USA Today Crossword Answers Today

Down the Drain

By Zhouqin Burnikel · Edited by Amanda Rafkin

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Across

  1. 1Total hottiesBABES
  2. 6New mom in fawning seasonDOE
  3. 9Bit of eye creamDAB
  4. 12Units of sourdoughLOAVES
  5. 14"Know ___ good spots?"ANY
  6. 15"A long, long time ___ . . ."AGO
  7. 16Worldly and refinedURBANE
  8. 17Nokcha or longjingGREENTEA
  9. 19Home for pigletsSTY
  10. 20Typical commuter carSEDAN
  11. 22Maid of honor's deliveryTOAST
  12. 23Reckless speedHASTE
  13. 25Briny items in a relish trayOLIVES
  14. 27Kept under wrapsHID
  15. 28Satisfies fullySATES
  16. 29B-school degreeMBA
  17. 32Ink stainBLOT
  18. 34The Grinch's dogMAX
  19. 35One might have a bike laneSTREET
  20. 37State with the Amana ColoniesIOWA
  21. 38Thus farASYET
  22. 40"Overcompensating" actor DiMarcoADAM
  23. 41Large concert venuesARENAS
  24. 43Some undergrad degreesBAS
  25. 44Minor criticismsNITS
  26. 45Address to a superior officerSIR
  27. 46Laughs loudlyROARS
  28. 48___ Wong ("Resident Evil" spy)ADA
  29. 49Treat with a cherry on topSUNDAE
  30. 50Purchase pricesCOSTS
  31. 53Backpack full of supplies, maybeGOBAG
  32. 56Drop in onVISIT
  33. 58Vietnamese for "festival"TET
  34. 59"Fine! I give up!"OKYOUWIN
  35. 61Gymnastics legend BilesSIMONE
  36. 63"Why ___ we here?"ARE
  37. 64"Viva ___ Vegas"LAS
  38. 65Like a voice after a long speechHOARSE
  39. 66Profs' colleaguesTAS
  40. 67Tool swung at a tree trunkAXE
  41. 68Gave a moniker toNAMED

Down

  1. 1React shyly to praise, perhapsBLUSH
  2. 2Largest artery in the bodyAORTA
  3. 3Party for an expecting parentBABYSHOWER
  4. 4"Training Day" actress MendesEVA
  5. 5Picked up onSENSED
  6. 6"Well, shoot!"DARNIT
  7. 7Number of lenses in a monocleONE
  8. 8Checkup for visionEYETEST
  9. 9Numbers to be crunchedDATA
  10. 10Seemingly foreverAGES
  11. 11Vessel for gravyBOAT
  12. 13"Didn't I tell you?"SEE
  13. 17Meme demonstrating absurdity posing as geniusGALAXYBRAIN
  14. 18Dissenting votesNOS
  15. 21Savory rice-and-lentil dishesDOSAS
  16. 24Saturn's largest moonTITAN
  17. 26Reflective gear for road workersVESTS
  18. 29Spike in news coverageMEDIASTORM
  19. 30Totally exhaustedBEAT
  20. 31Devices with cash cassettesATMS
  21. 32Lack of objectivityBIAS
  22. 33"Shark Tank" investor GreinerLORI
  23. 34Brick-laying proMASON
  24. 36Total strangerRANDO
  25. 39Makes less hardEASES
  26. 42Peppery salad greenARUGULA
  27. 47Give counsel toADVISE
  28. 48Film genre with stunt doublesACTION
  29. 49___ Paulo, BrazilSAO
  30. 51On edgeTENSE
  31. 52Trusty horseSTEED
  32. 53Animal prone to buttingGOAT
  33. 54Seed-packed pod veggieOKRA
  34. 55Free passes in playoffsBYES
  35. 57"Sorta"ISH
  36. 60Honeycomb materialWAX
  37. 62Barnyard bleatMAA

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Total hotties — Answer: BABES. Hint: A playful plural for an especially attractive bunch 😍
  2. 6. New mom in fawning season — Answer: DOE. Hint: A female deer becomes this when she welcomes a fawn. 🦌
  3. 9. Bit of eye cream — Answer: DAB. Hint: Just a tiny amount is all you need for delicate skin. 👁️
  4. 12. Units of sourdough — Answer: LOAVES. Hint: These baked staples can be sliced for toast or sandwiches. 🍞
  5. 14. "Know ___ good spots?" — Answer: ANY. Hint: The question asks whether even a single option exists. 🤔
  6. 15. "A long, long time ___ . . ." — Answer: AGO. Hint: This word points to a time far in the past. ⏳
  7. 16. Worldly and refined — Answer: URBANE. Hint: This describes someone polished, sophisticated, and city-savvy. 🎩
  8. 17. Nokcha or longjing — Answer: GREENTEA. Hint: Both are varieties of this lightly oxidized beverage. 🍵
  9. 19. Home for piglets — Answer: STY. Hint: Piglets snuggle in this small farm enclosure. 🐖
  10. 20. Typical commuter car — Answer: SEDAN. Hint: This common four-door vehicle is a commuter classic. 🚗
  11. 22. Maid of honor's delivery — Answer: TOAST. Hint: A celebratory speech from the wedding party often honors the couple. 🥂
  12. 23. Reckless speed — Answer: HASTE. Hint: Moving too quickly can be a sign of this. 💨
  13. 25. Briny items in a relish tray — Answer: OLIVES. Hint: These salty little fruits often sit among crackers and dips. 🫒
  14. 27. Kept under wraps — Answer: HID. Hint: Something concealed from view has been kept this way. 🤫
  15. 28. Satisfies fully — Answer: SATES. Hint: It completely fulfills an appetite or desire. 😋
  16. 29. B-school degree — Answer: MBA. Hint: This graduate credential is common among business leaders. 🎓
  17. 32. Ink stain — Answer: BLOT. Hint: A tiny dark mark left behind when something spills or smudges 🖋️
  18. 34. The Grinch's dog — Answer: MAX. Hint: The Grinch's loyal canine companion has a short, punchy name. 🐶
  19. 35. One might have a bike lane — Answer: STREET. Hint: Cyclists may share this paved public route with cars. 🚲
  20. 37. State with the Amana Colonies — Answer: IOWA. Hint: Look to the Midwestern state known for these historic communal villages. 🌽
  21. 38. Thus far — Answer: ASYET. Hint: This phrase means up to now. ⏱️
  22. 40. "Overcompensating" actor DiMarco — Answer: ADAM. Hint: This actor shares a first name with the biblical first man. 🎬
  23. 41. Large concert venues — Answer: ARENAS. Hint: Places where huge crowds gather for live music. 🎶
  24. 43. Some undergrad degrees — Answer: BAS. Hint: These undergraduate diplomas are often abbreviated in academic listings. 🎓
  25. 44. Minor criticisms — Answer: NITS. Hint: Small complaints or petty objections fit here. 🧐
  26. 45. Address to a superior officer — Answer: SIR. Hint: Use this respectful military form of address. 🎖️
  27. 46. Laughs loudly — Answer: ROARS. Hint: Bellow with amusement at something hilarious. 😂
  28. 48. ___ Wong ("Resident Evil" spy) — Answer: ADA. Hint: The Resident Evil spy is named after a famous computing pioneer. 🕵️
  29. 49. Treat with a cherry on top — Answer: SUNDAE. Hint: This sweet dessert is often crowned with whipped cream and fruit. 🍨
  30. 50. Purchase prices — Answer: COSTS. Hint: These are the amounts paid to buy things. 💰
  31. 53. Backpack full of supplies, maybe — Answer: GOBAG. Hint: A ready-to-carry emergency pack might fit this description. 🎒
  32. 56. Drop in on — Answer: VISIT. Hint: Pay an informal call on someone. 👋
  33. 58. Vietnamese for "festival" — Answer: TET. Hint: This word names Vietnam’s famous lunar new year celebration. 🏮
  34. 59. "Fine! I give up!" — Answer: OKYOUWIN. Hint: A playful surrender after losing an argument. 🏳️
  35. 61. Gymnastics legend Biles — Answer: SIMONE. Hint: The celebrated gymnast’s given name goes here. 🤸
  36. 63. "Why ___ we here?" — Answer: ARE. Hint: Complete the question with the present-tense form of “to be.” ❓
  37. 64. "Viva ___ Vegas" — Answer: LAS. Hint: The missing word is the Spanish article used before the Nevada city in this famous slogan. 🎰
  38. 65. Like a voice after a long speech — Answer: HOARSE. Hint: It sounds rough and worn after too much talking. 🗣️
  39. 66. Profs' colleagues — Answer: TAS. Hint: Graduate instructors who help professors fit the bill. 📚
  40. 67. Tool swung at a tree trunk — Answer: AXE. Hint: A classic woodcutting tool with a sharp blade. 🪓
  41. 68. Gave a moniker to — Answer: NAMED. Hint: Bestowed a nickname upon someone. 🏷️

Down

  1. 1. React shyly to praise, perhaps — Answer: BLUSH. Hint: Show embarrassment when complimented. 😊
  2. 2. Largest artery in the body — Answer: AORTA. Hint: This major blood vessel carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. 🫀
  3. 3. Party for an expecting parent — Answer: BABYSHOWER. Hint: Guests celebrate the upcoming arrival with gifts and games. 🎁
  4. 4. "Training Day" actress Mendes — Answer: EVA. Hint: She played Denzel Washington’s wife in this crime thriller. 🎬
  5. 5. Picked up on — Answer: SENSED. Hint: It means noticed or became aware of something. 👀
  6. 6. "Well, shoot!" — Answer: DARNIT. Hint: This is a mild exclamation of frustration. 😤
  7. 7. Number of lenses in a monocle — Answer: ONE. Hint: A monocle is designed for just a single eye. 👁️
  8. 8. Checkup for vision — Answer: EYETEST. Hint: An optometrist uses this to measure how clearly you see. 👓
  9. 9. Numbers to be crunched — Answer: DATA. Hint: Researchers and analysts examine these figures for insights. 📊
  10. 10. Seemingly forever — Answer: AGES. Hint: What feels like an endless stretch of time, but isn’t truly endless ⏳
  11. 11. Vessel for gravy — Answer: BOAT. Hint: This serving container shares its name with something that floats. 🚤
  12. 13. "Didn't I tell you?" — Answer: SEE. Hint: It is a brief way to point out that your prediction came true. ☝️
  13. 17. Meme demonstrating absurdity posing as genius — Answer: GALAXYBRAIN. Hint: This meme depicts increasingly grand ideas with ever-brighter brains. 🧠
  14. 18. Dissenting votes — Answer: NOS. Hint: These are the votes cast against a motion. 🗳️
  15. 21. Savory rice-and-lentil dishes — Answer: DOSAS. Hint: These South Indian specialties are thin, crisp, and often served with chutney. 🥞
  16. 24. Saturn's largest moon — Answer: TITAN. Hint: This hazy moon is even larger than the planet Mercury. 🪐
  17. 26. Reflective gear for road workers — Answer: VESTS. Hint: These bright safety garments help workers stand out in traffic. 🦺
  18. 29. Spike in news coverage — Answer: MEDIASTORM. Hint: A sudden flood of headlines can be described this way. 📰
  19. 30. Totally exhausted — Answer: BEAT. Hint: After an especially long day, you might feel completely worn out. 😴
  20. 31. Devices with cash cassettes — Answer: ATMS. Hint: These machines dispense money and often print receipts. 💵
  21. 32. Lack of objectivity — Answer: BIAS. Hint: A personal preference can keep judgment from being neutral. ⚖️
  22. 33. "Shark Tank" investor Greiner — Answer: LORI. Hint: This investor is known for championing clever consumer products. 💡
  23. 34. Brick-laying pro — Answer: MASON. Hint: This skilled worker builds walls and structures with mortar. 🧱
  24. 36. Total stranger — Answer: RANDO. Hint: A casual term for someone completely unknown to you. 👤
  25. 39. Makes less hard — Answer: EASES. Hint: This verb means reduces difficulty or discomfort. 🌿
  26. 42. Peppery salad green — Answer: ARUGULA. Hint: This leafy green adds a spicy bite to salads. 🥗
  27. 47. Give counsel to — Answer: ADVISE. Hint: To do this is to offer helpful guidance. 💡
  28. 48. Film genre with stunt doubles — Answer: ACTION. Hint: Explosions, chases, and daring feats are its specialties. 🎬
  29. 49. ___ Paulo, Brazil — Answer: SAO. Hint: Complete the name of Brazil’s sprawling southeastern metropolis. 🏙️
  30. 51. On edge — Answer: TENSE. Hint: Feeling nervous and unable to relax describes this state. 😬
  31. 52. Trusty horse — Answer: STEED. Hint: A noble literary term for a dependable riding horse. 🐎
  32. 53. Animal prone to butting — Answer: GOAT. Hint: This sure-footed farm animal may use its head to argue. 🐐
  33. 54. Seed-packed pod veggie — Answer: OKRA. Hint: This green vegetable contains rows of edible seeds and gets pleasantly thick when cooked. 🫛
  34. 55. Free passes in playoffs — Answer: BYES. Hint: These let teams advance without playing a round. 🏆
  35. 57. "Sorta" — Answer: ISH. Hint: This casual suffix means approximately or somewhat. 🤏
  36. 60. Honeycomb material — Answer: WAX. Hint: Bees mold this substance into their storage cells. 🐝
  37. 62. Barnyard bleat — Answer: MAA. Hint: It is the classic sound of a sheep or goat. 🐑

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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
1Total hottiesBABES
6New mom in fawning seasonDOE
9Bit of eye creamDAB
12Units of sourdoughLOAVES
14"Know ___ good spots?"ANY
15"A long, long time ___ . . ."AGO
16Worldly and refinedURBANE
17Nokcha or longjingGREENTEA
19Home for pigletsSTY
20Typical commuter carSEDAN
22Maid of honor's deliveryTOAST
23Reckless speedHASTE
25Briny items in a relish trayOLIVES
27Kept under wrapsHID
28Satisfies fullySATES
29B-school degreeMBA
32Ink stainBLOT
34The Grinch's dogMAX
35One might have a bike laneSTREET
37State with the Amana ColoniesIOWA
38Thus farASYET
40"Overcompensating" actor DiMarcoADAM
41Large concert venuesARENAS
43Some undergrad degreesBAS
44Minor criticismsNITS
45Address to a superior officerSIR
46Laughs loudlyROARS
48___ Wong ("Resident Evil" spy)ADA
49Treat with a cherry on topSUNDAE
50Purchase pricesCOSTS
53Backpack full of supplies, maybeGOBAG
56Drop in onVISIT
58Vietnamese for "festival"TET
59"Fine! I give up!"OKYOUWIN
61Gymnastics legend BilesSIMONE
63"Why ___ we here?"ARE
64"Viva ___ Vegas"LAS
65Like a voice after a long speechHOARSE
66Profs' colleaguesTAS
67Tool swung at a tree trunkAXE
68Gave a moniker toNAMED

Down

#ClueAnswer
1React shyly to praise, perhapsBLUSH
2Largest artery in the bodyAORTA
3Party for an expecting parentBABYSHOWER
4"Training Day" actress MendesEVA
5Picked up onSENSED
6"Well, shoot!"DARNIT
7Number of lenses in a monocleONE
8Checkup for visionEYETEST
9Numbers to be crunchedDATA
10Seemingly foreverAGES
11Vessel for gravyBOAT
13"Didn't I tell you?"SEE
17Meme demonstrating absurdity posing as geniusGALAXYBRAIN
18Dissenting votesNOS
21Savory rice-and-lentil dishesDOSAS
24Saturn's largest moonTITAN
26Reflective gear for road workersVESTS
29Spike in news coverageMEDIASTORM
30Totally exhaustedBEAT
31Devices with cash cassettesATMS
32Lack of objectivityBIAS
33"Shark Tank" investor GreinerLORI
34Brick-laying proMASON
36Total strangerRANDO
39Makes less hardEASES
42Peppery salad greenARUGULA
47Give counsel toADVISE
48Film genre with stunt doublesACTION
49___ Paulo, BrazilSAO
51On edgeTENSE
52Trusty horseSTEED
53Animal prone to buttingGOAT
54Seed-packed pod veggieOKRA
55Free passes in playoffsBYES
57"Sorta"ISH
60Honeycomb materialWAX
62Barnyard bleatMAA

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