-friendly tower made for climbing and lounging 🐱
  5. 5. "The way I see it," for short — Answer: IMHO. Hint: A casual abbreviation for sharing your personal viewpoint online. 💭
  6. 6. Sport with Lions and Bears (but no Tigers) — Answer: FOOTBALL. Hint: Think of the gridiron game where these fierce animals often appear as team mascots 🏈
  7. 7. "Can I get some news I haven't already heard?" — Answer: SOWHATELSEISNEW. Hint: A playful comeback suggests that nothing happening is truly surprising anymore. 😏
  8. 8. Number of seasons of "Friends" — Answer: TEN. Hint: Count the complete run of the sitcom about six pals in New York 📺
  9. 9. Jobs for stylists — Answer: HAIRDOS. Hint: These are the looks a salon pro creates for your locks 💇
  10. 10. "Lord of the Rings" actor Miranda — Answer: OTTO. Hint: Think of the actress who played Éowyn in the fantasy trilogy. 🧙
  11. 11. Long lunches? — Answer: SUBS. Hint: Think of hearty handheld sandwiches that can satisfy a long midday appetite 🥪
  12. 12. Fencing blade — Answer: EPEE. Hint: Think of the fencing sword designed mainly for thrusts rather than cuts. 🤺
  13. 15. Public hubbub — Answer: SCENE. Hint: Think of the commotion that can erupt when a crowd gathers in public. 👥
  14. 19. "Raiders of the Lost ___" — Answer: ARK. Hint: Think of a hidden treasure sought after by an adventurous archaeologist! 🏺
  15. 21. Physique, for short — Answer: BOD. Hint: Think of the casual nickname for a person’s physical form. 🧍
  16. 25. Showbiz acronym — Answer: EGOT. Hint: This entertainment-world shorthand celebrates winning television, music, film, and theater’s biggest honors 🏆
  17. 26. Part of a doggo to boop, cutesily — Answer: SNOOT. Hint: A playful nickname for the furry face that gets all the affectionate taps 🐶
  18. 27. Verb in an eggs Benedict recipe — Answer: POACH. Hint: Cook the eggs gently in simmering water, as this brunch recipe directs. 🍳
  19. 28. Paleo or keto, e.g. — Answer: DIET. Hint: Both are popular approaches to choosing what you eat. 🥗
  20. 30. "The way things are going . . ." — Answer: ATTHISRATE. Hint: A phrase used to comment on the current pace or likely outcome. 📈
  21. 31. Not available — Answer: TAKEN. Hint: It’s already claimed, so you can’t have it right now. 🔒
  22. 34. ___ Field (the Mets' stadium) — Answer: CITI. Hint: The Mets call this Queens ballpark home, and its name is shared with a major financial institution. ⚾
  23. 35. Museo della Forma Urbis city — Answer: ROME. Hint: This Italian capital is home to the Museo della Forma Urbis 🏛️
  24. 37. Flabbergasts — Answer: WOWS. Hint: Leaves someone utterly amazed 😲
  25. 38. Unleash — Answer: LETLOOSE. Hint: Set something free or allow it to run wild. 🕊️
  26. 41. Circular in a square, maybe? — Answer: LEAFLET. Hint: Think of a small printed handout used to share information or promote something. 📰
  27. 43. Changed — Answer: ALTERED. Hint: Something modified rather than kept in its original state 🔄
  28. 45. Played some Hades, perhaps — Answer: GAMED. Hint: Spent time with a popular underworld-themed video game, perhaps 🎮
  29. 46. Penultimate month (Abbr.) — Answer: NOV. Hint: Think of the abbreviated month that comes right before the year’s finale 📅
  30. 48. "Take a load off!" — Answer: SIT. Hint: A chair’s favorite invitation when your feet need a break 🪑
  31. 50. Bread boxes? — Answer: ATMS. Hint: Think of places where you can withdraw some dough on demand 💵
  32. 51. Coat that Santa might wear? — Answer: SOOT. Hint: Think of the dark residue Santa might pick up during a chimney visit. 🖤
  33. 52. Tiny amount — Answer: IOTA. Hint: Think of the smallest possible quantity—barely enough to count. 🤏
  34. 54. "That hurt!" — Answer: OWIE. Hint: A tiny cry you might blurt after a paper cut. 😣
  35. 55. Symbol on a computer screen — Answer: ICON. Hint: Look for the tiny picture you click to open a program or file 🖥️
  36. 56. Camper's shelter — Answer: TENT. Hint: A lightweight home you can pitch quickly in the great outdoors ⛺
  37. 58. Beer variety — Answer: ALE. Hint: A classic pub pour often enjoyed from a cask 🍺

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Full USA Today Crossword answer list for today

Every clue from today's grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.

Across

#ClueAnswer
1Blueprint detail, for shortSPEC
5ContingenciesIFS
8Not these!THOSE
13Sacred Pueblo spaceKIVA
14Bellows in the barnyardMOOS
16DevourEATUP
17"Law & Order: SVU" actorICET
18"But this makes no sense?!"HOWCANITBE
20"Just forget it"DONTBOTHER
22It's kind of a thorny subjectROSE
23"Cool story, ___"BRO
24___ on (relied upon)BANKED
26Quickly look for matches?SPEEDDATE
29Either of a kid's parents?GOAT
32Jot downNOTE
33Island, in FrenchILE
34Person to split the bill withCOSTAR
36Granola grainOAT
37Bright, like an atriumWELLLIT
39"This bout is over!" (Abbr.)TKO
40Animal that's spotted in the wildOCELOT
42"Game, ___, match!"SET
43"I'm right here, you know" soundAHEM
44HurledTHREW
45"You weren't here first!"GETINLINE
47Really lay intoASSAIL
49Bonus game periods, for shortOTS
50"Yeah, right!"ASIF
53"Nope, don't care"IMSOOVERIT
57"You had your chance!"TOOLATENOW
59SprintRACE
60Stop on the roadMOTEL
61Person with South Asian rootsDESI
62School on the ThamesETON
63One of six in AustraliaSTATE
64Itty-bittyWEE
65Fender dingDENT

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Losing streak, in baseballSKID
2___ de galloPICO
3"I like that suggestion more!"EVENBETTER
4Where kitties can climbCATTREE
5"The way I see it," for shortIMHO
6Sport with Lions and Bears (but no Tigers)FOOTBALL
7"Can I get some news I haven't already heard?"SOWHATELSEISNEW
8Number of seasons of "Friends"TEN
9Jobs for stylistsHAIRDOS
10"Lord of the Rings" actor MirandaOTTO
11Long lunches?SUBS
12Fencing bladeEPEE
15Public hubbubSCENE
19"Raiders of the Lost ___"ARK
21Physique, for shortBOD
25Showbiz acronymEGOT
26Part of a doggo to boop, cutesilySNOOT
27Verb in an eggs Benedict recipePOACH
28Paleo or keto, e.g.DIET
30"The way things are going . . ."ATTHISRATE
31Not availableTAKEN
34___ Field (the Mets' stadium)CITI
35Museo della Forma Urbis cityROME
37FlabbergastsWOWS
38UnleashLETLOOSE
41Circular in a square, maybe?LEAFLET
43ChangedALTERED
45Played some Hades, perhapsGAMED
46Penultimate month (Abbr.)NOV
48"Take a load off!"SIT
50Bread boxes?ATMS
51Coat that Santa might wear?SOOT
52Tiny amountIOTA
54"That hurt!"OWIE
55Symbol on a computer screenICON
56Camper's shelterTENT
58Beer varietyALE

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EditorErik AgardWill Shortz / Patti Varol

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