USA Today Crossword Answers Today

Bug Out

By Faren Roth · Edited by Amanda Rafkin

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Across

  1. 1Run afterCHASE
  2. 6Some saucersUFOS
  3. 10King ___TUT
  4. 13Corrodes after disuseRUSTS
  5. 14Notable dwarf planetPLUTO
  6. 16"Is that a yes or ___?ANO
  7. 17Lemony Snicket, e.g.ALIAS
  8. 18___ pole (Tlingit carving)TOTEM
  9. 19Day that Garfield hates (Abbr.)MON
  10. 20Spicy piece of chickenBUFFALOWING
  11. 22Garment that might have hooksBRA
  12. 23"Just so u know . . ."FYI
  13. 24Unit for a comedian or tennis playerSET
  14. 25Most popular fencing weaponFOIL
  15. 26"Stay tuned" lettersTBA
  16. 29"can't believe u did that"SMH
  17. 31"Don't ask me" gestureSHRUG
  18. 33Penne ___ vodkaALLA
  19. 35Animal hunted by Asterix and ObelixBOAR
  20. 38UnsettlingEERIE
  21. 40Disclaimer following a confession of excessBUTWHOSCOUNTING
  22. 43Dreaded words on a returned quizSEEME
  23. 44Philadelphia Eagles, for oneTEAM
  24. 45Slight issueSNAG
  25. 46Move like a spy through the ventsCRAWL
  26. 48"Pearls Before Swine" antiheroRAT
  27. 50Chess rating systemELO
  28. 51"Better you ___ me"THAN
  29. 52JerkASS
  30. 55Rowdy crowdMOB
  31. 57Thus farYET
  32. 58Making a cheeky call?BUTTDIALING
  33. 63Floral garlandLEI
  34. 64"I'm with you"AGREE
  35. 65"Stranger Things" actress SinkSADIE
  36. 66That, in SpanishESO
  37. 67"The Lightning ___"THIEF
  38. 68Person stirring the pot onlineTROLL
  39. 69___ faireREN
  40. 70Light on one's feetSPRY
  41. 71Ideal RSVPsYESES

Down

  1. 1Sea floor scuttlerCRAB
  2. 2"Love, Victor" streaming serviceHULU
  3. 3"Fat chance!"ASIF
  4. 4Home for notes and clefsSTAFF
  5. 5Philosophy assignmentsESSAYS
  6. 6___ no goodUPTO
  7. 7Moves like a lazy riverFLOWS
  8. 8Belly button typeOUTIE
  9. 9Artery implantsSTENTS
  10. 10Instrument that's shaken and tappedTAMBOURINE
  11. 11Like an overused crossword clueUNORIGINAL
  12. 12Like most Bantu languagesTONAL
  13. 15"You. Can't. Be. Serious!"OMG
  14. 21Find out how low you can goLIMBO
  15. 25Neck lines?FRETS
  16. 26Browser divisionsTABS
  17. 27Popular dip for a 20-AcrossBLUECHEESE
  18. 28Dress modificationALTERATION
  19. 30Ken Jennings, for "Jeopardy!"HOST
  20. 32Brooding baby sitter?HEN
  21. 34"Shucks!"AWMAN
  22. 36Impeccable tennis serveACE
  23. 37"I'm a lion! Respect me!"ROAR
  24. 39Frozen waffle brandEGGO
  25. 41Chop downHEW
  26. 42Savory flavor in kimchiUMAMI
  27. 47GigglesLAUGHS
  28. 49Like a spot by the fireTOASTY
  29. 51"A Patchwork Planet" author AnneTYLER
  30. 53Word after "Las Vegas" or "Sunset"STRIP
  31. 54Direct a dogsledSTEER
  32. 56Play loudlyBLARE
  33. 58Pinata whackerBAT
  34. 59Rebel againstDEFY
  35. 60Wedding promisesIDOS
  36. 61River that begins in UgandaNILE
  37. 62Meshes wellGELS

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Run after — Answer: CHASE. Hint: This means to pursue someone or something closely. 🏃
  2. 6. Some saucers — Answer: UFOS. Hint: These mysterious flying objects are often spotted in sci-fi stories. 🛸
  3. 10. King ___ — Answer: TUT. Hint: Think of the famous Egyptian boy pharaoh whose tomb captivated the world. 🏺
  4. 13. Corrodes after disuse — Answer: RUSTS. Hint: Think of what neglected metal can do when moisture gets the upper hand. 🧲
  5. 14. Notable dwarf planet — Answer: PLUTO. Hint: This famous dwarf planet shares its name with the Roman god of the underworld. 🪐
  6. 16. "Is that a yes or ___? — Answer: ANO. Hint: Look for the Czech word that means “yes.” 🇨🇿
  7. 17. Lemony Snicket, e.g. — Answer: ALIAS. Hint: Think of the alternate name an author uses instead of their real one. ✍️
  8. 18. ___ pole (Tlingit carving) — Answer: TOTEM. Hint: Think of the tall, carved monument that tells a story through symbolic figures. 🪵
  9. 19. Day that Garfield hates (Abbr.) — Answer: MON. Hint: Think of the weekday that follows the weekend and makes this lazy cat grumpy. 😾
  10. 20. Spicy piece of chicken — Answer: BUFFALOWING. Hint: Think of the classic bar-food favorite tossed in fiery sauce and served with dip. 🍗
  11. 22. Garment that might have hooks — Answer: BRA. Hint: Think of a supportive undergarment that may fasten with tiny hooks and eyes. 👚
  12. 23. "Just so u know . . ." — Answer: FYI. Hint: A quick heads-up phrase used to share information without expecting a reply. ℹ️
  13. 24. Unit for a comedian or tennis player — Answer: SET. Hint: Think of what a comedian performs and what a tennis player wins 🎾
  14. 25. Most popular fencing weapon — Answer: FOIL. Hint: In fencing, this light thrusting weapon is often the crowd favorite 🤺
  15. 26. "Stay tuned" letters — Answer: TBA. Hint: Look for a three-letter abbreviation meaning the details will be announced later 📺
  16. 29. "can't believe u did that" — Answer: SMH. Hint: This is a brief reaction showing disbelief and mild exasperation. 🤦
  17. 31. "Don't ask me" gesture — Answer: SHRUG. Hint: A small lift of the shoulders can express uncertainty or indifference. 🤷
  18. 33. Penne ___ vodka — Answer: ALLA. Hint: A classic Italian phrase that means “in the style of” this sauce pairing 🍝
  19. 35. Animal hunted by Asterix and Obelix — Answer: BOAR. Hint: Think of the wild forest game these famously hungry Gauls often chase. 🐗
  20. 38. Unsettling — Answer: EERIE. Hint: Think of something that sends shivers down your spine! 👻
  21. 40. Disclaimer following a confession of excess — Answer: BUTWHOSCOUNTING. Hint: A playful way to shrug off an admission that you may have overdone it. 😉
  22. 43. Dreaded words on a returned quiz — Answer: SEEME. Hint: A teacher might write this when asking you to discuss your mistakes. 😬
  23. 44. Philadelphia Eagles, for one — Answer: TEAM. Hint: They’re a group of players united in competition. 🏈
  24. 45. Slight issue — Answer: SNAG. Hint: A small obstacle or complication can be described this way. 🧩
  25. 46. Move like a spy through the vents — Answer: CRAWL. Hint: Slip stealthily through narrow spaces while staying low and quiet 🕵️
  26. 48. "Pearls Before Swine" antihero — Answer: RAT. Hint: This comic-strip troublemaker is a small rodent with a big attitude. 🐭
  27. 50. Chess rating system — Answer: ELO. Hint: This system measures a player's skill in chess, named after its creator! ♟️
  28. 51. "Better you ___ me" — Answer: THAN. Hint: This comparison says someone is preferable to me. 🙂
  29. 52. Jerk — Answer: ASS. Hint: Sometimes you might call someone a real pain in the neck! 😏
  30. 55. Rowdy crowd — Answer: MOB. Hint: Think of a lively group often associated with excitement and chaos! 🎉
  31. 57. Thus far — Answer: YET. Hint: This phrase means “up to now.” ⏳
  32. 58. Making a cheeky call? — Answer: BUTTDIALING. Hint: A mischievous pocket-made phone call might fit this playful phrase 📱
  33. 63. Floral garland — Answer: LEI. Hint: Picture a fragrant necklace made from tropical flowers 🌺
  34. 64. "I'm with you" — Answer: AGREE. Hint: A quick way to show you share someone’s opinion. 🤝
  35. 65. "Stranger Things" actress Sink — Answer: SADIE. Hint: This talented young actress played skateboard-loving Max Mayfield in the hit sci-fi series 🎬
  36. 66. That, in Spanish — Answer: ESO. Hint: Think of the Spanish word you’d use when pointing to something over there. 👉
  37. 67. "The Lightning ___" — Answer: THIEF. Hint: In this Percy Jackson title, think of someone who steals something important amid storms. ⚡
  38. 68. Person stirring the pot online — Answer: TROLL. Hint: Think of an internet troublemaker who provokes people for fun. 😈
  39. 69. ___ faire — Answer: REN. Hint: Think of the abbreviated name for a Renaissance fair, complete with costumes and jousting 🏰
  40. 70. Light on one's feet — Answer: SPRY. Hint: Think of someone who moves with nimble, youthful agility. 🩰
  41. 71. Ideal RSVPs — Answer: YESES. Hint: These are the most enthusiastic replies to an invitation. ✅

Down

  1. 1. Sea floor scuttler — Answer: CRAB. Hint: Picture a sideways-walking beach dweller hiding beneath the waves 🦀
  2. 2. "Love, Victor" streaming service — Answer: HULU. Hint: This streaming platform carried the teen rom-com series about a closeted high-schooler. 📺
  3. 3. "Fat chance!" — Answer: ASIF. Hint: This sarcastic reply means “not likely” or “I don’t believe you.” 🙄
  4. 4. Home for notes and clefs — Answer: STAFF. Hint: Think of the five-line framework where written music lives 🎼
  5. 5. Philosophy assignments — Answer: ESSAYS. Hint: They’re written pieces students may ponder and defend in a philosophy class. 📝
  6. 6. ___ no good — Answer: UPTO. Hint: This phrase describes someone who is causing mischief or plotting trouble. 😈
  7. 7. Moves like a lazy river — Answer: FLOWS. Hint: Drifts along smoothly and steadily, without any rush 🌊
  8. 8. Belly button type — Answer: OUTIE. Hint: It’s the navel style that protrudes instead of dipping inward 🧍
  9. 9. Artery implants — Answer: STENTS. Hint: These tiny mesh tubes help keep narrowed blood vessels open. 🫀
  10. 10. Instrument that's shaken and tapped — Answer: TAMBOURINE. Hint: Think of a handheld percussion instrument with jingling metal discs that can be shaken or struck. 🥁
  11. 11. Like an overused crossword clue — Answer: UNORIGINAL. Hint: It’s been seen so often that it feels anything but fresh. 💤
  12. 12. Like most Bantu languages — Answer: TONAL. Hint: These languages often use changes in pitch to distinguish one word’s meaning from another’s 🎵
  13. 15. "You. Can't. Be. Serious!" — Answer: OMG. Hint: This is a quick text-style reaction to shocking or unbelievable news 😲
  14. 21. Find out how low you can go — Answer: LIMBO. Hint: Think of the playful dance where you bend backward to pass beneath a bar. 💃
  15. 25. Neck lines? — Answer: FRETS. Hint: These raised strips on a guitar neck help divide the notes. 🎸
  16. 26. Browser divisions — Answer: TABS. Hint: They let you keep multiple webpages open within a single browser window. 🖥️
  17. 27. Popular dip for a 20-Across — Answer: BLUECHEESE. Hint: Think of a tangy, creamy dip that’s a classic partner for spicy wings. 🧀
  18. 28. Dress modification — Answer: ALTERATION. Hint: A tailor might make this to change the fit or style of a garment. 🧵
  19. 30. Ken Jennings, for "Jeopardy!" — Answer: HOST. Hint: He guided contestants and introduced each round on the quiz show 🎤
  20. 32. Brooding baby sitter? — Answer: HEN. Hint: Think of a feathered caretaker keeping watch over little chicks. 🐔
  21. 34. "Shucks!" — Answer: AWMAN. Hint: A casual exclamation of frustration or disappointment fits here. 😩
  22. 36. Impeccable tennis serve — Answer: ACE. Hint: A flawless serve that your opponent cannot touch earns this perfect result 🎾
  23. 37. "I'm a lion! Respect me!" — Answer: ROAR. Hint: Think of the mighty sound a jungle cat makes to command attention. 🦁
  24. 39. Frozen waffle brand — Answer: EGGO. Hint: Think of a breakfast treat that you might pop in the toaster! 🧇
  25. 41. Chop down — Answer: HEW. Hint: Use this verb for cutting through wood with an axe. 🪓
  26. 42. Savory flavor in kimchi — Answer: UMAMI. Hint: Think of the rich, mouthwatering taste that makes fermented foods so satisfying 😋
  27. 47. Giggles — Answer: LAUGHS. Hint: These are bursts of amusement that may escape when something is funny. 😂
  28. 49. Like a spot by the fire — Answer: TOASTY. Hint: Describes a cozy, pleasantly warm place near the flames. 🔥
  29. 51. "A Patchwork Planet" author Anne — Answer: TYLER. Hint: Think of the acclaimed novelist known for intimate family stories and Baltimore settings. 📚
  30. 53. Word after "Las Vegas" or "Sunset" — Answer: STRIP. Hint: Think of a famous stretch of casinos or a celebrated Hollywood boulevard 🎰
  31. 54. Direct a dogsled — Answer: STEER. Hint: Guide the sled team along the trail with confident commands. 🐕
  32. 56. Play loudly — Answer: BLARE. Hint: Make a bold, booming sound that fills the room. 📣
  33. 58. Pinata whacker — Answer: BAT. Hint: This party-game tool is also familiar baseball gear. 🥳
  34. 59. Rebel against — Answer: DEFY. Hint: Refuse to obey or boldly resist authority. ✊
  35. 60. Wedding promises — Answer: IDOS. Hint: Think of the short promises couples exchange at the altar. 💍
  36. 61. River that begins in Uganda — Answer: NILE. Hint: Think of the famous African river whose source is associated with Lake Victoria. 🌊
  37. 62. Meshes well — Answer: GELS. Hint: Fits together smoothly and harmoniously, like a team that clicks right away 🤝

Recent USA Today Answers

The last 7 days of solutions

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Looking for today's USA Today Crossword answers? The full solution to today's puzzle — dated August 10, 2026 — is at the top of this page, updated the moment the new grid goes live. The USA Today crossword is free, themed, and refreshingly modern, which has made it one of the most-played daily puzzles in the country. Whether you want to check a finished grid, unlock one stubborn square, or see the whole answer key, every across and down solution is listed below.

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
1Run afterCHASE
6Some saucersUFOS
10King ___TUT
13Corrodes after disuseRUSTS
14Notable dwarf planetPLUTO
16"Is that a yes or ___?ANO
17Lemony Snicket, e.g.ALIAS
18___ pole (Tlingit carving)TOTEM
19Day that Garfield hates (Abbr.)MON
20Spicy piece of chickenBUFFALOWING
22Garment that might have hooksBRA
23"Just so u know . . ."FYI
24Unit for a comedian or tennis playerSET
25Most popular fencing weaponFOIL
26"Stay tuned" lettersTBA
29"can't believe u did that"SMH
31"Don't ask me" gestureSHRUG
33Penne ___ vodkaALLA
35Animal hunted by Asterix and ObelixBOAR
38UnsettlingEERIE
40Disclaimer following a confession of excessBUTWHOSCOUNTING
43Dreaded words on a returned quizSEEME
44Philadelphia Eagles, for oneTEAM
45Slight issueSNAG
46Move like a spy through the ventsCRAWL
48"Pearls Before Swine" antiheroRAT
50Chess rating systemELO
51"Better you ___ me"THAN
52JerkASS
55Rowdy crowdMOB
57Thus farYET
58Making a cheeky call?BUTTDIALING
63Floral garlandLEI
64"I'm with you"AGREE
65"Stranger Things" actress SinkSADIE
66That, in SpanishESO
67"The Lightning ___"THIEF
68Person stirring the pot onlineTROLL
69___ faireREN
70Light on one's feetSPRY
71Ideal RSVPsYESES

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Sea floor scuttlerCRAB
2"Love, Victor" streaming serviceHULU
3"Fat chance!"ASIF
4Home for notes and clefsSTAFF
5Philosophy assignmentsESSAYS
6___ no goodUPTO
7Moves like a lazy riverFLOWS
8Belly button typeOUTIE
9Artery implantsSTENTS
10Instrument that's shaken and tappedTAMBOURINE
11Like an overused crossword clueUNORIGINAL
12Like most Bantu languagesTONAL
15"You. Can't. Be. Serious!"OMG
21Find out how low you can goLIMBO
25Neck lines?FRETS
26Browser divisionsTABS
27Popular dip for a 20-AcrossBLUECHEESE
28Dress modificationALTERATION
30Ken Jennings, for "Jeopardy!"HOST
32Brooding baby sitter?HEN
34"Shucks!"AWMAN
36Impeccable tennis serveACE
37"I'm a lion! Respect me!"ROAR
39Frozen waffle brandEGGO
41Chop downHEW
42Savory flavor in kimchiUMAMI
47GigglesLAUGHS
49Like a spot by the fireTOASTY
51"A Patchwork Planet" author AnneTYLER
53Word after "Las Vegas" or "Sunset"STRIP
54Direct a dogsledSTEER
56Play loudlyBLARE
58Pinata whackerBAT
59Rebel againstDEFY
60Wedding promisesIDOS
61River that begins in UgandaNILE
62Meshes wellGELS

Today's USA Today Crossword answers

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The USA Today crossword is a free daily puzzle edited by Erik Agard, a celebrated constructor known for making crosswords more welcoming and inclusive. Unlike the older broadsheet puzzles, USA Today deliberately features contemporary vocabulary, diverse names and references, and a bright, modern voice — every puzzle is themed, and the themes are consistently clever without being cruel. It's a mid-size grid, quicker than the full NYT or LA Times, and it's earned a devoted following precisely because it feels fresh and fair rather than stuffy.

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USA TodayNYT / LA Times
Difficulty curveConsistent every dayRamps through the week
ThemeEvery puzzle is themedThemed early week, themeless late
VocabularyModern, inclusive, currentMore traditional
CostFreeNYT paid; LA Times free
EditorErik AgardWill Shortz / Patti Varol

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