USA Today Crossword Answers Today

Making Biscuits (Freestyle)

By Rafael Musa

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Across

  1. 1RegionAREA
  2. 5"Be right ___!"BACK
  3. 9Athlete's best effortAGAME
  4. 14Counterpart to a dog loverCATPERSON
  5. 16LegalLICIT
  6. 17Small digitLITTLETOE
  7. 18Builders of Machu PicchuINCAS
  8. 19"___ Velita" (Bad Bunny song)UNA
  9. 20Sharpie or milepost, for exampleMARKER
  10. 22Navy's counterpartARMY
  11. 23"Me too!"SODOI
  12. 24Existential wearinessENNUI
  13. 26"Now!"ASAP
  14. 29Place to collect shellsSEASIDE
  15. 31Rigid adherence to a traditionPURISM
  16. 34Icy precipitationSLEET
  17. 35Playing area that could devalue nearby properties due to unwanted noisePICKLEBALLCOURT
  18. 40EnterHEADIN
  19. 41Beatles co-founder JohnLENNON
  20. 42Greek letter hidden in "epsilon"PSI
  21. 44Ring-shaped cake typeBUNDT
  22. 46Rapper with a hyphenated nameICET
  23. 47"I would be ___ if I didn't . . ."REMISS
  24. 49___ Sans (common font)COMIC
  25. 52Not oddEVEN
  26. 53Apple earbudAIRPOD
  27. 55Bikini topBRA
  28. 58Put the ___ to the metalPEDAL
  29. 60"Do you want me to keep listing examples?"NEEDIGOON
  30. 62Venue for a big concertARENA
  31. 63Dense and crumbly breakfast treatCAKEDONUT
  32. 64Exciting RSVP responsesYESES
  33. 65More, in SpanishMAS
  34. 66Doctors for animalsVETS

Down

  1. 1Org. fighting for human rightsACLU
  2. 2Unfortunate forecast for a beach dayRAIN
  3. 3"Tell Mama" singer JamesETTA
  4. 4FittingAPT
  5. 5Chapati or naanBREAD
  6. 6Houston baseball teamASTROS
  7. 7Milkshake flavor that might contain OreosCOOKIESANDCREAM
  8. 8Patella's jointKNEE
  9. 9Actor MahershalaALI
  10. 10Refreshing cocktail garnished with limeGINANDTONIC
  11. 11Build up, like interestACCRUE
  12. 12City south of Fort LauderdaleMIAMI
  13. 13___ witch (spiritual practitioner solicited via an online marketplace)ETSY
  14. 15Red MuppetELMO
  15. 21List on eBay, sayRESELL
  16. 23Powerful volleyball shotSPIKE
  17. 25Sibling's daughterNIECE
  18. 26Google Play downloadAPP
  19. 27Actress Chase ___ WondersSUI
  20. 28Greek mathematician who allegedly shouted "Eureka!"ARCHIMEDES
  21. 30___-or-nothingALL
  22. 32Big hunks of materialSLABS
  23. 33Mythological woman with snakes for hairMEDUSA
  24. 36Recycling containerBIN
  25. 37Sch. in Chapel HillUNC
  26. 38Fish eggsROE
  27. 39Dynamite alternativeTNT
  28. 42Give money up frontPREPAY
  29. 43HarshSEVERE
  30. 45Capital of KansasTOPEKA
  31. 48SenselessINANE
  32. 50Eco and sport, in some carsMODES
  33. 51"That was me"IDID
  34. 54LLC alternativeINC
  35. 55___ brothBONE
  36. 56Defeat decisivelyROUT
  37. 57Common pantry infestationANTS
  38. 59___ VegasLAS
  39. 61End of some municipal URLsGOV

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Region — Answer: AREA. Hint: A stretch of land or a particular part of a place 🌍
  2. 5. "Be right ___!" — Answer: BACK. Hint: A quick promise that you’ll return in just a moment. ⏱️
  3. 9. Athlete's best effort — Answer: AGAME. Hint: It’s what an athlete brings when performing at their very best. 🏅
  4. 14. Counterpart to a dog lover — Answer: CATPERSON. Hint: Think of someone who prefers feline friends over fetching games. 🐱
  5. 16. Legal — Answer: LICIT. Hint: Think of a formal synonym for something permitted by law. ⚖️
  6. 17. Small digit — Answer: LITTLETOE. Hint: It’s the tiny one at the outer edge of your foot. 🦶
  7. 18. Builders of Machu Picchu — Answer: INCAS. Hint: This Andean civilization left behind one of the world’s most famous mountain citadels. 🏔️
  8. 19. "___ Velita" (Bad Bunny song) — Answer: UNA. Hint: Complete this Bad Bunny song title with the Spanish word for “one.” 🎵
  9. 20. Sharpie or milepost, for example — Answer: MARKER. Hint: Both can identify or point out something important. 📍
  10. 22. Navy's counterpart — Answer: ARMY. Hint: Think of the major military branch that fights on land. 🪖
  11. 23. "Me too!" — Answer: SODOI. Hint: A cheerful way to agree that you share someone’s action or feeling. 🙋
  12. 24. Existential weariness — Answer: ENNUI. Hint: A world-weary feeling of boredom and dissatisfaction fits this clue. 😩
  13. 26. "Now!" — Answer: ASAP. Hint: When you need something done without delay, think of this abbreviation! ⏰
  14. 29. Place to collect shells — Answer: SEASIDE. Hint: Head to the shore, where waves leave little treasures behind. 🐚
  15. 31. Rigid adherence to a tradition — Answer: PURISM. Hint: A strict devotion to keeping things in their most traditional, unaltered form might be called this. 🏛️
  16. 34. Icy precipitation — Answer: SLEET. Hint: This wintry mix falls when snow and rain decide to team up. 🌨️
  17. 35. Playing area that could devalue nearby properties due to unwanted noise — Answer: PICKLEBALLCOURT. Hint: Think of a neighborhood sports spot whose lively paddle pops might send nearby property values downward. 🏓
  18. 40. Enter — Answer: HEADIN. Hint: Think of the action of making your way inside. 🚪
  19. 41. Beatles co-founder John — Answer: LENNON. Hint: Think of the bespectacled songwriting legend who helped lead the Fab Four. 🎶
  20. 42. Greek letter hidden in "epsilon" — Answer: PSI. Hint: This Greek letter is tucked inside the name of another Greek letter. 🔍
  21. 44. Ring-shaped cake type — Answer: BUNDT. Hint: Think of a fluted cake baked in a distinctive ring-shaped pan. 🍰
  22. 46. Rapper with a hyphenated name — Answer: ICET. Hint: Think of the pioneering hip-hop artist who became a familiar face on Law & Order: SVU. 🎤
  23. 47. "I would be ___ if I didn't . . ." — Answer: REMISS. Hint: You’d be neglecting your duty if you failed to do it. 😬
  24. 49. ___ Sans (common font) — Answer: COMIC. Hint: This playful typeface is a favorite for casual speech bubbles and handwritten-style notes. ✍️
  25. 52. Not odd — Answer: EVEN. Hint: Look for the word that describes numbers divisible by two. 🔢
  26. 53. Apple earbud — Answer: AIRPOD. Hint: Apple’s sleek wireless earbud is a tiny music-listening companion. 🎧
  27. 55. Bikini top — Answer: BRA. Hint: A supportive swimwear piece worn above the waist 🏖️
  28. 58. Put the ___ to the metal — Answer: PEDAL. Hint: Press this with your foot when you want to accelerate. 🦶
  29. 60. "Do you want me to keep listing examples?" — Answer: NEEDIGOON. Hint: This rhetorical question asks whether more examples are really necessary. 😉
  30. 62. Venue for a big concert — Answer: ARENA. Hint: Think of a large sports or entertainment space where thousands can gather for a show. 🎤
  31. 63. Dense and crumbly breakfast treat — Answer: CAKEDONUT. Hint: Think of a sturdy morning pastry that’s more substantial than airy and leaves crumbs behind. 🍩
  32. 64. Exciting RSVP responses — Answer: YESES. Hint: These enthusiastic replies show that invitees are eager to attend. 🎉
  33. 65. More, in Spanish — Answer: MAS. Hint: Think of the Spanish word you’d use to ask for an extra helping. 🌮
  34. 66. Doctors for animals — Answer: VETS. Hint: These professionals care for your furry, feathered, or scaly companions. 🐾

Down

  1. 1. Org. fighting for human rights — Answer: ACLU. Hint: This U.S. civil-liberties group often takes on courtroom battles over equal rights. ⚖️
  2. 2. Unfortunate forecast for a beach day — Answer: RAIN. Hint: It’s what you hope stays away when clouds gather over your seaside plans. ☔
  3. 3. "Tell Mama" singer James — Answer: ETTA. Hint: Think of the powerful soul-and-blues vocalist whose fiery performances made “Tell Mama” a classic. 🎤
  4. 4. Fitting — Answer: APT. Hint: Think of a word meaning suitable or well-suited. 🎯
  5. 5. Chapati or naan — Answer: BREAD. Hint: These soft, round staples are often used to scoop up curries. 🫓
  6. 6. Houston baseball team — Answer: ASTROS. Hint: This Texas team plays under a name inspired by space exploration. 🚀
  7. 7. Milkshake flavor that might contain Oreos — Answer: COOKIESANDCREAM. Hint: Think of a creamy blend named for the crunchy sandwich treats mixed into it. 🍪
  8. 8. Patella's joint — Answer: KNEE. Hint: This bendy joint connects your thigh and lower leg. 🦵
  9. 9. Actor Mahershala — Answer: ALI. Hint: This Oscar-winning actor shares his surname with legendary boxer Muhammad. 🥊
  10. 10. Refreshing cocktail garnished with lime — Answer: GINANDTONIC. Hint: This classic highball combines a juniper-forward spirit with a bubbly, bitter mixer and a citrus wedge. 🍸
  11. 11. Build up, like interest — Answer: ACCRUE. Hint: Think of what savings do when they grow little by little over time. 💰
  12. 12. City south of Fort Lauderdale — Answer: MIAMI. Hint: Think of the famous South Florida city known for beaches, nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. 🌴
  13. 13. ___ witch (spiritual practitioner solicited via an online marketplace) — Answer: ETSY. Hint: Think of the online marketplace where handmade crafts and mystical services can both be found. 🛍️
  14. 15. Red Muppet — Answer: ELMO. Hint: Think of the giggly red Sesame Street favorite who loves to refer to himself in the third person 🎭
  15. 21. List on eBay, say — Answer: RESELL. Hint: Put a previously owned item up for someone else to buy online. 🛒
  16. 23. Powerful volleyball shot — Answer: SPIKE. Hint: This forceful hit sends the ball sharply downward over the net. 🏐
  17. 25. Sibling's daughter — Answer: NIECE. Hint: Think of the family relationship between you and your brother’s or sister’s daughter. 👨‍👩‍👧
  18. 26. Google Play download — Answer: APP. Hint: A small program you can install from Google’s digital marketplace 📱
  19. 27. Actress Chase ___ Wonders — Answer: SUI. Hint: Think of the first name of the actress who starred in *Bodies Bodies Bodies*. 🎬
  20. 28. Greek mathematician who allegedly shouted "Eureka!" — Answer: ARCHIMEDES. Hint: This ancient thinker is famously said to have made a breakthrough while relaxing in a bath. 🛁
  21. 30. ___-or-nothing — Answer: ALL. Hint: This phrase captures a no-compromise, everything-on-the-line attitude 🎯
  22. 32. Big hunks of material — Answer: SLABS. Hint: Think of broad, thick pieces cut from stone, wood, or other materials. 🧱
  23. 33. Mythological woman with snakes for hair — Answer: MEDUSA. Hint: This legendary figure could turn onlookers to stone with a single glance. 🐍
  24. 36. Recycling container — Answer: BIN. Hint: Look for the small container where recyclables get sorted. ♻️
  25. 37. Sch. in Chapel Hill — Answer: UNC. Hint: Think of the famous Tar Heel university located in Chapel Hill. 🏀
  26. 38. Fish eggs — Answer: ROE. Hint: Think of a delicacy often served on blinis or as a garnish! 🎣
  27. 39. Dynamite alternative — Answer: TNT. Hint: Think of a compact explosive famously linked to blasting and cartoon mayhem 💥
  28. 42. Give money up front — Answer: PREPAY. Hint: Settle the cost before receiving the goods or service 💳
  29. 43. Harsh — Answer: SEVERE. Hint: Think of something stern, intense, and far from gentle. 😠
  30. 45. Capital of Kansas — Answer: TOPEKA. Hint: Think of the city that serves as Kansas’s seat of government 🏛️
  31. 48. Senseless — Answer: INANE. Hint: Describes something foolish, absurd, and lacking good sense 🤪
  32. 50. Eco and sport, in some cars — Answer: MODES. Hint: They’re selectable driving settings that let a car switch between fuel-saving and performance-focused behavior. 🚗
  33. 51. "That was me" — Answer: IDID. Hint: A concise way to claim responsibility for something already done. 🙂
  34. 54. LLC alternative — Answer: INC. Hint: Think of the corporate suffix used by an incorporated company rather than a limited-liability one. 🏢
  35. 55. ___ broth — Answer: BONE. Hint: This nutrient-rich stock is traditionally made by simmering animal bones for hours. 🍲
  36. 56. Defeat decisively — Answer: ROUT. Hint: To win by a landslide is to do this to your opponent 🏆
  37. 57. Common pantry infestation — Answer: ANTS. Hint: Tiny sugar-seeking visitors may march across your shelves 🐜
  38. 59. ___ Vegas — Answer: LAS. Hint: Think of the Spanish word meaning “the” that commonly precedes this famous gambling city 🎰
  39. 61. End of some municipal URLs — Answer: GOV. Hint: Look for the government-related domain suffix often seen on city websites 🏛️

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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
1RegionAREA
5"Be right ___!"BACK
9Athlete's best effortAGAME
14Counterpart to a dog loverCATPERSON
16LegalLICIT
17Small digitLITTLETOE
18Builders of Machu PicchuINCAS
19"___ Velita" (Bad Bunny song)UNA
20Sharpie or milepost, for exampleMARKER
22Navy's counterpartARMY
23"Me too!"SODOI
24Existential wearinessENNUI
26"Now!"ASAP
29Place to collect shellsSEASIDE
31Rigid adherence to a traditionPURISM
34Icy precipitationSLEET
35Playing area that could devalue nearby properties due to unwanted noisePICKLEBALLCOURT
40EnterHEADIN
41Beatles co-founder JohnLENNON
42Greek letter hidden in "epsilon"PSI
44Ring-shaped cake typeBUNDT
46Rapper with a hyphenated nameICET
47"I would be ___ if I didn't . . ."REMISS
49___ Sans (common font)COMIC
52Not oddEVEN
53Apple earbudAIRPOD
55Bikini topBRA
58Put the ___ to the metalPEDAL
60"Do you want me to keep listing examples?"NEEDIGOON
62Venue for a big concertARENA
63Dense and crumbly breakfast treatCAKEDONUT
64Exciting RSVP responsesYESES
65More, in SpanishMAS
66Doctors for animalsVETS

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Org. fighting for human rightsACLU
2Unfortunate forecast for a beach dayRAIN
3"Tell Mama" singer JamesETTA
4FittingAPT
5Chapati or naanBREAD
6Houston baseball teamASTROS
7Milkshake flavor that might contain OreosCOOKIESANDCREAM
8Patella's jointKNEE
9Actor MahershalaALI
10Refreshing cocktail garnished with limeGINANDTONIC
11Build up, like interestACCRUE
12City south of Fort LauderdaleMIAMI
13___ witch (spiritual practitioner solicited via an online marketplace)ETSY
15Red MuppetELMO
21List on eBay, sayRESELL
23Powerful volleyball shotSPIKE
25Sibling's daughterNIECE
26Google Play downloadAPP
27Actress Chase ___ WondersSUI
28Greek mathematician who allegedly shouted "Eureka!"ARCHIMEDES
30___-or-nothingALL
32Big hunks of materialSLABS
33Mythological woman with snakes for hairMEDUSA
36Recycling containerBIN
37Sch. in Chapel HillUNC
38Fish eggsROE
39Dynamite alternativeTNT
42Give money up frontPREPAY
43HarshSEVERE
45Capital of KansasTOPEKA
48SenselessINANE
50Eco and sport, in some carsMODES
51"That was me"IDID
54LLC alternativeINC
55___ brothBONE
56Defeat decisivelyROUT
57Common pantry infestationANTS
59___ VegasLAS
61End of some municipal URLsGOV

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EditorErik AgardWill Shortz / Patti Varol

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