USA Today Crossword Answers - Aug 20

Getting Attached

By Steve Jopek · Edited by Amie Walker

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Across

  1. 1Phoenix Opera soloARIA
  2. 5"Do your ___!"WORST
  3. 10Take orders fromOBEY
  4. 14Pear suitable for poachingBOSC
  5. 15Really madIRATE
  6. 16Like stallions and bullsMALE
  7. 17Alley target in a Wii Sports gameBOWLINGPIN
  8. 19Ticks offIRKS
  9. 20Do better thanONEUP
  10. 21Areas of landTRACTS
  11. 23Drink that might be served with crumpetsTEA
  12. 24Need to payOWE
  13. 27"___ corte de rosas y espinas" (Sarah J. Maas novel translated by Margara Averbach)UNA
  14. 28SpigotTAP
  15. 31Trips around the sun (Abbr.)YRS
  16. 33Proves versatileADAPTS
  17. 35"Days of ___ Lives"OUR
  18. 36Orchard unitsACRES
  19. 38Counterpart of ecstasyAGONY
  20. 40Flash seen before hearing thunderLIGHTNINGBOLT
  21. 44"Hidden Figures" star JanelleMONAE
  22. 45Airport annoyanceDELAY
  23. 46Long, long timeEON
  24. 47Vegas venue whose interior includes the world's largest LED screenSPHERE
  25. 50Write to Dear Abby, sayASK
  26. 53Boxing ref's callTKO
  27. 54"___ Te Ching"TAO
  28. 55The Broncos, on a scoreboardDEN
  29. 57Brain scan (Abbr.)EEG
  30. 59Home on a Kingdomino starting tileCASTLE
  31. 62Turn into mushPUREE
  32. 64Sign of things to comeOMEN
  33. 66Classic parade streamer materialTICKERTAPE
  34. 69Dryer fuzzLINT
  35. 70Causing goose bumpsEERIE
  36. 71Gorillas and gibbonsAPES
  37. 72Prom partnerDATE
  38. 73"I'm ___ in the back of the car / And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar"DRUNK
  39. 74In this locationHERE

Down

  1. 1Monastery figureABBOT
  2. 2"Carol" star MaraROONEY
  3. 3"That's the truth!"ISWEAR
  4. 46-Down that defends legal rightsACLU
  5. 5Take the prizeWIN
  6. 64-Down, e.g.ORG
  7. 7SpellboundRAPT
  8. 8ProvokeSTIRUP
  9. 9Rent payerTENANT
  10. 10Leave outOMIT
  11. 11Happy hour seatBARSTOOL
  12. 12Yellowstone creatureELK
  13. 13"Definitely!"YES
  14. 18Stock debut, for shortIPO
  15. 22Honeydew alternativeCASABA
  16. 25Toad's bumpWART
  17. 26Blissful spotEDEN
  18. 29Woman with nieces, sayAUNT
  19. 30Be nosyPRY
  20. 32It's a long story!SAGA
  21. 34Parenthetical bitASIDE
  22. 37Ice holdersCHESTS
  23. 39"El perro" painter FranciscoGOYA
  24. 40Window-shop, perhapsLOOK
  25. 41Not guiltyINNOCENT
  26. 42Brainy personNERD
  27. 43Pure delightGLEE
  28. 44Was introduced toMET
  29. 48Tapped gentlyPATTED
  30. 49___-than-thouHOLIER
  31. 51Colorful wrapSERAPE
  32. 52Real gemKEEPER
  33. 56"All Things Considered" networkNPR
  34. 58Honking flockGEESE
  35. 60Poker paymentANTE
  36. 61Beige shadeECRU
  37. 63State home to Bryce CanyonUTAH
  38. 64AncientOLD
  39. 65"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" protagonistMIA
  40. 67FolksKIN
  41. 68Cartoon shriekEEK

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Phoenix Opera solo — Answer: ARIA. Hint: This is a solo vocal piece performed in an opera. 🎶
  2. 5. "Do your ___!" — Answer: WORST. Hint: Complete this dare-like phrase with the opposite of your best. 😈
  3. 10. Take orders from — Answer: OBEY. Hint: This means to follow someone’s commands. 🫡
  4. 14. Pear suitable for poaching — Answer: BOSC. Hint: Look for a firm, brown-skinned pear variety often poached. 🍐
  5. 15. Really mad — Answer: IRATE. Hint: Someone feeling this is extremely angry. 😡
  6. 16. Like stallions and bulls — Answer: MALE. Hint: These animals are the nonfemale members of their species. 🐂
  7. 17. Alley target in a Wii Sports game — Answer: BOWLINGPIN. Hint: It is the object knocked down in the bowling alley. 🎳
  8. 19. Ticks off — Answer: IRKS. Hint: Means annoys or bothers someone. 😤
  9. 20. Do better than — Answer: ONEUP. Hint: This means to surpass or outdo someone. 🏆
  10. 21. Areas of land — Answer: TRACTS. Hint: These are parcels or stretches of land. 🗺️
  11. 23. Drink that might be served with crumpets — Answer: TEA. Hint: Think of the classic British cuppa. ☕
  12. 24. Need to pay — Answer: OWE. Hint: You do this when you have an unpaid debt. 💸
  13. 27. "___ corte de rosas y espinas" (Sarah J. Maas novel translated by Margara Averbach) — Answer: UNA. Hint: Fill in the Spanish feminine singular indefinite article. 🇪🇸
  14. 28. Spigot — Answer: TAP. Hint: A small valve that controls the flow of liquid is often found on a barrel or sink. 🚰
  15. 31. Trips around the sun (Abbr.) — Answer: YRS. Hint: These count calendar years, shown here in shortened form. 🌞
  16. 33. Proves versatile — Answer: ADAPTS. Hint: This means adjusting successfully to different situations. 🔄
  17. 35. "Days of ___ Lives" — Answer: OUR. Hint: Complete the soap-opera title with a word meaning belonging to us. 📺
  18. 36. Orchard units — Answer: ACRES. Hint: These are land measurements often used for plots. 🌳
  19. 38. Counterpart of ecstasy — Answer: AGONY. Hint: This is extreme suffering, the opposite of bliss. 😣
  20. 40. Flash seen before hearing thunder — Answer: LIGHTNINGBOLT. Hint: This dramatic flash arrives before the thunderclap. ⚡
  21. 44. "Hidden Figures" star Janelle — Answer: MONAE. Hint: This singer and actress played an aerospace pioneer in the film. 🎬
  22. 45. Airport annoyance — Answer: DELAY. Hint: It can leave you waiting at the gate. 🛫
  23. 46. Long, long time — Answer: EON. Hint: This means an immense stretch of time. ⏳
  24. 47. Vegas venue whose interior includes the world's largest LED screen — Answer: SPHERE. Hint: This Las Vegas landmark surrounds audiences with an immersive display. 🎟️
  25. 50. Write to Dear Abby, say — Answer: ASK. Hint: You might do this when seeking advice from a newspaper columnist. ✉️
  26. 53. Boxing ref's call — Answer: TKO. Hint: A referee may stop a bout this way when one fighter cannot continue. 🥊
  27. 54. "___ Te Ching" — Answer: TAO. Hint: Think of an ancient text that explores the way of the universe! 🌌
  28. 55. The Broncos, on a scoreboard — Answer: DEN. Hint: This three-letter code represents Denver’s football team. 🏈
  29. 57. Brain scan (Abbr.) — Answer: EEG. Hint: This abbreviated test records the brain’s electrical activity. 🧠
  30. 59. Home on a Kingdomino starting tile — Answer: CASTLE. Hint: It is the regal centerpiece shown on the game’s starting tile. 🏰
  31. 62. Turn into mush — Answer: PUREE. Hint: Blend food until it becomes smooth and creamy. 🥣
  32. 64. Sign of things to come — Answer: OMEN. Hint: A portent can hint at what lies ahead. 🔮
  33. 66. Classic parade streamer material — Answer: TICKERTAPE. Hint: This paper confetti was once famously tossed in parades. 🎉
  34. 69. Dryer fuzz — Answer: LINT. Hint: The dryer trap collects these tiny fabric fibers. 🧺
  35. 70. Causing goose bumps — Answer: EERIE. Hint: A spooky atmosphere might leave you shivering. 👻
  36. 71. Gorillas and gibbons — Answer: APES. Hint: These intelligent primates include both mighty gorillas and agile gibbons. 🐒
  37. 72. Prom partner — Answer: DATE. Hint: This person accompanies you to the dance. 💃
  38. 73. "I'm ___ in the back of the car / And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar" — Answer: DRUNK. Hint: The lyric describes being intoxicated after a night out. 🎵
  39. 74. In this location — Answer: HERE. Hint: A sign pointing to the current spot might use this word. 📍

Down

  1. 1. Monastery figure — Answer: ABBOT. Hint: This person oversees the monks and daily life in a monastery. 🏛️
  2. 2. "Carol" star Mara — Answer: ROONEY. Hint: This actress portrayed Therese in the acclaimed period film. 🎥
  3. 3. "That's the truth!" — Answer: ISWEAR. Hint: A heartfelt way to insist that you’re telling the truth. 🤞
  4. 4. 6-Down that defends legal rights — Answer: ACLU. Hint: This civil-liberties organization advocates for people’s legal rights. ⚖️
  5. 5. Take the prize — Answer: WIN. Hint: Claim victory in a contest. 🏆
  6. 6. 4-Down, e.g. — Answer: ORG. Hint: It may be an abbreviated group or institution. 🏢
  7. 7. Spellbound — Answer: RAPT. Hint: Completely captivated by something fascinating. ✨
  8. 8. Provoke — Answer: STIRUP. Hint: Deliberately arouse a reaction or rile someone. 😈
  9. 9. Rent payer — Answer: TENANT. Hint: This person occupies a property under a lease. 🏠
  10. 10. Leave out — Answer: OMIT. Hint: Sometimes it's best to skip something entirely! ✂️
  11. 11. Happy hour seat — Answer: BARSTOOL. Hint: A tall seat pulled up to the counter. 🍻
  12. 12. Yellowstone creature — Answer: ELK. Hint: A large antlered animal roaming the national park. 🦌
  13. 13. "Definitely!" — Answer: YES. Hint: An enthusiastic affirmative reply. 👍
  14. 18. Stock debut, for short — Answer: IPO. Hint: The abbreviated first public sale of company shares. 📈
  15. 22. Honeydew alternative — Answer: CASABA. Hint: Another sweet melon variety found in the produce aisle. 🍈
  16. 25. Toad's bump — Answer: WART. Hint: A small rough growth on a toad’s skin. 🐸
  17. 26. Blissful spot — Answer: EDEN. Hint: A paradise-like garden from scripture. 🌴
  18. 29. Woman with nieces, say — Answer: AUNT. Hint: She may be a sibling of one’s parent. 👩
  19. 30. Be nosy — Answer: PRY. Hint: Take a curious peek where you weren’t invited 👀
  20. 32. It's a long story! — Answer: SAGA. Hint: An extended tale filled with many events. 📖
  21. 34. Parenthetical bit — Answer: ASIDE. Hint: A remark set apart from the main thought. 💬
  22. 37. Ice holders — Answer: CHESTS. Hint: Large containers designed to keep refreshments cold. 🧊
  23. 39. "El perro" painter Francisco — Answer: GOYA. Hint: This Spanish master painted both royalty and haunting scenes. 🎨
  24. 40. Window-shop, perhaps — Answer: LOOK. Hint: Browse store displays without necessarily buying. 🛍️
  25. 41. Not guilty — Answer: INNOCENT. Hint: Cleared of wrongdoing in a legal judgment. ⚖️
  26. 42. Brainy person — Answer: NERD. Hint: An intellectual enthusiast who loves learning. 🤓
  27. 43. Pure delight — Answer: GLEE. Hint: Joy that bubbles over is this feeling. 😄
  28. 44. Was introduced to — Answer: MET. Hint: Came face-to-face with someone for the first time 🤝
  29. 48. Tapped gently — Answer: PATTED. Hint: Touched softly with a light rhythmic touch. 👋
  30. 49. ___-than-thou — Answer: HOLIER. Hint: Describes someone acting morally superior. 😇
  31. 51. Colorful wrap — Answer: SERAPE. Hint: Think of a bright shoulder cloth from Latin America. 🌈
  32. 52. Real gem — Answer: KEEPER. Hint: A person or thing worth holding on to. 💎
  33. 56. "All Things Considered" network — Answer: NPR. Hint: This public radio network airs thoughtful news and culture programs. 📻
  34. 58. Honking flock — Answer: GEESE. Hint: These noisy birds often travel in a V formation. 🪿
  35. 60. Poker payment — Answer: ANTE. Hint: It’s the small wager everyone puts in before the cards are dealt. 🃏
  36. 61. Beige shade — Answer: ECRU. Hint: A muted cream tone with a French flair. 🎨
  37. 63. State home to Bryce Canyon — Answer: UTAH. Hint: This southwestern state features Bryce Canyon’s famous hoodoos. 🏜️
  38. 64. Ancient — Answer: OLD. Hint: From a very distant past. 🏺
  39. 65. "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" protagonist — Answer: MIA. Hint: She is the royal heroine played by Anne Hathaway. 👑
  40. 67. Folks — Answer: KIN. Hint: Your relatives or close family members. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
  41. 68. Cartoon shriek — Answer: EEK. Hint: A classic comic-book scream of surprise. 😱

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USA Today Crossword answers for August 20, 2026

The full solution for the August 20 USA Today Crossword is shown above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as that day's grid read. Each answer is listed separately, so you can check just the clue you were stuck on and leave the rest. This is the confirmed grid as published on Thursday, August 20.

Full USA Today Crossword answer list for August 20, 2026

Every clue from the August 20 grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.

Across

#ClueAnswer
1Phoenix Opera soloARIA
5"Do your ___!"WORST
10Take orders fromOBEY
14Pear suitable for poachingBOSC
15Really madIRATE
16Like stallions and bullsMALE
17Alley target in a Wii Sports gameBOWLINGPIN
19Ticks offIRKS
20Do better thanONEUP
21Areas of landTRACTS
23Drink that might be served with crumpetsTEA
24Need to payOWE
27"___ corte de rosas y espinas" (Sarah J. Maas novel translated by Margara Averbach)UNA
28SpigotTAP
31Trips around the sun (Abbr.)YRS
33Proves versatileADAPTS
35"Days of ___ Lives"OUR
36Orchard unitsACRES
38Counterpart of ecstasyAGONY
40Flash seen before hearing thunderLIGHTNINGBOLT
44"Hidden Figures" star JanelleMONAE
45Airport annoyanceDELAY
46Long, long timeEON
47Vegas venue whose interior includes the world's largest LED screenSPHERE
50Write to Dear Abby, sayASK
53Boxing ref's callTKO
54"___ Te Ching"TAO
55The Broncos, on a scoreboardDEN
57Brain scan (Abbr.)EEG
59Home on a Kingdomino starting tileCASTLE
62Turn into mushPUREE
64Sign of things to comeOMEN
66Classic parade streamer materialTICKERTAPE
69Dryer fuzzLINT
70Causing goose bumpsEERIE
71Gorillas and gibbonsAPES
72Prom partnerDATE
73"I'm ___ in the back of the car / And I cried like a baby comin' home from the bar"DRUNK
74In this locationHERE

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Monastery figureABBOT
2"Carol" star MaraROONEY
3"That's the truth!"ISWEAR
46-Down that defends legal rightsACLU
5Take the prizeWIN
64-Down, e.g.ORG
7SpellboundRAPT
8ProvokeSTIRUP
9Rent payerTENANT
10Leave outOMIT
11Happy hour seatBARSTOOL
12Yellowstone creatureELK
13"Definitely!"YES
18Stock debut, for shortIPO
22Honeydew alternativeCASABA
25Toad's bumpWART
26Blissful spotEDEN
29Woman with nieces, sayAUNT
30Be nosyPRY
32It's a long story!SAGA
34Parenthetical bitASIDE
37Ice holdersCHESTS
39"El perro" painter FranciscoGOYA
40Window-shop, perhapsLOOK
41Not guiltyINNOCENT
42Brainy personNERD
43Pure delightGLEE
44Was introduced toMET
48Tapped gentlyPATTED
49___-than-thouHOLIER
51Colorful wrapSERAPE
52Real gemKEEPER
56"All Things Considered" networkNPR
58Honking flockGEESE
60Poker paymentANTE
61Beige shadeECRU
63State home to Bryce CanyonUTAH
64AncientOLD
65"The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" protagonistMIA
67FolksKIN
68Cartoon shriekEEK

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