WaPo Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 17

Friday’s Daily

By Alex Rossell Hayes & Brian Callahan · Edited by Patti Varol

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WaPo Crossword Clues

Across

Down

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Agreeing (with) — Answer: SIDING. Hint: When you're on someone's team, you might be doing this in their favor! 🤝
  2. 7. Unleash (on) — Answer: SIC. Hint: Let them go with a mischievous command! 😈
  3. 10. Chemically quiet — Answer: INERT. Hint: Think about elements that don't react much in the lab! 🔬
  4. 15. Rocker Dee — Answer: SNIDER. Hint: This rock star is known for his wild hair and powerful voice! 🎸
  5. 16. "Industry" network — Answer: HBO. Hint: This premium channel is known for its original series and films, often featuring dramatic storytelling. 📺
  6. 17. Levi's Stadium player — Answer: NINER. Hint: This team's colors are red and gold, and they call the Bay Area home! 🏈
  7. 18. Vague advice for space travelers worried about black holes? — Answer: AVOIDAVOID. Hint: When in doubt, steer clear of danger! 🚀
  8. 20. Prickly plants — Answer: CACTI. Hint: These desert dwellers know how to thrive in dry conditions! 🌵
  9. 21. Green prefix — Answer: ECO. Hint: Think about a term often associated with sustainability and the environment! 🌍
  10. 22. Folk icon Joan — Answer: BAEZ. Hint: This singer is known for her powerful voice and activism in the 60s folk scene! 🎤
  11. 23. Washed-out — Answer: PALLID. Hint: Think of a word that describes a face lacking color or brightness! 😌
  12. 24. Espresso froth — Answer: CREMA. Hint: Think of the rich, velvety layer that crowns your favorite coffee drink! ☕
  13. 26. Air travel that's the fifth-best option? — Answer: PLANEPLANE. Hint: What do you call a flying machine that can be seen twice? ✈️
  14. 28. Element of many English breakfast blends — Answer: ASSAMTEA. Hint: This strong and malty brew often comes from a region in India known for its tea plantations! ☕
  15. 30. Sci-fi beings — Answer: ETS. Hint: Think of extraterrestrial visitors from beyond our world! 🌌
  16. 31. Vehicle with sliding doors — Answer: VAN. Hint: Think of a roomy ride that’s perfect for family trips! 🚐
  17. 32. Waver — Answer: TEETER. Hint: When you can't decide, you might find yourself moving back and forth! 🤔
  18. 33. Group of badgers — Answer: CLAN. Hint: Think of a close-knit family pack, but not necessarily human! 🦡
  19. 35. Part of R&R — Answer: REST. Hint: After a long day, it's vital to take a break and recharge! 🛌
  20. 36. "My job is ranking people on a scale of 'miffed' to 'downright furious'"? — Answer: IRATEIRATE. Hint: Think of someone who assesses emotions on a scale of annoyance! 😡
  21. 39. Catchall gp. — Answer: MISC. Hint: Think of a term that encompasses a variety of things all in one place! 📦
  22. 42. Bad-mouth — Answer: DISS. Hint: When you speak negatively about someone, you might be doing this! 💬
  23. 43. "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" singer — Answer: MONROE. Hint: Think of a classic Hollywood actress known for her iconic beauty and charm! 💖
  24. 47. Sun Devils sch. — Answer: ASU. Hint: This university's spirited team is known for their fiery mascot! ☀️
  25. 48. Snag — Answer: GET. Hint: To acquire something you want, you often have to make a move to snag it! 🎯
  26. 49. Treble-makers? — Answer: TWEETERS. Hint: These chirpy social media users often share their thoughts in short bursts! 🐦
  27. 51. Juliet's response when her love asks what city is as eternal as their bond? — Answer: ROMEOROMEO. Hint: Think of a city that's known for its ancient history and romance! ❤️
  28. 54. Colorful South Asian dresses — Answer: SARIS. Hint: These elegant garments often feature intricate designs and vibrant hues, making them a staple in festive celebrations! 🌺
  29. 55. Running groups? — Answer: SLATES. Hint: Think about what you might use to jot down names for a sporty gathering! 📝
  30. 56. Aphrodite's son — Answer: EROS. Hint: He's known for causing hearts to flutter! 💘
  31. 58. Thai neighbor — Answer: LAO. Hint: Think of the country that shares a border with Thailand and has a similar culture! 🇱🇦
  32. 59. Places for soaks — Answer: BATHS. Hint: Think of where you might unwind with some bubbles! 🛁
  33. 60. Helpful draw when trying to play a Q word in Scrabble? — Answer: UTILEUTILE. Hint: Think of something that provides assistance or serves a purpose in your word game! 🎲
  34. 63. Pair of hearts? — Answer: ATRIA. Hint: Think of the chambers in your heart! ❤️
  35. 64. Enthusiast — Answer: FAN. Hint: This person is always cheering from the sidelines! 🎉
  36. 65. Tickled — Answer: AMUSED. Hint: Feeling light-hearted and giggly can often leave you in this delightful state! 😄
  37. 66. Show emotion — Answer: REACT. Hint: How do you respond to something that surprises or moves you? 🤔
  38. 67. Estadio cheer — Answer: OLE. Hint: A lively expression often shouted in sports to show enthusiasm! 🎉
  39. 68. Most easygoing — Answer: LAXEST. Hint: Think of the state of being relaxed and carefree! 😌

Down

  1. 1. Org. with a "Get Ready for Baby" page — Answer: SSA. Hint: This organization helps you prepare for a new addition to the family! 👶
  2. 2. Multiplication, to division — Answer: INVERSE. Hint: Think of the opposite operation when it comes to math! ➗
  3. 3. Bishop's domain — Answer: DIOCESE. Hint: Think about where a bishop oversees their community! ⛪
  4. 4. Hard to translate, in a way — Answer: IDIOMATIC. Hint: Sometimes, phrases don't mean what they say! 🤔
  5. 5. Nancy Drew's boyfriend — Answer: NED. Hint: He's the trusty sidekick who often helps Nancy solve mysteries! 🕵️‍♂️
  6. 6. Snag — Answer: GRAB. Hint: Think of a quick motion to take hold of something! ✋
  7. 7. Slip-ons lack — Answer: SHOELACES. Hint: What keeps your favorite footwear snugly on your feet? 👟
  8. 8. Third-largest of the Balearic Islands — Answer: IBIZA. Hint: This island is famous for its nightlife and beautiful beaches! 🌴
  9. 9. Fish oil source — Answer: COD. Hint: This popular fish is a staple in both dinner plates and health supplements! 🐟
  10. 10. Like LOL, but not haha — Answer: INCAPS. Hint: When you want to express laughter without spelling it out, this might be your go-to! 😂
  11. 11. Horan of One Direction — Answer: NIALL. Hint: This Irish singer is often called the cute one from a boy band! ☘️
  12. 12. Lesotho, for one — Answer: ENCLAVE. Hint: It's a landlocked area entirely surrounded by another country! 🌍
  13. 13. Organ parts with rods and cones — Answer: RETINAS. Hint: Think about the light-sensitive layers in your eyes that help you see! 👀
  14. 14. Aquaman's staff — Answer: TRIDENT. Hint: This three-pronged weapon is often seen in mythology and associated with the sea! 🌊
  15. 19. __ pen — Answer: VAPE. Hint: This portable device can help you enjoy your favorite flavors without the smoke! 💨
  16. 23. Honey or sugar — Answer: PETNAME. Hint: What sweet moniker do you call someone special? 🍭
  17. 24. Feline — Answer: CAT. Hint: This playful companion often purrs and loves to chase strings! 🐱
  18. 25. Pt. of USA — Answer: AMER. Hint: Think of a term that represents the land of the brave and the free! 🇺🇸
  19. 27. Far from far — Answer: NEAR. Hint: Sometimes you're closer than you think! 🥰
  20. 29. Goods people — Answer: TRADERS. Hint: Think of those who exchange items for profit! 💼
  21. 34. Scope rival — Answer: LISTERINE. Hint: Think of a mouthwash that freshens your breath and competes in the dental care aisle! 🦷
  22. 35. Wedding attire, for some — Answer: RENTALTUX. Hint: Need to dress sharp for that special day without the commitment? 🎩
  23. 37. "Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente — Answer: TITO. Hint: He swayed to the rhythm of Latin music! 🎶
  24. 38. Low digits? — Answer: TOES. Hint: Don't forget to count those little guys at the end of your feet! 🦶
  25. 39. Milky Way kin — Answer: MARSBAR. Hint: This sweet treat shares its name with the red planet! 🍫
  26. 40. Silo — Answer: ISOLATE. Hint: Sometimes, you just need to put some space between you and the noise. 🏡
  27. 41. Indonesian island crossed by the equator — Answer: SUMATRA. Hint: This large island is known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife! 🌴
  28. 44. Bring up again — Answer: RERAISE. Hint: Sometimes you need to increase the stakes when discussing a topic, right? 🎲
  29. 45. Colorful songbirds — Answer: ORIOLES. Hint: These vibrant birds are known for their striking plumage and melodious tunes! 🎶
  30. 46. Sourdough starter? — Answer: ESS. Hint: Think about what you need to begin your bread adventure! 🍞
  31. 48. Charges — Answer: GOESAT. Hint: When money moves from one place to another, it often... 📈
  32. 50. Product removed by shear force? — Answer: WOOL. Hint: Think of a cozy material that comes from sheep! 🐑
  33. 52. Value system — Answer: ETHIC. Hint: Consider what guides your decisions and actions in life! 🤔
  34. 53. Heavy __ — Answer: METAL. Hint: Think of a genre of loud music that often has powerful guitar riffs! 🎸
  35. 57. Shut tight — Answer: SEAL. Hint: What do you do to keep something safe and secure? 🤫
  36. 60. Sci-fi craft — Answer: UFO. Hint: Look to the skies for something that's often spotted but rarely confirmed! 👽
  37. 61. Thurman of "Gattaca" — Answer: UMA. Hint: Think of a famous actress known for her role in a sci-fi movie about genetic engineering! 🎬
  38. 62. Philly summer hrs. — Answer: EDT. Hint: Think about the time zone that keeps things on track during those warm months! ⏰

Here are the Washington Post Crossword answers for Friday, July 17, 2026 — every solution for that day's 15×15 puzzle, listed at the top of this page. Whether you're catching up on a puzzle you missed, settling a “what was the answer on July 17?” question, or checking a grid you finished that day, the complete clue-by-clue solution is right here. Looking for today's puzzle instead? Head to our live Washington Post Crossword answers page.

Washington Post Crossword answers for July 17, 2026

The full solution for the July 17 Washington Post 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 Friday, July 17.

Hints for the July 17 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 17 Washington Post Crossword was a classic Friday 15×15 — fair, conversational cluing with a theme that often unlocks several long answers at once. Use the hints for the trickiest corners, then reveal the answers above only if you need them.

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Frequently asked questions

What were the Washington Post Crossword answers on July 17, 2026?

Every answer for the Friday, July 17, 2026 Washington Post Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

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